Disclaimer: I don't own Andromeda or its characters and never have. I'm making absolutely nada from this story.
Chapter 14
Lieutenant Tom Paris had woken without most of the paranoia that had bedeviled him. The Flash was gradually working its way out of the helmsman's system. Paris was still on edge, feeling nervous and jumpy. The Doctor determined that Paris would not be violent and unfastened the restraints.
Paris was relieved and rather surprised. "Are you sure you can trust me Doctor?"
"I'm as sure as I can be when dealing with human physiology and psychology," The EMH answered matter of factly.
The Doctor briefly turned his back on Paris in order to get some soup from a replicater in Medical. The Doctor put the soup and a spoon on a tray next to Paris' bed saying, "I want you to finish this soup Lieutenant."
Paris took a few tentative sips of the broth which was fairly appetizing, despite that the helmsman had little appetite. When finished Paris was glad he ate the broth as it helped settle his stomach.
Commander Chakotay entered Medical and greeted the young man. "How are feeling Tom? I'm sorry I haven't had the opportunity to stop by earlier."
Paris offered the XO a cheerful smile. "That's okay Commander. I wasn't exactly in the right frame of mind for visitors. I'm glad you came by."
"My pleasure Lieutenant. I have to be on duty soon but I just wanted to check in on you and say that I'm glad you're on the mend," Chakotay replied.
"Me too Commander. So how are things on the bridge? Have we come across anything interesting?" Paris asked eager to make normal conversation.
Chakotay shook his dark head. "No, nothing too exciting. Captain Janeway gave strict orders that the interesting stuff is supposed to wait until you come back on duty."
Paris chuckled lightly. "Good for the Captain. I don't suppose you could arrange for me to do a little old fashioned paperwork while I'm laid up here?"
"I'll see what I can do. Look, I should be going so you take it easy and don't give The Doctor any trouble," Chakotay instructed with a smirk. "I'll come by later and see how you're doing."
"Okay Commander. Thanks again for stopping by," Paris replied as he started munching on a slice of apple.
"Well Doctor, it looks like you're the only one left to play a hand of poker with me," Paris commented. After getting no response Paris looked around to find the EMH engrossed in examining the results of the latest tests on a patient.
Paris was feeling wired. Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead. The helmsman laid his head against his pillow and began a one-sided conversation with an unconscious patient nearby. After a few minutes Paris was frustrated and about to climb a wall so he helped himself off of his bed and hopped over to a counter.
Having spent a good amount of time assisting the Doctor Paris knew where the medicines were kept and their capabilities. Keeping an eye on the Doctor while searching, Paris found the medication he felt would give him the same feeling that the Flash had given him. Moments later Paris found a bottle of liquid and smiled to himself. The Lieutenant unscrewed the top on the bottle and tilted his head back.
Valentine and Harper entered medical in time to see the helmsman raise the bottle to his lips. Both Andromeda crew members rushed Paris, grabbing his arms. Valentine pulled the bottle from the stunned lieutenant's hand.
The Doctor had finally noticed the commotion turned around. "What do you think you're doing!?"
"Your patient was trying to take some drugs behind your back Doctor," Valentine informed as she held up the bottle.
The Doctor took the bottle and read the writing on its label. "I thought I could trust you Lieutenant. I'm sorry I was in error. I'll have to report this to the Captain."
"Go ahead," Paris dared. Right now the drug cravings eating at his body were so intense that Paris didn't care what happened to him.
Harper helped The Doctor put Paris back in his bed. Paris was petulant and put resisted being held down. "Come on Paris. Relax. You can't give in to the cravings."
"I can't Harper. It's just too strong," Paris confessed before breaking down in tears.
Valentine sat down and put her arms around the young helmsman. "I know. I'm sorry you have to go through this but I know you can beat it. Look I'm not proud to say I'm a recovering Flash addict and if I can beat it so can you."
Paris looked up into Valentine's blue eyes hoping the blonde and saw her empathy. He was glad Valentine wasn't ashamed of him. "It's driving me crazy. How much longer will I have to put up with this?"
"For as long as it takes. And Harper and I will be right here for you," Valentine assured.
"Yup. I bet all of Voyager's crew will do what they can to help too," Harper added.
Paris frowned at the engineer not believing that the one person he needed to be by his side would be missing. "Even B'Elanna?"
Valentine shifted under Paris' stare. "She'll be here for you."
"The Doctor told me what I did while on Flash and it wasn't something I'm proud of. I don't think B'Elanna's forgiven me. She hasn't come to see me."
Harper put on his best optimistic expression. "I wouldn't worry too much about that Lieutenant. We had a talk with her and your wife said she was taken aback by your behavior, but I think she'll work things out. She loves you and counts for a lot."
Valentine noticed that Paris didn't appear to be convinced and tried to reassure the helmsman. "I don't like talking to people about my own Flash addiction since it's not something I'm proud of, but I'll make an exception in this case. I know you feel guilty for what you did to your wife. Maybe part of you wants your B'Elanna to stay away because you want to punish yourself and you're afraid you'll hurt her again. Am I right?"
Paris was going to deny it, but couldn't lie. Beka Valentine had thought enough of him to confess her own addiction. Besides, deep inside something told Tom Paris he needed to talk about his Flash addiction and confront it head on. "Yeah I'm afraid alright. I'm afraid that I'll give in to the craving and find a substitute for Flash and then Mr. Hyde will return."
"That feeling won't go away," Valentine admitted. "It will be a daily struggle but I know you love Lieutenant Torres enough to get in the ring and do battle."
Paris gritted his teeth. "Yeah, I love B'Elanna and will do anything to win back her trust."
"Good. That's what we wanted to hear.
Paris and Valentine smiled at the lieutenant. One obstacle had been hurdled.
The second obstacle was coming closing as Senior Q appeared on the opposite side of Paris's bed. "Mr. Paris it is good to see you are recovering."
Valentine glared at the Continuum member. "What do you want with Lieutenant Paris now? Whatever it is he's in no condition for it."
"Put your mind at ease Miss Valentine. I mean no harm. The Q Continuum merely requires the Lieutenant's testimony."
Paris had an idea what this about. "I'm guessing you want me to testify at Q2's trial. Am I right?"
Senior Q retained his cool, emotionless demeanor. "Your testimony may prove vital in determining sentence."
Valentine couldn't believe her ears. "You mean the kid has already been convicted?"
Senior Q was obviously annoyed at having to spend time explaining things to these humans. "Your concept of time is limited child. Your golden friend could explain it to you. I'm merely here to announce that Lieutenant Paris will be called to testify tomorrow. I will return early in the morning so be ready for I will not wait around."
Harper took the initiative to speak up for Paris. "I think you should give Paris a little more time to recover." The Doctor's expression told the engineer he was right about Paris's condition.
"That is not possible," Senior Q replied, waving his hand for emphasis.
Valentine stepped in between Harper and the Continuum. "He's got enough to deal with right now without being put on a witness stand."
The Continuum member was undeterred. "Believe me I am not unsympathetic to Lieutenant Paris' plight but the trial must proceed as scheduled. The Q Continuum will see to it that Lieutenant Paris returns in good health."
"And we're supposed to trust you?" Valentine demanded.
The Doctor dew up next to the Continuum member and tried to put on an amenable expression. "Excuse me Q but I would have to agree with Miss Valentine. In my expert medical opinion giving testimony would put Lieutenant Paris under undo stress. Is there any way that another person's testimony could be moved up so Lieutenant Paris could give his at a later date?"
"If I'm guessing correctly I'm going to be called to testify so I'd be willing to switch times with Paris," Harper volunteered.
"Yes Mr. Harper your testimony will also be needed but changing testimony times with Lieutenant Paris is impossible. The judge had already pushed back the Lieutenant's testimony and can't postpone it any longer," Senior Q informed. "Now please be ready when I come for you in the morning."
Before there could be any protest Senior Q had Valentine and Harper back on board the Andromeda.