As the computer signified it was time to wake up, Tom Paris rolled over to snuggle with his wife and let out a sigh. The computer had not waken up Miral, and after waking up every two hours with parents switching off 'shifts', both were exhausted. "Computer, initiate alarm again in ten minutes." The pilot took a deep breath smelling his wife's hair, murmured a muffled, "I love you," and collapsed back into some much needed sleep.

Harry Kim, efficient as usual, didn't utilize the snooze component on his alarm. The Ensign showered fairly quickly, changed into uniform and began a transmission with his parents. It was mid morning for them, so he knew they would most likely be up and planning the day's activities.

"Hello, Harry," his mother said with a warm smile. "I was hoping you would talk to us before work today. How are you feeling? Are you eating enough?"

Harry Kim smiled. His mother was always watching out for him, and although it annoyed him at one point in time, he was happy with the attention. "Yes, mom, I'm fine. Of course, Starfleet's casserole doesn't compare against yours," he added with a smile.

"Of course they don't!" she exclaimed. "And I bet after seven years, you have also forgotten how wonderful mine is. I'll pick up enough things to make it later this week."

"That sounds great," Harry concluded. "Where's dad at?"

"Oh your father's in the garden. I'll get him in here." Her small frame disappeared from the picture and Harry could hear a door open. "Honey come here! Harry is asking about you." In a few seconds, both appeared before Harry. His father was covered in dirt smudges but smiling.

"Good to see you again, Harry. I see you've made it aboard the station."

"Got here last night," Harry reported. "Starfleet is talking to us later today to help determine the fate of Voyager and her crew."

"Well you have nothing to worry about, son. I'm sure Starfleet will give you a promotion or two!" his dad said proudly.

"It's not me I'm worried about," Harry began with a crinkled brow. "I'm sure all of the Starfleet member of the crew will be treated well, but I'm not sure about those who aren't Starfleet."

"You're worried about Tom and B'elanna, aren't you?" his mom cut in. Noticing Harry's perplexed look, she added "mothers know these things, and you've always cared deeply about your friends."

Harry sighed, "Seven years, and I'm still an open book to you."

His father nodded, "It's amazing the things she knows. I'm convinced she's an empath sometimes."

A grin that mirrored Harry's own appeared on her face. "Just a concerned mother. Are you sure you're getting enough to eat, Harry? You have to keep up your strength."

"Yes, mom, I'm sure. I've got to run now. Everyone else should be up in a few minutes so I have to make sure I'm ready to go."

"Alright, son. Just remember to call your mother and me sometime. We worry about you still."

"Will do, dad," Harry promised. "I'm sure I'll talk to you later. Harry out."

Harry smiled after ending the transmission and grabbed his PADD to do some last minute reviewing before the day's meetings with Starfleet. He wanted to make sure he could speak for every member of the crew without pause to make a better impression on Starfleet.

The alarm went off again and B'elanna was the one to react this time. "Computer, disengage alarm." As the shrill chirp silenced she let out a deep sigh. "Come on Tom, we've got to get up."

Tom kissed B'elanna on the cheek and smirked, "I could think of a couple things we could do instead."

B'elanna sat up and stretched, "If you want to explain why we're late to Starfleet in front of your father, it sounds good to me, Flyboy."

Tom gave a playful sigh, "Shot down again. I guess it's shower time then."

B'elanna stopped and grinned. "I was just thinking I could use a shower as well." She trailed her husband into the sonic shower while leaving Miral close to the door."

Owen Paris entered the living area and found Harry Kim on the couch reading off a PADD. "Tom told me you were the ideal Starfleet officer, but I've rarely seen one as dedicated as you."

Harry Kim blushed a little. Although he always gave his best in all his work, he never knew how to react to praise. "Thank you, sir. I simply try to do my best."

The Admiral joined Harry on the couch, "I'm sure Tom has learned a lot from you. He's a new man, it seems."

"I think all Tom needed was a fresh start," Harry began. "From the first time I met Tom at Quark's he seemed to just need a chance to prove himself. To be honest, other crew members suggested I stay away from him, but Tom always seemed genuine to me. I think Captain Janeway knew that as well. I always wondered why she picked him to be an observer like she did."

"That makes two of us," Owen concurred. "I know that I owe her a large 'thank you', however." His eyes lowered and he looked Harry in the eye, "I believe I owe you one as well. You have been an example and a good friend to Tom. I just hope I haven't done too much to destroy a relationship."

Harry's face became serious, "I think being gone for seven years gives you both that fresh start you need. Tom just needs a fair chance to show that he's changed, and I'm sure B'elanna can keep him in line," he added.

Both men chuckled. "Those two do seem like quite the pair," Owen agreed. "She's just enough Klingon to keep things interesting for him, and her engineering background can help with keeping him in line."

"He also does the same with her," Harry added. "It's amazing how well they compliment one another."

In perfect timing, the complimenting couple emerged from their bedroom with Miral's carrier on the crook of Tom's arm.

"I told you we'd be late," B'elanna said with a playful shove to Tom's shoulder.

"Oh we're just early," Owen said. "There's still an hour before we're expected anyway. What should we call up for breakfast? There's a great omelet recipe on board here."

"I know I wouldn't mind an omelet," Tom said while setting down Miral's carrier.

"Sounds good to me," B'elanna agreed. "Is my dad up yet?"

Owen laughed a little. "John apparently hasn't spent too much time in space. He's still having a hard time adjusting to the vacuum of space. He didn't really keep his dinner from last night."

"It's easy to forget that those who weren't always in space have a hard time adjusting," Tom replied. I don't think I can even tell a difference, although for how long we've been in space, earth may feel like a whole new experience."

The Admiral called up omelets for the four and they sat around the table enjoying the breakfast before an uncertain day.