B'Elanna stood in front of the transporter ready to go but Selena wouldn't let her go. B'Elanna looked at Tom to grab their daughter. Tom tried to grab her, but she was holding on to B'Elanna with strength of a Klingon.
"Selena, sweetheart, I will be back in two weeks," B'Elanna said. She pulled Selena from her and handed her to Tom. B'Elanna looked at her two oldest children. Miral and Xavier came and hugged her. "Be good for your dad and grandma," She kissed them before letting them go. She tried not to see the tears in their eyes. Tom stepped up and hugged her while holding their youngest daughter. "I see you in two weeks."
Tom smiled. It was a small smile. "Okay, but I'm only waiting eight years. Don't fall in love with any handsome men," B'Elanna let out a short laugh.
B'Elanna gripped her bag before getting on the transporter, she took a seat where she could see her family one last time. She was going to miss them, but she needed to do this so she could get her doctorate. She saw Tom holding Selena and Miral and Xavier was standing next to their father. She watched them until they were pecks. She knew that she going to talk to them over a sub space channel tonight. B'Elanna thought that this was the longest that she has been away from the children. Tom and she had taken a weekend here and there to spend some together, but B'Elanna felt that this was different.
The shuttle docked on the space station. B'Elanna got off and went to see where the ship she needed was docked. She stopped at window and looked out at Earth. The North American continent was starring back at her. Her eyes went straight where her family was. She checked the time and knew that they would be having lunch and Tom would have them watching some movie he found. B'Elanna smiled as she moved along the hall.
B'Elanna found the ship that she was going to be on. She gripped her bag was she made her way to the ready room. She rang the bell and heard the captain telling her to enter. B'Elanna went in to see the captain. He was a man in his fifty with grey at his temples. There were laugh lines around his eyes. B'Elanna saw pictures on his desk.
He looked up at B'Elanna and smiled. "You must be my temporary Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Commander B'Elanna Torres."
"Yes, sir," B'Elanna couldn't help but smile. "You must be Captain Robert Brown," The captain nodded.
Captain Brown stood and made his way around the desk. "It's nice to finally meet you, Torres. I have heard a lot about you," He held out his hand for her to shake.
B'Elanna shook his hand. "I hope only good things."
There was a sparkle in his eyes like he was joker. "Of course. A young woman who became Chief Engineer on the Voyager at the age of twenty-five. You ran your engine room like a winning general with their troops. You did that for eight years before coming home. Admiral Janeway could only sing your praises. I am only glad that you could grace us with your presence."
B'Elanna blushed. "Thank you, sir for letting me do this."
Captain Brown waved her off. "My Chief Engineer is gone for two-weeks, and I needed one. Don't get me wrong, his second in command could do it, but I feel he is little too young right now." B'Elanna nodded. She remembered when she was gone that Joe Carey was good at keeping the engines running.
"I understand, sir," B'Elanna said.
"Let me show you engineering and introduce you to Lieutenant Ripley," Captain Brown led her out of his ready room. "Tonight, I am having dinner with my senior staff and would like you to join," He asked as they entered a lift.
"I would like that," B'Elanna smiled. The captain smiled.
They came to the doors of engineering, and they opened. B'Elanna noticed that the crew was limited, but they weren't leaving until tomorrow for their mission. B'Elanna stepped in and felt that she was home. It had been a while since she was in a engine room. She saw the wrap core in the center of the room. There was a man standing in front of it, mumbling to himself about what to do.
"Lieutenant Ripley," Captain Brown said. The man turned around and B'Elanna saw how young he was. He looked younger than she did when she became Chief Engineer of Voyager. "This is Lieutenant Commander Torres; she'll replace Lieutenant Commander Raymond for the next two weeks."
There was a look of relief on the young man's face. "Thank God," He mumbled. B'Elanna raised an eyebrow at the young man. It was like she was the only who heard.
Captain Brown smiled. "I'll let you get to know each other and learn about all this," He waved a hand in front of him. He turned to B'Elanna. "I'll see you tonight at dinner," B'Elanna nodded at the man and watched him leave.
B'Elanna turned to the young man and smiled. "So, what was that comment about?"
Lieutenant Ripley smiled. "I love my job, but I was made Lieutenant too soon and became assistant Chief Engineer."
B'Elanna made her way over to him. "How were you made Lieutenant too soon?" She asked. She was only twenty-five when she became Chief Engineer.
"I did something stupid and saved many lives," Ripley said. B'Elanna could tell that he didn't want to talk about it. "Everyone thinks that I am a hero when I am not."
"I'm sure the people you saved are thankful that you saved their lives," B'Elanna said in quiet voice. This young man needed to find confidence in himself. Maybe she could help him.
"I'm sure they do," Ripley gave a small smile. "Let me show you the rest of engineering."
They spent most of the afternoon going over engineering. B'Elanna later found her quarters for the next two weeks. It was standard Starfleet quarters. She unpacked her bag. She put the pictures of her family up around the room. She took a sigh because this was going to be home for the next two weeks. She glanced around one more time before it was time for dinner with the captain and his senior staff.
B'Elanna found her way to the captain quarters where the dinner was taking place. She took a breath before ringing the bell. "Come in," The doors opened and B'Elanna found the captain in apron that said. 'Kiss the cook,' B'Elanna let out a little laugh.
Captain Brown smiled at her. "You like this," B'Elanna nodded. "My kids got this for me for my birthday."
"You must cook a lot at home," B'Elanna said. The captain nodded. B'Elanna could tell that he missed his family. "When was the last time you saw them?"
"A few days ago, my oldest is starting Starfleet Academy this fall." B'Elanna could see how proud he was of his child.
The chime went off again and another woman came in. "B'Elanna this is Lieutenant Asson, Chief of Operations. Asson, this is Lieutenant Commander B'Elanna Torres, our temporary Chief Engineer." The Vulcan woman nodded at B'Elanna. "Oh, here are some drinks," The Captain handed out some drinks for them.
Some the rest of the senior staff was here. B'Elanna realized that they were all women. She was surprised by that. She made a note to ask Captain Brown about later. B'Elanna mostly listened to the women and found out that some had families, but most were career oriented. They asked about her and her family. They wanted to hear the stories about Voyager. B'Elanna liked most of the women but she felt connected to the first officer, Commander Lisa Draco.
Lisa had children that were around same age as her own children. Her husband liked to stay home with the kids. B'Elanna could tell that she missed her family but tried to see them whenever she could. Lisa was only a few years older than her. Lisa had heard of Tom and how he was in the academy.
"I thought he was cute when I was there. I knew that I could never have him because he was too wild," Lisa said as they were walking back to B'Elanna's quarters. "I knew there was only one woman who could tamed him, and it wasn't me," Lisa smiled at B'Elanna.
B'Elanna returned her smile. "You could say that we tamed each other. We did a lot of growing up out there."
Lisa laughed. "It is always that way."
They stopped in front of B'Elanna's quarters. "If it makes you feel better, he waited for me, and it also took near death experience for me to tell him I was in love with him." Lisa laughed.
"I like you, B'Elanna. I can't wait to hear more of your love story, but right now I need to call my family."
B'Elanna nodded. "I understand. I will be doing the same thing. Dinner tomorrow?" Lisa agreed before walking away.
B'Elanna walked in her quarters and a breath. She realized that she needed a friend. Tom was her best friend, but there was something about talking to a woman. She had friends at the academy, but they mostly talked about engineering. Lisa had a family and B'Elanna learned a little from her and the other women. It made her wonder what kind of man Captain Brown was to have senior staff of all women. She knew that she would think about it later, right now it was time to call her family.
B'Elanna didn't have to wait long before someone answered her call. "Mom," Xavier face brighten when he saw her. B'Elanna smiled at her son.
"Where is everyone?" She asked.
Xavier rolled his eyes. "Somewhere," He sighed. "I'll get them," B'Elanna watched him run from the room to get everyone.
It wasn't long before Tom and the kids were in front of her. All the kids wanted to talk at once, but Tom gave them a look. It was only a day that B'Elanna wasn't there, she didn't think they had a lot to say.
"Let's have Miral talk to Mom first, then Xavier, then you Selena," Tom rolled his eyes. "Then me poor old dad," The children laughed at him. Tom, Xavier, and Selena left B'Elanna and Miral alone.
Miral looked around the room to make sure that they were alone before Miral started to talk. Miral was twelve and turning into a woman. B'Elanna knew that she needed her mom right now. "Mom, I need help on a math problem, and you know dad is no help," Miral rolled her eyes.
B'Elanna always loved these moments with Miral. They worked through the problem and B'Elanna heard some of what was going on in Miral's life. B'Elanna was going to miss her when she moved out. Miral smiled when the problem was done, and Xavier was standing there waiting his turn with his mom. Miral hit her brother as she walked by. B'Elanna gave her a voice of warning that had the older girl rolling her eyes.
B'Elanna spent a good ten minutes talking to Xavier about his practice for soccer. He mostly mumbled that he was doing it. B'Elanna sometimes wonders if he wants to do soccer or not. Tom and she might have to find something else for the boy to get his extra energy out. He promised her that he would practice in the next couple of days before he gave the screen to his younger sister.
B'Elanna loved to hear about Selena's day even those B'Elanna only left in the morning. She told B'Elanna what they had for lunch and what movie they watched. She told her that Tom took them to the lake on their property. Xavier got in trouble for going out too far. B'Elanna had to hide the smile because Selena like getting her brother in trouble. B'Elanna heard what they had for dinner and Tom wasn't as good as a cook as her. Selena told her that she loved her before giving her seat up for her dad.
Tom just looked at her for a second before speaking. "I know it's only been one day, but I already miss you."
B'Elanna smiled. She didn't want to tell Tom that she missed him too. "You just miss someone helping with our three monsters."
Tom smiled a little. "Maybe a little. I heard Selena tell you that Xavier got in trouble at the lake."
"Yeah," B'Elanna mumbled. They talked a few more minutes before getting off.
B'Elanna took a moment before ready for bed. She looked down at the bed to see that it seemed big. B'Elanna was use to Tom and sometimes Selena in bed with her. She got in and realized that how cold the bed was. This was the first time she didn't have Tom sleeping by her in several years. Tom did have holodeck tours, but he might be gone for a day or two and she had the children to worry about. She closed her eyes and tried not to think about Tom and children.
"Don't break my engine room," B'Elanna said to Ripley.
Ripley laughed. "Go and have lunch with Commander Draco."
B'Elanna laughed. She was working on his confidence by asking his opinion. He earned his lieutenant pip. She had told him some of the stupid things while she was Chief Engineer on the Voyager. He did like some of the stories.
B'Elanna made her way to the Officers' Mess Hall. She found Lisa waiting for her already. B'Elanna grabbed a sandwich before sitting next to her.
"Good afternoon," B'Elanna said after taking a bite of her sandwich. They been having lunch or dinner together since the second day. "Okay, your turn on how your husband won your heart."
Lisa laughed and started her story. They started passing stories about their kids to each other. It was the beginning of the second week before they started telling stories about their husbands and what they were like. Yesterday Lisa asked about how the Tom Paris she knew won B'Elanna's heart. Lisa loved the story of how they fell in love. Today was Lisa's turn.
"I told him several times that my career was first, but he kept asking until I said yes. He left Starfleet and decided to raise our family."
B'Elanna opened her mouth to say when they heard the captain's voice. "I need all the senior staff to the conference room now."
The way he said that had both B'Elanna and Lisa look at each other. They stood up and threw away their trays away before heading to the conference room.
By the time they got there the rest of the senior staff was there. B'Elanna and Lisa took their seats before the captain started to speak. "After what we found and sending it to Starfleet, they wanted to spend another two weeks here and I told them that we would."
B'Elanna took a moment to realize that it was going to be another two weeks before seeing her family. She had to think about Tom was going to do it. They had only planned for her to be gone for two weeks. She was going to have tell Tom tonight. They weren't going to talk tonight because the Tom and the kids were going to his sister's house for the day and wouldn't be back until late.
B'Elanna saw that the other senior staff were getting up and heading out. She traded a look with Lisa on her way out. B'Elanna saw that she was only still sitting. The captain was making his way to the bridge to make announcement about staying another two weeks.
"Torres," Captain Brown said her name. "Is everything okay?"
"Sorry," B'Elanna smiled. "Yeah."
Captain Brown had a look on face and wasn't sure if he believed her or not. "Are you sure? I know that you were only planning on being with us for two weeks."
"Yeah, I was trying to figure out how I'm going to tell Tom," B'Elanna smiled. "Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but it will be interesting to see how he's going to do it."
Lisa and Captain Brown laughed. They both had the same problem with their own families. "Just tell him it was unexpected and you will be home as soon as you can," Lisa said. "That's what I tell my husband and he takes that excuse all the time."
"I just tell my wife that it is her fault." Captain had a sparkle in his eyes. B'Elanna raised one eyebrow at him. "My wife is Heather Brown," B'Elanna knew that name. She was a Admiral in Starfleet.
"Wow," B'Elanna said. She had never met the woman, but she heard that she was career oriented. She had never heard that she had a family. "I never heard that she had a family," B'Elanna said to the captain.
Captain Brown nodded. "She doesn't talk about it much, but she didn't want stopping her from reaching her dreams."
B'Elanna nodded. She never hid the fact that she had a family, she just didn't talk about it unless someone asked her about it. B'Elanna stood and headed out of the conference room. Lisa went to her office and B'Elanna went to Engineering to there to answer any questions that her team had.
Later that night B'Elanna called Tom. She knew that it was late for him, she made sure to call him when he was in their room. It didn't take long for him to answer. She saw that he was ready for bed. He smiled. "I hope you weren't looking for a show because I have a child in our bed."
B'Elanna smiled and Tom moved out of the way for B'Elanna to see Selena sleeping on her side of her bed. B'Elanna knew that she was going to miss her family, but this she had thought about this for the rest of day. She knew that she had to see this through, and it would be good for her career. She knew that she was going places in her teaching career and she needed this. The one thing she loved about Tom was that he understood what she needed to do.
"And you can have this all this in a few days," Tom waved his hands in front of him like he was the best-looking man out there.
B'Elanna laughed before her face turned serious. "About that," Tom stopped what he was doing really looked at her. "It seems that it is going to be another two weeks before I will be home." Tom frowned. "Starfleet wants us here after we sent them the information they wanted. They want more information," B'Elanna put in there because she didn't like the look on Tom's face.
Tom sighed. "Okay," B'Elanna could see that he wanted to say more, but it wasn't his place. He wanted to know if she tried to get out of it or if she wanted too. B'Elanna knew that this could turn into an argument. Tom glanced at the bed before asking. "Is this what you want?"
"Yeah, I need to see this through. I miss you and the kids, but I need this," She knewwhat said was redundant, but she felt that she had to say it twice.
"Okay," Tom said. B'Elanna knew there was a lot that he said in that okay. "Just remember that we miss you, too."
"I know," B'Elanna wanted to reach out and hug him. "Can you, do it?"
Tom nodded. "We'll make it work," They both knew which child was going to have the hardest time with her being gone for another two weeks. She will probably sleep with Tom until B'Elanna got home and sleep them for a few more days after that.
"I love you," B'Elanna said.
"I love you, too," Tom said. They both knew that was the end of the call and they hung up.
B'Elanna felt bad about leaving her family for another two weeks. Tom was not happy, but he could handle it. She knew once the excitement of her return she and Tom were going to have a talk about it. B'Elanna knew they were lucky that B'Elanna didn't have to go in space for work, but she was still apart of Starfleet and there were going to be times she was going to be in space. B'Elanna knew that she never was going to command a ship, but there will be times she was going to be on them.
After a month in space, B'Elanna was glad to be home. It had taken most of the day to get home. She had traded information with Lisa so they could get together when she was in town. It wasn't too late that everyone would be in bed. B'Elanna opened the door the door to quiet. Tom had told her that she that they weren't going anywhere today. B'Elanna also thought that she told him that she would be home tomorrow morning at the earliest.
B'Elanna heard footsteps running in the house. The footsteps stop in front of her. "Mom," Selena looked up at B'Elanna with a big smile. B'Elanna dropped her bag and hugged her daughter. B'Elanna could feel Selena's tears on her shirt. "I've missed you," Selena mumbled in her shirt. B'Elanna held on to the young girl and felt her heart break.
"I've missed you, too." B'Elanna kissed her on the top of her head.
"Selena," Tom called for his daughter. Tom stopped when he saw B'Elanna standing in the foyer.
"B'Elanna, I thought you were coming home tomorrow," Tom was shocked and B'Elanna could hear it in his voice.
B'Elanna stood with Selena holding on to her leg. "I took anything I could to get home tonight," She smiled.
Tom smiled and there was a light that shone in his eyes that B'Elanna hadn't seen since she told him that she had to stay for two more weeks. Tom reached for her and took her in his arms. B'Elanna sighed, she had missed his arms around her. Tom leaned down and kissed her. There was so much said in that kiss, that had B'Elanna holding on to him.
"Dad, did you find Selena?" Xavier said as he found his parents in an embrace. Tom broke the kiss and let B'Elanna go. "Miral, come in for second." Xavier yelled for his older sister. Tom and B'Elanna both gave their son a look for yelling in the house. Xavier didn't care as he ran into his mom's arms. B'Elanna ran a hand down his blond hair. She knew that he would never mention the tears that were falling on B'Elanna's uniform.
"What do you need?" Miral sighed as she came in the house. It took her a second to see that B'Elanna was home and that had stopped her family from coming outside. "Mom," Miral had her way to B'Elanna and wrapped her arms around her. She held on to B'Elanna tight. She hasn't held on to B'Elanna that tight since she was eight and she had a bad dream.
Before B'Elanna knew it. Her whole family was holding her. B'Elanna breath in that moment before she started crying. She had missed her family. She loved being out in space and doing what she loved, but this was she lived for. They stood there for a moment before they let her go.
B'Elanna sat in the tub in the master bathroom with her eyes closed. It was hard to get a bath like this on a spaceship. She heard the door open and knew it was Tom. After Miral went to bed, Tom gave her a moment to relax before making his way to bed. He closed the door behind him. B'Elanna opened one eye at him. Tom only smiled before leaning down to kiss her. "I've missed you," He said after he broke the kiss.
B'Elanna smiled. "I've missed you, too."
"Please don't leave me again," Tom kneeled on the side of the tub.
B'Elanna shifted in the tub where her arms were crossed on the edge of the tub. "Tom, about that." Tom looked at her with his blue eyes. She loved them so much and loved that two of their children had them. "For me to finish my doctorate, I'm going to have to go in space multiple times."
Tom sighed and stood up. "I know. I can only hope. You are a part of Starfleet, and this is going to happen. We've have been lucky that it took this so long."
B'Elanna stood up and Tom held out the towel out for her. B'Elanna knew that he got o look at her body. Tom moaned and B'Elanna realized that it has been over a month since they had sex. She took a breath before saying. "We have been, but you have gone for couple of months when you are promoting your new novel." B'Elanna tucked the towel in before wrapping her arms around Tom. "I remember the first time you left. I was pregnant with Selena, Miral was four, and Xavier was two. Yes, I had help from your family, but it was still hard with the kids so young."
Tom wrapped his arms around her. "I remember coming home and all you did was hand Xavier to me, telling me he made a change." Tom smiled.
B'Elanna returned his smile. "We both want amazing careers, there are going to be times we have to leave our family."
"Can we make a promise that we aren't gone together. So, the kids has at least one of us." Tom leaned down.
"Yes," B'Elanna leaned up and capture his lips.
Tom let out a moan. "What are the chances we are going to have a visitor tonight?" Tom broke the kiss.
B'Elanna leaned back and smiled. "I told her that Mom and Dad need to be alone tonight and if she has a bad dream, she should go to Miral. Miral knows too." B'Elanna reached between them and tugged the towel away from her. The towel fell between them. "I think some reconnecting is overdue."
Tom lifted her up and B'Elanna wrapped her legs around him. "I couldn't agree more," Tom carried her to their bed.