Chapter 6

The three of them were sitting around Tom's dining room table quietly talking. Joy had fallen asleep and was on the couch covered in a quilt. After meeting the landing party and now the captain she had fell asleep in Tom's arms and he had laid her down on the couch.

"I had given up hope of ever seeing you again after a year. I would think of Voyager and wonder if anyone was still looking for me or if you even cared..."

He pause, overcome with emotion and turned away from both the captain and Chakotay.

Kathryn reached out her hand and laid it on his arm and said

"We never gave up hope that we would find you Tom. We knew from the last readings you sent from the flyer the direction we needed to go and we set course right away. It just took us ten years to get to this system. There are eleven planets in this system but only six are M class so we have been visiting them all to look for you."

Chakotay now said

"We couldn't give up hope of finding you,Tom. We weren't sure if you had been able to survive but by the looks of things here you've done well."

He was impressed with the way Tom had made a home for himself and the little girl. It was something he never thought he'd see, Tom as a father. And he could tell that he loved Joy with all his heart.

"Well after the first year,I found my little friend Harry, and then when he grew up a little, he came home one day with Katie and then it wasn't so lonely..."

Tom again trailed off and looked at the captain and continued

"I hope you don't mind me naming her after you?"

She smiled at him and said

"Not at all in fact I'm flattered that you would think of me."

Her smile was just a gentle as he remembered. It warmed his heart. He turned to Chakotay and said

"Well within that first year she had three puppies, one female and two males...I named them B'Elanna, Tuvok and..."

He looked at the first officer as he continued

"Chakotay."

Chakotay just chucked and said

"I'm honored, but how did you decided which one was to be named after me?"

For the first time since this afternoon, Tom actually laughed.

"Well that one seemed...so in control."

"You mean in command?"

Chakotay again chuckled. He was glad to see Tom loosen up a bit.

"Yeah, Chak, he was, always bossing the other two around.."

Chakotay saw the twinkle in his eyes and smiled as he said

"Well at least he was in character!"

Now Kathryn said

"Where are they? I've only seen the two parents."

Tom gave her a sad look and said

"They left when they grew up...went looking for mates and to start new families. I see them every so often, and they seem to remember me but they never came home. Harry and Katie though seem content to stay with Joy and me."

He got up and went to check on his daughter. She was sound asleep, and he gently picked her up and excused himself as he took her and put her to bed. As he laid her in her bed and covered her up, he watched her for a moment, tears falling as he lightly brushed her curls off her forehead.

"Sweetie, I love you so. You have made my life worth living and I promise you we will never be separated."

He leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek. After a moment, he took and wiped the tears away and went back into the main room. He sat back down and said

"Joy has been the light in my life these last six years. Without her, my life would have been just bearable. I don't know if I could have survived these last six years without her."

Both Chakotay and Kathryn saw something in his eyes that they had never seen there before. It was a maturity the pilot had never shown before. The man they remembered was carefree and mischievous, but now he showed a new determination to protect his daughter at all costs. But most of all they saw the devotion and love he felt. No longer was he the playboy with not a care in the world now he was the responsible parent and they decided at the same moment that he was no longer the man they had known. It was going to take him a long time to settle back into his old life, if he ever did. They would need to get to know this new Tom Paris.

"How much time do I have?"

Tom asked the captain. She looked at him with a question in her eyes and he continued

"How long till you need to leave orbit and continue home?"

Now Chakotay softly said

"What are you saying Tom?"

Tom turned his intense blue eyes to look at Chakotay and said

"I need to make a decision and I need to know how long I have to make it."

Both the captain and first officer looked at each other with a surprised look on their faces. Never in there wildest dreams had they ever though Tom would not come with them. Had he changed that much? Would he decide to stay here? Now Kathryn said in a soft voice

"Tom, we want you with us very much, and of course Joy is welcome too. What decision do you need to make?"

Tom turned to her and paused for a moment before he spoke

"Captain if I come back, I need to take some things with me and It's things I'm not willing to leave behind."

"What things?"

He sighed and then said

"Well, all of Joy's things, her toys and such, I've got lots of preserved foods and canned things I want to bring, and...Harry and Katie, I will not leave them behind."

At the last two requests, he was animate. If he could not take the dogs, he would decide he and Joy would stay. Chakotay looked at the Captain to judge her reaction. He was sure as he watched Tom that if Kathryn refused him, he would not come back. And at this moment, he knew in his heart he wanted Tom back. He had missed the young pilot a lot, all the battering and joking on the bridge had been a welcome diversion that had sorely been missed by all, even Tuvok.

Kathryn looked into Tom's eyes and saw the truth there. He would not come if she denied his request. She knew that star fleet was not against pets on board star ships. The Galaxy class ships that had families aboard did have pets. She thought back to Molly and knew in her heart she would have brought her if she had known that Voyager would be flung into the DQ. She looked at Chakotay and saw he was in favor of this and then back at Tom. He had a determined look on his face, but his eyes had a pleading look in them. The two dogs had gotten him through the first four years he had been stranded on this planet. How could she deny him? She couldn't. Finally she said with a smile on her face

"Of course Tom I will allow it. I know how much they mean to you and I'm not heartless."

Tom let out a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding, and his eyes began to sting with tears as they threaten to fall.

"Thank you Captain. The dogs have become very important to Joy and me."

She reached out and again patted his arm and said

"Now its getting late you need some rest and we will beam back to the ship. Tomorrow we'll come back and help you pack."

Tom suddenly realized just how tired he was. He felt drained both physically and mentally. He nodded and as he stood to walk them out to the front yard he suddenly yawned.

"I think you're right Captain, I am tired."

She nodded and said

"We will see you tomorrow, and I know both Harry and B'Elanna will be coming down to help. They are both anxious to see you."

Tom smiled and said

"Well you had better warn them I've changed. Don't want them to be expecting the old Tom."

He grinned and then had a big yawn again and suddenly he was having trouble keeping his eyes open. Chakotay chucked and said

"Get some sleep, Tom. We will be down tomorrow to help you."

"Thanks Chakotay...but not too earlier or you might find me still asleep."

As the transported began to take them, another yawn split his face. When they had gone, Tom took a moment to look up to the sky and thought he saw Voyager but then he decided he was just too tired to know for sure. He turned and went back in and quietly went into the bedroom. Joy was still fast asleep and he was ready to join her. It had been a long day. He quietly got out of his clothes and pulled on his sweat pants and tiredly laid down on his bed. His mind though would not shut down. He looked out the window and watched the double moons as they continued to go through the sky. What did he think? Was he happy that Voyager had finally found him...them? How would he integrate back into the ship's culture? Would he still be able to pilot the ship? Or was that now a job he wouldn't be able to do? Had he been replaced for good? Well he had for the last ten years. Would he be welcomed back, and more importantly would the crew welcome Joy into their family? He was bound and determined that no one would hurt his little sweet pea. She was his life now, and he would do anything to protect her from harm. He sighed and tried to shut down his brain but he just couldn't. His thoughts turned to B'Elanna and he wondered if she was with someone or if she still was unattached? They had been starting a relationship at the time he was lost, but even though he still had feelings for her he wondered if she still did for him? Had she moved on? At that thought, his heart began to ache. And it was at that point he realized he had years ago fallen in love with the fiery Klingon. And Harry? What was he like now? Was he still that naïve green Ensign or had he harden up? He hoped not. He still thought of him as the little brother he had never had, and he liked him just the way he was. Finally as the moons rose past his line of sight, he was able to drift off into a deep sleep.

The next morning Tom woke to feel a hand rubbing his cheek. He opened his eyes to see that Joy had climbed into bed with him and was lightly stroking his cheek. He smiled and said sleepily

"Morning sweet pea did you sleep well?"

She thought for a moment and then said

"Yes daddy, but I'm wondering? Are we going to leave here and go away?"

He sobered and as he rolled over onto his back he took and snuggled her close to him as he said

"Yes we are. We are going to go to Voyager and continue on to my home. When we get there then you will met your grandparents and all your aunts and uncles and cousins."

She thought about it for a moment and then said

"But won't you miss our home here?"

He drew here closer and said softly

"Sweet pea, you are my home. Wherever we go, we always have each other and that is home to me. Do you understand?"

"Not really daddy, but if it makes you happy then it makes me happy too."

She smiled at him and again he had to hold back the emotion that threatened to overcome him. How could a six year old be so intuitive? He lightly kissed her on the top of her head and said

"You make me happy."

She sighed as she patted his arm with her hand. She loved her daddy so much and wanted him to be happy. But she was a little sad to leave the only home she had ever known. After a few minutes Tom said

"Time to get cleaned up and dressed. We need to be ready when they get here to help us pack."

He moved to get up and Joy followed him and got up too. She went to her small dresser and opened a drawer and got out her outfit for the day, a pair of shorts and her favorite t-shirt. As she turned towards her daddy he said

"Once you've had your bath, I'll get cleaned up and then we will have breakfast."

"Okay daddy."

She said as they walked out to the other room. A year ago, Tom had built a small bathroom off the kitchen and had hooked the hot water so they could bathe in the house. Now Tom walked to the bathroom and started the water for her bath. She followed him and laid her clothes on the counter and then watched as her daddy tested the temperature of the water. When the level was right, he turned the water off and turned to his daughter and said

"Okay, you take your bath and I'll start breakfast."

He left her to clean up and he went to start breakfast. He kept one ear tuned to his daughter as he made breakfast for them both. He decided to make something simple, so he got out the loaf of bread that was already three quarters gone. He had bake a couple of loafs and would take the other with them. He had decided to take all the perishables with him. No sense in letting it spoil and rot. He had also decided to take the small fridge he had made. It would be just the right size to keep Joy's juices and snacks in. As he began cutting the bread, he called to his daughter

"Sweet pea, you okay in there?"

He hadn't heard anything for the last two minutes and was about to go check on her but her voice came out to him

"I'm almost dressed daddy, I'll be out in a minute."

Tom smiled as he thought of her and her independent ways. She had always like taking care of things herself. He finished with the breakfast as she came out of the bathroom, her hair still damp but combed. Her cheeks were rosy and she smelled of soap.

"Sit down and we'll eat and then I'll get cleaned up."

She did and they ate in silence. After the meal, Tom took the dirty dishes and cleaned up as Joy watched him and when he was through, he laid the towel down on the counter. He stood there for a moment and said nothing. Finally Joy said

"Daddy, is everything okay?"

He turned and said

"Yes everything is fine. Now I'm going to take my shower so you stay inside for now and I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Okay daddy, I'll just sit with Harry and Katie and..."

She trailed off as if she had suddenly thought of something. She turned to him with a scared look on her face and whispered

"We are taking Harry and Katie...aren't we?"

Tom saw the look on her face and saw her lower lip begin to tremble. He was beside her in a second and scooped her up into his arms and hugged her to him as he said

"Of course we are, I wouldn't leave without our family."

She had begun to cry and now she just wrapped her arms around him and said

"Oh daddy I was so scared we couldn't take them with us. I would miss them."

"I know sweet pea me too, but I told Captain Janeway we would not leave them behind, so don't worry."

She plastered a slobbery kiss on his cheek and said

"I love you so much daddy."

"I know, my love, I know. Now you sit and let them know we are all going while I clean up, okay?"

She nodded and as he set her down she sat down on the floor and began to earnestly talk to the dogs, who just wagged their tails. Tom took one last look at her and then went into the bedroom to get his clothes for the day. He came back out and saw that Joy was still busy talking to her friends so he went and took his shower.

The bulk of the belongings had been beamed up to their new quarters. They had spent the morning packing and sorting through their things. Now it was early afternoon, and the Captain and Chakotay had beamed back leaving just Harry and B'Elanna with Tom and Joy. Joy was napping on the couch, having pooped out a little over three quarters of an hour ago. She was sleeping on the couch as the three old friends sat at the table drinking juice. Their reunion had been emotional to say the least. He still couldn't get over the fact that Harry was now a lieutenant and B'Elanna, a lieutenant commander. It seemed things had changed in the last ten years. And Tuvok was now a full commander. Even though B'Elanna now out ranked him, He still out ranked Harry. Now they were quietly talking and waiting for Joy to wake up.

"We've been able to set up a new place for you and Joy, Tom. We were able to knock the walls out and connected three cabins for you. Two bedrooms and a main living room and small kitchen."

B'Elanna said as she sipped her juice. She watched Tom as he smiled and said

"Thanks, we have sorta gotten use to some space."

Now Harry spoke up and said

"Yeah, we worked on it most of the night. Its really nice, The largest cabin would be your bedroom and the smallest will be Joy's. The main room is spacious and we incorporated a nice kitchen area for you."

Harry had been impressed that Tom was such a good cook, as they had enjoyed some of Tom's baked goods after they had finished.

"So, Tom why didn't you ever tell us you could cook and bake?"

B'Elanna was looking at him with a grin and Tom just melted at looking into her eyes after so many years.

"Well, no one asked and I've gotten better at it these last ten years. My mom taught me a lot and even though my dad thought it was a waste of my time, I always enjoyed being in the kitchen with my mom."

His eyes got a far away look in them as he remembered the times he had spent with his mom cooking or baking. It had been one of his fondest memories of home. He continued

"My uncle Jon taught me how to live off the land, so I was able to get along pretty well here. The worst was no one to talk to. The first year was hell, but then I got the dogs and then my little sweet pea."

He turned to look at her still sleeping and he smiled so tenderly that both Harry and B'Elanna followed suit.

"She's adorable, Tom"

B'Elanna said as she also looked at the little bundle on the couch.

"Yeah, I never knew I could love someone so much until she came into my life. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost her..."

He trailed off and then turned to face his two friends.

"Sorry its just I had resigned myself to the idea that we'd never get home and I so much want my folks to me her. I know that my mom will adore her."

They both saw he didn't include his father in that statement. Harry said now

"Tom, we've been in touch with star fleet and your father. They have sent us specifications on how to improve the warp engines, and we've been working on it for the last two years. It's promising and as soon as we get it done, it should take only a couple of years to get home."

Tom looked at one then the other with an look of disbelief but B'Elanna continued

"It's true, we began getting communications from the AQ a little over four years ago and we have gotten a lot of help updating the engines. But we wouldn't test it till we found you. Your dad was quite broken up when he heard what had happened to you and told us to please do everything to find you. Tom he truly loves you and misses you."

Now Harry took up the thought

"We were bound and determined to find you anyway, but your dad has been a force not to be denied."

Now there were tears in Tom's eyes, but he didn't care. It was one thing to know that his friends had missed him, but to realize that his dad had pushed to find him overwhelmed him. His father really loved him? He had so wanted to make his dad proud of him and all he had done in his early life was disappoint him. Now he found out that his dad missed him. All of a sudden, it was too much to take in and he lowered his head and cried. He didn't care that they saw him break down. He was after all a different man than he had been when he had last seen them both. Now B'Elanna got up and moved to his side and wrapped him into a hug and said

"Tom, we all missed you and didn't want to continue on this journey home till we found you. Harry missed you and...I missed you too."

This last she said in a whisper as he leaned down and gently kissed him on his cheek. He looked first at Harry and then at B'Elanna, tears still running down his cheeks and said

"I had convinced myself that no one on Voyager cared...I thought that you all would be better off without me. I'm sorry I ever doubted you."

He leaned his head on B'Elanna as she stroked his hair and took a deep breath that was filled with her aroma...something that felt very familiar to him, and very much something he wanted in his life. Harry asked as he stood.

"You ready to go, Tom?"

He nodded and standing he put his arm around Lanna and kissed her gently on the cheek. He reached out to Harry who stepped over to him and Tom placed his other arm around his shoulders, and the three friends stood there for a moment, savoring the moment. Then Tom went and scooped up Joy into his arms and said

"Let's go home guys."

TBC