VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
OLD FRIENDS, NEW BEGINNINGS - BOOK 6
(Sequel to A Ray of Hope)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
December 2008 (Revised 03/2010)
Previous disclaimers apply
Chapter 2 – LIFE'S LITTLE SURPRISES
Olivia and Rosalyn walked down the hallway until they reached the door to Mission Control. As they opened the door and went inside, Mission Specialist Lindsey Connors glanced up from her console and noticed the two standing just inside the doorway. She pushed herself away from her desk, stood up and ran over to greet them.
"Olivia! Rosalyn!" Connors shouted. "Welcome to Mission Control."
"Thank you Lindsey. You know, this is my first time here." Rosalyn replied as she looked around the room in awe. "Wow, what a huge operation!"
"Lindsey, thank you for all your help with our little plan." Olivia said.
"Olivia, it's my pleasure, especially since it's for Jeffrey. Rosalyn, we will have to take you on a tour of the place in the future." Connors replied. "I take it the party arrangements are complete?"
"Yes," Olivia acknowledged. "Everything is ready."
"Where's Susan?" Connors asked. "I thought she'd be with the two of you."
"Oh, she's in the conference room tying up a few loose ends." Rosalyn responded. "She should be here shortly."
"I take it you are ready for me to summon the guest of honor and his dad." Connors asked.
"Yes, we're ready to implement phase two of our plan." Olivia confirmed.
"Can we stay and watch?" Rosalyn asked.
"Why sure…Come with me." Connors replied as she turned and quickly walked over to her console and sat down. Rosalyn and Olivia followed and then grabbed some nearby chairs and pulled them over next to their friend.
"Ok, are we ready to do this?" Connors asked.
"Yes, there's no time like the present." Olivia urged. "Lindsey, how are you going to get the two of them back here without raising Jeff's suspicions?"
"That part, I haven't figured out just yet."
Connors pressed a few buttons on her keyboard and the mission detail for Bogg and Jeff scrolled up on her screen.
"Looks like they've completed their assignment in London, 1902, I wonder why they are still hanging around?" She said with a hint of curiosity in her voice.
Connors typed in a command on her keyboard and a window popped up in the middle of the screen. Suddenly, video images of the two Voyagers could be seen in the window. As the three observed intently, they noticed Bogg was now chasing his partner down the road in an attempt get his omni back from him.
"Looks like a whole lot of horseplay to me. Wouldn't you say?" Olivia asked.
"Humph. Well, we'll soon put a stop to that." Connors replied staunchly as she pressed a few more keys on her keyboard. At this point, a microphone popped up from a small door on top of her desk.
"Oh, that's neat!" Rosalyn said in awe. "I'd like one of those on my desk. Do you think the guys over at Voyager Technical could arrange that?"
"I don't see why not." Connors replied. "I'll have to put in a good word for you."
After leaning over to the microphone, Connors pressed a small red button on her keyboard and started to speak.
"Voyager Bogg, Voyager Bogg!" She barked as she attempted to hold back a laugh. She then paused for a moment and continued to observe the events that were unfolding on the screen in front of her.
The younger Voyager, who was sprinting down the road as if being chased by a hungry lion, suddenly heard the sound of Connor's voice and almost fell to the pavement as he attempted to come to an abrupt stop. While he stood there and attempted to catch his breath, Bogg quickly arrived at his side. Somewhat miffed by Jeff's childish prank, he gave his young partner a stern look as he extended his hand in front of him. Jeff rolled his eyes and grinned sheepishly as he handed the omni back to him.
"Voyager Bogg, this is Mission Control. Do you read?"
Bogg looked over at Jeff and chided. "Ok, kid, now you've done it. It's Mission Control and they are on to your little prank."
Upon hearing this, Rosalyn, Olivia and Connors burst into laughter.
"Yea, go ahead, Bogg! When all else fails, blame the kid!" Olivia said with some sarcasm.
Bogg flipped the lid on the omni, pushed a small button and responded.
"Mission Control this is Voyager Bogg. What's the problem?"
"Voyager Bogg, this is Mission Specialist Connors…"
Olivia leaned over and put a hand on Connor's arm. "Lindsey, wait! I've got an idea!" She whispered.
"Voyager Bogg, stand by." Connors quickly replied before turning her attention to Olivia.
"Ok Olivia, what's this idea you have?"
"Well, I've got an idea for a little horseplay of my own. Are you game?" Olivia asked.
"Sure, I love a good practical joke." Connors agreed.
"Ok, here's what you need to do. Tell Bogg that you have been monitoring him at the request of Director Blake. After his latest bit of horseplay, the Director would like him to report to Mission Control for a disciplinary hearing and review." Olivia said with a mischievous look and a chuckle. "That'll get him shaking in those brown boots for sure."
Rosalyn nodded her head and put on a large, mischievous smile. "Oh, Olivia, you are sooooo bad!"
"Oh this is a good one." Connors agreed. "If I know Bogg, he'll be so nervous after hearing this he'll scarcely be able to control himself."
Olivia cackled with laughter. Several technicians in the area heard the noise the women were making and came over to see what was going on.
"You know, he may just have a little accident." Olivia said snidely as Susan came walking up behind the three.
"If that's the case, I sure hope he has some extra clothes with him." Susan said warmly.
"Susan!" Connors exclaimed. "It's good to see you again. Glad you could make it. You were about to miss this wonderful prank we are about to pull on Bogg."
"A prank? C'mon now. I thought we were trying to get Phineas and Jeffrey back here for the party."
"That's the whole idea, Susan. " Olivia responded. "We are just going to take it one step further."
Susan turned to Olivia, somewhat bewildered. "Why would you want to do that to Phineas?" She asked. "Is this some sort of payback for that incident in the castle?"
"Because we can and he deserves it." Olivia replied in a devious way. "And yes, you could call it payback.
Susan nodded and smiled a bit. "Ok, so what do you three have in mind?"
Olivia glanced up at Susan and quickly explained. "We are summoning him back here at the request of the Director for disciplinary action. There's been far too much horseplay from the two of them as of late."
Connors glanced back at her three cohorts and said, "Ok, shhhhhh, control yourselves. I'm gonna give him the bad news." She then leaned over to her microphone and pushed the red button once more.
"Voyager Bogg, this is Mission Control."
"This is Bogg. Go ahead."
"It has come to the attention of the Director that several Voyagers out in the field are spending entirely too much time involved in unproductive horseplay. Voyager Bogg, at the request of the Director, I have been monitoring your recent mission activity. " Connors said before releasing the red button and bursting into laughter.
A few moments passed before Connors finally regained her composure. She turned to her three friends with a straight face and then again burst out laughing.
"Shhhh! Shhhhh! " Connors said to the three while trying to suppress her own laughter. "We've got to get control of ourselves and finish this. Otherwise he'll think something is up."
After a few moments, the three regained their composure as they continued to watch the events unfold in front of them.
Out in the field, Jeff looked up at his partner and began to rub his nose in it with passion.
"Bogg, what have I told you about goofing off while we are on assignment? Now you've done it. The higher-ups have been watching and you're in BIG trouble."
Olivia gasped and began to cheer for her young colleague. "You go Jeff! That's telling him… I knew there was something I liked about you!"
Bogg nodded his head, somewhat irritated. "I'm in big trouble? Smart kid! I'll have YOU to know, I'm not the only Voyager here who's been goofing-off." He said as he poked his partner on the shoulder to emphasize his every word. "Who was the one that took my omni from me? Huh? And need I remind Mission Control of YOUR botched attempt to hypnotize me?"
Jeff lowered his head as he began to regret his previous statements. "Uhhh…no…I don't think so." He said in a sullen tone.
Connors continued. "Voyager Bogg, on several occasions it has been noted both you and your partner have been engaged in unproductive horseplay while out in the field. As a result, the two of you are to report to Mission Control immediately for a disciplinary hearing and review with the Director."
Suddenly, Bogg's color began to fade as a look of fear and uncertainty came over him. "Uhh…Mission Control, umm…your message received and understood." Bogg replied sullenly. "We'll be arriving shortly. Bogg out."
"Mission Control out." Connors said as she terminated the conversation.
"Bogg?" Jeff said as he tugged on his arm. "This sounds really serious."
Bogg put his hand on Jeff's shoulder as he attempted to reassure him. "Kid, what can they do to us? We have to have a little fun every now and then." He said with a small quiver in his voice.
Back at Mission Control, the four women inched themselves ever closer to the screen. Unable to pry their eyes away from the events unfolding in front of them, they continued to observe the reactions of their colleagues as the wheels of their prank were set into motion.
"Bogg?" Jeff asked.
"What now kid?"
"What's a disciplinary hearing and review?"
Bogg cleared his throat and took a deep, cleansing breath as he tried to put aside the thoughts that were now traversing his mind. Being an experienced Voyager, he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what was involved in a disciplinary hearing and review. It was every Voyager's worst nightmare and an event that went way beyond the scope of anything his partner had ever experienced; including Drake's trumped up charges at the Voyager Tribunal. Even though Jeff had matured quickly during the time they had spent together, Bogg knew all too well he was not ready for the whole truth about this. So, to keep from upsetting his partner unnecessarily, he decided it would be best if he remained calm and only explained the high points of the event to Jeffrey at this point. With this, Bogg began to put aside his fears and angst and within moments had summarily reached the point of near-perfect emotional self-control. Unfortunately, in light of all his efforts, his body language was speaking volumes.
"Look at Bogg!" Connors exclaimed as she pointed to the screen. "Look at him, ladies! He's already beginning to freak out about it."
While hiding his trepidation behind a somewhat gallant mask, Bogg turned to his partner and started to explain. "Kid, they are just gonna call us into the office and yell at us for goofing off. Then they'll give us a lecture on how to be good little Voyagers. After they've slapped us on the wrist, they'll tell us not to do it again and let us go back to work."
Upon hearing this somewhat lame explanation for such a serious event as a disciplinary hearing and review, the four women began to howl at what they had done.
"Yea, right!" Olivia yelled at the screen. "A slap on the wrist? Bogg, who are you trying to kid?"
"Go ahead, Bogg, lie to the kid!" Connors exclaimed. "Give him a false sense of security!"
"He knows all too well what's involved in a disciplinary hearing." Olivia said boldly. "He's trying to be the brave Voyager but his fear is beginning to show through his little act."
"I'm just glad he's not telling Jeff the whole truth." Rosalyn said. "I believe Jeff would really be upset if he knew the real truth."
Susan turned and put her hand on Rosalyn's arm. "Rosalyn, it's ok. Bogg and Jeff have been through something quite similar a couple of years ago."
"Oh, you mean the tribunal." Rosalyn replied. "I heard all about that."
Jeff looked back at Bogg. "I hope you are right, Bogg. But, it sure sounds like we are in a really big heap of trouble."
"Don't worry, everything's gonna be fine." Bogg reassured. "Besides, I'm Phineas Bogg, you know. I've got everything under control. Now come on, let's get going."
Bogg set the dials on the omni and the two disappeared from the screen.
Moments later, the two miscreants had arrived outside the doors to Mission Control.
"Well, here we are! You ready?" Bogg asked.
"Yea, I guess." Jeff replied with mixed feelings. "If I'm gonna be disciplined and reviewed, I guess I'm ready to get it over with."
Bogg put his arm around his partner, opened the door and the two bravely walked inside. As they entered the room, they stopped suddenly upon seeing Lindsey, Olivia and Rosalyn sitting at the console, with Susan standing behind them.
"Susan?" Bogg asked, with a puzzled expression. "What are you doing here?"
Susan graciously strolled over and put her arms around the Voyager as she pecked him on the cheek.
"Phineas, it's good to see you again." She said softly before turning her attention to Jeff.
"Jeff, it's good to see you too. My, you are growing like a weed."
Jeff's cheeks flushed with color. "Yea, I am getting older. Besides, today is my 14th birthday."
Upon hearing this stunning revelation, Bogg stood there somewhat statuesque, his mouth fully agape. After a few moments, he glanced over at his partner with a puzzled look, before turning his attention to the others in the room.
Rosalyn ran over to greet the two. "Jeff, did I hear you say today was your birthday?"
"Rosalyn, you too?" Bogg asked in amazement.
"Hi Phineas!" Rosalyn said as reached over and hugged him.
Olivia stood up, walked over to her former lover and threw her arms around him. Not expecting this kind of greeting from an old flame he had scorned, he stood there motionless, his body stiff and his arms at his side.
"Phineas…uhh… it's good to see you again." Olivia whispered.
"Uhh…ummm. Good to see you too, Olivia." Bogg replied somewhat indifferently
At this point, Lindsey Connors made her way over to join the group.
"Well, now that the reunion is over, I think we have some urgent business to attend to. Voyager Bogg, would you please come with me?"
"Good to see you too, Lindsey." Bogg quipped. "Always business you know…no time for levity."
"Bogg, to use your vernacular, there's been way too much levity from you and your partner during the past several missions. " Connors replied with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Now please come with me."
"What about me?" Jeff asked.
Connors looked at the young voyager. "Voyager Jones, we will meet with you shortly in the conference room down the hall. For now, please wait here!"
"But Bogg?" Jeff exclaimed.
"Kid, it's ok." Bogg reassured. "We're already in enough trouble as it is. For once, just do as you're told. I'll see you in a little bit, ok?"
Jeff bowed his head as Connors escorted Bogg into a nearby office and closed the door behind him.
Susan walked over and put her arm around the young Voyager. "Jeff?" She asked warmly. "Why don't we all take a walk out in the courtyard and get some fresh air? You know, this could take a while and we have a lot of catching-up to do."
"I guess. But I'd rather be with Bogg." Jeff answered in a sullen tone.
"I know. But you can't do anything to help him now." Rosalyn replied. "He's on his own with this one."
Susan, Rosalyn and Olivia escorted the young Voyager down the hallway. After taking the elevator to the ground floor, they casually strolled out a side door and into the beautiful expanse of the courtyard. Meanwhile, inside Mission Control, Connors was letting Bogg in on the little secret and the prank they just pulled on the two of them.
"What?" Bogg shouted in disbelief as he paced aimlessly around the room. "It was all a joke? Lindsey, what did I ever do to you to deserve this?"
"Calm down, Phineas." She pleaded. "We had to get you two back here somehow without raising Jeff's suspicions. In the interim, we were just having a bit of fun with you. Ok?"
Bogg continued to pace about the room with anger in his eyes, his emotions getting the better of him.
"A bit of fun!" Bogg yelled as he spun about and threw his hands in the air. "I could think of other things that are more fun than a disciplinary hearing and review. You know that is a Voyager's worst nightmare."
"Phineas…Please…calm down, ok?" Connors asked softly.
"You want ME to calm down?" Bogg quipped angrily.
In an attempt to put a stop to his incessant pacing, Connors raced over and stood in the path of her friend and colleague. She then put both hands out in front of her and planted them firmly on his chest.
"Phineas, please…sit down and let me explain."
Bogg turned and stomped over to a small conference table, where he pulled out a chair and sat down. He leaned back in the chair and casually propped his boots upon the tabletop.
"Here I am." Bogg said with a hint of a smile as he raised his hands in the air. "I'm calm…I'm sitting down and I'm listening, ok? Now, what's this mission with Jeff you are talking about?"
Connors walked over, pulled out a chair next to him and sat down. In a caring manner, she grasped his hand and gently rubbed it as she attempted to calm his anger.
"Phineas, please…look at me."
Bogg slowly turned to his friend. His eyes were full of emotion.
"Phineas, I'm so sorry. If I had known this would have upset you so, I'd have found another way to get you both back here. I hope you will forgive us all for our brief moment of insanity."
Bogg bowed his head and for a while, remained silent.
"Phineas, you know how much we all love Jeff." Connors stated, the tone of her voice soft and reassuring.
The mere mention of his son's name had now extinguished the flames of anger that were blazing inside of him. "Yes, I know. I love him too." Bogg replied sullenly.
"And you do know today is his 14th birthday, correct?"
Bogg dropped his feet to the floor and leaned forward in his chair as he nodded his head. "No…I mean…yes, but… Well at least not until a few minutes ago. I didn't know anything about it. The little pain never even bothered to tell me. Besides, I totally forgot. I bet he's thinking I'm a real bum right now, not remembering his birthday?"
"That's ok, Phineas, we've got you covered." Connors reassured.
"You do, how?"
"Well, a few days ago, Chancellor Garth convened a meeting with me, Susan, Olivia Rosalyn, and the Director. He knew Jeff's birthday was fast approaching and wanted to do something special for our youngest recruit."
Bogg was impressed. "Wow, I didn't realize just how popular the little guy is." He said in amazement.
"As I've said before, your son is loved by all here. Well I say all, but there are a few like Drake of course who have other feelings. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, the meeting… We met and it was decided to throw a big surprise birthday party for Jeff."
"A party?" Bogg asked. "With a big ol' cake and all the trimmings?"
"Yes, with a big ol' cake and all the trimmings." Connors said with a laugh.
Bogg's eyes lit up. "The kid's gonna love this. When's the party?"
"Well, within the hour. Everything is ready. All we needed was to get the guest of honor here. Now that he's here, all that's left is to gather the remaining guests in the conference room down the hall."
"Theres' just one problem, Lindsey." Bogg said softly.
"What's that, Phineas?"
Bogg folded his hands in his lap and looked down at his feet. "I don't have anything to give him." He said in a dejected tone.
"Phineas, don't even give it a second thought. I anticipated that, so, after we contact all the guests, we'll drop by the gift shop and you can pick out something for the little guy."
Bogg slowly raised his head as he attempted a bit of a smile. "Well, he's obviously not a 'little guy' anymore."
"I know that all too well." Connors acknowledged as she stood up. "Besides, what are you feeding him? He's growing like a weed."
Bogg stood up and looked at his colleague. "Lot's of beef jerky."
"What?" Connors exclaimed in amazement. "Beef jerky? C'mon, he's a growing boy. He needs balanced meals with lots of veggies, not old dried up cowhide."
Bogg began to chuckle. "Lindsey, I'm just teasing. I assure you. The kid get's three squares a day and believe me, I know, because I have to sit across the table and watch him shovel it in. And does he ever shovel it in."
Connors pointed her finger at the Voyager and shook it aggressively. "You better be teasing or you'll have me to contend with. And if you think a disciplinary hearing and review is bad, you haven't seen anything yet. Got it!"
"Yea, I got it, alright!"
"'Nuff said, now let's get going." Connors urged. "We don't have much time left."
The two left the confines of Mission Control and proceeded to make their way throughout the building, gathering the remaining guests. With each area they entered, it was like a homecoming for Bogg, a grand reunion of sorts. There were shouts of glee, tears and hugs as many of those whom Bogg hadn't seen in years were overcome with emotion at the sight of him.
Once this emotional roller-coaster ride was over, the two went promptly to the gift shop, where Connors assisted Bogg in picking out the perfect gift for his son. After about 20 minutes of browsing through the shop, the perfect gift presented itself to him.
"So Lindsey, what do you think of my gift?", Bogg asked his friend as he waited patiently for the clerk to wrap the small box that contained it.
"It is beautiful, Phineas!" Connors replied. "It's perfect. Now that Jeff is officially a Voyager, I know he will just love it. Where are you going to hide it until the party?
"Lindsey, I'm gonna put it right here in my pocket." Bogg replied with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. "Jeff won't notice. He'll just think I replenished my supply of beef jerky."
"What is it with you and the beef jerky? Is that all you ever eat?"
"No, it's a pirate thing… I eat other stuff also." Bogg teased. "You know, like lizards, bugs and the occasional banana or two."
"Eeeeewwwwww! You eat bugs?" Connors exclaimed as she slapped her friend on the shoulder. "Did you really have to tell me that? Especially since we'll be eating in a little while."
"Owwwwww! Did you have to hit me that hard?" Bogg yelled as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Yes, I did." Connors quipped. "Anyone who eats bugs needs to be slapped a few times."
"Oh really?" Bogg said as he smiled at his friend. "Why is that?"
Connors nodded her head and smiled a bit. "Well, anyone who eats bugs needs to have some sense slapped into them. That's why. Now, if you've finished with the detailed description of your dietary habits, I think we need to get going. Otherwise, Jeff will be 15 by the time we get to his party."
"I'm sorry Lindsey. I was only teasing." Bogg said with a hint of remorse. "I don't really eat bugs."
"Whew, I'm glad to hear that." Connors replied with a overwhelming sense of relief. "Now come on, let's get out of here."
The two left the gift shop and casually walked down the hallway headed toward the elevator. While en route, they began to discuss old times, past assignments and managed to get caught up on the latest gossip at Voyager Headquarters. As they approached the door to the courtyard, suddenly it swung open as Jeff, Susan, Rosalyn and Olivia stepped inside.
"Bogg!" Jeff exclaimed as he ran toward him.
"Hey, kid!"
"What happened?" Jeff asked impatiently. "Is everything ok?"
"Yea, everything's great."
"So did they slap your wrists?"
"No, I got off with a warning this time." Bogg explained as he glanced up and winked at the four ladies.
"What about me?" Jeff asked.
"Ummm…let's see now." Bogg said as he stroked his chin. "You know, we talked about so many things. Oh, I remember now. They decided they didn't need to see you this time. However, they wanted me to give you a message."
"A message?" Jeff asked curiously.
"Yep."
"What's the message? Tell me Bogg!"
"They said to tell you 'they were watching. So you better be on your best behavior.'" Bogg said as he smiled at Jeff.
"Oh." Jeff replied with some concern.
Olivia looked over at the two. "Hey you two, now that the hearing is over, I've got something I you need to see. Do you have a moment?"
Bogg and Jeff looked at each other, somewhat puzzled. "Yea, Olivia." Bogg replied. "I think we can spare you a moment. Right kid?"
"No problem."
"It's in the conference room down the hall from Mission Control." Olivia informed the group as she walked toward the elevator nearby.
The group followed in Olivia's footsteps as she boarded the elevator and returned to the floor where Mission Control was located. As soon as the doors opened, she quickly stepped out and turned to face her colleagues.
"Gentlemen, Ladies, if you will please follow me." She asked as she casually strolled down the hallway toward the conference room. Once she had arrived at the door, she stopped and turned to Jeff.
"After you, Jeffrey." Olivia urged. "Open the door and go inside."
Jeff paused for a moment as he nervously took hold of the handle. "I'm not gonna be disciplined and reviewed, am I?" Jeff asked.
Bogg stood in the background, attempting to keep a straight face as this whole scenario unfolded. As Jeff looked back at him to get some reassurance, Bogg quickly turned his head away and coughed to keep from giving away the big secret.
Susan stepped over and put her hand on his shoulder. "No, Jeff, it's nothing like that. Just open the door and go in."
Jeff took hold of the door handle, unlatched it and cracked it open. Inside, the room was dark and quiet. Not knowing what to expect next, he threw open the door and went inside. Suddenly, the lights were switched on and a whole room full of his friends and comrades yelled "SURPRISE!"
As those inside burst into a chorus of Happy Birthday, Jeff stood there completely overtaken and shocked by it all. Susan, Olivia, Lindsey and Rosalyn each took turns kissing the young Voyager and wishing him a happy birthday.
"Come here, kiddo!" Bogg shouted with a smile.
Bogg quickly grabbed his partner, threw him up on his shoulders and paraded him around the room as the crowd continued to sing.
A few minutes later, Counselor Garth made his way to the front of the room and graciously motioned for the crowd to calm. Once there was silence, he began to speak.
"My fellow Voyagers and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate yet another milestone in the life of our youngest recruit, Jeffrey Jones."
The room burst into a short bit of applause and then became silent.
"Today, my friends, is Mr. Jones' 14th birthday. You know, it wasn't all that long ago, when I had the opportunity to meet young Jeffrey for the first time. It was during one of Drake's awful tribunals. Even during that terrible trumped-up ordeal, with Bogg and his own fate hanging in the balance, he was brave and kept his wits about him. As I sat there on the bench, I realized just how intelligent this young lad was and thought to myself, 'he'd make an excellent recruit.' Well, my friends, with the help of Susan here, we all discovered he was meant to become our youngest Voyager recruit. In my humble opinion, he has proven his worth not only to Voyager Bogg, but to everyone here at Voyager Headquarters as well. I'm sure, once he has completed his hands-on training with his dear-old dad here, he'll be welcomed at Voyager Academy with open arms."
Chancellor Garth paused for a moment and looked at the guest of honor who was still sitting atop his partner's shoulders.
"Jeffrey, on behalf of the Prime Minister and everyone here, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your extraordinary efforts to date and to wish you a very happy birthday and many more to come. Now, let's all eat and celebrate!"
The crowd burst into applause. Bogg lifted his partner down from his shoulders, put him on the floor and kneeled in front of him.
"Happy birthday, kid!" He said as he put his arms around his son and hugged him.
"Thank you Bogg!" Jeff replied as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "I thought you had forgotten about it."
Bogg released his partner, looked him square in the eye and smiled somewhat. "To tell you the truth, I did forget. I'm so sorry. I know you must think I'm a real bum."
"Bogg, it's ok! Really!" Jeff reassured. "I should have dropped you a hint or something."
Bogg smiled. "Well, I won't forget it next time."
"Jeff." Susan called out. "It's time to cut the cake."
"The cake?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, the cake." Susan said as she lifted the large silver cover off the cake.
Jeff's eyes lit up at the site of the cake with the large omni on top. "Wow! What a cake? I don't think I've ever had a cake like this before."
"It's all for you, kid." Bogg said softly as he looked at Jeff and smiled.
Jeff walked over to the table and picked up the large cake server in his trembling hand and cut the first piece for himself. As he slowly placed it on his plate, the piece slipped off and landed upside down. Upon seeing this, those in the immediate area began to laugh.
"Wait a minute, Jeff." Rosalyn prompted. "Here, let me get you another piece. One that's not upside-down."
"That's ok, Rosalyn." Jeff reassured. "This is fine. Besides, it doesn't matter if the frosting is on the top or on the bottom, just as long as it's somewhere around."
Bogg laughed. "That's my kid! Clickety-clack! Always thinking!"
Jeff reached over and cut one more piece, this one being for Bogg. He slowly lifted the piece of cake from the tray and placed it upright on a plate. He picked up the plate and handed it to him.
"Here Bogg, this one's for you." Jeff said.
"Thanks, kid." Bogg replied as he picked up a fork and winked at his partner.
"Jeff, since you're the guest of honor, why don't you and Bogg go over and have a seat on the sofa?" Olivia urged. "Susan, Rosalyn and I will help with serving the guests."
"Sure, thanks." Jeff replied as he and Bogg went over and sat down.
"So, kiddo. How's it feel to be 14?" Bogg asked as he took a bite of his cake.
Jeff paused in thought for a moment, before attempting a response. As he attempted to speak, his lips moved, but no sound came out. Bogg put down his plate and stared at Jeff, surprised and somewhat concerned.
"Jeff, what's wrong?" Bogg asked. "Are you ok?"
Jeff cleared his throat and again attempted to respond."
"B---ogg! I do—n't know." Jeff said as he struggled to pronounce each word. With every attempt he made at speaking, his voice would crack and squeak. "May—be I have laryngitis."
Bogg suddenly realized what was happening to his partner. It had been a while, but he remembered all too well the squeaky, mouse-like tone from his own teenage years.
"Kid, it's not laryngitis." Bogg reassured.
"It's not? Then what's wrong…with me." Jeff asked, as he tried his best to keep from breaking the glass in the room with his high pitched squeal.
Bogg put his hand on his son's shoulder, reassuringly. "Kid, as much as I hate to say it, you are becoming a man."
"I am?" Jeff asked, somewhat puzzled. "I thought I already was."
"Not quite yet." Bogg replied as he began to explain. "However, this change in your voice is the first step, though."
"Will I sound like this forever?" Jeff asked with concern in his squeaky tone.
"No. You will squeak for a while. As you get your voice back, the tone will gradually get deeper over time."
"So, in other words." Jeff squeaked. "When this is finished, I'll have a voice like yours?"
"Well, yes and no." Bogg replied. "Your voice will get deeper, but may or may not be as deep as mine. That's nothing to be concerned with though."
"What happens next?" Jeff asked curiously.
"Well, kid, you'll start growing hair on your face and chest and in other places where you never had hair before."
"Oh great!" Jeff squeaked as he rolled his eyes. "I always wanted to be a gorilla."
"That's ok, kid. Bananas are really cheap these days." Bogg said with a chuckle. "and that'll leave more jerky for me."
Jeff shook his head in disbelief. "What a comedian." He quipped. "Next thing you know, you'll have me swinging from the trees outside."
Bogg laughed. "There'll be no swinging from the trees until you are an adult gorilla."
"Seriously, Jeff. Some men grow lots of hair and some don't. You may be one of those who don't."
"And then what?" Jeff prodded.
Bogg continued to explain. "Over the next few years, your body will quickly begin to change. You will grow taller. You will get stronger as your muscles become more developed and you'll develop a true love for those of the opposite sex."
"Al—right!" Jeff exclaimed and squeaked. "Looks like you're gonna have some competition!"
"Calm down, kid. Let's not get too carried away." Bogg said with a smile. "It'll be a while before you reach that step."
"What's next after that, Bogg?" Jeff asked.
Bogg put his arm around Jeff and continued to explain as he tried his best to hold back his laughter.
"Hmmmm…let's see now… Oh yea! After that, you will grow big feet, develop a huge craving for beef jerky and your nose will grow every time you tell a lie."
"C'mon Bogg!" Jeff said in amazement. "Pinocchio? You can do better than that."
Bogg laughed. "I'm was kidding about the big feet."
"Funny, Bogg… very funny." Jeff said as he nodded his head and took another bite of cake.
"There are a few other things…ummm… that will happen during this time that I have purposely left out here. All men, including myself have had to go through this little ritual of sorts. It's a part of growing up and becoming an adult. But let me say this, if you have any questions about anything, don't be embarrassed to ask me, ok? There is no such thing as an embarrassing or stupid question. Got it?
"Yea, I got it." Jeff replied. "Is it too soon to ask my first question?"
"Nope, go ahead, ask away." Bogg urged.
"Ok, how old were you when you kissed your first girl?" Jeff asked innocently.
Bogg looked at his partner, nodded and then smiled a bit. "What a stupid and embarrassing question, kid!"
Jeff went on the defensive. "I thought you said there were no stupid or embarrassing questions." He exclaimed in a high-pitched squeal.
"That was before you asked THIS stupid and embarrassing question." Bogg quipped with a chuckle.
"C'mon, give it up. How old were you?" Jeff teased.
"You really want to know?" Bogg asked.
"Yes, really!"
Bogg sat silently for a moment, staring at his cake before he finally spoke up.
"Ok, I'll tell you…Fifteen." He confessed.
"You were fifteen?" Jeff asked in a state of disbelief. "C'mon, who's nose is gonna be growing now."
"I assure you, kiddo, I was fifteen when I kissed my first girl" Bogg implored.
"What was it like?"
"Painful!" Bogg said quickly.
"Painful? What do you mean, painful?" Jeff asked.
"Just like I said, it was painful."
"How can a kiss be painful?" Jeff teased.
Bogg, at this point was feeling rather uncomfortable as he attempted to satisfy Jeff's curiosity without opening himself up to scrutiny.
"Well, it can be painful, especially when the other person involved doesn't want to be kissed."
"What?"
"Kid, are there any grains of sand left between those ears of yours?" Bogg said with some intensity. "Let me put it simply, I kissed her and she slapped me… 'nuff said."
"Oh…" Jeff replied while trying to hold back his laughter. He then looked at his partner and cocked his head as some interesting thoughts came to the forefront of his mind.
"I'll like girls, huh?" Jeff asked now occupied by his thoughts. "So when will this be over…I mean, when will I officially be a man?" Jeff asked with a grin.
By this time, Bogg knew where Jeff was going with this question, so he just had to inject some additional humor into the conversation.
"Oh, you'll be finished and officially become a man, I'd say, somewhere around the age of thirty."
Jeff's chin dropped upon hearing his partner's answer.
"Thirty? You've got to be kidding, right?" Jeff asked. "You…are…kidding…right?"
Bogg smiled and winked at his son. Out of nowhere, Susan walked up and stood beside the two.
"My, aren't you two being quite serious. This is supposed to be a joyous occasion. What's wrong?"
"Susan, Jeff has just received a rather unexpected birthday gift." Bogg explained. "He's taken the first step to becoming a man."
"What?" Susan asked with a puzzled expression.
Jeff looked at her and tried to explain. However, he only spoke a few words before his voice got the better of him.
Susan gasped. "Oh my, Jeffrey! I'm so sorry. What a terrible thing to happen on your birthday."
"Yea, it's a real bummer." Jeff squeaked.
Suddenly, Bogg remembered the gift he had gotten for his son. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, wrapped box.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Here kid, this is for you."
"For me?" Jeff asked excitedly. "Bogg you really didn't have to get me anything."
"Kid, just stop your squeaking and open it, ok?" Bogg said with a smile.
Jeff tore the wrapping on the small box and then opened the lid.
"It's a…it's a…ring?" Jeff said curiously.
Bogg leaned over and pointed to the insignia on the ring. "And not just any old ring, look at the insignia."
"It's the Voyager logo with the words 'Time waits for no man' written beneath it." Jeff exclaimed with delight. "Wow… Thanks Bogg!
"Now that you are a member of the Brotherhood, you have to wear the official Voyager ring."
"Where's your ring, Bogg?" Jeff asked as he slipped it on his finger.
"Well, kid, I lost it several years ago during a mission."
Jeff put his arms around Bogg and hugged him. "This is neat…Bogg. I love it."
"You are very welcome, kid."
Rosalyn came over and joined the group on the sofa.
"Rosalyn?" Bogg asked. "How's Shawn doing?"
"Oh, he's doing great. That's what I come to talk to you about." Rosalyn replied. "I was wondering if you and Jeff will be available on Thursday evening."
Bogg looked over to his partner and raised his eyebrows. "Well, I don't think the kid and I have any plans at this point. Why?"
"Well, Shawn graduates from Voyager Academy that evening." She explained. "We really want the two of you to be there, that is, if you are able to."
"Geeze, Rosalyn. It's seems like he enrolled only yesterday." Bogg said with a look of surprise. "It hasn't been two years already?"
"No Phineas. He enrolled in a new accelerated program. It only takes about a year to complete this new program."
"Wow, a Voyager after only a year. That's terrific, Rosalyn!" Bogg exclaimed. "Right now we're between assignments, so you can count on us attending for sure. Right kid?"
"Right!" Jeff squeaked.
"What's wrong with Jeff's voice?" Rosalyn asked.
"You know how caterpillars turn into butterflies." Bogg replied as he tried to suppress his laughter.
"Yes, Phineas we learned that in primary school." Rosalyn acknowledged. "What does that have to do with Jeff and his voice?"
"Well, my partner here is turning into a mouse." Bogg said as he smiled and punched Jeff on the arm. "Isn't that right, squeaky?"
Jeff looked at Bogg, rolled his eyes and grimaced, but said nothing.
Bogg turned his attention back to Rosalyn. "No, seriously, his voice is beginning to change." Bogg explained. "It's a guy thing. Now, enough about squeaky's voice…Has Shawn picked out his preceptor yet?"
"What's that, Phineas?"
"A preceptor is an experienced Voyager who kinda goes along with a new graduate and helps him through his first mission. You know, to answer questions and such."
"I don't know if he's picked one yet, but I'm sure if he picks anyone, it will be you, Phineas." She said warmly. "He thinks the world of you and credits you for helping him to become the person he is today."
Some color began to appear in Bogg's cheeks. "I really didn't do that much. I just pointed him in the right direction. It was his own efforts that brought him this far."
"I know Phineas, but still, if it hadn't been for you, who knows where he would have ended up."
"Yea, Rosalyn, I know. He came very close to becoming yet another of Drake's pawns. Luckily for all of us, Shawn finally saw through his little deception and had a change of heart.
"Yes, he was lucky. He was very fortunate to have found you when he did. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being there and helping him." Rosalyn said as she reached over and kissed Bogg on the cheek.
Bogg smiled brightly as his partner rolled his eyes and nodded.
Olivia put her plate down on the table, walked over to the sofa and sat beside Bogg.
"Bogg." Olivia said with a lukewarm tone.
"Olivia." Bogg replied in monotone.
The two sat there for a moment, silent, as they stared at the guests who were enjoying the party.
Sensing that Bogg and Olivia probably needed some time alone to iron out their differences, Rosalyn looked at Jeff and tapped him on the arm.
"Jeff, why don't you and I go and get some more punch? Ok?"
For a brief moment, Jeff did not quite understand what was going on. Rosalyn nodded at him and raised an eyebrow to signal to him something was up.
"C'mon, Jeff. Let's get some punch."
"Uhh…..ummm….ok." He squeaked as he and Rosalyn rose from their seats. After a short stroll across the room, the two stood in front of the punchbowl and inconspicuously observed their two friends. The young Voyager picked up an empty cup and held it as his friend ladled up some of the red concoction.
"Rosalyn, what was that all about?" Jeff asked.
"I believe Phineas and Olivia needed some time alone, you know, to work out their differences." Rosalyn replied.
"Differences? Oh boy do they ever have differences. Which ones do you suppose they'll be trying to work out?"
'Shhhhh! Not so loud, they'll hear you." She warned. "Well, it's a long story but as I understand it, they were once an item. That is until your dad made a big mistake."
"Oh, let me guess… Dear ol' dad got sidetracked by another woman."
"Wow! Chancellor Garth was right, you are one smart cookie." Rosalyn said in amazement.
"It's no big secret." Jeff continued. "Bogg will fall for any woman. Trust me, I know. I've seen him in action."
Suddenly, Rosalyn looked at the two former lovers and noticed they had started talking to each other. She then nudged Jeff with her arm.
"Hey, look! They're talking! At least it's a start. Maybe they can resolve their differences after all."
Jeff shook his head and muttered to himself. "I wouldn't count on it."
"Jeffrey!" She exclaimed in disbelief and slapped the young Voyager playfully on the arm. "I can't believe you said that!"
Jeff briefly rubbed his arm and went on the defensive as he attempted to explain the reasons for his skepticism.
"I can't help it! You just had to be there. I've seen it all before. You know, Bogg and Olivia attempting to make up and all. Every time they meet, it's like watching a movie. It starts and ends the same way each time you see it. They talk. They kiss. They argue. She slaps him and walks away, leaving me to put humpty-dumpty back together again."
"Maybe this time will be the exception." Rosalyn said with a hint of hope in her voice.
"Like I said, I wouldn't count on it."
Over on the sofa, Bogg was feeling the awkwardness of the moment, being alone with an old flame. He grimaced a bit and then looked over at Olivia.
"So, Olivia, what have you been up to here lately?" Bogg asked with a bit of a cheesy smile.
Olivia faced her former lover and answered tersely. "Not much. I just got back yesterday from a major assignment."
"Oh." Bogg replied in a sort of nonchalant manner and then again became silent.
"Why?" Olivia quipped.
"I just wanted to know."
"I don't mean that, Phineas." Olivia said curtly. "Just tell me why?"
"Huh? Why what?"
"Why did you do it, Phineas?" She asked again.
"Do what?"
"You know what!" She exclaimed. "Why did you have to go and ruin what we had together?"
"Ooooohhhhhh, that." He replied as he slowly bowed his head in shame.
"Yes, that." Olivia quipped. "What did she have that I didn't?"
Olivia had now put her former lover on the spot. Bogg knew all too well he was in trouble as the extreme pressure being exerted on him had caused beads of sweat to appear on his brow. Not knowing exactly how to respond, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
"Nothing…'livia…"
"Why did I say that?" He thought. "'Nothing?' What was I thinking?"
With this, the grilling continued, only now Olivia had turned up the heat. Bogg was not going to escape this one easily. With his previous one-word answer, he had all but sealed his fate.
"Must have been something, otherwise you wouldn't have held her in your arms and said all those things to her?"
"I don't know. I guess I was just overtaken by her beauty." Bogg replied with some intensity to his tone. He cupped his head in his hands as he was once again embarrassed by his inappropriate behavior long ago.
"What about me?" Olivia asked. "Did you not think I was beautiful? Why didn't you whisper those sweet nothings to me?"
Bogg slowly lifted his head. With extreme emotion, he attempted to again undo the damage he had done so many years ago.
"I never said you weren't beautiful, 'livia. I whispered those things to you on many occasions. Don't you remember?"
"No Phineas. I don't remember." Olivia snapped as a tear emerged from the corner of her eye. "My memories were shattered with the sight of that wench in your arms."
"I told you, it was a mistake. I was weak. I allowed the urges of the flesh to cloud my judgment. As I said back then, I'm sorry I hurt you…I didn't mean to do that. He exclaimed before bowing his head in silence.
After a few moments, he again raised his head and looked deep into Olivia's eyes. Tenderly, he reached over and wiped the tear from her cheek as he moved closer to her.
"'livia, you were the love of my life. I loved you with all my heart." He whispered softly.
"And I loved you too, Phineas." She softly whispered back to him. "To this day, I still have feelings for you."
"And I still have feelings for you, too."
The two gazed into each other's eyes and continued to talk through their problems.
"Look at them." Jeff whispered to Rosalyn. "If they get any closer, they'll be able to rub noses."
"I'd say. You know, that's how Eskimo's do it or at least that's what I've been told." Rosalyn replied. "Now look!"
At that moment, Bogg put his hand on the back of Olivia's neck and gazed deeply into her eyes. The two drew even closer to one another and began to kiss, passionately.
Jeff nodded and rolled his eyes, not believing the scene unfolding in front of him. After a few moments, Rosalyn looked at the young Voyager and began to rub his nose in it for his bit of skepticism.
"Well, Mr. Birthday Boy, I'd say they have officially made up. Don't you think?"
"Looks that way." Jeff acknowledged.
Rosalyn giggled a bit. "No one was slapped and humpty dumpty is still in one piece."
"C'mon, I think we need to crash their little party." Jeff announced as he took off toward the sofa.
"No, Jeff, wait!" Rosalyn yelled as she chased after him.
Jeff strolled over to the sofa and sat down quietly next to his partner. He watched for a moment as Bogg and Olivia were continuing to make up. Once he had seen enough, he cleared his throat to announce his presence.
"Ahh…ummm" Jeff interjected.
Startled by his partner's less than subtle method of getting his attention, Bogg slowly pulled away from Olivia and turned to find Jeff sitting beside him with a huge grin on his face.
Now a little bit annoyed, Bogg raised his brow and whispered. "Hey, kid… Can't you see I'm busy here."
"Yea, I can see that and so can everyone else in the room for that matter." Jeff chided. "You are making a spectacle of yourselves and besides, I'm the guest of honor here. If anyone should be getting any action, it should be me."
"Ahhhhh, poor kid." Bogg teased. "So sad… Here you are on your 14th birthday and longing for a little bit of action. I'm so sorry, kid. Here, let me try and make it up to you."
"How Bogg?" Jeff asked.
"You see, I've heard there's this cute little girl here who's just been dying to meet you. She's about your age. As a matter of fact, she has her eyes on you right now.
Jeff craned his neck as he attempted to catch a glimpse of this new love interest. "Where, Bogg? I don't see her…Where is she?"
"Shhhhhh, kid. You are gonna embarrass her. Now listen. I believe what she really wants to do is to plant one on you. If you know what I mean." Bogg whispered as he winked at his partner.
Jeff stood up and continued to survey the room. "I still don't see her Bogg. If you won't tell me where she is, I'm going to find her myself!"
"Whoa there, kid!" Bogg whispered as he reached over and pulled his partner back down onto the sofa. "You can't just go running up to her. You might scare her. What you need is someone to go over and introduce the two of you."
Bogg glanced at Olivia and winked. "Isn't that right, 'livia?"
"Oh yes, that's the gentlemanly thing to do."
"C'mon kid. I'll take you over and introduce you to her. But first, you must close your eyes."
"Ok" Jeff said as he closed his eyes tightly.
Bogg grabbed his partner by the arm and led him across the room where an old Voyager friend of his was sitting alongside his seeing-eye dog.
"Excuse me, but the guest of honor would like to get a kiss from your beautiful partner." Bogg said while trying to hold back his laughter. "Do you have any objections to her granting his wishes?"
"The old Voyager, smiled a bit and replied. "Why sure, Phineas. I don't think she would mind at all. Matter of fact, she loves to kiss anyone who comes in contact with her."
Jeff, upon hearing this, started grinning from ear to ear.
"Ok, kid. Now's your big chance." Bogg whispered to his partner. "You're a bit taller than her, so you'll need to get down on your knees. She's a bit shy, so keep your eyes closed."
Jeff slowly got down to his knees.
"Ok, Bogg, I'm ready. What do I do next?"
"Well, what do you think?" Bogg said comically. "Pucker up, of course."
Jeff parsed his lips into a pucker and waited ever so patiently for his prize.
"Ok, he's ready." Bogg said to his friend. "She can let him have it now."
The old Voyager smiled, then released his grip on the leash and the dog jumped on top of Jeff and began to lick his face, incessantly.
"Oooooh, yuck! Stop! Get away! Stop that!" Jeff exclaimed as he tried to get away.
Bogg laughed at his partner until he almost lost his breath. The remaining guests noticed what was going on and the whole room erupted in laughter.
Finally after a little bit of struggle, Jeff got to his feet and took off running after Bogg.
"Bogg! Wait 'till I get my hands on you. Just wait! I assure you it won't be pretty."
"As you have said in the past, kiddo, 'You'll have to catch me first.'" Bogg shouted as he ran around the table.
Jeff stopped for a moment, held up his hands and yelled over to his partner. "No problem!"