Disclaimer: I do not own Andromeda or its characters. Wish I did but I
don't. I am making no money from this story.
Chapter 12
Janeway had just returned from her talk with Q and Q2. She was already mulling over the thought of Q2's trial; trying to determine the right phrasing and posture while testifying. The captain quit after a few minutes and started reading a holo novel in an attempt to get her mind off of the events of the last few hours. Janeway was interrupted by the Doctor's voice sounded over her com link. "You have good news I trust Doctor."
"I have finished my analysis of the drug I found in Lieutenant Paris' system. It would appear that the drug is a narcotic and would appear to have no beneficial medical purposes."
"Then the question is how and why Mr. Paris got this drug into his body," Janeway replied.
"That would seem the next logical line of investigation," the EMH agreed. Lieutenant Paris is now calm enough to answer some questions. I thought you might like to talk to him"
Janeway had already headed for the nearest turbo lift, "Yes I would. Is Lieutenant Torres there?"
"I'm in my quarters Captain," Torres answered over the comm.
Janeway instinctively understood the implication of that simple reply. Torres would normally have been at her husband's bedside. But this wasn't a normal circumstance and Janeway planned to talk to Torres, knowing the Klingon woman had some issues to deal with as a result of Paris taking her hostage. "I'll be up to see you later Lieutenant."
"Aye Captain," Torres replied, trying to keep her voice under control.
Paris gave his account of his adventures with Harper on the parallel Earth. Janeway and the Doctor noticed that Paris was still exhibiting paranoia, but less so now that the drug had more time to get out of his system. There was a tradeoff though. The helmsman began displaying withdrawal symptoms. Paris began sweating and his hands trembled.
Janeway took the EMH aside and quietly expressed her concern. "I'd say Lieutenant Paris is suffering withdrawal symptoms. Is there anything you can give Mr. Paris?"
The hologram's brow as he glanced over at Torres. "I think I might be able to come up with something, but I wish I could talk to somebody from the Andromeda. They might be able provide additional information."
"Q is bound to return before his son's trial. I'll ask him when he appears," Janeway offered.
Janeway no sooner got the words out of her mouth when Q materialized next to her. "My, Tommy Boy doesn't look so hot."
Janeway barely flinched at the unexpected arrival. She was now accustomed to Q popping in and out. "He's suffering from withdrawal and I'd like you to do me a favor Q."
Q arched an eyebrow suggestively. "And what would that be my fair Captain?"
Janeway disliked asking Q for favors, but he owed her one. Now was a chance to collect. "I would like you to bring one of Andromeda's crew here to Voyager. Lieutenant Paris was given some sort of narcotic and is going through withdrawal. The Doctor feels the crew of Andromeda might know something about the drug. Unless of course you would care to tell us what you know?"
"Well it's probably Flash," Q replied nonchalantly. "I'll send over Beka Valentine. She's familiar with the drug." With that Q disappeared, leaving Janeway and the Doctor dumbstruck.
"It would appear that Q hasn't been very upfront with us," the EMH remarked dryly.
"To say the least," Janeway replied.
Q appeared in Valentine's quarters, interrupting the blonde pilot's yoga session. Q had to dematerialize quickly to avoid being thrown into the wall by a startled Beka Valentine.
"Yoga is supposed to make a human more relaxed, not more jumpy," Q chastised.
"You didn't see me when I started this session," Valentine retorted.
Q reveled in the image of an angry Beka Valentine. "I'll make it a point to correct that oversight. You're fascinating when you're emotional, especially when you're angry. Did you know that?"
Valentine crossed her arms. She was all too familiar with the lecherous look on the Continuum member's face. "Tell me what you're doing here Q or you'll see my violent side pronto."
"As you wish Rocket," Q agreed before gathering up the courage to ask a mere human for a favor. Asking Captain Kathryn Janeway for a favor was different; they had a history together. Q hadn't spent enough time with Beka Valentine for her to have earned his respect. However, Q had a quick mind and was able to come up with a way to save face. "Captain Janeway requests your assistance with Tom Paris. It seems he has developed a Flash addiction while on Harper's parallel Earth."
Valentine's expression softened as she felt empathy for the young Voyager helmsman. "You must know of my Flash addiction."
Q nodded his head and put a hand on Valentine's shoulder. "You should be able to offer poor Tommy Boy some comfort and advice."
Valentine didn't have to think twice before answering, "I'll need to let Dylan know I'm leaving."
Harper overheard her conversation with Hunt from his workbench in Machine Shop 6. The engineer asked to go along. Hunt consented after much pleading by the engineer.
Q appeared in Medical onboard Voyager with Valentine and Harper. Both Valentine and Harper were disheartened to see Paris thrashing about in bed, struggling against his restraints again.
"I'm sorry this happened Lieutenant. Q brought us here to see if we could help you," Harper quietly informed.
"I don't need any help Harper. I need out of these restraints. Please will somebody listen to me and let me out of here?" Paris pleaded.
Harper called on his experience with Beka Valentine's Flash addiction and kept talking to Paris. "Well you have to relax. I know you feel uptight and it's okay. Just try to relax and then the restraints can come off."
Janeway entered Medical and pulled the Doctor aside. The hologram briefed the captain and then returned to Paris' bedside.
Valentine tried her hand at calming the young helmsman. "Hi there Paris I just want you to know you're not alone and nobody is trying to hurt you. We'll undo the restraints if you promise to stay where you are and do what we ask."
Paris was still distrustful of anybody and merely glared silently at the people standing around him.
"Please trust us Tom," Valentine pleaded. "We don't want you to hurt yourself so please promise that you'll just lie in bed."
"Yeah, you can even tell me about your Starfleet Academy adventures. The Ubers kinda interrupted you," Harper reminded.
Paris's mood seemed to lighten at the mention of his activities at Starfleet Academy. "That actually sounds like fun. But I can't. I can't concentrate on anything with the pain in my leg."
Janeway gave the Doctor a questioning look. She guessed that EMH had treated Paris' leg injury but withheld any painkillers due to Paris being on Flash. The Doctor knew he had made the proper decision, but still felt guilty.
"I'm sorry Lieutenant but you were given a highly addictive drug while on Earth and it would not have been prudent to give you strong painkillers. I do have something very mild and non addictive," the Doctor explained as he handed Harper a cup of water and two white pills.
Harper popped the pills into Paris' mouth and held up a cup of water to the helmsman's mouth. Paris kept the pills under his tongue while pretending to swallow them while taking a sip of water.
"Do you think these will help?" Paris asked suspiciously.
"They'll ease the pain some. I'm sorry but it's the best I can do under the circumstances," The EMH explained. "Now just relax Lieutenant and let the pills take effect."
Harper called the Doctor over on a false pretext. "Uh Doc you know Paris didn't take the pills you gave him?
The EMH frowned thoughtfully. "I observed that as well Mr. Harper. Thank you for confirmation, however. I would have had to replay the scene again to be sure otherwise."
"So how are you gonna get Paris to take his medicine?" Harper asked with curiosity.
"I'll just tell him to quit playing games and take his medicine," the Doctor answered confidently.
Harper stifled a chuckle. He knew that tactic wouldn't get Paris to take his medicine. "I don't mean to pry Doctor, but which med school taught you that?"
The EMH gave Harper a confused look. "I didn't get it from any med school. It was part of my programming Mr. Harper."
"Now it was Harper's turn to look confused. "Wait, you're a hologram?"
"Of course, I'm the Emergency Medical Hologram or EMH," the Doctor informed.
A huge grin flashed across the engineer's face, "Your holographic technology had me going, although I would have noticed eventually. I've just been busy dealing with Paris."
The EMH smiled back at the human, "Yes of course."
"My compliments. It's very impressive holo-technology Doctor," Harper praised. His mind was running through all of the ways he could use the technology to improve Andromeda's holographic programs.
The hologram nodded at the engineer. "Why thank you. I'm glad somebody appreciates my programming. Now about Lieutenant Paris, how would you suggest we get him to take the pain medicine?"
"Ordering him to take the pills won't work, but I may have an idea," Harper answered with a gleam in his eye.
Harper took two more pills from the Doctor and went over to Paris' side. "Okay Lieutenant, no more games. The Doctor gave you some pills to take so you're gonna take them." Harper grabbed Paris' nose and held it until the helmsman opened his mouth. Harper quickly shoved the pills down the lieutenant's mouth. "Now these are just some pain pills, so if you want you leg to stop throbbing, you will swallow those pills. Unless of course, you'd rather get the medicine through an IV?"
Paris was too weak fight and wasn't about to get a needle stuck in his arm so he swallowed the pills, washing them down with a sip of water.
Valentine dabbed Paris' forehead with a cloth while waiting for him to fall asleep. "You have to trust us Paris. We're your friends."
"No you're not. You're trying to poison me!" Paris yelled as he struggled against his restraints.
Valentine and Harper tried talking to Paris as calmly as they could in an effort to calm down the helmsman. The pain pills also had a sedative affect on Paris, putting the young man to sleep minutes later.
Janeway, Harper and Valentine left a sleeping Paris as they exited Medical.
Chapter 12
Janeway had just returned from her talk with Q and Q2. She was already mulling over the thought of Q2's trial; trying to determine the right phrasing and posture while testifying. The captain quit after a few minutes and started reading a holo novel in an attempt to get her mind off of the events of the last few hours. Janeway was interrupted by the Doctor's voice sounded over her com link. "You have good news I trust Doctor."
"I have finished my analysis of the drug I found in Lieutenant Paris' system. It would appear that the drug is a narcotic and would appear to have no beneficial medical purposes."
"Then the question is how and why Mr. Paris got this drug into his body," Janeway replied.
"That would seem the next logical line of investigation," the EMH agreed. Lieutenant Paris is now calm enough to answer some questions. I thought you might like to talk to him"
Janeway had already headed for the nearest turbo lift, "Yes I would. Is Lieutenant Torres there?"
"I'm in my quarters Captain," Torres answered over the comm.
Janeway instinctively understood the implication of that simple reply. Torres would normally have been at her husband's bedside. But this wasn't a normal circumstance and Janeway planned to talk to Torres, knowing the Klingon woman had some issues to deal with as a result of Paris taking her hostage. "I'll be up to see you later Lieutenant."
"Aye Captain," Torres replied, trying to keep her voice under control.
Paris gave his account of his adventures with Harper on the parallel Earth. Janeway and the Doctor noticed that Paris was still exhibiting paranoia, but less so now that the drug had more time to get out of his system. There was a tradeoff though. The helmsman began displaying withdrawal symptoms. Paris began sweating and his hands trembled.
Janeway took the EMH aside and quietly expressed her concern. "I'd say Lieutenant Paris is suffering withdrawal symptoms. Is there anything you can give Mr. Paris?"
The hologram's brow as he glanced over at Torres. "I think I might be able to come up with something, but I wish I could talk to somebody from the Andromeda. They might be able provide additional information."
"Q is bound to return before his son's trial. I'll ask him when he appears," Janeway offered.
Janeway no sooner got the words out of her mouth when Q materialized next to her. "My, Tommy Boy doesn't look so hot."
Janeway barely flinched at the unexpected arrival. She was now accustomed to Q popping in and out. "He's suffering from withdrawal and I'd like you to do me a favor Q."
Q arched an eyebrow suggestively. "And what would that be my fair Captain?"
Janeway disliked asking Q for favors, but he owed her one. Now was a chance to collect. "I would like you to bring one of Andromeda's crew here to Voyager. Lieutenant Paris was given some sort of narcotic and is going through withdrawal. The Doctor feels the crew of Andromeda might know something about the drug. Unless of course you would care to tell us what you know?"
"Well it's probably Flash," Q replied nonchalantly. "I'll send over Beka Valentine. She's familiar with the drug." With that Q disappeared, leaving Janeway and the Doctor dumbstruck.
"It would appear that Q hasn't been very upfront with us," the EMH remarked dryly.
"To say the least," Janeway replied.
Q appeared in Valentine's quarters, interrupting the blonde pilot's yoga session. Q had to dematerialize quickly to avoid being thrown into the wall by a startled Beka Valentine.
"Yoga is supposed to make a human more relaxed, not more jumpy," Q chastised.
"You didn't see me when I started this session," Valentine retorted.
Q reveled in the image of an angry Beka Valentine. "I'll make it a point to correct that oversight. You're fascinating when you're emotional, especially when you're angry. Did you know that?"
Valentine crossed her arms. She was all too familiar with the lecherous look on the Continuum member's face. "Tell me what you're doing here Q or you'll see my violent side pronto."
"As you wish Rocket," Q agreed before gathering up the courage to ask a mere human for a favor. Asking Captain Kathryn Janeway for a favor was different; they had a history together. Q hadn't spent enough time with Beka Valentine for her to have earned his respect. However, Q had a quick mind and was able to come up with a way to save face. "Captain Janeway requests your assistance with Tom Paris. It seems he has developed a Flash addiction while on Harper's parallel Earth."
Valentine's expression softened as she felt empathy for the young Voyager helmsman. "You must know of my Flash addiction."
Q nodded his head and put a hand on Valentine's shoulder. "You should be able to offer poor Tommy Boy some comfort and advice."
Valentine didn't have to think twice before answering, "I'll need to let Dylan know I'm leaving."
Harper overheard her conversation with Hunt from his workbench in Machine Shop 6. The engineer asked to go along. Hunt consented after much pleading by the engineer.
Q appeared in Medical onboard Voyager with Valentine and Harper. Both Valentine and Harper were disheartened to see Paris thrashing about in bed, struggling against his restraints again.
"I'm sorry this happened Lieutenant. Q brought us here to see if we could help you," Harper quietly informed.
"I don't need any help Harper. I need out of these restraints. Please will somebody listen to me and let me out of here?" Paris pleaded.
Harper called on his experience with Beka Valentine's Flash addiction and kept talking to Paris. "Well you have to relax. I know you feel uptight and it's okay. Just try to relax and then the restraints can come off."
Janeway entered Medical and pulled the Doctor aside. The hologram briefed the captain and then returned to Paris' bedside.
Valentine tried her hand at calming the young helmsman. "Hi there Paris I just want you to know you're not alone and nobody is trying to hurt you. We'll undo the restraints if you promise to stay where you are and do what we ask."
Paris was still distrustful of anybody and merely glared silently at the people standing around him.
"Please trust us Tom," Valentine pleaded. "We don't want you to hurt yourself so please promise that you'll just lie in bed."
"Yeah, you can even tell me about your Starfleet Academy adventures. The Ubers kinda interrupted you," Harper reminded.
Paris's mood seemed to lighten at the mention of his activities at Starfleet Academy. "That actually sounds like fun. But I can't. I can't concentrate on anything with the pain in my leg."
Janeway gave the Doctor a questioning look. She guessed that EMH had treated Paris' leg injury but withheld any painkillers due to Paris being on Flash. The Doctor knew he had made the proper decision, but still felt guilty.
"I'm sorry Lieutenant but you were given a highly addictive drug while on Earth and it would not have been prudent to give you strong painkillers. I do have something very mild and non addictive," the Doctor explained as he handed Harper a cup of water and two white pills.
Harper popped the pills into Paris' mouth and held up a cup of water to the helmsman's mouth. Paris kept the pills under his tongue while pretending to swallow them while taking a sip of water.
"Do you think these will help?" Paris asked suspiciously.
"They'll ease the pain some. I'm sorry but it's the best I can do under the circumstances," The EMH explained. "Now just relax Lieutenant and let the pills take effect."
Harper called the Doctor over on a false pretext. "Uh Doc you know Paris didn't take the pills you gave him?
The EMH frowned thoughtfully. "I observed that as well Mr. Harper. Thank you for confirmation, however. I would have had to replay the scene again to be sure otherwise."
"So how are you gonna get Paris to take his medicine?" Harper asked with curiosity.
"I'll just tell him to quit playing games and take his medicine," the Doctor answered confidently.
Harper stifled a chuckle. He knew that tactic wouldn't get Paris to take his medicine. "I don't mean to pry Doctor, but which med school taught you that?"
The EMH gave Harper a confused look. "I didn't get it from any med school. It was part of my programming Mr. Harper."
"Now it was Harper's turn to look confused. "Wait, you're a hologram?"
"Of course, I'm the Emergency Medical Hologram or EMH," the Doctor informed.
A huge grin flashed across the engineer's face, "Your holographic technology had me going, although I would have noticed eventually. I've just been busy dealing with Paris."
The EMH smiled back at the human, "Yes of course."
"My compliments. It's very impressive holo-technology Doctor," Harper praised. His mind was running through all of the ways he could use the technology to improve Andromeda's holographic programs.
The hologram nodded at the engineer. "Why thank you. I'm glad somebody appreciates my programming. Now about Lieutenant Paris, how would you suggest we get him to take the pain medicine?"
"Ordering him to take the pills won't work, but I may have an idea," Harper answered with a gleam in his eye.
Harper took two more pills from the Doctor and went over to Paris' side. "Okay Lieutenant, no more games. The Doctor gave you some pills to take so you're gonna take them." Harper grabbed Paris' nose and held it until the helmsman opened his mouth. Harper quickly shoved the pills down the lieutenant's mouth. "Now these are just some pain pills, so if you want you leg to stop throbbing, you will swallow those pills. Unless of course, you'd rather get the medicine through an IV?"
Paris was too weak fight and wasn't about to get a needle stuck in his arm so he swallowed the pills, washing them down with a sip of water.
Valentine dabbed Paris' forehead with a cloth while waiting for him to fall asleep. "You have to trust us Paris. We're your friends."
"No you're not. You're trying to poison me!" Paris yelled as he struggled against his restraints.
Valentine and Harper tried talking to Paris as calmly as they could in an effort to calm down the helmsman. The pain pills also had a sedative affect on Paris, putting the young man to sleep minutes later.
Janeway, Harper and Valentine left a sleeping Paris as they exited Medical.