From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF
Stardate: 59102.86
Subject: We're back …
Made it back safely. Joey slept through the shuttle flight again. (Apparently I just need to take him out for a spin if he gets fussy.) B'El is going through the maintenance updates and is cursing in two languages … maybe three.
Hey, thanks again for serving as my sounding board. I appreciate your listening, your insights and your candor more than I can ever express. I've clarified a few things, which actually will help me do my current job.
Dad is somewhat upset by my prospective career change, but I expected that.
We had a terrific time at dinner, and enjoyed meeting David. You two are great together. So, speaking as your "little brother" … you have my blessing.
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59105.14
Subject: Had a great time!
Glad it was a quiet trip back. How was the beach?
Dinner was fun, and we were delighted to have you. (And I laughed so much that my sides hurt the next day.) David really enjoyed meeting you and B'Elanna. Given your love of the sea, he thinks you all should join us on a trip to Boston. (His dad and eldest brother are retired Fed Navy … both have boats … seriously large boats … if they had warp engines, they'd rival Voyager.)
Well, "little brother," your opinion matters a great deal to me, so I'm very happy that you approve of David. But how did you become my little brother?
Anyway, I'm glad I could help. I know you and B'Elanna will come to the best decisions for your careers and family.
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59111.44
Subject: Know anything about this?
I got a rather conciliatory note from Dad yesterday. It contained an apology and his promise to back me, no matter what career path I take. You have something to do with this? Or should I worry that he's been taken over by a shapeshifter?
BTW, how's the house hunting?
PS: B'Elanna teases me about being your "little brother," in regards to our frequent communications. (Though I've always suspected that Dad considers you to be his "perfect" daughter.)
And the beach was wonderful. A great honeymoon spot. g
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59113.46
Subject: Maybe?
I wouldn't joke too much about shapeshifters … folks here are still spooked.
As for your dad, I really don't know. He did come by to talk. He is concerned that you're jumping ship (sorry …) too soon, being this is your first tour as XO. Told him what I told you: Starfleet has held up the "ideal" career as being a front-line officer, with the goal of being captain of a starship. Those of us who have that "bug" can't imagine any other path (though most of us do eventually step back). But you have to want it … I've seen too many officers who are just going through the motions.
I did point out that you happen to have many talents, and you'll make a great contribution in whatever field you choose. (And ditto for B'Elanna.)
And what I said about the front-line "bug" being addictive: A three-year Beta mission just hit the postings, and for about two minutes, I considered applying.
Good thing I didn't, since we're now homeowners! Just closed on a place in the older part of the Richmond district. It suits us well, is an easy commute, and is nice for dog walking. (One of Molly's great-granddogs hadn't been adopted, so we're taking her.) We'll be in by mid-March … good timing, since Anna & Josh will visit after a spring break trip to Columbus for more research.
Perfect daughter? I see how it is: first you adopt me, then you start with the sibling sniping. Remember, Big Sis Knows Everything!
And per the beach: Honeymoon planning might be a bit premature, considering I haven't been asked to participate in such a trip.
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59135.81
Subject: Big news!
Wow … that was quick! I got an offer to teach at Alameda for the Fall semester, pending completion of a Teaching Qualifications course.
After a long talk with B'El, I've decided (drum roll …) to accept. Now we have to find a spot for her.
My head is spinning.
PS: I'm surprised you waited this long to get a dog …
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59136.13
Subject: Congratulations!
I have to tell you: B'Elanna spilled it when we talked this morning. Followed shortly after by Owen popping in with news of the offer. (But I didn't tell him you accepted … that's your job.)
I'm beyond thrilled for you! (And very proud!) I'm told you were very impressive: We feared Adms. Kessik and Braddock were going to settle your placement with phasers at 20 paces.
Something to consider: Flight School experience plus your other talents could bring some interesting opportunities your way in the next few years. The last war forced the brass to take a very hard look at how the Academy prepares officers. David, Steve, Greg Braddock and a few others were recruited from Operations and front-line duty with a mandate to bring Academy training into the next century. (which isn't all that far away…)
And don't worry about B'Elanna. I have no concrete info, but I suspect ECorps will come calling very soon.
Re a dog: I've been gone too much to enjoy/properly train a puppy. And a 30th -floor apartment makes walks too damn inconvenient.
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59163.72
Subject: Thank you, again
FYI: ECorps has come calling … B'Elanna is mulling over a very nice offer.
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, McKinley Station
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59164.16
Subject: B'Elanna gets ALL the credit
I'm delighted to hear it! Truly, I had no direct involvement, outside of sending a recommendation. But it's about time someone over there woke up.
Her solution to my problem project was so simple and elegant that it got their attention. It also made my Chief Engineer bang his head on the desk and mutter "Why the !% didn't I think of that?"
If she takes the post, I will be delighted to watch her knock ECorps on its ass. (Actually, I do like our liaison, who is very sharp. But otherwise … )
Anyway, I'm here to test the new-and-improved project. Which isn't all bad because it means David has to oversee the work on the new house g. I've been charged with looking for new furniture. Fortunately, I have a sister who has a better eye for these things than I do.
FYI: I may be incommunicado for a bit. I start leave in a couple of days to collect new puppy/move. Tech informs us that there will be a delay in hooking up two secure terminals, because they're starting from scratch. (Apparently this house has never belonged to anyone from Fleet). Damn cheeky thing to tell an Admiral from the Tech Division …
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59217.82
Subject: Hey, I have a terminal!
Finally back in the 24th century! Have sent B'Elanna my congrats on the new position!
We're finally moved in, though we're still looking for/assembling/moving things. Kids arrive late next week, so we're double-timing it on the guest rooms. Casey (the dog) is settling in, too. She's a sweetheart.
It's a good thing we have extra rooms: Anna announced that she and Josh are applying for summer internships here. On the bright side, we'll have dog sitters. And I'll happily volunteer them to watch Miral and Joey.
Had dinner at your folks' last night. In all the years I've known Owen, had no idea he could cook. He made a very tasty blackened catfish.
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF
Stardate: 59223.75
Subject: Glad you're back!
Off radio silence, eh? (You do know about radios, right?)
Sounds like you're settling in pretty well. I don't look forward to packing up. And can we borrow your sister? Neither of us has a clue about furniture for adults.
B'El says she wants dibs on Anna & Josh as sitters. Though they might think twice when they realize they're dealing with a Klingon mom. g
Now … my father? Cooking? Kathryn, I think you went to the wrong house!
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59250.38
Subject: Bring on the honeymoon planning!
I suppose the subject says it all: David proposed last night and (drum roll …) I said yes!
Not quite sure why he proposed on April Fool's Day. I thought it was a joke until he produced the ring. Turns out most of the family was in on it: (Wondered why Anna needed to comm her dad a half-dozen times in an evening.)
We are thinking first Saturday in June at the farm. That seemed to be the best time for most folks' schedules (you are back in mid-May, no?)
I don't think admirals are supposed to be giddy, but ….
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59250.77
Subject: Booyah!
I have to tell you … we were in on it, too. (So were Mom & Dad.) David messaged a couple of days ago. I, er, might have passed it on to a few folks in the Voyager family.
But we are delighted that you said yes! And we'll certainly be in Indiana on that date. (We're back in early May.)
If you should need an escort down the aisle, I hear it is appropriate for a little brother to take that role …
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59297.81
Subject: Know anything about this?
Chakotay just sent B'El a message saying he was going to ask for reassignment at semester's end. He didn't give much of a reason for leaving the Academy, just that he wanted to try something else. Anything we should know about?
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
Stardate: 59299.72
Subject: Don't know much
David told me yesterday; said Chakotay turned down a counter proposal to do a couple of seminars. (They like his ideas on "unconventional tactics.") But I've only had "radio silence" since I sent a note about my engagement. (We'd been talking, albeit at arm's length, since the holidays.)
BTW, did you get the message about Seven eloping with the Daystrom fellow? Apparently she only told the Doctor and asked him to pass it on, which strikes me as being insensitive. Not that our Doctor doesn't have a lady friend or two these days, but still …
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Sheridan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, SFHQ-TechDiv
Stardate: 59303.25
Subject: Well, that's Seven
Yes, we did get the message. Insensitive … but certainly efficient. I wish her every happiness, and that's all I'm going to say.
As for Chakotay, we can only hope he figures things out. B'El agrees with you about the anthropology.
Packing and wrap-up have hit warp speed. (Sheridan has a replacement for Chief Engineer; no word on a new XO yet.) We leave May 1.
From: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Titan
To: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF
Stardate: 59332.63
Subject: On our way
Well, our stints as XO and Chief Engineer aboard the Sheridan are officially over. In one sense, I'm sorry to go, but I'm also relieved. And we're both looking forward to the next chapter.
As you see, the Titan is ferrying us back to McKinley … hopefully our stuff catches up with us in SF. We brought an extra Toby just in case. (Will Riker sends his heartiest congratulations on your engagement. And guess what wine they serve on the Titan?)
Plans are to stay with Mom & Dad while we look for a place in easy reach of the ECorps complex and Alameda. We start class/job May 21. And oh, yeah, we need to be somewhere the first Saturday in June … where was that again? g
From: Adm. Kathryn E. Janeway, VPN-SF
To: Commander Thomas E. Paris, USS Titan
Stardate: 59332.96
Subject: Welcome home!
Ha, ha! You realize that if you don't show up, I'll personally hunt you to the ends of the quadrant.
And hope your stuff arrives quicker than mine did. One of my trunks went to Toronto!
Give Berkeley a look: Easy commute for both of you, lots of older-architecture homes. I was living there when I took Voyager.
If your dance card isn't too full, we'd love to have you all for dinner before the wedding. It would be a good chance to relax before life jumps back into warp.
It will be wonderful to have you back. And I have to admit, I'm pleased that you and I are heading off into new adventures at the same time. Hopefully, "little brother," we can find time to have an occasional drink/coffee/dinner/lunch.
But in the meantime, remember, my comm link is always open …
Love to you all,
Kathryn