*17*

Utopia Planitia,

May 25

Tom poked his head in the doorway of the Transwarp Lab. "Hey, anybody here seen my wife? She's petite, shapely, with an amazing mind and a temper to match. She promised to meet me ten minutes ago."

B'Elanna looked up from the console she was studying. "Very funny. I was just about to leave."

"We'll include those figures, Commander Torres. Thank you."

B'Elanna nodded to Btak. "If Commander Darsi has any question about them, tell him to...well, just tell him they're right."

Btak cracked a small smile. "I will."

Tom moved back and B'Elanna strode through the door. He waved. "See you, Btak." Btak only nodded absently, her attention already on her work again.

"I don't know how they'll survive without you," Tom said as they walked out of the Engineering Design and Research Center. Though B'Elanna was assigned to Voyager full time, she still occasionally consulted for the Transwarp Lab, as she had today when Btak requested her input.

"Joe can handle it. The transwarp project is his now."

Like everything in Starfleet, the transwarp project was ongoing. Just because B'Elanna and Geordi had made it viable, that didn't mean it couldn't be improved-endlessly. And Tom didn't doubt Joe Carey could handle it. He'd done a lot of the early work, after all. Though he was sorry Joe wouldn't be coming with Voyager and Odyssey, Tom knew—and understood Joe's first priority was his family.

"The bigger challenge for Joe will be keeping Darsi and Btak from driving each other crazy."

Tom smiled at B'Elanna's observation. Btak was solemn and reserved, the total opposite of Darsi, and very different from the average Denobulan. Though Denobula had been one of the earliest members of the Federation, few Denobulans chose to join Starfleet. They were curious, sociable, and dedicated to their work, but very independent, and generally disliked the regimented life inherent in Starfleet. Btak seemed to enjoy that regimentation, though the one of her several husbands Tom had met was more typical of Denobulans, congenial and loquacious. He supposed their opposite personalities attracted. He wondered if all Btak's other husbands had similar personalities-

"Tom, this way." B'Elanna pulled him down the corridor that led to the arboretum. "What are you thinking about?"

"Besides how I couldn't imagine sharing you with anyone else?" B'Elanna looked at him like he was crazy, and Tom grinned. "I was thinking how opposites attract. For instance a fun-loving, free-spirited flyboy is an irresistible draw to an intense and dedicated engineer-type woman-"

"Maybe opposites attract romantically, for reasons I certainly can't comprehend-" B'Elanna shot him a droll look-"but they don't always work well together."

Tom grinned. "Btak will eventually succumb to Darsi's charm. Maybe she'll make him her next husband."

"His current boyfriend might object," B'Elanna said. "In any case, they'll have to work it out. Getting Voyager ready for this mission is more than enough for me to think about now."

Tom nodded as they walked into the arboretum. He knew B'Elanna was still a little uncomfortable with the idea of this mission. He couldn't say he was all that thrilled with it either. Though he tried to think about it as little as possible, he wasn't likely to ever forget their traumatic first-hand experience with the Vidiians, or his inability to stop what they did to B'Elanna or to save Pete Durst. Instead of focusing on the Vidiians he preferred to focus on the fact that they would be seeing Kes again, the Kes that they remembered and loved-

"Irina said they would be playing on the grass." B'Elanna spoke as they passed by a small stand of Chinese elms and crossed over the stone bridge that forded a narrow stream. A mother duck paddled in the water below them, followed by half a dozen furry yellow ducklings strung out behind her. Tom saw several children running and playing on the grassy knoll beyond the stream, while an aide from the children's center watched over them. After a moment he spotted Miral, talking to a man who was kneeling next to her, a man wearing a Starfleet uniform-

B'Elanna spoke first. "Is that-"

"Miral!" Tom shouted. "Haven't I told you not to talk to strangers?"

Miral turned as her parents jogged toward her. "He's not strange, daddy. He's Uncle Harry!"

"Then he's definitely strange!"

Harry laughed as Tom reached him and enveloped him in a bear hug. "I thought you weren't arriving for two more days," Tom said, stepping back so B'Elanna could give Harry a hug.

"Admiral Cheddigwan requested Captain Picard's presence for some sort of urgent diplomatic meeting, so we went to high warp."

"Admiral Cheddigwan is a difficult man to refuse," Tom said. Despite the admiral's austere reputation, he was a fair man, and ran the station with practiced expertise. He even had a sense of humor, albeit a very dry one. In fact he reminded Tom a bit of Captain Picard in carriage and appearance, if somewhat taller and broader.

"I also couldn't wait to see my goddaughter again, even if she's deserted me for her playmates." Harry smiled as he watched Miral run across the grass toward the other children.

"Are you still on duty?" B'Elanna asked.

"Not until seven hundred hours tomorrow. Then I have two more days on Enterprise, after which I'll be on leave for a week until I'm officially transferred to Odyssey."

"You're going to really enjoy working under Geordi LaForge," B'Elanna said. "Admiral Cheddigwan is still mourning his loss, but Geordi's going to make a wonderful starship captain."

"He is a great guy," Tom agreed. "I'm sure you'll like the Odyssey, but I still wish you had been assigned to Voyager."

"I know Captain Janeway requested me," Harry said, a note of gratitude in his voice. "But Starfleet Command felt it wouldn't have been a good career move for me."

"I suppose not, if you're going to make captain before forty."

Harry grinned at Tom's prediction. "I don't know about that, but I do appreciate Starfleet's interest in advancing my career."

"They should be interested," B'Elanna said. "Besides, Voyager and Odyssey will be following the same course for several months, so we'll all see plenty of each other."

"I'm glad because I've really missed you guys. And my goddaughter," Harry added as Miral ran toward them again. He smiled down at her. "Hey, beautiful. How come I haven't found a girl like you to marry?"

"I marry you, Uncle Harry," Miral said, raising her arms.

Harry laughed and lifted her into the air. "I just might take you up on that, sweetie, in about twenty years."

Tom was glad to see Harry joking about the subject of marriage. That had to be a good sign. "I can't quite see myself as your father-in-law, Harry," he said, smirking.

Harry's eyes widened in mock horror. "It defies the imagination, doesn't it?"

B'Elanna snorted. "Before we plan any weddings, Miral has an appointment for a dental cleaning in twenty minutes."

Miral shook her head and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck. "Stay with Harry."

"You're coming to dinner tonight," Tom stated, leaving Harry no option for refusal.

"I wouldn't miss it," Harry said. He smiled at Miral. "So I'll see you soon, okay? You go with your mom now."

B'Elanna took a still reluctant Miral from Harry. "I'll take care of this," she said to Tom. "You and Harry catch up, and Miral and I will see you at home in a couple of hours."

Tom gave her a grateful look and grinned at Miral, whose eyes were tearing up. "Pizza party tonight, okay?"

Miral smiled through her tears, and B'Elanna gave Tom an admonishing look. Maybe it was a bit of bribery, since he'd said it partly to stop Miral from erupting into screams. But Harry's return was also a reason for celebration. He pecked B'Elanna on the lips. "I'll take care of the pizza."

B'Elanna's look said "You bet you will." She smiled at Harry. "See you later, Starfleet."

"She's really going to be a heartbreaker," Harry said, as B'Elanna departed with Miral in her arms.

"Just so you know, she's not allowed to date until she's thirty."

Harry laughed. "Good luck with that. I feel sorry for you already."

Thankfully Tom had a few years before he had to worry about that. "There's a small bar in the observation lounge. Why don't we grab a beer, and you can tell me all about your Enterprise adventures."

"Sounds good," Harry said.

"I also want to hear about your latest Captain Proton adventures," Tom added as they walked toward the bridge. "How many times has he saved Earth now?"

"I guess I forgot to tell you. I felt a little strange playing Captain Proton, since that was your alter-ego, so I created a new hero."

Tom's eyebrows rose. "Really?" He shook his head. "No hero can hold a candle to Captain Proton."

"Ah, but you haven't met Captain Neutron."

"Captain Neutron?" Tom laughed loud enough to attract several curious looks. "That's not exactly original."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe not, but he can kick Captain Proton's butt."

Tom saw the gleam in Harry's eyes, and laughed again. "Not in this universe, my friend."

"Think not? Why don't we reserve a station holosuite while I'm on leave, and you can put your credits where your mouth is?"

Tom grinned broadly. "You're on!" He clapped Harry on the shoulder. "It's good to have you back, buddy."

Harry smiled as they exited the arboretum. "It's good to be back."

*18*

Captain's Ready Room, Voyager II,

May 26, 2381 Stardate 57402 - 404

Janeway handed the PADD to Tuvok and waited for his reaction.

His expression didn't change as he took in its contents at a glance. "Disturbing, but not entirely unexpected, Captain."

"No, it isn't." Janeway got up and began to pace. "When the Federation announced plans for establishing a colony in the Delta Quadrant, the Romulans immediately began charging that we had 'expansionist aims' in the galaxy." She sighed. "I believe the Praetor's exact words were, 'Are there to be no limits to the Terran Empire?'"

Tuvok laid the PADD back on the desk. "That statement is inaccurate, as Humans make up only one species out of the total number of members in the Federation-"

"He wasn't going for accuracy, Tuvok, but playing on emotions." Janeway shook her head. "But the Federation's reaction, as you said, was not unexpected."

"The proposal is a reasonable compromise."

"I suppose." Janeway sat down once more. "The Romulans want to have their own shot at setting up colonies in the 'new' territory of the Delta Quadrant, but at the same time have no practical means of getting there. And Starfleet would never agree to simply handing over transwarp technology. Which is why we're going to be stuck with them on this voyage."

"According to the memo from Admiral Hayes," Tuvok said, reading it once again, "A Romulan 'observer' and two aides will be accompanying us, in order to 'scout' locations for a possible future base."

Janeway muttered, "And good luck to them finding one." As if they didn't already know about the relative lack of uninhabited or unclaimed class M planets in the region, they had Kes's reports of her own nearly unsuccessful search in the past year. "Yes, they'll be bringing a runabout with them in order to move around freely once we reach the Delta Quadrant. They won't have to depend on us for transportation."

"A wise move," Tuvok noted, "as such continued dependence would hamper their activities, not to mention our own." He paused. "And what will happen once they return and report to their leaders that they have found a suitable planet?"

"That's not an immediate concern, Tuvok-we're talking about a point at least a few years in the future."

Tuvok raised a questioning brow. "That is not an adequate response, Captain. If the Romulans intend to set up a colony, they will then need to transport large quantities of materials to the Delta Quadrant as well as the individuals involved. Do you think the Federation will be willing to render them assistance at that time?"

*If they intend to colonize, and this is not just an excuse to keep an eye on our efforts*, Janeway thought. "Who knows?" she said aloud. "A lot can happen in a couple of years. Perhaps the Romulans will manage to develop a faster-than-warp drive of their own. It's no secret that they've been working on it."

"Yes, one should not underestimate the Romulans and their quest to obtain new forms of technology," Tuvok said dryly. She guessed he was thinking of the 'rogue' attempt at intercepting Voyager as soon as they re-entered Federation space on their return from the Delta Quadrant. Tuvok continued, "So the Romulan observer and his entourage will be on board Voyager?"

"Oh, no-they'll be on Pioneer, with the rest of the civilians." Janeway smiled humorlessly. "Which means they'll be Ambassador Diaza's problem."

Tuvok's gaze met hers. "On the contrary, I suspect the Romulan observer and Ambassador Diaza will both be Captain Merves's problem."

She snorted. "You're probably right. Would you believe Diaza is *still* complaining about his ship assignment? He seems to feel that he belongs on board Voyager."

"He may be correct," Tuvok said thoughtfully. "After all, Voyager is the lead ship on this mission, and Ambassador Diaza is the head of the diplomatic delegation. In addition, there is the fact that he will be the governor of the new colony."

Janeway glared at him. "Whose side are you on, Tuvok?"

"Side, Captain?" he said innocently.

"You know what I mean."

"I do indeed," Tuvok said. "And I concur that it is probably best for all concerned that the Ambassador will not be traveling with us."

Janeway sat back, mollified for the moment. "Of course, this means that we can't have Neelix and Sarexa traveling with us on Voyager either." She brightened. "Officially, that is, but fortunately that does not extend to 'visits.'"

"Most definitely," Tuvok said in agreement. "However, I imagine there will be a lot of 'traffic' back and forth between the ships. Chakotay and T'Pel will need to consult and coordinate with the other members of the research team."

"Not to mention Captain La Forge and Captain Merves and I will be doing much of the same thing," Janeway said. "And our security officers will need to converse regularly as well."

After so many years of serving together, she still instinctively thought of Tuvok as the one in charge of security. Granted when he was off duty another officer had filled the role, but even then Tactical had always been Tuvok's station and no one else's. It was going to take some time to get used to the fact that this mission was going to be very different than the last one, she realized again.

"Speaking of our security officer, I have been in contact with Lieutenant Ishtak," Tuvok remarked. "I wanted to ensure that he was thoroughly briefed on our past contacts with the Vidiians as well as the other hostile races in the region."

Trust Tuvok to be thorough. And perhaps this was also his way of adjusting to his changed role, although as first officer it was his duty to make sure all department heads were kept informed of all pertinent information. "And was he?"

"I have no complaints regarding the lieutenant's preparation," Tuvok said, which was high praise indeed.

"Ishtak has a good service record," Janeway said. She tapped the PADD containing the duty roster, bringing up the Klingon's name. "He was the deputy chief of security on Starbase Four for the last two years-Acting Chief for a third of that time-and from the reports I've read, he takes his duties very seriously." She hesitated. "I'm glad you approve; I was wondering if it would be difficult for you to see someone else taking your spot."

"My spot, Captain?" Tuvok asked.

"Your former position-Tuvok, you've been my chief of security for many years, ever since my first command on the Billings."

He looked at her a moment before answering. "I think a more accurate question, Captain, would be if you will have any difficulty seeing another officer at my former station."

His words echoed what had just been going through her mind a few minutes earlier. Janeway flushed slightly. "Tuvok, believe me when I say I would much prefer to see you occupying the first officer's seat. I was just thinking that it would be an adjustment for you."

"I have occupied the center seat on more than one occasion in the past, Captain," he replied seriously. "When you and Commander Chakotay contracted the virus which necessitated leaving you behind on New Earth, you did entrust me with command of the vessel."

"That's true, I did," she said. She was about to add, "I could think of no better hands to leave Voyager in," when he continued.

"And you will also recall that you elevated me temporarily to the position of first officer after you relieved Commander Chakotay of his duties following your 'disagreement' during the Equinox affair."

Janeway shifted uneasily in her seat. She wanted no reminders of that time, still felt hot with embarrassment as she recalled her inexcusable behavior toward Noah Lessing which had precipitated that 'disagreement.' *I nearly stepped over a line that should never have been crossed, regardless of extenuating circumstances. Thank God Chakotay had the guts to pull me back from the brink.*

Perhaps sensing her discomfort, Tuvok said quietly, "I will have no difficulty adjusting to my new role, Captain. But I cannot help but wonder how it will be for you to see someone other than Chakotay sitting in the chair next to you."

"There is no one else I would rather have there than you, Tuvok," she told him firmly.

His eyes met hers and she could have sworn she saw a hint of emotion in their depths. "Thank you, Captain. It is good to be serving with you once again." He paused. "And I look forward to working with the other members of the senior staff."

She smiled. "As am I. Now, back to the personnel reports."

He nodded. "We agree that it would be best for senior staff members be required to report for duty two weeks prior to our launch date, June 25. According to the quartermaster, it will be possible to move in to crew cabins at that time as well. I expect to be in residence in my quarters by the 15th, possibly earlier, depending on T'Pel's schedule."

"I'll be moving in around that time as well," she said. Chakotay was in favor of an early move, pointing out she was spending most of her waking hours on the ship already. "Who knows, we may be able to see more of each other as you won't have to spend so much time commuting, on top of those long days on the ship," he'd said. "And you'll definitely be getting more rest than you do currently."

Tuvok said now, "I anticipate that all of the senior officers will be settled in a full week before the launch."

Janeway nodded. "Dr. Zimmerman will be available to get started on the crew physicals right away," she said, referring to the medical exams which were a routine part of the 'checking in' process for a new mission. "The rest of the medical staff will arrive a few days later." She paused. "It almost feels like a luxury to have a fully staffed sickbay for a change."

"Agreed."

She glanced at the Helm position on the roster. "I'm sure Tom is especially happy he won't have to pull any double shifts in sickbay anymore."

"I would have questioned the wisdom of our chief pilot also serving as the back up medic," Tuvok said reflectively, "except that we had so few other qualified individuals for the position."

"That's what the first journey was all about, making do with what we had," Janeway said quietly. Those years had been so hard, but she could not deny a sense of accomplishment when she looked back. They had done it-against all odds, they had persevered.

"Along with the medical staff will be a counselor," Tuvok reminded her. "Another 'luxury' we did not have earlier."

Janeway made a slight face. "It's good that we'll have one," she said carefully. "God knows we all could have done with one last time."

"Yes, we all could have," Tuvok said. Janeway shot him a look; she was well aware of the meaning behind his statement. She was about to say something when she noticed Tuvok's attention was focused on his PADD. She leaned over and saw he was looking at the position of Chief of Ops.

"That particular assignment was dictated by HQ," she said, striving to keep her voice light. "I had no choice in the matter."

"Lieutenant Auraan is a member of the Royal House of Troyius?" Tuvok asked. At Janeway's quick nod, he said, "Interesting."

Janeway's lips thinned. "I just hope she's a competent officer."

"It is doubtful Headquarters would 'foist' an incompetent officer on you, Captain," Tuvok pointed out. "They realize the importance of this mission."

"Yes, of course," she said, hoping she sounded convincing.

"I understand Mister Kim is assigned to the Odyssey now," Tuvok said.

Janeway smiled, this time with real warmth. "Yes, he is-and he's Lieutenant Commander Kim now. I'll miss him, but I know that Geordi will greatly benefit from having him there."

Tuvok nodded. "He is a fine officer." He continued perusing the roster. "Science department-I notice there are still some vacancies that have yet to be filled, particularly in Astrometrics."

"A last minute transfer caused some holes to open up," Janeway said. "However, we have a list of other qualified candidates-" she caught sight of the time and rose. "-which I will leave for your consideration. I'm sorry to cut out on you like this, Tuvok, but I've got a meeting with Daeja Thev-and Ambassador Diaza-in a few minutes. We'll have to continue this later."

He rose as well. "Understood, Captain. I will see what I can do in your absence."

She touched his arm lightly. "Believe me, Tuvok, I know I'm leaving everything in capable hands."