Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Andromeda or Star Trek Voyager or their
characters. I am not making any money off of this story.
Thanks to those who have posted reviews. Hugs to you all.
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Chapter 5
Q popped up on the Voyager's bridge dressed in a Starfleet officer's uniform. Captain Kathryn Janeway sat in the captain's chair and waited for the Continuum member to volunteer what he knew about Tom Paris' whereabouts.
Q stood in front of Chakotay until the Commander reluctantly turned his xo chair over to the Continuum member. Q sat down in the chair and swiveled it around until he was facing Janeway. "No doubt you are wondering what has happened to dear Tommy Paris."
"You know we are Q. Just tell us what you know," Chakotay replied with exasperation in his voice.
Janeway stood up which silenced any comment Q was about to make. "I assume your son is responsible for the disappearance of Mr. Paris."
Q leaned back in the chair answering, "Yes he is. Tom Paris is on Earth; the Earth in the parallel universe where you met the crew of the Andromeda."
"That makes sense since Mr. Harper is onboard Voyager," Janeway informed.
"I am sorry Kathy. I feel somewhat responsible since he got the idea from me," Q said with genuine remorse. "Don't worry your pretty little head Kathy, I will find Junior and have a long father-son talk."
Janeway felt slightly relieved, but not as much as she thought she should. "Thank you Q and hurry. I don't know how long Mr. Paris can last on the parallel Earth he's on."
Harper appeared on the bridge and looked relieved upon seeing Q. "Oh good, you're here Casper. Now how about telling your son to send me back to Andromeda in one piece all safe and sound?"
Q was becoming rather annoyed at being called Casper. "Must you call me Casper? Well, never mind. I believe I know where to find Junior. Convincing him to send you and Tommy Boy back to your respective proper universes is going to be more difficult."
"It would be best interest to convince him Q," Chakotay advised. The look on his face was threatening, even if the tone wasn't.
The Continuum member was forcing himself to remain calm, despite the temptation to turn the Commander into a toad. "I have every intention of doing that. It's just that Junior is going through a phase right now where he is testing his mother and me; mostly me I might add, and is quite unreasonable."
"I understand your predicament Q, but why didn't you mention this when Q2 visited us onboard Andromeda?" Janeway questioned.
"I couldn't very well come out and introduce my son saying, 'and this is my son, he's going through a phase right now so be on your guard.' I would just be embarrassing the lad," Q explained. It was obvious that Q cared about his son and was being protective.
Janeway was sympathized with Q; she had to admit that she wouldn't have felt the same way if Q2 was her son. "Alright, the main thing to keep in mind is finding Q2 and returning Mr. Paris and Mr. Harper to their proper worlds."
Harper took several steps forward towards Q. "How long do you think it will take you to get this straightened out? It's not that I mind being here on Voyager, but I don't think Paris will last too long among all the Nietzscheans and the Magog."
Q looked down at Harper and saw the genuine concern in the young engineer's blue eyes. "I'll try to be quick but I really can't predict how long it will take."
Harper thought for a moment then came up with an idea. "I don't suppose you could pop me over to my Earth so I could kinda look out for Paris?"
"I could do that, but what would it accomplish?" Q questioned the engineer. "Junior would just send you back here."
Harper wasn't about to give up so easily. Paris was on Harper's Earth so Harper felt responsible for the helmsman. "I know, but it's worth a shot. At least I would be able to give him a few pointers."
Q shrugged his shoulders. He didn't really have anything to lose so if this comical little human wanted to pal around with Tommy Paris then so be it. "If you insist my little Mudfoot."
Q promptly snapped his fingers and Harper disappeared from Voyager's bridge. Q looked over at Janeway and sighed. This whole affair was much more stressful then he had anticipated.
"Good day Kathy. This will all turn out alright in the end," Q said before setting off to find his son.
***
Harper found himself standing next to Tom Paris. The engineer grabbed Paris by the arm, pulling the helmsman away from the three large Nietzscheans who were approaching. Harper and Paris ran for a couple of miles, avoiding main streets. Harper stopped after leading Paris into an alley. Paris wasn't sure what his newfound friend was thinking; the place looked dangerous. Harper quickly looked around before leaning down over a manhole cover. The engineer motioned for Paris to help lift off the metal cover. As he followed Harper down the metal ladder, Paris got the impression that Harper was familiar with the area; as if he had been in this place before.
The two men wound their way through the many tunnels of the sewer system. Paris was glad Harper knew the way because the helmsman had lost track of where they were. Paris didn't have any equipment to tell him his location; an unsettling feeling for the Starfleet officer accustomed to relying on Tricorders and other modern devices.
Paris followed Harper past what appeared to be a human lying on the cement floor. The helmsman couldn't tell if the person was dead or just sleeping. Paris started to check on the person's condition when Harper turned and grabbed the Starfleet lieutenant by the shoulders. Paris was pulled back away from the human lying on the ground and pushed down the tunnel.
"What did you do that for? That person might have needed our help," Paris protested.
Harper put a hand over Paris' mouth, silencing the helmsman. Harper put a finger to his mouth before removing his hand from the lieutenant's mouth. The young engineer motioned for Paris to following him further into the maze of tunnels.
Paris started to shiver at the cold, damp breeze that came down the tunnel, hitting him head on. Paris was beginning to think Harper would never finish leading him through the tunnels when Harper came to a stop.
Paris waited for Harper to say something, but the engineer was busy looking around. Paris followed Harper's gaze and noticed that the ground was drier in this part of the sewer system then where they had come from. Harper must have known this would be a better place to stop and rest.
"It's okay to talk now, but talk quietly," Harper announced as he sat down and leaned against one of the concrete walls.
"Where are we exactly?" Paris asked as he sat down next to the engineer. "Mind you, I'm not complaining about the chance to sit down for awhile."
Harper allowed himself to smile at the lieutenant's humor. "We're in one of the tunnels that's part of the Boston sewer system. It's not much but it beats being above ground."
Paris' face took on a confused expression. Surely there were better places to hide out then in a sewer. "I'm not quite sure I follow you Harper."
"Let me explain then," Harper began. "Above ground there are the Nietzschean patrols, which you've already encountered. There's also the Magog raiding parties. You don't want to be outside up there at night. The two of us wouldn't stand much of a chance alone.'
"You mean people live in sewers on this Earth?" Paris asked in disbelief. He had seen the Sinclairs living in their small hut in the refugee camp. It didn't occur to him that there were others who lived elsewhere.
Harper noticed the sympathy and pity in the other man's eyes. "Don't feel too sorry for those living down here. They're the lucky ones. They're smart. I lived here myself for a good number of years. It kept me hidden from the Ubers and the Magog."
Paris was taken aback by the engineer's comment. Paris hadn't considered any other possibility that Harper had lived such a hard life here on Earth. "I'm sorry Harper. I didn't mean any offense."
Harper dismissed the apology with a wave of his left hand. "It's okay Paris. No offense taken. I just want you to understand how things really are here on this Earth."
"Yeah, I guess this being Earth I wasn't expecting things to be so bad here," Paris remarked, surprising himself with his honesty.
Harper wasn't surprised that Paris didn't really understand how rotten things had become on Earth for non-genetically modified humans. The engineer expected it in fact. "I kinda figured you wouldn't have realized the full extent of the misery here on this hellhole. That's why I asked Q to send me down here. I wanted to make sure I was able to give you a few pointers about staying alive here on good old Earth."
"That's fine by me, I could use a few pointers," Paris admitted as he fought to stay awake. He didn't have worry about falling asleep as an explosion sounded above ground.
Harper cocked his head, listening for more sounds. "You're gonna get a crash course now. We gotta go."
Thanks to those who have posted reviews. Hugs to you all.
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Chapter 5
Q popped up on the Voyager's bridge dressed in a Starfleet officer's uniform. Captain Kathryn Janeway sat in the captain's chair and waited for the Continuum member to volunteer what he knew about Tom Paris' whereabouts.
Q stood in front of Chakotay until the Commander reluctantly turned his xo chair over to the Continuum member. Q sat down in the chair and swiveled it around until he was facing Janeway. "No doubt you are wondering what has happened to dear Tommy Paris."
"You know we are Q. Just tell us what you know," Chakotay replied with exasperation in his voice.
Janeway stood up which silenced any comment Q was about to make. "I assume your son is responsible for the disappearance of Mr. Paris."
Q leaned back in the chair answering, "Yes he is. Tom Paris is on Earth; the Earth in the parallel universe where you met the crew of the Andromeda."
"That makes sense since Mr. Harper is onboard Voyager," Janeway informed.
"I am sorry Kathy. I feel somewhat responsible since he got the idea from me," Q said with genuine remorse. "Don't worry your pretty little head Kathy, I will find Junior and have a long father-son talk."
Janeway felt slightly relieved, but not as much as she thought she should. "Thank you Q and hurry. I don't know how long Mr. Paris can last on the parallel Earth he's on."
Harper appeared on the bridge and looked relieved upon seeing Q. "Oh good, you're here Casper. Now how about telling your son to send me back to Andromeda in one piece all safe and sound?"
Q was becoming rather annoyed at being called Casper. "Must you call me Casper? Well, never mind. I believe I know where to find Junior. Convincing him to send you and Tommy Boy back to your respective proper universes is going to be more difficult."
"It would be best interest to convince him Q," Chakotay advised. The look on his face was threatening, even if the tone wasn't.
The Continuum member was forcing himself to remain calm, despite the temptation to turn the Commander into a toad. "I have every intention of doing that. It's just that Junior is going through a phase right now where he is testing his mother and me; mostly me I might add, and is quite unreasonable."
"I understand your predicament Q, but why didn't you mention this when Q2 visited us onboard Andromeda?" Janeway questioned.
"I couldn't very well come out and introduce my son saying, 'and this is my son, he's going through a phase right now so be on your guard.' I would just be embarrassing the lad," Q explained. It was obvious that Q cared about his son and was being protective.
Janeway was sympathized with Q; she had to admit that she wouldn't have felt the same way if Q2 was her son. "Alright, the main thing to keep in mind is finding Q2 and returning Mr. Paris and Mr. Harper to their proper worlds."
Harper took several steps forward towards Q. "How long do you think it will take you to get this straightened out? It's not that I mind being here on Voyager, but I don't think Paris will last too long among all the Nietzscheans and the Magog."
Q looked down at Harper and saw the genuine concern in the young engineer's blue eyes. "I'll try to be quick but I really can't predict how long it will take."
Harper thought for a moment then came up with an idea. "I don't suppose you could pop me over to my Earth so I could kinda look out for Paris?"
"I could do that, but what would it accomplish?" Q questioned the engineer. "Junior would just send you back here."
Harper wasn't about to give up so easily. Paris was on Harper's Earth so Harper felt responsible for the helmsman. "I know, but it's worth a shot. At least I would be able to give him a few pointers."
Q shrugged his shoulders. He didn't really have anything to lose so if this comical little human wanted to pal around with Tommy Paris then so be it. "If you insist my little Mudfoot."
Q promptly snapped his fingers and Harper disappeared from Voyager's bridge. Q looked over at Janeway and sighed. This whole affair was much more stressful then he had anticipated.
"Good day Kathy. This will all turn out alright in the end," Q said before setting off to find his son.
***
Harper found himself standing next to Tom Paris. The engineer grabbed Paris by the arm, pulling the helmsman away from the three large Nietzscheans who were approaching. Harper and Paris ran for a couple of miles, avoiding main streets. Harper stopped after leading Paris into an alley. Paris wasn't sure what his newfound friend was thinking; the place looked dangerous. Harper quickly looked around before leaning down over a manhole cover. The engineer motioned for Paris to help lift off the metal cover. As he followed Harper down the metal ladder, Paris got the impression that Harper was familiar with the area; as if he had been in this place before.
The two men wound their way through the many tunnels of the sewer system. Paris was glad Harper knew the way because the helmsman had lost track of where they were. Paris didn't have any equipment to tell him his location; an unsettling feeling for the Starfleet officer accustomed to relying on Tricorders and other modern devices.
Paris followed Harper past what appeared to be a human lying on the cement floor. The helmsman couldn't tell if the person was dead or just sleeping. Paris started to check on the person's condition when Harper turned and grabbed the Starfleet lieutenant by the shoulders. Paris was pulled back away from the human lying on the ground and pushed down the tunnel.
"What did you do that for? That person might have needed our help," Paris protested.
Harper put a hand over Paris' mouth, silencing the helmsman. Harper put a finger to his mouth before removing his hand from the lieutenant's mouth. The young engineer motioned for Paris to following him further into the maze of tunnels.
Paris started to shiver at the cold, damp breeze that came down the tunnel, hitting him head on. Paris was beginning to think Harper would never finish leading him through the tunnels when Harper came to a stop.
Paris waited for Harper to say something, but the engineer was busy looking around. Paris followed Harper's gaze and noticed that the ground was drier in this part of the sewer system then where they had come from. Harper must have known this would be a better place to stop and rest.
"It's okay to talk now, but talk quietly," Harper announced as he sat down and leaned against one of the concrete walls.
"Where are we exactly?" Paris asked as he sat down next to the engineer. "Mind you, I'm not complaining about the chance to sit down for awhile."
Harper allowed himself to smile at the lieutenant's humor. "We're in one of the tunnels that's part of the Boston sewer system. It's not much but it beats being above ground."
Paris' face took on a confused expression. Surely there were better places to hide out then in a sewer. "I'm not quite sure I follow you Harper."
"Let me explain then," Harper began. "Above ground there are the Nietzschean patrols, which you've already encountered. There's also the Magog raiding parties. You don't want to be outside up there at night. The two of us wouldn't stand much of a chance alone.'
"You mean people live in sewers on this Earth?" Paris asked in disbelief. He had seen the Sinclairs living in their small hut in the refugee camp. It didn't occur to him that there were others who lived elsewhere.
Harper noticed the sympathy and pity in the other man's eyes. "Don't feel too sorry for those living down here. They're the lucky ones. They're smart. I lived here myself for a good number of years. It kept me hidden from the Ubers and the Magog."
Paris was taken aback by the engineer's comment. Paris hadn't considered any other possibility that Harper had lived such a hard life here on Earth. "I'm sorry Harper. I didn't mean any offense."
Harper dismissed the apology with a wave of his left hand. "It's okay Paris. No offense taken. I just want you to understand how things really are here on this Earth."
"Yeah, I guess this being Earth I wasn't expecting things to be so bad here," Paris remarked, surprising himself with his honesty.
Harper wasn't surprised that Paris didn't really understand how rotten things had become on Earth for non-genetically modified humans. The engineer expected it in fact. "I kinda figured you wouldn't have realized the full extent of the misery here on this hellhole. That's why I asked Q to send me down here. I wanted to make sure I was able to give you a few pointers about staying alive here on good old Earth."
"That's fine by me, I could use a few pointers," Paris admitted as he fought to stay awake. He didn't have worry about falling asleep as an explosion sounded above ground.
Harper cocked his head, listening for more sounds. "You're gonna get a crash course now. We gotta go."