Chapter 13

Today was the first time that Voyager was close enough to contact Star Fleet Command without the help of 'Project Voyager.' For the last two days, all the crew were in high spirits as they anticipated the contact. This meant that they would be in constant contact with home. The morale was the highest it had been since they were thrown into the Delta Quadrant.

The bridge crew was highly excited and the chatter between the bridge crew was animated. The jokes were flying between Harry and Tom, and Kathryn just couldn't ruin their enthusiasm. Chakotay was smiling and even Tuvok seemed less inclined to disapproval.

"So Harry, who are you going contact first?"

He was sure Harry would contact Libby first as he had never really gotten over her and they had talked during their time communicating with project Voyager. Now Harry got a sly smile on his face when he saw Tom wasn't facing him but was watching his consul.

He grinned when he thought of his answer.

"My parents. My mom is looking forward to a message without a time limit."

Harry was grinning at that statement. He knew Tom would make some remark about that. Now Tom turned and Harry just had enough time to put a serious look to his face.

"Harry,Harry,Harry haven't I've taught you anything?"

He looked disappointed at the fact that Harry would contact his parents before Libby. Both the captain and Chakotay were trying hard not to laugh, and Tuvok even had a strange look on his face as he tried to look busy.

Tom was looking from Harry to the captain and then to Chakotay with a thoughtful look on his face. He finally said

"Don't forget to tell your mom that I said hello."

He turned back to his consul to keep his face from being seen. He knew now Harry was pulling his leg. After a moment, Harry said

"You know Tom, you're no fun at all."

He seemed disappointed that he had not gotten a lecture from Tom about how he should contact Libby first. He full well intended that this evening.

"Never kid a kidder Har."

Was all Tom said. Now the people on the bridge laughed with the exception of Tuvok. He'd never let anyone know that he was...amused by the antics on the bridge. Since they had been away these people were family to him and he was especially fond of both Mr Paris and Mr Kim. Not that he'd ever let them know that...he had a reputation to uphold. He now busied himself with his sensors. After a moment he said

"Captain, I believe we are within range of Starfleet. We should be able to contact them now."

The electricity on the bridge jumped in level as they all anticipated the call. Kathryn stood up and then tugged her uniform down. She nodded to Harry and with a click of a button, he opened a frequency to home. He nodded to the captain and she took a deep breath and said

"Starfleet Command, this is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the USS Voyager how do you read?"

A collective breath was held by all the bridge personnel as they waited for a response. There was a pause and then some static but then it cleared up and they heard a voice say

"USS Voyager, this is Starfleet Command. What is your position?"

Kathryn smiled and then said

"We are apox in sector 5 grid 3 and apox 4 months out. We have been traveling at apox warp 7 and during the last six months have been using the Alpha Drive to cut off time to get home."

Again there was a pause and then they saw a familiar face who said.

"Kathryn, it's good to hear your voice."

Tom perked up at his station as he saw his father. He hadn't realized till now how he had missed hearing that voice. It was something he'd never though he would but now that he was older and wiser, or at least he thought he was wiser, he knew he wanted to rekindle his relationship with his father.

"We estimate it will be apox four months till we will be knocking on Fleet headquarters door."

Kathryn said as she moved around the bridge. It was good to finally have contact with home.

"Great, we look forward to hearing from you."

Admiral Paris looked around the bridge and his eyes landed on his son who suddenly straightened in his chair as if he had come to attention. Old habits never changed. Now he was smiling at his son and he said

"I imagine many of the ship's crew will be anxious to contact home. We have given you priority to do just that. Between 1800 and 2200 hours on Monday and Friday, the sub space frequencies will be open only to you and emergencies."

He again looked at his son and smiled as he continued more softly

"Your mother and sisters are looking forward to your call, as am I. Welcome home son."

Tom's eyes were stinging and he unashamedly wiped his eyes. He must have something in his eye. That was it. But he said just as softly to his father

"Yes sir."

Now Admiral Paris said

"Welcome home...all of you."

As the transmission cut and the familiar star fleet emblem filled the screen, there was a silence on the bridge. It was good to be home...even if it was still four months away, they felt like they were there already.

Tom was anxious that everything was perfect. He was running around their quarters like a chicken with his head cut off. B'Elanna finally grabbed him and said

"Tom, will you settle down. This is just a call to your parents. Everything will be fine."

She was tired just watching him figit. He was trying too hard to please his parents, and she realized he still had the need to have his father's approval. She took him in her arms and hugged him as she said

"Your father will approve of his grandchildren and from what you have told me of your mother, she will too."

B'Elanna reached up and kissed her husband and he suddenly let out a sigh and returned the affection. He cling tight to her as if she were his anchor and said

"I'm sorry...its just that he..."

He trailed off and she continued for him

"I know, he put a lot of pressure on you as a boy, and you think he will be disappointed in you. But you have come a long way since then. Look at all the accomplishments you have achieved."

She looked him in the eyes and dared him to disagree with her. He finally laughed and said

"No ma'am I would never disagree with my beautiful wife!"

They again kissed even though their brood was coming into the main room. As they broke apart they heard Michael whisper to Katie

"They're at it again."

And Katie whisper back

"Can't leave them alone for a minute."

Tommy decided at that moment to launch himself at his parents and he hugged them both as he said excitedly

"Do you think grandpa and grandma will like us?"

Tom had lifted him up and said

"Of course they will...whats not to like about you?"

He took him in his arms and continued

"All my children are worth liking."

He beamed at them all...Joy with her quiet demeanor...his little sweet pea. Michael who loved to read and learn all he could...Katie who's gentle nature was the joy of all who knew her. And Tommy...well he was a whirlwind on little feet, but the happy way about him had endeared him to all the crew and was always a flurry of questions. How could anyone not like his children?

"Okay you guys, I want you all on your best behavior. No reason to give your grandparents the idea that your father and I have raise a bunch of hoodlums!"

B'Elanna said as she got them all situated on the worn couch.

"Daddy will be contacting them shortly and I want you to behave"

The look on her face showed that she too was proud of her brood. Joy took Tommy in her arms and said

"Tommy just settle down. This is the first time we have met our grandparents, and we want to make a good impression on them don't we?"

Tommy stopped squirming and looked up at his big sister and said

"Okay, but its hard not to be excited"

He had a slight frown on his face as he said that. Joy hugged him and then whispered in his ear

"I'm excited too!"

He smiled at that and then turned to face front waiting for his father to contact his grandpa and grandma.

A/N I guess this story has a life of its own. I had intended this to be the last chapter, but there's still more to tell. Thanks again for all the reviews and for hanging in with me.