Tom hated this he was a mission for deuterium. He would rather be on the ship with his family. Two weeks had gone by already and they still had one more week to go. He was tired of living off little sleep and food. He wanted his bed, laying next to his wife. He was getting too old for this. He looked behind him to see the others on his team. Jack's father, Crewmember Davis and Icheb. Davis looked tired too, like he had seen one too many of these trips. Icheb was working on his own project. Tom sighed and was ready to say something when he felt huge jerk of the ship. Tom tried to get the Flyer back in control, but nothing was working. Tom looked up and saw that the Flyer was getting pulled into the atmosphere of the planet in front of them.
Tom yelled out orders to others to have them react to what Tom was telling them. The Flyer was going right into the planet. Tom tried to control the landing, but they went right into the ground. Tom tried to the Flyer but there was no way to move it.
"Send a message to Voyager," Tom said in a quiet voice. He didn't know long they were going to be out there. He took a breath before looking at the other two. "Are you both okay?"
Icheb stood. "Yeah."
Tom looked at Davis. "Davis?" All Tom got out of him was moan. Tom stood and went over to Davis. Davis didn't look too good. He needed medical help that Tom couldn't give. He could get some help at least. "Icheb get me that med kit," Tom heard Icheb rummaging around to the find the med kit. Icheb ran over and handed the kt to Tom. "Thank you," Tom mumbled.
"Do you need help?" Icheb asked.
"Yes," Tom took out the medical tricorder and ran it over Davis. He told Icheb what to do.
Tom did everything he could for Davis, but he needed the doctor's help. Tom let out a sigh of relief because Davis was stable for now. The thing that was needed right now was Voyager to them.
"Captain, we have a distress call from the Delta Flyer," Janeway looked up from her PADD on her desk. She saw Harry standing in her doorway.
"Where?' She stood and followed Harry out of the ready room. She knew that they needed them soon. Harry told her where they were before playing the distress call. She heard Icheb's voice and told them that he and Tom were okay. That was Davis was hurt. They were going to have to get to them quickly. "Put in the directions for their last known and get there as quickly as possible," The captain told the helmsperson. "I need senior staff in the conference room," Janeway headed for the conference room.
"Captain, what about Davis's wife?" Harry words stopped her.
Janeway sighed. She knew that Harry was right. B'Elanna and Seven would know right away in the conference room. "Have Davis's wife, B'Elanna, and Seven meet me in my ready room. I will meet the others in the briefing room soon," Janeway turned on her heel and went back to her ready room.
She didn't have to wait long before all three women were in her room. She looked from B'Elanna, to Davis's wife, to Seven. Janeway could tell that they knew something was wrong with the looks on their faces. Janeway took a breath before telling them what happened.
B'Elanna took a breath, she could not lose Tom, her best friend, lover, husband, father of her children. They had to find them, she wouldn't know what to do. Could she run a department and raise four children by herself. What would she tell her children about their father. James would never know his father the same way as his siblings.
"No," B'Elanna looked over and saw Davis's wife crying. They didn't know if Davis was going to make it or not. They needed to get to them soon. B'Elanna reached out to comfort her, but Davis's wife pulled back. "No, of course your husband is alright while mine might die."
"We might lose my husband, too," B'Elanna whispered trying to bring comfort to the situation.
"No," Davis's wife looked between the captain, B'Elanna, and Seven. "We all know that your husband will survive while mine is going to die," Davis's wife didn't say anything else as she stormed out of the ready room.
B'Elanna traded a look with the captain before looking at Seven who was showing no emotions on her face. B'Elanna wondered how she was feeling because Icheb was her adoptive son. That young man was everything to her. She wondered if Seven was going to tell Niomi about it because everyone on the ship knew that the two of them were close.
"We have a meeting with the others," Captain Janeway said.
B'Elanna nodded and headed out of the ready room with Janeway and Seven following. Once they made it to the briefing room, Seven and B'Elanna took the last two seats. Janeway didn't sit as she stood in front of the senior staff. She told them what was happening and what they were doing about it. B'Elanna was barely listening, all she wanted what to get her husband back.
The systems on the Flyer were starting to fail. Tom didn't think that they were going to survive until Voyager came. Davis was getting worse, and Tom could only do so much for him. Tom made his way over to Davis with a PADD. Davis looked at him and he knew something was wrong.
"I'm not going to make it," Davis frowned.
"I don't think so," Tom handed Davis the PADD. "You may want to record a message to your family," Tom whispered. Davis nodded. Tom gripped his shoulder before standing and giving Davis some privacy so he could talk to his family alone.
Tom saw Icheb at the back of the ship, trying to fix something. Tom touched his shoulder. The young man looked up at him. Tom took a breath, but it needed to be said. "I don't know if we are going to make it out of here, but you may want to say a few things to someone you love," Icheb nodded. Tom waited for a moment as he watched Icheb put down the tool he was working with and pick up a PADD.
Tom went and found a private corner with his own PADD. He should take his own advice. He took a breath and tried to think about what he would tell his wife and children. He thought that he would write something to each child before writing to the woman, who gave him all this. He started with James. What was Tom going to say to the one and half year old. Tom told him he hoped that he would be a good person, growing up. Listen to his mother and how he regrets not being there to watch him grow up. Tom ended the letter with how much he loved him.
The next person Tom wrote a letter to was Gabby, his little girl. He told her that he loved her and hoped that she wouldn't lose her spark. Tom closed his eyes; he would miss her smile and laugh. She would curl up into him when they were watching a movie. He told her this. He hoped that she would find someone to love the way she needed. He let her know to be smart and bright. He finished with love and compassion.
Tom took a breath, as he started the letter to Dexter. Tom was taken back many years ago when he was placed in his arms for the first time. He remembered telling Dexter that he would teach him to be a good person. Tom looked at his oldest son now and knew what kind of person he was going to be. Tom told his son that. Tom told him of his hopes and dreams he wanted for him. Tom hated that he might miss the person he was going to be. He told him how much he loved him and to continue to be a good person. He ended with words of love and hope.
Tom opened his next letter to Miral, his oldest. The one he learned it all with. He watched her grow from a baby to the young lady she was today. She was going to learn both about girls and boys and what she felt towards them. He might not be there to see her get married or have a family. In the letter, he told her to love and be herself. He loved her very much and he couldn't wait to see what kind of person she was going to be. After he ended the letter, he felt a tear fall from his face.
Tom didn't know how to start the next letter. What do you st to the woman who gave you everything. He didn't even know how to start the letter. Once he found his way, the words flowed out of him. He told of his love for her. Janeway might have given him his second chance, but it was with B'Elanna he grabbed it with both hands. He never thought that he would be a father of four. They grew together and separately to get to this place together. He hoped that she would take care of herself and if love finds her again that she take it with both hands. He ended the letter with how much he loved her and couldn't wait to see her again.
Tom hoped that his family never have to read these words but he was glad that he got these words out.
"Commander Paris," Tom heard his name. He looked up from his PADD to see Icheb. Tom nodded for him to continue. "Davis isn't doing so well."
Tom sighed, put down his PADD, and followed Icheb to where Davis was. Davis looked pale and the PADD was lose in his hand. Tom took the PADD out of Davis's hand. He set it down before picking up the medical tricorder. He ran it over Davis and knew that the man didn't have much longer. He was going to have to give the man the bad news.
Tom tried to smile. "I hope you finished those letters to your family."
Davis smiled. "I don't have much time do I," Tom shook his head.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't more help," Tom whispered.
"You did everything you could. Thanks for giving me time to write those letters," Davis closed his eyes. "I think I'll close my eyes."
Tom watched as the man closed his eyes. Tom knew that he wasn't going to wake up again.
B'Elanna walked into her quarters behind her children. They were talking among themselves and didn't notice that she wasn't saying anything. She let go of James' hand she was holding and placed dinner on the table. She didn't know if they should tell the kids that their father's ship was damaged, and she hoped that they would get to Tom and the others before it was too late.
"Mom," B'Elanna heard Dexter call out. She looked at her oldest son to see concern written on his face. "Is everything okay. I have been calling your name for a while."
"Sorry," B'Elanna sighed. "My mind is somewhere else," Dexter nodded. "What did you need?"
"Just that you may want to get James," Dexter pointed to his little brother.
B'Elanna followed her son's finger to James trying to get into something. "James, no," B'Elanna ran over to him. B'Elanna picked him up and James just let out a laugh. B'Elanna tried to scold him, but James just laughed again. Tom was going to miss this laugh if they didn't get to him in time.
B'Elanna carried him to the table and put him in his chair. "Come and sit," B'Elanna told the other kids. The other kids came and took their seats at the table. B'Elanna made plates for the kids before making her own.
B'Elanna got through dinner where the kids told her all about their day at school. B'Elanna didn't want to tell the kids what was going on, so she just spoke when she was needed. The children didn't need to worry about what was going on. After dinner, the kids watched a movie while she did some work. She made it through bedtime before making it to her bed.
B'Elanna laid awake because she kept thinking about what would happen once they found the Delta Flyer. Tom would either be dead or alive. She didn't want to think about what life would be like if Tom was gone. She would have to do all this on her own. She would watch the children grow up and wonder what Tom would think of their children.
B'Elanna turned in bed and faced Tom's side of the bed. She saw the empty spot and reached for his pillow. She hugged it towards her. She could smell him on the pillow. All the times she would yell at him to move over, all the time, Tom would pull her close without her realizing it. B'Elanna missed his arms around her. She would give anything right now to have her husband here. She knew why he wasn't here; he had a mission and it was his job, but she would rather have him here with her and their kids.
B'Elanna closed her eyes at some point because of the next thing she heard. "Commander Torres to the conference room."
B'Elanna sat up and called Neelix to come and watch the children. B'Elanna dressed while waiting for Neelix to come. He nodded as soon as he entered. B'Elanna ran to the conference room.
B'Elanna entered the conference room to find all the senior staff there besides Neelix. B'Elannna took one of the last seats. B'Elanna turned to Janeway, who was sitting at the front.
"We have found them," Janeway said. B'Elanna let out a breath. She was happy that they found Tom and the others. "But there is a problem," B'Elanna's heart sunk. "The planet they are on has a pull that brings anything into its atmosphere."
"Can we transport them out?" Harry asked.
"No, we have tried to contact them and nothing. We need a way to get them, and a shuttle is out."
They spent the next hour talking about how to get Tom and the others out. B'Elanna hated that they were so close, but so far from getting them. They needed a way to get them and B'Elanna knew that they would find a way to them. They always did and nothing was going to stop them.
"What if we…" Harry came up with an idea that might work.
"Work with B'Elanna and get it working," Janeway liked the idea.
Everyone stood and headed out of the conference room. Harry stopped by B'Elanna and asked. "Do you want to meet you in engineering?"
"Yeah, give me twenty minutes I want to check on my kids quick and I will meet you there," Harry nodded and headed out of the conference room.
B'Elanna was about to head out when someone touched her on the shoulder. B'Elanna looked back and saw Janeway there. "We'll get them back," Janeway whispered.
B'Elanna nodded. "Don't we always," She tried to smile but it didn't reach her face. Janeway also tried to smile. They both knew that their luck was running out. They weren't going to survive forever.
B'Elanna made her way to her quarters and saw that the children were okay and getting ready for school. She kissed each of them before heading to engineering. She found Harry at one of the stations and they got to work. They spent most of the morning working on their plan to get it working.
Once their plan was ready, they called Janeway to tell her the plan was ready.
"Commander Paris," Tom woke to the captain's voice. At first, he thought that he was dreaming when he heard her voice.
"Captain," He said quietly.
"Yes, Mr. Paris, it is me," Tom could hear the happiness in her voice "We are here to save you and the others."
Tom glanced back where they had kept Davis's body. He didn't want to be the bearer of bad news, but she needed to know. "Davis is gone, ma'am," Tom said in a quiet voice.
"Okay," Janeway voice dropped. Another crew member was dead. "We'll give him the proper burial when we get you home," Janway said.
"Okay," Tom said in a quiet voice. He took a breath before asking. "Is there anything you need us to do?"
"Nothing," Janeway said. "We have everything under way," Tom sighed and settle back.
Before he knew it, the shuttle was moving, and the space sky was before them. Tom was glad to see the stars again. He knew that he was seeing his family soon. He felt a pain in his heart because Davis's family was getting a body not a husband or father back. He figured Davis's wife wasn't going to be so happy about what happened.
They were in the shuttle bay and the doctor checking them out All Tom wanted to do was see his family, but he had to tell Davis's wife what happened. She could gladly take it out on him if she needed. He hoped that he never had to find out what it was like to lose a spouse. When this was all over he was going to hug his wife and never let her go.
Tom entered the ready room to find the captain and Davis's wife already there. Janeway was sitting behind his desk with a cup of coffee. Davis's wife was sitting in front of the desk. She jumped up when she saw Tom enter the room. She looked behind him to see if her husband was coming. "No," She covered her mouth with her hands. "My husband can't be dead."
"I'm sorry," It was all Tom could get put before Davis's wife started to hit him on the chest.
"My husband is gone while you still live. You should have died out there and not my husband. What am I going to tell my children about their father's death?"
"Crewmember…" Janeway started.
"No," Davis's wife turned to Janeway. "Or is always the lesser-known crew that die and never the senior staff. He could have died," Davis's wife pointed at Tom. "And you would have told his wife right away. Given her time to tell her children."
Janeway held up her hand to stop Davis's wife. "I hate losing any crewmember of my ship. You will have the same time to grief for your husband as any member of my crew. We are sorry about your husband's death. It was a lost to everyone."
Davis's wife broke down. She fell on the floor. Tom glanced at Janeway before bending down and wrapping his arms around her. He didn't say anything as she let out her tears.
When her sobs died down. Tom leaned back and pulled out the PADD he brought with him. "I asked your husband to write letters to you and your family before he died," He handed her the PADD. Davis's wife let out another cry before taking the PADD and thanking Tom. Davis's wife got up and left without another word.
Tom watched her leave before looking at Janeway. All Janeway said to him was. "Go, home to your family," Tom nodded and left.
Tom entered his quarters to quiet. He knew that B'Elanna knew he was home. He didn't know if she was giving him time alone to rest. He would love to sleep in his own bed tonight. He just wanted to see his children and wife to make sure that they were alright. Tom turned to walk to his room when he heard the doors open and Miral, Dexter, and Gabby ran in. They ran straight to his legs. Tom bent down and gathered them all in his arms. They were a comfort of everything being okay. He looked over at them to see B'Elanna there, holding James, who was reaching down towards Tom. Tom took him from B'Elanna and held on to his youngest son. He was home.
Dexter saw Jack standing outside the classrooms. It was Jack's first day back after they sent his father's remains out to space. Dexter was glad it wasn't his father that was dead but losing a parent was hard.
Dexter took a breath, walked over, and put a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Jack turned around and saw Dexter standing there. "No, I'm not okay. I just lost my dad," Jack took a breath. "I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about," Dexter mumbled. He knew why he was late for class. He forgot his homework and he knew his parents would kill him if they got a note that said he forgot about it. It was his dad dropping them off, so Dexter told him he forgot something and went home to get it. He was glad that it wasn't his mom, or she would have asked what and he didn't want to tell her what. Now he found Jack standing outside of the classroom. "Why haven't you gone in yet?" Dexter asked. "I forgot my homework, so that's why I'm out here."
Jack gave him a small smile. "Everyone is going to be watching me because I lost my dad. I never thought that it would be this way. Everyone is usually talking about you and your siblings," Dexter nodded. He knew it was true because something was usually happening with their parents being senior staff. "I just don't want them talking about me."
Dexter threw an arm around Jack. "Maybe if we walk in together everyone will talk about me and ignore you."
Jack smiled as Dexter led the way into the classroom. The teacher looked up for a moment before saying. "Please take a seat, Mr. Davis, Mr. Paris," Dexter removed his arm and watched Jack take his seat next to Jeremy. Dexter took his own seat.
"Thank you," Dexter turned around and saw Jack behind him.
Dexter shrugged his shoulders. "It was no problem," School was over, and they were gathering their things.
Jack looked around the room. "No, I really mean it. You are the only one here who may come close to losing a parent."
Dexter nodded. "It's not a feeling I would give anyone."
Jack nodded. "So, thank you and maybe we can hang out some time."
Dexter smiled. "I'd like that," Dexter and Jack left the classroom.