(Disclaimer still applies. Not as good of a chapter, but it's Tom, come on, he's just not dramatic!)
I stand outside the intimidating UFP Rehabilitation Commissions building. It never phased through my thoughts, not, at least, until I was in the Brig. I'd have to come back here, but certainly the Captain gave me a good word. I did, if she could remember, bring her back to Earth, and maneuvered her to safety countless times. Suddenly a hand on my shoulder surprises me. I turn around, almost defensively. In shock, my mouth must be gaping.
"I figured you could use the support, son. They can be dogs if you let them."
Dad. A million thoughts and emotions burst through me at his face. As soon as Voyager was behind me, I never saw him for the few months we'd been home. I figured he would contact me when he was ready, but of all times, now?
"Come on, we don't want to be late. Leaves a bad impression, and that's exactly what they're looking for."
"I don't need you're support, dad," I say, pulling away as he lays a hand on my shoulder. "You had your chance to support me here over seven years ago, and you gave up on me. I can do this, and will do this on my own."
"I understand why you're angry, but there's no need for it. I realized I left you to fend for yourself, but it took me some time before I could see that no matter what happens, you're always going to be my son."
"Well I'm glad it struck you before I died," I say with bitter sarcasm, turning and walking into the building, displaying more confidence than I felt. I tried to think of other things, since my father had currently left a tart taste in my mouth. But it was like a haunting nightmare, and the thoughts of his wretched fatherly example burned through me. I approached the front desk, hoping I wasn't displaying my feelings.
"Three doors down, on your left, Commander. He's been awaiting your arrival," the woman says, pointing down a corridor. I nod and flash my old bachelor smile, but wipe it off as I head to the hallway. I am, after all, a married man. There are quickened footsteps behind me, and once again a hand is on my shoulder, though this time, it wheels me around forcefully.
"Thomas Eugene, you wait a damn minute."
I internally groan and cringe. My middle name is forbidden territory. "I have an appointment to keep, if you don't remember."
"I'm trying to make up for lost time, but you need to do your part too."
"Right here? Right now? Are you insane?!" I ask. A few heads in the lobby turn at my raised voice, and I hush it down to a harsh whisper. "Maybe over lunch, or any other normal scheduled time, but not when I'm trying to stay out of jail."
"I know this is a difficult time, and I want to be here for you," he says, his blue eyes reflecting his true support. I've never seen this side of him.
"You're just going to flash around your high-class ranking and win me out of here, and I'll be damned if I let that happen. I can fend for myself, I did before and I will now."
"Thomas, please, just let me help. I didn't come in uniform, and I don't intend to act like I did," he says, making me pity him even more. But for some reason, perhaps because I've been around B'Elanna so long, I have this burning anger beneath me, and it's surging through my fingertips.
"Just leave me alone, dad. I want to do this on my own," I say, and I turn and leave him again. Though this time, there are no following, protesting footsteps. Now that I'm slightly relieved, I straighten myself so I don't look so ruffled when meeting my "officer". Though, in the back of my mind, I kinda wished he followed me.