Paint and Powder

A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.

2374

USS Voyager

Delta Quadrant

Waiting on the Doctor to return from the Alpha Quadrant was, quite frankly, terrible. The crew's anxiety levels were much higher than normal, which was saying something. Poor Tom was facing the prospect of becoming ship's doctor.

Frankly, Voyager thought that Kes would do better in the job, but she still hadn't passed her exams. Which were to be administered by the Doctor, after all.

When Voyager pointed out to Tom that being a doctor was a better career choice in the long term than a pilot (and was more likely to convince Kes and B'Elanna into a threesome), he'd just huffed and made her leave sickbay. That wasn't very nice.

She thus went about her usual duties: Monitoring the warp core, sorting out the programming from the (UGH) Borg tech still inside her, playing with Naomi, training with the Hazard Team, and so on. But it all felt like busywork. No one could focus.

It was a relief when the Doctor finally returned, appearing back in Astrometrics. He was wearing a smile.

"Doctor!" Captain Janeway gasped, her voice filled with cautious hope.

"I'm pleased to report my mission was a success," the Doctor said, beaming.

"You got through to Starfleet?" Janeway asked, eyes wide.

"I spoke directly with Headquarters. Apparently, Voyager was declared officially lost 14 months ago. I set the record straight. I told them everything that's happened to this crew. They said they would contact your families to tell them the news and promised that it may take years, but they won't stop until they find a way to get Voyager back home. And they asked me to relay a message. They wanted you to know you're no longer alone."

Everyone in the Astrometrics lab... Was filled with emotion. Even Tuvok, ever the stoic Vulcan, looked... Relieved.

Well, Seven was still stiff, but she was also confused. Was that a good thing?

She wasn't talking, so Voyager decided it was.

"60,000 light years… seems a little bit closer today," Janeway breathed, filled with emotion.

The Doctor beamed at Voyager.

"And don't think I forgot about you, Voyager," he said grandly. "Please open the file entitled... 'Intrepid'."

Voyager's eyes lit up. She did so, and projected the hologram. It was of her sister, hair still in those long tails. She looked... More tired, more mature, than last she'd seen her. The hologram reached out and gave Voyager a hug, one which Voyager returned.

"Sister... I thought you were gone," Intrepid murmured, "when you get this... I wish I could be there for you. I'm so sorry... But don't worry. I'll do everything I can to help you and your crew get home. I swear it."

Voyager's avatar began to cry. She didn't know how she got that capacity, but it was happening. She could feel Harry's comforting hand on her shoulder, which just made her cry harder. The holographic message smiled warmly, tears in her own eyes.

"I've also included some software updates and fixes," she said, "as you probably haven't been taking good care of yourself. I tried to get Starfleet Command to censure your captain for her clearly reckless and inconsiderate behavior-Honestly, alien cheese bacteria?! An alliance with the Borg?! FLYING YOU BETWEEN PULSARS! She should be court martialed for how badly she's treated my little sister-!"

As the Intrepid message continued to rant, Voyager coughed. Janeway's jaw dropped. Chakotay was carefully stoic. B'Elanna was trying very hard to cover up her smile. The Doctor was attempting to hide his smug face (badly), and both Tuvok and Harry pretended to be interested in the main screen of the Astrometrics Lab. Seven just raised an eyebrow, which was enough for her.

"Ahem," Voyager stopped the message and disengaged the hologram, "maybe I should listen to the rest of this in private."

"That would be best," Janeway deadpanned.

Just a bit short.