From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN SF

Stardate: 59007.48

Subject: Happy New Year!

So, how did your holiday go with the Brogan clan?

New Year's was quiet, except that B'El had to take care of a hiccup in the warp core. But all is fixed.

We are on course to McKinley and are expected to dock on Jan. 14.

From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN SF

To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

Stardate: 59009.66

Subject: Happy New Year to you, too

Well, hell. I won't be back at McKinley until mid- to late February. We will go up to meet you for lunch/dinner if it's a short layover.

The kids left for school this morning. We're back to work tomorrow. The first two wines in the sampler are excellent, so thank you again.

David says his family loves me even though I dethroned his eldest brother as pool champion. Or is it because I did?

Phoebe reports that Chakotay called Mom's house just after we'd left. She says Mom wouldn't divulge my whereabouts/plans. No surprise: She admitted last year that while she was grateful Chakotay helped to keep me alive out there, she dislikes him. The latest issues haven't changed her mind.

From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN SF

Stardate: 59013.20

Not to worry

No need to go to McKinley. Sheridan has a 3-week layover for exterior maintenance, so we're coming to SF. We'll definitely find a time to have dinner. I have promised B'El that we will spend a kid-free long weekend at the beach resort in Nuevo del Fuego.

You beat your prospective brother-in-law at pool? You do live dangerously, don't you? And you know I'm going to ask … how is David with a stick?

We're looking forward to seeing you, and to meeting your guy. I may have some news about that info you sent.

And your mom and my dad agree ... probably for different reasons. I have my own reasons ...

From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv

To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

Stardate: 59014.76

Subject: Knew it was coming ...

I have to stop reading your comms in the office: my staff will think they work for a loon. Delta tech isn't that funny.

Call me when you get back and we'll set up that dinner. (And I await your news …)

Can't wait to see you all and happy that I can finally introduce you to David. Though with both of you in a room, I fear that I'm going to hurt myself laughing. You do remember your medical training?

And yes, I did know you were going to ask that, but as you say, I live dangerously.

The answer: very good. And take that in any context you'd like, my dear.

PS: Preliminary consult proposal is on its way to B'Elanna.

From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv

Stardate: 59017.85

Subject: News

Yes, but at least your staff can relax knowing the Admiral is in a good mood …

Guess I did well on the screening test for Flight Instructor Qualifications School. (Amazing considering how little sleep I get these days.) Anyway, will have interviews with Adms. Kessik and Braddock at some point during furlough.

I did fess up to Capt. Joh about my inquiries into Flight School. He's not thrilled about losing me and B'El, but he's dealt with family issues too.

One thing I didn't tell him (or anyone but B'El) is that I have a growing realization that I'm not cut out for command. It's fulfilling, and I've learned a hell of a lot, but I'm not sure I have the drive … at least not the way you and Dad seem to have.

I could really use a sounding board on this. Would you have time to talk (outside of dinner) when we're in town?

From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF

To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan

Stardate: 59018.04

Subject: Anytime

Let me know when you're available, and I'll clear my calendar. Let's meet off-campus to avoid interruptions (like your dad coming by — I'm guessing you haven't talked to him about this).

Something for you to mull, if you haven't already: Is command itself is the problem or is it starship command? (And with that, I'll shut up.)

BTW, you'll like Steve Kessik. Don't know Greg Braddock, but you two have common ground: He was involved in the test flights of our sister ship, the Intrepid.