A fitful night later, Leon was roused by the customary brightening of sick bay's lights for morning and a pleasant smell. Opening cobalt eyes, he saw a kitchen tray on the opposite bed. "I thought you might like to have breakfast handy when you woke up." The Doctor said from the central console where he was tapping away at muted screens.

"Thanks Doc." Leo sat up and grabbed what turned out to be some type of cereal with fruit and a coffee with all the fixings on the side. Coffee wasn't his favourite thing, but he recognized that he couldn't waste replicator rations on his favourite beverage every day.

Breakfast finished, he carried his dishes to the replicator, took care of his morning constitutional and headed back out to face the expectant Doctor. "What?" The hologram chuckled a little. "I'd like to have a look at your wound to see if it stills needs the sealant patch."

"Oh, ok." Leo laid down and the Doctor got to work. At least it was on his plastron so he didn't have to deal with the feeling of a giant bandaid being peeled off his skin; though his scales had thickened with age, so it probably wouldn't be as bad as when he was a kid. "Remarkable." The Doctor muttered, looking over the nearly sealed keratin. Ok, even for us that's fast. "How? I figured you were just giving me really good painkillers. How's it all closed up already? I mean… I know I was designed to heal quick but…"

"We used the autosuture to close the wound from inside out. I imagine this is the result of both your accelerated healing, and our treatment." The Doctor pressed around the wound to judge any lingering tenderness. Apparently satisfied, he said, "Well, I don't think we need to cover it up anymore. I've noticed other injuries to your shell; does it eventually grow out or..?"

Leo ran a practiced hand over the various nicks and crevices of his plastron. "Yeah, enough sheds and the shell mostly smooths out again." Sitting up he asked, "So how'd you heal me from the inside?" This cascaded into hours spent going over various medical devices and learning how they worked. There was a bit of a hiccup when they discovered that his fingers were a skosh too big for the tricorder buttons. "We'll have to get you a larger model."

Shortly before lunch, a large human with the first tattoo Leo'd seen here, walked into Sickbay. "Hello Commander." The Doctor took the lead, "Leonardo Hamato, this is Commander Chakotay, first officer." The two shook hands as the hologram stepped to the side. "It's nice to meet you Mr Hamato."

The giant turtle shook his head. "Please, just Leo. It's nice to meet you too Commander."

"Chakotay is fine." A gentle smile was on the man's square jaw. "I'm actually here to extend an invitation. The Captain would like to know if you'd be up to joining us for lunch in her ready room."

Anxiety raced through Leon's body; this was probably going to be a SERIOUS conversation. "Uh, sure, ok. Lead the way."

Chakotay gestured to the door. "Don't worry, she doesn't bite."

Leo was glad at least that his legs were steadier today. He ran through some subtle breathing exercises as they walked to the turbolift. "Bridge." Chakotay ordered and up they went. Moment later the doors wooshed open, giving the ninja his first look at Voyager's command deck.

A bright wide room full of sweeping curves and beeping consoles was dominated by an expansive, forward-facing window on the lower level. The view was identical to the one from the Mess Hall, stars streaking by as they hurtled through space at speeds Leo couldn't imagine. Speaking of… "Chakotay?"

The copper skinned man paused off to Leo's right. "Yes?"

"How fast are we going?"

Chakotay chuckled a little. "Right now, we're cruising at warp 8. That's about 500 billion kilometres an hour."

"That….. is not helpful at all."

The first officer smirked. "You'll get used to it. This way?" He gestured further off to their right and led the bewildered warrior through another door. On the other side was a large office, continuing the theme of sweeping lines. Janeway's desk was covered with pads and what looked like a laptop. The Captain herself was setting a tray of food on a low table by more panoramic windows. "Gentlemen." She stood and walked toward them; hands clasped over her middle.

Once at a polite distance, the auburn-haired woman extended her hand to their guest. "Leo. It's good to see again. How are you doing?"

Leon's giant metal grasp engulfed hers, not seeming to intimidate the woman at all. "Better thanks. Everyone's been great."

A soft smile grew on her face. "I'm glad to hear that." She walked over to a replicator. "I took the liberty of getting Chakotay and I's meals first. What could I get for you?" At his hesitation Janeway held up a hand, "My treat." Relieved he could keep his, as of yet, scant rations, the turtle answered, "Uh, tonkotsu ramen please."

Chakotay led him up to the couch while the Captain brought his tray over. "Thank you ma'am." He said, taking the food and setting it over his lap. "You're very welcome."

They sat and all got a few bites in before starting to talk. "So now that you've had an opportunity to get your bearings," Katherine began picking over her chicken salad, "what are your thoughts so far? Do you have any questions?"

Doing his best not to slurp, Leonardo pondered for a second. "Well, like I said, everyone's been great. Really welcoming." Both CO's beamed with pride in their crew. "I don't… I don't know where else I'd go anyway…"

Setting down his sandwich, Chakotay reassured the ninja, "Don't think that you're obligating yourself to stay. We've always maintained the option for people to leave if they want." The command pair shared a look, Janeway nodding encouragingly. He continued, "You can stay for awhile, get some training, see if it's a good fit. If nothing else, you'll gain some skills that could help if you do decide to leave."

Leon nodded while they all focused on their meals for a moment, then Janeway swallowed and spoke again. "We'll arrange some introductory courses to familiarize you with crucial technology, emergency systems, general information about this universe; then we can move on to more specialized training. What are your interests? Positions you've held before?" The Captain ducked her head, taking another bite of chicken.

Is this what a job interview feels like? The giant reptile settled back into comfy cushions a little, letting his shell sink in. "Well for the last twenty some years I led the resistance fighting the Krang. That was fun." He suppressed a disgusted smirk. "Uh.. I'm a Master Ninja and a trained field medic. Most of that was getting people back to base to proper doctors. Lots of battlefield experience. I'm a decent shot but hand to hand and swordsmanship are my speciality." He finished with a shrug, swirling his soup with the spoon.

Finishing off his own meal, Chakotay observed, "Well you could definitely be an asset with security, particularly on away missions; but if you'd like to pursue medicine; the Doctor is shorthanded in sick bay." Heaving himself up, the Commander headed over to snag a small container off Janeway's desk. Returning to set it on the table he opened the lid, revealing what smelled like a dessert.

The Captain leaned forward to select a portion for herself. "In any case, you have options. We can get you up to speed first and settled, then you can begin looking at what you'd like to do."

Leon finished the last of his soup, nodding along. "Sounds like a plan." He paused, "Thank you Captain. All of you have been so welcoming and I really appreciate your help." Setting his empty bowl on the table, "I hope I can pay you back someday."

She held up a hand. "Not at all. Offering any possible assistance is a core Federation value; we're happy to help. It's resulted in many excellent friendships over the years." Janeway handed her dishes to Chakotay, who also grabbed the other two sets and returned them to the replicator. "But one step at a time. I believe there's a refresher course this week on ship's emergency systems; you can join in on that class to get started." She rose as her second stepped back up, another, smaller, box in his hands.

Sensing the more formal air, Leonardo stood, stepping forward as the Captain reached into the little box to pick up a copy of the badge that he'd seen everyone wearing. "This is a combadge," she began, "short for communication badge. It also allows the main computer to monitor your location and vital signs." Reacting forward, the woman pinned it to Leo's wrap. "Welcome to Voyager, Mr Hamato."

Neelix had been called to the Captain's ready room, and now the ship's moral officer was escorting Leon to his newly assigned quarters. "Here we are, deck three!" the talaxian exclaimed as they stepped off the turbolift. "Quarters with a tub? You've lucked out my friend. Sonic showers are lovely, but needing to bathe in water? I envy you."

"I'm looking forward to it myself, being a turtle and all." Leo replied, ignoring the fatigue setting in after walking more than he had since getting yeeted across the multiverse.

The other man cocked his head. "I'm afraid I don't know much about that side of you. Turtles like water then?"

Leon huffed a laugh. "Like? Yeah, you could say that. I'm a red eared slider, considered semi-aquatic, and I haven't gotten to swim in over a decade. I'm gonna have to drag myself out of that tub." Good thing I've been able to shower every day.

Neelix pulled up next to a door. "Well, we have to get you into the holodeck as soon as possible then. There's some wonderful swimming programs, I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Oh!" He pressed a few buttons on the control panel. "Push your fingers to it now so the door can key to you." Two fingers connecting, the panel acknowledged with a little chime and the doors swooshed open.

Spotted face split by a wide grin, Neelix waved the slider into his new home. Like most of the ship it was smooth lines, grey walls and blue/purple carpeting. Three high windows dominated the opposite wall. Tearing his eyes away from the stars racing past, he took in a desk to his immediate right, a replicator in the adjacent wall and a low, grey couch under the windows. About two feet past that was a decently sized bed. The last wall held a door that looked like it led into another Starfleet style washroom. Leon's inspection of the place was interrupted by Neelix scurrying over to the replicator where he began to enter commands. "I'm just adding some more replicator rations so that you can get a few necessities. Toiletries, a few changes of clothes and such. You'll also have holodeck time added on a weekly basis. You don't have to use it all at once, but with how much demand there is, just remember that you'll have to book a session in advance."

The slightly manic chef then bustled over to the washroom, "Has anyone shown you how to use the clothes refresher yet?"

"Uh.. no?"

A quick lesson on the squat appliance led into a thorough tour of its attached closet and bathroom facilities. Neelix then went through a more comprehensive explanation of the various features of Leo's new quarters as a whole and some more of the onboard creature comforts; as well as community events in the mess hall and holodeck. Eventually the exuberant man petered out. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask right now?"

Fighting off a headache, "No, I think I'm ok for now," the giant reptile replied.

"All right then. I'll be off. Ah!" Neelix paused halfway out the door, "Tom wanted me to let you know that he'll be having dinner with B'elanna and Harry in the mess hall at 17:00 if you'd like to join them." Message delivered with a smile, the talaxian headed out, leaving Leonardo completely alone for the first time since arriving on board.

Pulling April's gifted sword from his hip, Leo set the sheathed blade on his desk. He then hauled a chair over to settle in for a "shopping spree" at the replicator. First, toiletries. Once he had those squirreled away, he turned to clothing. As Neelix had indicated, the Doctor had helpfully entered Leon's measurements so he could order clothes that FIT. First things first, a shirt. The ship was just slightly cooler than a mutant reptile would like.

A couple hours later, Leo'd worked his way through the available selections, happily discovering options from a culture of humanoid reptiles very similar to himself in overall structure. Given things were being replicated, he was able to combine the designs with more familiar earth materials. The results were a couple more pairs of pants, combat boots, t-shirts, a hoodie and undergarments that were not only comfortable, but flattering, even with the hump of his shell.

Then he steeled himself for an incoming emotional storm. I'll be eating nothing but mess chow for awhile but.. First, a proper stand for his sword, then a long band of orange silk, small jade figurines of a rat and goat along with a pair of candles. Items acquired, the striped turtle stood and looked about his new home. Those windowsills are pretty wide. Once kneeling on the couch, Leo set the stand in the middle window, placed the candles and figurines, then sat cross legged to gently undo the bands of his sword's hilt, cleaned them as best he could and meticulously wove them back together with the additional stripe of orange.

Chin trembling as he reverently placed his sword on its new stand, Leo resigned himself to facing the scraps he had left of his family. The last Hamato settled himself sideways on the grey seat, gazing past his little set up to the ancient stars flying by. I'm so sorry. I miss you all so much. Reaching into his side pouch, Leon pulled out a small, pinkish rock he'd been carrying around for the last twelve years. He remembered little Casey running up. "Unca! Unca! Look!"

He'd knelt down to the boy's level, trying not to get bonked by Casey's outstretched fist. "What'cha got there Case?"

"Sah rock!"

Leo'd fought not to laugh. "Yeah, I can see that."

Little Casey had held it up to his deep, brown eye like a prospector. "Sah pretty! Like goooold."

Sure enough, there were yellow veins and sparkles running through the stone. No wonder the child had thought it bits of gold. "Wow Case! You struck it big. Good job buddy."

Then the tiny grubby hand had been thrust back into Leonardo's face. "For you!"

That kid. He found something he thought was pretty and valuable then immediately decided to give it to someone else. Leo had fussed over the child and his gift, thanking him profusely as he put the rock into his pouch for safe keeping. Even then, he'd had a hard time to keep from crying, now?… he didn't try.

Weeping with heaving sobs tearing through his plastron, Leon placed the tiny rock in the centre of his family memorial; hoping desperately that his last living relative was enjoying a much happier world now. Bereft of everyone he'd every loved, Leo sank face down into the cushions and mourned.

An informal meeting was taking place elsewhere on the ship. Chakotay and Katherine were joined in her ready room by Tuvok and the Doctor. "Well gentlemen," she began, "we have a new provisional crew member. Doctor, you've spent the most time with him, what's your evaluation?" she asked from behind her desk.

The hologram settled into his seat. "Overall, I'd say he's doing well for his circumstances. Physically, he's recovering rapidly. Emotionally? That's harder to track." The Doctor paused a moment, gathering data and his thoughts. "Part of the problem is, I'm unsure how much his physiology affects his psychology. Going strictly by human parameters though, he could be worse?" He sighed. "Leo's lost everyone he cares for along with his entire world, not to mention the damage that would result from two decades of war. Frankly he's either remarkably well adjusted or ruthlessly suppressing his emotions, and not in the healthy for a Vulcan way."

"Few people can." Remarked their resident Vulcan his in superior/joking manner. Everyone took it for the good-natured banter that it was and refocused on the matter at hand. The Doctor started up again. "I did broach the topic of counselling, but he wasn't ready for it yet, though he didn't dismiss the notion outright. At this point, I think all we can do is wait and help him as issues arise. Likely now that he is safe, his mind will begin to process things that he simply couldn't afford to before."

Everyone digested this. "Well," Chakotay ventured, leaning against the wall, "however that situation develops, so far he seems agreeable and willing to work with us." He turned to their seated security chief, "He was in a leadership position during the conflict and is an accomplished soldier. I'll write you a full report, but you might want to talk to him about evaluating his skill set to see if you can make use of him."

A concerned looking Doctor piped up, raising his hand. "Ah.. Leo also mentioned that he is a trained field medic and has an interest in medicine."

The two humans laughed softly to themselves. "Staking a claim Doctor?" Katherine asked sardonically.

"Oh.. well…"

Chakotay took pity on him. "He told us that too, Doctor; and we assured him that he can pursue whatever options he likes once we get him up to speed on more overall training. If Leo would prefer a more peaceful career path now, we'll absolutely go that route. If not, he can still be added to your rotation of assistants." The commander assured. Mollified, their Doctor settled down.

Janeway asserted herself, "We're agreed then. Basic training first, then Tuvok and the Doctor can assess his skills and offer him further training in those fields. In the meantime, Doctor, monitor Leo closely, particularly his mental state. Hopefully, we'll be able to head off any problems before they get out of hand."

At her nod, they began to disperse, the Vulcan commander choosing to stay behind. "Tuvok?" Katherine asked, getting up to go around her desk and take the Doctor's abandoned chair, "You have other concerns?"

He inhaled and shifted in his seat. "Yes. Two things. One, we still do not know exactly how this portal of his brother's brought him here. Two, with that in mind, we do not know if these Krang would be able to follow him through. If they are as dangerous as he says, we need to determine if they present a threat to our universe, and if so, how to combat them."

She sat back, bracing her forearm between desk and temple while gesturing with the other. "I agree, but I hesitate to push him to speak about something that MUST be traumatizing before he's ready."

"We may not have the luxury to wait." Her security chief observed.

Pulling her legs up onto her chair, Katherine sighed. "I know. You're right of course, but they might not end up being a factor at all; and if we hamper his recovery over nothing…" the human trailed off, staring helplessly at the ceiling.

"The needs of the many…" her old friend intoned.

"Yes, yes. No need to quote Spock at me." She said, slumping a bit to consider her old mentor. … actually. "Well, we could kill two birds with one stone."

Something must have shown on her face as the Vulcan suddenly looked… "alarmed."

"Captain?"

She smirked. "Part of developing one's skills as a command officer is learning to navigate difficult situations with subordinates that are dealing with heightened emotions." Something a Vulcan avoids like the plague. "Perhaps you should look for an opportunity after the training session to speak with him, maybe see if it's a good time to learn more about these Krang."

The way his face completely locked down ALMOST made her start laughing. "Captain, given his….emotionally delicate condition, I would recommend someone more adept with such matters. You yourself are concerned that it would be too soon.."

Nope, you're not getting out of this. It was your idea. "But as you said, it needs to be done anyway, and I have plenty of experience handling such matters." The unspoken "you don't" hung between them.

Tuvok allowed himself to vent his displeasure by working his jaw, once. "Very well Captain. I will endeavour to learn what I can while not traumatizing our newest crewmember."

Atta boy. Start to see him as someone you're in a bad situation WITH. "Carry on Commander." She waited until he was nearly out the door. "Tuvok?" The disgruntled security officer glanced back at her, "Treat him the way you'd want one of your children treated in his position." Understanding flashed in his eyes, then he nodded and continued out. You're more emotionally intelligent than you think. Katherine smiled to herself, grabbed her mug and swigged the remnants of cold coffee. You may be wiser than me, old friend, but I'm wilier.

Leo raised his face from the basin of cold water, patted himself dry with a towel then checked his eyes in the mirror. Twenty minutes before he was supposed to head to the mess hall and his face was still all red and puffy from crying. The crew had to know he was in mourning, but he didn't want to be obvious about it.

Pinching a few scales under one dark eye, he pulled, extending the baggy skin further than it should go. Yikes. Good thing I wear a mask. Plunging back into the basin, Leo thanked Draxum for the extended lung capacity.

Looking up again ten minutes later, the slider decided it was good enough, dried off once more and grabbed his new hoodie, attaching the combadge to it. Comfy, he checked his appearance in the mirror once more, then walked back into the main room and sat on the end of his bed. Stomping into combat boots, Leon spared a glance for his sword. It'd probably make people more comfortable if I left it here. Not like I have to worry about the Krang popping up from around a corner.

He walked out of his quarters, sword on hip, and tried to remember how to reach Voyager's mess hall. The turbolift was easy enough; it was visible from his door. Once inside he cautiously called out, "Deck two?", and the space elevator quickly moved up one deck then opened again. From here he followed his nose, then the sound of conversation to the rotating crowd of people having dinner/breakfast, depending on which shift they were.

Tom spotted him first, waving from what Leo was now guessing to be their customary table. Collecting a tray of what looked like steak and fries with a salad, Leo quickly dropped of his food, exchanging greetings, and grabbed his supplements from the replicator. Finally sorted, he plunked down next to Harry. "So, I'm guessing this is no animal I've ever heard of before."

They all chuckled a little. "Honestly, none of us knows what it is." Said B'Elanna, "We picked it up at a planet about a month ago. It's alright. Tastes cheesy?"

Leo poked the piece of meat with his fork. "We talking mozzarella or blue?"

"Monteray Jack?" Harry chimed in.

As long as it isn't rat. "I can work with that." The slider dug into his steak which indeed had a faint flavour of jack cheese. "Not bad."

They ate for awhile, B'Elanna going over their latest test results in engineering, which led into an attempt to explain warp drive and dilithium crystals. Results were mixed. Leon thought he got the bare basics; dilithium important, new fake dilithium important invention, but the three officers were still giving him "oh the poor primitive" looks. Well, just shows how much I've got to learn, I guess.

"So, how'd your meeting with the Captain go?" Kim asked, in between bites of salad. At Leo's questioning look, he continued, "I was on the bridge when you came up. You must've not seen me. My duty station is at the opposite end of the bridge from the Captain's ready room."

Leonardo filed that little tidbit away. "Oh, yeah. It went ok. Laid out a general plan for getting me up to speed starting with a training session for ship's emergency systems."

"Oooh, hope you don't get motion sick easy. The loss of artificial gravity portion can really mess with you." Tom said, unpleasant memories scrolling across his face.

"YOU got sick?" B'Elanna asked, bewildered.

"No, of course not. Couldn't be a good pilot without a strong stomach." Paris replied. "Some of my classmates at the academy however…. I'm pretty sure the cleaning staff used those days as a punishment."

Resolutely putting that thought out of mind while EATING, the slider continued his original telling. "I also got some matching jewellery," he waved at the combadge on his hoodie; which immediately chirped. "Doctor to Hamato."

"Uhhh …."

B'Elanna rescued him. "No one explained? Ok, tap it and say 'Hamato here.'"

He followed her instructions. "Ah, Hamato here Doctor."

"Would you be available for an appointment tomorrow at 0900 hours in holodeck 2?"

Leo smirked to himself. "Lemme check my calendar Doc." He threw a couple fries in his mouth while the others smiled and stifled their chuckles. "Yeah, I think I can squeeze you in." There was a moment of silence with the ninja desperately hoping he hadn't just sabotaged one potential relationship for three others. The hologram replied ruefully, "Very good Leo. I'll see you there; if you can find it. Doctor out."

Leon barked a laugh. "He's sassy."

Chewing on the last of his steak, Tom muttered around his food. "It's part of his charm."

The next morning found a befuddled turtle wandering deck six. I wish the labelling on the doors was bigger, or even existent sometimes. They probably have the whole ship memorized after living onboard for years. Turning a corner, he finally spotted the Doctor waiting, looking in the other direction. "Hey Doc!"

Surprised, the man turned at Leon's call. "Ah! Leo. So, you did manage to find your way." He replied with a cheeky grin.

"Yeah yeah. I'm not sure I need physio now after walking all over two decks. You guys need signs." The slider griped playfully. He didn't quite get the response he'd been aiming for though. "Are you alright? Did you overexert yourself?" the Doctor asked, concerned.

"Just playing with you Doc. Good food and rest has already done a lot."

The hologram settled, reassured. "Oh, good. Let's get started then, I already have the program running." The door opened and Leo was hit with the scent of humid air and plants. Poking his head in, he was blown away by the sight of a pristine lake surrounded by forests with a long wooden dock leading out into the water. Fuzzy memories of a weekend in the woods with Todd came to mind, but not with the same pang that such a realistic facsimile of New York would've conjured. The faint buzz of the holograms against his tremor sense helped too.

He realized he was gawking when the Doctor tapped him on the shoulder. "Leo?"

"Sorry," shaking his striped head, "it's just really…..real?"

"No problem. We can change in the cabin." And sure enough, off to the side was an old, rustic wood cabin. Quickly switching into form fitting shorts, just like when we were kids, Leo was easing into summer-warm water, the Doctor nearby just in case.

It wasn't necessary though as, even injured, a turtle is at their best in water. After quickly warning the Doctor of how long he could stay under, Leonardo slid beneath the surface, submerging in clean, fresh water for what felt like the very first time. Pushing off one of the dock pylons, he surged forward, aiming for deeper water and a forest of weeds. Thank you for waterproofing the arm Dee.

The next hour was spent cruising about the small lake, occasionally startling the Doctor from below and just in general getting his swim on. Eventually, they had to relinquish the room for the next crewman eager to escape Voyager's limited halls.

Drying off, clothes spread across a bench in the cabin's washroom, Leon revelled in the loose, relaxed state he hadn't properly experienced since childhood. Battling back guilt and grief that wanted to flood in, Mikey's sage counsel rang through his mind; grieve as you need to, but don't forget to take breaks from it too.

"How are you feeling?" the Doctor's call shook him back to full awareness. "Good," he answered, shrugging into a tee as he walked back out trying not to snag it on his metal arm, "refreshed, tired; but in the happy way, not the blech way."

The other man smiled. "Good, that's what we're going for. I'm prescribing this for one hour every day for the next two weeks. Since it's a prescription, it won't come out of your holodeck allotment." Carefully watching Leo's stride as they left, he added, "I don't think you'll need further supervision, you seem to be moving easily enough. There's also safety protocols in the holodeck, just so you know."

"Thanks."

The hologram then gave Leo a side eye; one the old conman easily saw as an attempt to be sly. "If you don't have other plans, you're welcome in sickbay. I'm not busy and happy to help you learn more about modern medicine." Subtle. Leonardo was aware that the Doctor was looking to poach the slider for his medical staff, such as it was.

"You'd set aside your whole morning for little ole me? I'm flattered." The balding man smirked in return as Leon continued, "Sounds like fun, lead the way."

The Doctor smiled, wide and genuine and guided his new friend to sick bay.