Disclaimer: Voyager and all it's characters do not belong to me.
AN: I don't know if anyone read this when I posted it as a sequel but I reworked parts of it to bring it to a conclusion. The plot of the sequel connected so closely that it was difficult to separate them. I've taken a lot longer than I intended to finish this, but certain things in my life have made it difficult for me to write. I'm hoping everything will get worked out soon and I'll be able to write again. If they do, I may write the sequel I had in mind.
A Good Pilot Is Hard To Find Epilogue part 2
Janeway prepared to end the transmission and leave Lodakia once they had the information they needed on solblodium, but Glaku apparently still had more to say.
"In light of recent events, we were forced to delay our race. If your pilot is feeling up to it, perhaps he would still like to join the race?" asked Glaku.
"I don't think he's up to it right now."
"We could wait until he is ready, if you like. I understand he was quite anxious to race with us."
"Yes, he was. Perhaps I will ask him if he is still interested. Thank you for the offer."
"It's the least that we could do. If there is anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll see to it that everything we have concerning solblodium is sent to you."
"Thank you. We'll be in touch as soon as possible about the race. Janeway out."
Janeway took her seat on the bridge.
"We are receiving the information on Solblodium, captain," informed Tuvok.
"Thank you, Tuvok. Send the information to the doctor."
"Yes, captain," said Tuvok as he complied.
Janeway tapped her combadge. "Doctor, we found out what the substance is in Tom's blood and we're sending you all the information they gave us. There should be something in there about how to help with the pain."
"Thank you, captain. I'm receiving it now."
"Do you think you can trust Glaku?" asked Chakotay.
"I think so. He seemed genuinely sorry for the actions of Guntak and Lunai."
"Do you really think that Tom will be up to racing? From what you tell me, his injuries will take a while to heal."
"No, I don't think he'll be up to piloting for a while, but I'll ask the doctor anyway. Tom really did want to be in that race, so if it's at all possible I'd like to make that happen for him."
Janeway's combadge chirped.
"Captain, Mr. Paris is awake."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm on my way."
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Tom opened his eyes slowly, relieved to finally be free of pain. He looked around and tried to figure out where he was. A balding man walked toward him, and held some sort of device over him.
"Glad to see you're finally awake, Mr. Paris."
Tom opened his mouth to reply, but no sound came out.
"Ah, yes, about your vocal cords. I'm afraid I was unable to repair them."
Tom narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He wasn't really sure who this person was, but somehow he didn't believe him.
"I was just joking. Of course, I'm going to repair them. I just want to give you a little time to recuperate before I subject you to more surgery. In the meantime, you can communicate using this."
He handed Tom a padd and stylus as the sickbay doors opened and Janeway, B'Ellana, and Harry entered.
"How are you feeling, Tom?" asked Janeway.
Tom was already writing on the padd before she spoke. As she finished, he held it up for them to read.
"Who are you?" read Janeway. "You don't remember me?"
"What about me? Do you remember me?" asked B'Ellana anxiously.
Tom looked thoughtful for a moment, but shook his head sadly.
Janeway turned to the EMH who was scanning Tom's head. "Doctor?"
"I see no reason why he should be experiencing memory loss."
Janeway tapped her combadge.
"Tuvok, contact Lodakia and put it through down here."
"Yes, captain."
Janeway entered the doctor's office and he followed. Glaku's face was on the little screen on the doctor's desk.
"How may I be of assistance, captain?"
"It's about my pilot again. He seems to be experiencing memory loss and we can't figure out why. We were hoping that maybe you could."
"If you could just transmit the medical data you have on him I'll take a look and see if I see anything."
"I checked those scans thoroughly. I don't see what he good showing him the scans will do," muttered the doctor.
"I'm transmitting the data now," said Janeway, before turning to look at the doctor. "The Dakans may have done something to his brain that we would not be able to see, but the Lodaikians may know what to look for and thus see what we could not."
"I suppose that makes sense," the doctor grudgingly agreed.
"I don't see anything out of the ordinary. I'm sorry, captain. However, I still have an idea. I can speak with one of the Dakans who knew what Lunai was doing and see if he knows what happened."
"That would be great. Thank you."
"I'll contact you again in a few minutes."
Janeway stood up and started pacing the small office. The doctor watched with mild irritation.
"Captain, if I may. Pacing back and forth will not make Glaku reply any quicker."
"I know that. It helps me calm my nerves."
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"You really don't remember me? You're not just pulling our legs?" Harry asked hopefully.
Tom shook his head and wrote on his padd, "Sorry. I wish I did. Who are you?"
"I'm Harry. Your best friend."
Tom looked over at B'Ellana and wrote on his padd, "You look almost familiar to me, and I have this feeling that we were close, and yet that you hate me. Do you know why that is?"
"I did hate you, but I don't anymore."
Tom wrote again, "How do you feel about me now?"
B'Ellana bit her lip and tried to think of how to best answer that. "I care about you as a good friend."
Tom smiled and then his eyes widened and he wrote again, "Does your name start with a B?"
B'Ellana smiled too. "Yes, it does! Do you remember my name?"
Tom's smile faded as he shook his head. "That's all I remember," he wrote.
"Well, it's a start."
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"Captain, we are being hailed."
"Put it through here."
"Captain, I'm afraid I have some bad news."
"You couldn't find out what's wrong?" asked Janeway disappointed.
"No, I found out, but it's not good. There are a rare few in my race and in the Dakan race with telepathic abilities. The Dakans apparently have misused their abilities. My informant told me of a Dakan, Dumai, who is known for getting information by taking it directly from the mind of his victim. Apparently it is quite painful, leaves no trace, and leaves the victim with their memories wiped. Very few regain any of their memories and only one has regained all of their memories."
"Is there anything we can do?"
"Try and get him back into his normal routine as soon as possible, and get him to try and remember things. The things that he cares for the most will be the first he'll remember. If he can remember anything, he stands a good chance of regaining at least some of his memories."
"Thank you for your help."
"What about the race? Will he be joining us?"
Janeway looked at the doctor.
"I don't think Mr. Paris is up to that just yet. He needs time to recuperate. He's still very weak."
"If I may suggest--it could be beneficial to him regaining his memories."
The doctor sighed. "I'll ask him if he feels up to it."
The doctor exited his office and approached Tom. "How are you feeling, Mr. Paris?"
"I've been better, I think," wrote Tom.
"Do you think you feel up to entering the race?"
"I don't think I could even walk that well. I think running is definitely out of the question," wrote Tom.
"No, it's not a foot race. It's a shuttlecraft race."
"I can fly a shuttlecraft?" wrote Tom.
"That would be a 'no' then."
"Perhaps if we were to put him at the helm, it would come back to him," suggested Janeway.
"He's admitted that he can not walk that well. I think that would be too far for him to go," said the doctor.
"We can help him," offered B'Ellana.
"If it could help him regain some of his memories, it would be worth the effort," said Janeway. "Don't you agree?"
"Very well. Assist him to the holodeck and run a flight simulation."
"I think the real thing might be better, and he'd be a welcome sight on the bridge," said Janeway.
"Do you really think that's wise, captain?"
Obviously he wouldn't attempt to fly-I can just let him sit at the helm and see if it seems familiar."
"If that's what you think is best. Mr. Paris, do you think you are up for a trip to the bridge?"
"I guess," Tom wrote.
B'Ellana and Harry helped Tom walk to the turbolift, and then off the lift and onto the bridge. All conversation on the bridge stopped as they watched Harry and B'Ellana help Tom to the helm.
"Captain? What's going on?" asked Chakotay.
Janeway was standing behind Tom. Chakotay came to stand beside Janeway.
"Tom has lost his memories. We're hoping that this will help him remember flying."
Everyone watched anxiously as Tom looked at the helm in confusion. He glanced up at Janeway who nodded her approval before he placed his hands lightly over the controls. He closed his eyes and smiled. It felt so right to him. He couldn't remember flying exactly, but he knew that he knew how.
"Tom?" said Harry. "Are you remembering anything?"
"I don't remember being a pilot, but I remember how to fly," wrote Tom.
"That's something anyway," said Harry.
"It's a good sign," agreed Janeway.
"I want to be in the race," wrote Tom.
"Are you sure you're up to it?" asked Janeway.
Tom nodded, determination glittering in his eyes.
"Let's get you back to sickbay then, so you can rest up before the race."
"Don't you think he should try running a simulation first to make sure he remembers how to fly correctly?" asked B'Ellana.
Tom narrowed his eyes in indignation and wrote quickly on his padd. "I remember correctly. I don't need to be tested."
"Why don't you just rest up in sickbay and then we'll discuss this later," suggested Janeway.
Tom nodded wearily and they helped him back to sickbay where he gratefully collapsed.
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Tom slowly opened his eyes and looked around for the doctor. He had heard Janeway come in shortly after his return to sickbay and tell the doctor that the race was set to start at 0900 hours the following day. Looking at the chronometer, he could see that it was nearly that time now. When he didn't see the doctor, he carefully got up and began looking around. Like the helm, he felt strangely at home here and thought he must know something about the place. He picked up different instruments, concentrating hard to try and remember something. Finally, he found what he was pretty sure was what he wanted and injected himself with it. Almost immediately, he felt energized. He put the device back and walked back to his bed just as the doctor walked in.
"Ah, Mr. Paris, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Ready to race," wrote Tom.
"We'll see about that."
The doctor scanned Tom, and Tom prayed that the stimulant he injected himself couldn't be detected.
"Your vital signs do appear to be up," said the EMH.
"Great, so I'll just be on my way," wrote Tom.
"Not so fast. First you have to report to Holodeck one. Captain Janeway is there setting up a flight simulation program for you."
"I'm sure I remember how to fly correctly," wrote Tom.
"If you want to fly in the race, you'll first fly the simulation."
Tom scowled and wrote on his padd, "Fine. Tell me how to get there."
"B'Elanna and Harry will be here shortly to assist you."
"I don't need any help. I can make it by myself just fine if you'll just tell me how to get there," wrote Tom.
The sickbay doors opened then and B'Ellana and Harry entered.
"How are you feeling, Tom?" asked Harry.
"He's acting just like his old self," grumbled the doctor.
"What was that?" asked Harry.
"Nothing. Just get him to Holodeck one."
Tom reluctantly allowed Harry and B'Ellana to assist him to Holodeck one. The captain was waiting for them when they entered. Tom took his seat at the helm while the others stood back and observed. Once again Tom felt at home as his fingers flew lightly over the panel, but the simulation didn't feel enough like he remembered the real thing to be. He wrote on his padd, and then turned around to show Janeway.
It read: "Okay, I've proved that I really do remember how to fly. Now can we get on with the race?"
"After you land," replied Janeway.
"I've proved that I can fly. Isn't that enough?" wrote Tom.
Before Janeway could answer her combadge chirped. "Yes?"
"The other crafts are lining up to race and they are requesting that Lieutenant Paris join them," said Tuvok.
"Tell them he's on his way." She looked over at Tom. "I guess this simulation is over. I'll walk you to shuttlebay one. Harry, B'Elanna, back to your stations."
"Yes, captain," they replied.
"Do you need me to help you walk?" Janeway asked.
"No, I'm fine," wrote Tom.
He took a step forward and stumbled slightly. Janeway stepped forward and put an arm around his waist for support and together they walked out of Holodeck one.
"Are you sure you're up to this?"
Tom nodded resolutely.
They reached shuttlebay one and Janeway helped Tom to the Delta Flyer. Tom's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the shuttle.
"Does this look familiar to you?"
Tom nodded. Pulling away from Janeway, he wrote on his padd. "I designed this."
"That's right."
Janeway helped him get seated in the Delta Flyer. She watched him take off, then she headed for the bridge.
Tom lined up alongside the other shuttlecrafts. The sedative was already starting to wear off, but he had enough adrenalin to keep him going. A brilliant display of fireworks went off ahead of them, and they were off. Tom gained the lead early, feeling himself become one with the craft. Halfway through the race, he faltered. The effects of the shot the EMH gave him to combat the Solblodium was wearing off.
"He's losing speed," observed Tuvok, though they all could see this.
"I hope he's all right," worried B'Ellana.
Another ship started to pass Tom, and he sped up and regained his lead.
"I'm sure he's fine. See, he's all ready picking up speed again," said Janeway.
"Captain, there is one other thing that has been bothering me."
"Yes, what it is it, Tuvok?"
"If the Lodaikians are a peaceful society, then why do they need such skilled pilots?"
"Perhaps they are explorers like ourselves," answered Janeway.
"Perhaps, but that still does not explain why they need to be so talented. It seems rather stringent doesn't it that only the top five pilots graduate?"
"A little perhaps, but as you know, space can be dangerous. It is necessary that the pilot have a certain amount of skill."
"I realize that captain. I suppose it is possible that I am being overly cautious of them due to our previous dealings with them."
"It's not a bad thing to be cautious. Why don't you scan their ships and planet once more to be sure there is nothing suspicious?"
"Yes, captain," answered Tuvok, sounding almost relieved.
"They're on the last lap now," informed Harry.
As the ships passed the starting point, the obstacles suddenly appeared on the course. Tom narrowly missed hitting one that appeared directly in front of him. Another shuttle was not so lucky and it exploded. Tom started to slow down a bit to maneuver better, but the other shuttles didn't slow down so he sped up again. The course became more and more complex as it neared the finish line. Several shuttles exploded and several more dropped out. Those that continued soon began slowing down. Tom slowed down marginally as he noticed the other shuttles falling farther behind. Soon Tom had a commanding lead and was nearing the finish line. He put on a burst of speed and crossed the finish line.
Janeway entered sickbay to find the doctor trying to keep Tom from leaving sickbay.
"Captain Janeway, could you please tell Mr. Paris he needs to remain in sickbay?"
"I'm feeling much better," wrote Tom.
"I'm sorry Tom but I'm afraid you can't leave until the doctor says you're ready."
Tom sighed and lay down again.
"I came here to congratulate you on winning the race and give you this medal they presented you with."
Tom opened the small black box she handed him and found a gold coin with a picture of a shuttle on it attached to a red silk ribbon.
"I assume this was thoroughly checked to ensure that it was safe?" asked the doctor as he examined it over Tom's shoulder.
"Of course," replied Janeway. "It is a perfectly safe, genuine, gold coin."
"Nice," wrote Tom as he closed the box and set it down beside him.
"Are we back on course now?" asked the doctor.
"The Lodikians invited us to stay and join them at a banquet to be held in honor of Tom, but I told them we still had a long journey ahead of us."
"Good. I think we've had enough of the Lodikians."
"I couldn't agree more. Get some rest Tom. Harry and B'Ellana say they will be coming to see you as soon as their shifts are over."
Tom nodded resignedly and closed his eyes.
"When do you plan on doing the surgery to repair his voice?"
"Assuming he rests when I tell him to, I should be able to perform it in the next two or three days. I'm actually hoping to get it done as soon as possible."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"So he'll be ready to leave sooner. Even without his memories or his voice he manages to be quite annoying."
Janeway chuckled. "Perhaps this is a good sign that he will be able to regain all his memories. Good luck doctor. Keep me updated."
"I think now I will just go do some research on how to remove someone's personality."
Tom opened his eyes and wrote on the padd-I heard that and held it out for the doctor to read. Then he pushed a button on the console beside him that emitted a shrill ringing and caused the doctor's image to fluctuate.
"Good," the EMH answered as he headed into his office.
Tom smiled as he drifted off to sleep. He wasn't sure if he would regain all his memories, but things were starting to feel familiar and for now that was good enough.
AN: I don't know if anyone read this when I posted it as a sequel but I reworked parts of it to bring it to a conclusion. The plot of the sequel connected so closely that it was difficult to separate them. I've taken a lot longer than I intended to finish this, but certain things in my life have made it difficult for me to write. I'm hoping everything will get worked out soon and I'll be able to write again. If they do, I may write the sequel I had in mind.
A Good Pilot Is Hard To Find Epilogue part 2
Janeway prepared to end the transmission and leave Lodakia once they had the information they needed on solblodium, but Glaku apparently still had more to say.
"In light of recent events, we were forced to delay our race. If your pilot is feeling up to it, perhaps he would still like to join the race?" asked Glaku.
"I don't think he's up to it right now."
"We could wait until he is ready, if you like. I understand he was quite anxious to race with us."
"Yes, he was. Perhaps I will ask him if he is still interested. Thank you for the offer."
"It's the least that we could do. If there is anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll see to it that everything we have concerning solblodium is sent to you."
"Thank you. We'll be in touch as soon as possible about the race. Janeway out."
Janeway took her seat on the bridge.
"We are receiving the information on Solblodium, captain," informed Tuvok.
"Thank you, Tuvok. Send the information to the doctor."
"Yes, captain," said Tuvok as he complied.
Janeway tapped her combadge. "Doctor, we found out what the substance is in Tom's blood and we're sending you all the information they gave us. There should be something in there about how to help with the pain."
"Thank you, captain. I'm receiving it now."
"Do you think you can trust Glaku?" asked Chakotay.
"I think so. He seemed genuinely sorry for the actions of Guntak and Lunai."
"Do you really think that Tom will be up to racing? From what you tell me, his injuries will take a while to heal."
"No, I don't think he'll be up to piloting for a while, but I'll ask the doctor anyway. Tom really did want to be in that race, so if it's at all possible I'd like to make that happen for him."
Janeway's combadge chirped.
"Captain, Mr. Paris is awake."
"Thank you, doctor. I'm on my way."
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Tom opened his eyes slowly, relieved to finally be free of pain. He looked around and tried to figure out where he was. A balding man walked toward him, and held some sort of device over him.
"Glad to see you're finally awake, Mr. Paris."
Tom opened his mouth to reply, but no sound came out.
"Ah, yes, about your vocal cords. I'm afraid I was unable to repair them."
Tom narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He wasn't really sure who this person was, but somehow he didn't believe him.
"I was just joking. Of course, I'm going to repair them. I just want to give you a little time to recuperate before I subject you to more surgery. In the meantime, you can communicate using this."
He handed Tom a padd and stylus as the sickbay doors opened and Janeway, B'Ellana, and Harry entered.
"How are you feeling, Tom?" asked Janeway.
Tom was already writing on the padd before she spoke. As she finished, he held it up for them to read.
"Who are you?" read Janeway. "You don't remember me?"
"What about me? Do you remember me?" asked B'Ellana anxiously.
Tom looked thoughtful for a moment, but shook his head sadly.
Janeway turned to the EMH who was scanning Tom's head. "Doctor?"
"I see no reason why he should be experiencing memory loss."
Janeway tapped her combadge.
"Tuvok, contact Lodakia and put it through down here."
"Yes, captain."
Janeway entered the doctor's office and he followed. Glaku's face was on the little screen on the doctor's desk.
"How may I be of assistance, captain?"
"It's about my pilot again. He seems to be experiencing memory loss and we can't figure out why. We were hoping that maybe you could."
"If you could just transmit the medical data you have on him I'll take a look and see if I see anything."
"I checked those scans thoroughly. I don't see what he good showing him the scans will do," muttered the doctor.
"I'm transmitting the data now," said Janeway, before turning to look at the doctor. "The Dakans may have done something to his brain that we would not be able to see, but the Lodaikians may know what to look for and thus see what we could not."
"I suppose that makes sense," the doctor grudgingly agreed.
"I don't see anything out of the ordinary. I'm sorry, captain. However, I still have an idea. I can speak with one of the Dakans who knew what Lunai was doing and see if he knows what happened."
"That would be great. Thank you."
"I'll contact you again in a few minutes."
Janeway stood up and started pacing the small office. The doctor watched with mild irritation.
"Captain, if I may. Pacing back and forth will not make Glaku reply any quicker."
"I know that. It helps me calm my nerves."
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"You really don't remember me? You're not just pulling our legs?" Harry asked hopefully.
Tom shook his head and wrote on his padd, "Sorry. I wish I did. Who are you?"
"I'm Harry. Your best friend."
Tom looked over at B'Ellana and wrote on his padd, "You look almost familiar to me, and I have this feeling that we were close, and yet that you hate me. Do you know why that is?"
"I did hate you, but I don't anymore."
Tom wrote again, "How do you feel about me now?"
B'Ellana bit her lip and tried to think of how to best answer that. "I care about you as a good friend."
Tom smiled and then his eyes widened and he wrote again, "Does your name start with a B?"
B'Ellana smiled too. "Yes, it does! Do you remember my name?"
Tom's smile faded as he shook his head. "That's all I remember," he wrote.
"Well, it's a start."
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"Captain, we are being hailed."
"Put it through here."
"Captain, I'm afraid I have some bad news."
"You couldn't find out what's wrong?" asked Janeway disappointed.
"No, I found out, but it's not good. There are a rare few in my race and in the Dakan race with telepathic abilities. The Dakans apparently have misused their abilities. My informant told me of a Dakan, Dumai, who is known for getting information by taking it directly from the mind of his victim. Apparently it is quite painful, leaves no trace, and leaves the victim with their memories wiped. Very few regain any of their memories and only one has regained all of their memories."
"Is there anything we can do?"
"Try and get him back into his normal routine as soon as possible, and get him to try and remember things. The things that he cares for the most will be the first he'll remember. If he can remember anything, he stands a good chance of regaining at least some of his memories."
"Thank you for your help."
"What about the race? Will he be joining us?"
Janeway looked at the doctor.
"I don't think Mr. Paris is up to that just yet. He needs time to recuperate. He's still very weak."
"If I may suggest--it could be beneficial to him regaining his memories."
The doctor sighed. "I'll ask him if he feels up to it."
The doctor exited his office and approached Tom. "How are you feeling, Mr. Paris?"
"I've been better, I think," wrote Tom.
"Do you think you feel up to entering the race?"
"I don't think I could even walk that well. I think running is definitely out of the question," wrote Tom.
"No, it's not a foot race. It's a shuttlecraft race."
"I can fly a shuttlecraft?" wrote Tom.
"That would be a 'no' then."
"Perhaps if we were to put him at the helm, it would come back to him," suggested Janeway.
"He's admitted that he can not walk that well. I think that would be too far for him to go," said the doctor.
"We can help him," offered B'Ellana.
"If it could help him regain some of his memories, it would be worth the effort," said Janeway. "Don't you agree?"
"Very well. Assist him to the holodeck and run a flight simulation."
"I think the real thing might be better, and he'd be a welcome sight on the bridge," said Janeway.
"Do you really think that's wise, captain?"
Obviously he wouldn't attempt to fly-I can just let him sit at the helm and see if it seems familiar."
"If that's what you think is best. Mr. Paris, do you think you are up for a trip to the bridge?"
"I guess," Tom wrote.
B'Ellana and Harry helped Tom walk to the turbolift, and then off the lift and onto the bridge. All conversation on the bridge stopped as they watched Harry and B'Ellana help Tom to the helm.
"Captain? What's going on?" asked Chakotay.
Janeway was standing behind Tom. Chakotay came to stand beside Janeway.
"Tom has lost his memories. We're hoping that this will help him remember flying."
Everyone watched anxiously as Tom looked at the helm in confusion. He glanced up at Janeway who nodded her approval before he placed his hands lightly over the controls. He closed his eyes and smiled. It felt so right to him. He couldn't remember flying exactly, but he knew that he knew how.
"Tom?" said Harry. "Are you remembering anything?"
"I don't remember being a pilot, but I remember how to fly," wrote Tom.
"That's something anyway," said Harry.
"It's a good sign," agreed Janeway.
"I want to be in the race," wrote Tom.
"Are you sure you're up to it?" asked Janeway.
Tom nodded, determination glittering in his eyes.
"Let's get you back to sickbay then, so you can rest up before the race."
"Don't you think he should try running a simulation first to make sure he remembers how to fly correctly?" asked B'Ellana.
Tom narrowed his eyes in indignation and wrote quickly on his padd. "I remember correctly. I don't need to be tested."
"Why don't you just rest up in sickbay and then we'll discuss this later," suggested Janeway.
Tom nodded wearily and they helped him back to sickbay where he gratefully collapsed.
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Tom slowly opened his eyes and looked around for the doctor. He had heard Janeway come in shortly after his return to sickbay and tell the doctor that the race was set to start at 0900 hours the following day. Looking at the chronometer, he could see that it was nearly that time now. When he didn't see the doctor, he carefully got up and began looking around. Like the helm, he felt strangely at home here and thought he must know something about the place. He picked up different instruments, concentrating hard to try and remember something. Finally, he found what he was pretty sure was what he wanted and injected himself with it. Almost immediately, he felt energized. He put the device back and walked back to his bed just as the doctor walked in.
"Ah, Mr. Paris, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Ready to race," wrote Tom.
"We'll see about that."
The doctor scanned Tom, and Tom prayed that the stimulant he injected himself couldn't be detected.
"Your vital signs do appear to be up," said the EMH.
"Great, so I'll just be on my way," wrote Tom.
"Not so fast. First you have to report to Holodeck one. Captain Janeway is there setting up a flight simulation program for you."
"I'm sure I remember how to fly correctly," wrote Tom.
"If you want to fly in the race, you'll first fly the simulation."
Tom scowled and wrote on his padd, "Fine. Tell me how to get there."
"B'Elanna and Harry will be here shortly to assist you."
"I don't need any help. I can make it by myself just fine if you'll just tell me how to get there," wrote Tom.
The sickbay doors opened then and B'Ellana and Harry entered.
"How are you feeling, Tom?" asked Harry.
"He's acting just like his old self," grumbled the doctor.
"What was that?" asked Harry.
"Nothing. Just get him to Holodeck one."
Tom reluctantly allowed Harry and B'Ellana to assist him to Holodeck one. The captain was waiting for them when they entered. Tom took his seat at the helm while the others stood back and observed. Once again Tom felt at home as his fingers flew lightly over the panel, but the simulation didn't feel enough like he remembered the real thing to be. He wrote on his padd, and then turned around to show Janeway.
It read: "Okay, I've proved that I really do remember how to fly. Now can we get on with the race?"
"After you land," replied Janeway.
"I've proved that I can fly. Isn't that enough?" wrote Tom.
Before Janeway could answer her combadge chirped. "Yes?"
"The other crafts are lining up to race and they are requesting that Lieutenant Paris join them," said Tuvok.
"Tell them he's on his way." She looked over at Tom. "I guess this simulation is over. I'll walk you to shuttlebay one. Harry, B'Elanna, back to your stations."
"Yes, captain," they replied.
"Do you need me to help you walk?" Janeway asked.
"No, I'm fine," wrote Tom.
He took a step forward and stumbled slightly. Janeway stepped forward and put an arm around his waist for support and together they walked out of Holodeck one.
"Are you sure you're up to this?"
Tom nodded resolutely.
They reached shuttlebay one and Janeway helped Tom to the Delta Flyer. Tom's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the shuttle.
"Does this look familiar to you?"
Tom nodded. Pulling away from Janeway, he wrote on his padd. "I designed this."
"That's right."
Janeway helped him get seated in the Delta Flyer. She watched him take off, then she headed for the bridge.
Tom lined up alongside the other shuttlecrafts. The sedative was already starting to wear off, but he had enough adrenalin to keep him going. A brilliant display of fireworks went off ahead of them, and they were off. Tom gained the lead early, feeling himself become one with the craft. Halfway through the race, he faltered. The effects of the shot the EMH gave him to combat the Solblodium was wearing off.
"He's losing speed," observed Tuvok, though they all could see this.
"I hope he's all right," worried B'Ellana.
Another ship started to pass Tom, and he sped up and regained his lead.
"I'm sure he's fine. See, he's all ready picking up speed again," said Janeway.
"Captain, there is one other thing that has been bothering me."
"Yes, what it is it, Tuvok?"
"If the Lodaikians are a peaceful society, then why do they need such skilled pilots?"
"Perhaps they are explorers like ourselves," answered Janeway.
"Perhaps, but that still does not explain why they need to be so talented. It seems rather stringent doesn't it that only the top five pilots graduate?"
"A little perhaps, but as you know, space can be dangerous. It is necessary that the pilot have a certain amount of skill."
"I realize that captain. I suppose it is possible that I am being overly cautious of them due to our previous dealings with them."
"It's not a bad thing to be cautious. Why don't you scan their ships and planet once more to be sure there is nothing suspicious?"
"Yes, captain," answered Tuvok, sounding almost relieved.
"They're on the last lap now," informed Harry.
As the ships passed the starting point, the obstacles suddenly appeared on the course. Tom narrowly missed hitting one that appeared directly in front of him. Another shuttle was not so lucky and it exploded. Tom started to slow down a bit to maneuver better, but the other shuttles didn't slow down so he sped up again. The course became more and more complex as it neared the finish line. Several shuttles exploded and several more dropped out. Those that continued soon began slowing down. Tom slowed down marginally as he noticed the other shuttles falling farther behind. Soon Tom had a commanding lead and was nearing the finish line. He put on a burst of speed and crossed the finish line.
Janeway entered sickbay to find the doctor trying to keep Tom from leaving sickbay.
"Captain Janeway, could you please tell Mr. Paris he needs to remain in sickbay?"
"I'm feeling much better," wrote Tom.
"I'm sorry Tom but I'm afraid you can't leave until the doctor says you're ready."
Tom sighed and lay down again.
"I came here to congratulate you on winning the race and give you this medal they presented you with."
Tom opened the small black box she handed him and found a gold coin with a picture of a shuttle on it attached to a red silk ribbon.
"I assume this was thoroughly checked to ensure that it was safe?" asked the doctor as he examined it over Tom's shoulder.
"Of course," replied Janeway. "It is a perfectly safe, genuine, gold coin."
"Nice," wrote Tom as he closed the box and set it down beside him.
"Are we back on course now?" asked the doctor.
"The Lodikians invited us to stay and join them at a banquet to be held in honor of Tom, but I told them we still had a long journey ahead of us."
"Good. I think we've had enough of the Lodikians."
"I couldn't agree more. Get some rest Tom. Harry and B'Ellana say they will be coming to see you as soon as their shifts are over."
Tom nodded resignedly and closed his eyes.
"When do you plan on doing the surgery to repair his voice?"
"Assuming he rests when I tell him to, I should be able to perform it in the next two or three days. I'm actually hoping to get it done as soon as possible."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"So he'll be ready to leave sooner. Even without his memories or his voice he manages to be quite annoying."
Janeway chuckled. "Perhaps this is a good sign that he will be able to regain all his memories. Good luck doctor. Keep me updated."
"I think now I will just go do some research on how to remove someone's personality."
Tom opened his eyes and wrote on the padd-I heard that and held it out for the doctor to read. Then he pushed a button on the console beside him that emitted a shrill ringing and caused the doctor's image to fluctuate.
"Good," the EMH answered as he headed into his office.
Tom smiled as he drifted off to sleep. He wasn't sure if he would regain all his memories, but things were starting to feel familiar and for now that was good enough.