A year later
For some time, Tarik had been sensing a fundamental change that was troubling him greatly. The Edanian festival had been a turning point in Naomi's life. For the first time, she had appeared as a young, beautiful woman and not as a small child. The first flirtation and the little... disaster with Icheb and his sudden, changed feelings for Naomi, he didn't know and couldn't handle, had catapulted her straight into adolescence. Or in other words - Naomi was almost grown up now. And she was becoming more independent and looking for her own place in the world. And that was troubling Tarik so much. His little girl was grown up, and he was afraid that she no longer needed him and would leave him. Because despite everything he felt for her and everything they had both been through, he wasn't her biological father. His girl was fledging. And since she had seemingly found a basis for friendship with Icheb again, Tarik could observe that the two were slowly but surely figuring out how they really felt about each other. With Naomi, it was clear; she had always been in love with Icheb, but Tarik noticed that the Borg also seemed to be slowly understanding what all these feelings meant. For example, Icheb had invited Naomi to the holodeck, and Naomi had raved about the visit almost as much as she had after the feast on Edani. Once, he had seen Icheb bring her a single flower when he had picked her up for another holodeck adventure. Tarik was still watching over Naomi like a gundog, but he had to admit to himself that since his little chat with Icheb, the borg had been behaving exemplary toward his daughter. Naomi was simply happy, and Tarik could see that it wouldn't be long before the two actually became a couple. And then Icheb would be the man in Naomi's life, not him anymore.
The lieutenant sighed deeply. Perhaps it was time to step down? But he simply couldn't. How could he ever let his daughter go?
A memory flashed into his mind. He remembered it too well as it actually proved Naomi didn't need him anymore.

Tarik had sat in the mess hall and had been staring at the same padd for nearly ten minutes. The words blurred together, his mind was unable to focus.
Outside the mess hall's window, the stars stretched endlessly into the void, and somewhere out there, home still seemed so impossibly far away. But that wasn't what troubled him.
No, his problem sat a few tables away. Naomi.
She was talking to Lieutenant Torres, animated and confident. Something about a mechanical project she'd taken on with Icheb. Tarik could hear the excitement in her voice, the self-assurance in the way she gestured as she explained her theories.
Not a trace of hesitation, not a single glance his way for reassurance.
There was a time, not long ago, when she would have turned to him, seeking a nod of approval, a knowing smile, or even just the comfort of his presence in the room. But now, she was navigating this world on her own. She didn't need him hovering in the background like a silent protector anymore.
The realization tightened something deep in his chest.
Torres laughed at something Naomi said and patted her shoulder before standing up and heading for the exit. Naomi stayed behind, tapping at her padd, deep in thought.
I should leave,he thought.I should let her , he found himself walking over to her table.
"Hey Naomi," he said.
Naomi looked up, grinning as she set down her Padd. "Hey, Tarik! You won't believe what Lieutenant Torres just told me, she said Icheb and I did such a good job on the shuttle recalibration that she's letting us assist with the next warp core diagnostic!"
There it was again - pride in herself. Independence. Growth. Tarik swallowed, forcing himself to return her smile. "That's great."
"I mean, it's not like we're actually leading the diagnostic or anything," she said with a self-deprecating shrug. "But still, it's more responsibility than I've ever had before. And Torres actually trusted us to do it."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. She wasn't asking for his opinion. She wasn't looking for validation. She was telling him, because she was proud of herself.
Tarik slid into the seat across from her, watching her for a long moment. She had no idea - no idea, how much things were changing. How much she was changing. And how much he hated it. Because if she didn't need his approval, his guidance, or his presence…
What place did he still have in her life?
"So," he said, keeping his tone light, "does this mean you'll be hanging around Engineering more often?"
Naomi nodded. "Maybe. I mean, I still have to focus on school, but I'm starting to get a better sense of where I want to be on Voyager."
She said it so casually. Like it was nothing. But to Tarik, it felt like an entire shift in the universe. Naomi was his. He had raised her, protected her, been the one she clung to when nightmares woke her up in the middle of the night. But now…
She was finding her own place. She wasn't a child anymore. The thought made his throat tighten.
"That's good," he managed to say. "Finding your place."
Naomi smiled, not noticing the strain in his voice. "Yeah. I guess it is."
She went back to her padd, already lost in her work. Tarik sat there for a moment longer, watching her, this young woman who had once been his little girl.
And he realized, painfully, that the day was coming when she wouldn't just find her place.
She would step into it fully. Without him. And what would he do then?
As he stood up to leave, Naomi glanced up, flashing him another warm, carefree smile.
Tarik smiled back, but as he walked away, he felt the weight of something he couldn't quite name pressing down on his chest. Because for the first time in his life, he wasn't sure where he fit in hers anymore.

For the next two days, Tarik felt like he hadn't seen Naomi at all. She'd either been in Engineering the whole time or with Icheb somewhere. Once, he'd seen them both in the mess hall, their heads close together, bent over some padds, engaged in lively discussion. Naomi hadn't returned to their quarters until late that evening and, after a quick "I'm back and I'm going to sleep now, it's been a long day," had gone to bed.
It hurt.
To be able to spend as much time as possible with her, Tarik had only taken on as many shifts as necessary when the Captain granted him guardianship for Naomi. His daughter was more important to him than work. But now... maybe it was time to change that.

The next day Tarik was in his Security Office. He sat at the console, reviewing the ship's latest tactical reports. His brows were furrowed, his focus distant. He had just submitted a request to take on additional duty rotations, something he hadn't done in years.
If Naomi didn't need him anymore, maybe it was time to be the officer he used to be.
More shifts. More responsibility. More purpose. Because if I'm not her father first… then what am I?The thought bothered him more than anything else.
The door chimed and Ayala was a bit surprised to see Chakotay entering his office.
He sat down in the chair opposite him and gave him a very close look. "I was surprised to see your name on the duty roster for extra shifts."
Tarik didn't flinch, but his jaw tightened. He hadn't expected anyone to notice so quickly.
"Figured the crew could use the extra hands," he said a bit gruffly.
"The crew always appreciates extra help, but that's not what I asked," Chakotay's voice was soft.
Tarik sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. Of course Chakotay would see right through him. The man had a way of reading people like an open book and he was his best friend too. He knew him too well.
A bit hesitant he said, "Naomi's… busy. School, projects, spending time with Icheb. She doesn't need me hovering. So I figured, why not put my energy where it's actually needed?"
Chakotay leaned back in the chair, studying him. "You make it sound like being her father was just a temporary assignment."
Tarik frowned. "Of course not!"
"Then why are you acting like your role is over?" Chakotay's voice was gentle, but firm.
Tarik opened his mouth, then shut it. He wasn't sure how to answer that.
Chakotay continued, his voice calm but knowing. "I get it, Tarik. You put everything into raising Naomi. It gave you purpose, maybe even more than Starfleet ever did. And now that she's standing on her own, you're asking yourself: What now?"
Tarik exhaled slowly, his shoulders sagging. "Something like that."
Chakotay nodded thoughtfully. "I won't tell you not to take on more responsibility. You're a damn good officer, and we could always use you. But don't convince yourself that just because Naomi doesn't need you the same way, she doesn't need you at all."
Tarik forced a smirk. "Sounds like you have it all figured out."
Chakotay chuckled, but his sharp eyes stayed on him. He could see Tarik wasn't convinced, not fully.
After a moment, Chakotay crossed his arms. "Alright. Let's put this theory to the test."
Tarik raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"We've got an away mission coming up. Seven found an uninhabited planet on long range sensors. The Captain has already changed course. We need to restock our supplies. It's a routine assignment, but it'll take a few days. You've been asking for more shifts, here's your chance."
Tarik hesitated. "And leave Naomi here?"
Chakotay smirked. "Exactly. Give her a few days without you hovering. See what happens."
Tarik exhaled, and crossed his arms. A part of him wanted to decline. The idea of stepping back, of actually testing whether she truly needed him, was unsettling. But another part of him knew Chakotay was right.
Finally, he gave a reluctant nod. "Alright. I'll go."
Chakotay smiled knowingly. "Good. Let's see what you find when you come back."
As the commander left the office, Tarik remained seated there, a nagging weight still sitting in his chest.
Because a part of him feared that when he returned, nothing would have changed. And Naomi would have done just fine without him.

Around midday Ayala went to the mess hall to look for Naomi. The away mission would start in the morning and since was getting home late and being tired he hoped he could talk to her now. As he had hoped, he found her sitting at a table. He sat down across her, watching as she absently poked at her food while skimming something on her padd.
When she felt another presence she looked up, and smiled when she saw her father.
"Tarik! Are you on a break? For once, I can recommend noodles with sauce. Or at least something that vaguely resembles noodles," she said, glancing briefly at her plate.
"Actually, I just wanted to talk to you for a moment," Tarik began, while Naomi already glanced back at her padd.
"I'm all ears," she replied, but only half-listening, half-distracted. Just completely absorbed in her own world.
Her own life,Tarik corrected himself.
He exhaled quietly, and began. "I'll be heading out on an away mission tomorrow morning."
Naomi's eyes flicked up from the padd, her expression neutral. "Oh? Where to?"
"Uninhabited M-class planet," he replied. "Routine supply run. A few days at most."
Naomi nodded, already looking back at her padd again. "Okay."
Just okay. No hesitation. No concern. No "be careful, Tarik." Just acceptance.
He tried to ignore the sting.
"Are you sure you'll be alright while I'm gone?" He didn't mean it to come out so pointed, but it did.
Naomi gave him a small, amused smile. "You know, I'm not ten anymore," she said, before correcting herself, "okay, actually I am ten, but converted to my human part I'm almost twice that old."
"Yes, you are." Tarik sighed inwardly and felt another sting.
"I've got a lot to do, anyway," she continued. "B'Elanna and Icheb need my help in Engineering, and I've still got coursework to finish. I'll be keeping busy."
Tarik nodded , and without me, he thought.
Naomi must have noticed something in his face, because she tilted her head slightly, studying him. "You sure you're okay with going?"
"Of course." He forced a small smile. "Just making sure you don't blow up the ship while I'm gone."
She grinned, rolling her eyes. "I promise to leave at least half of Voyager intact."
He chuckled, but it felt hollow.
Naomi's gaze lingered on him for a second longer, as if she could sense something was off but couldn't quite put her finger on it.
Then she smiled and reached across the table, squeezing his wrist gently. "I'll come see you off before you leave."
His throat tightened. He nodded. "I'd like that." He placed his hand onto hers and had barely time to squeeze it before Naomi pulled her hand back and turned back to her padd.
Just 10 years old, but no longer my little felt a lump in his throat and quickly stood up, and left.

The next morning Ayala headed to the Shuttle Bay. Naomi had left early and Ayala couldn't focus on anything but her at the moment. Maybe she already had forgotten that he would leave the ship today, but when he entered the Shuttle Bay, she was there, standing just a few meters away, chatting animatedly with Icheb and B'Elanna Torres. Ayala knew that Naomi was working with them on some engineering project, but the way she spoke, so engaged, so confident, made his chest tighten. She clearly had her own life now.

For four years now, Ayala had been everything to Naomi. Her protector, her guide, the only parent she had left. And now? Now, she barely seemed to need him.
I knew this day would come, but not so soon.
He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the feeling. "Naomi."
She turned, giving him a bright, warm smile. "Hey, Tarik. Ready to go?"
Ayala nodded. "Guess everyone is just waiting for me." He hesitated, then lowered his voice. "Are you sure you'll be okay while I'm gone?"
Naomi blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "Of course. It's just a few days, right?"
"Right," he said, trying to ignore the ache in his chest.
Naomi looked at him closely. There it was again, that feeling she'd had yesterday. Something seemed to hang over him like a shadow. In his usually agile eyes, she could see a sadness that wasn't usually there. But why? Nothing had happened, everything was going well, and she was giving Tarik even less work than ever before.
He'd even taken on extra shifts again, something he'd given up because of her. He should be so much happier, she thought, and felt a sudden surge of love wash over her. Her heart simply couldn't bear it when her father was sad. Maybe he really was too worried that she wouldn't be able to manage on her own? Naomi decided to prove him wrong.
Her expression softened. She stepped closer, lowering her voice so Icheb and B'Elanna wouldn't hear.
"I'll miss you, but I'll be fine. I've got work to do. B'Elanna's letting me help with the plasma relay diagnostics, and Icheb and I are running simulations to improve the shuttle's EPS efficiency."
Ayala gave a small nod, but her words hit him harder than they should have. Without realizing it, Naomi had done exactly the opposite to him.
She'll miss me, but she's got things to do. She's fine without more Tarik's fears were confirmed.
Naomi smiled again. "I'll be here when you get back."
Her voice was full of love, but all Ayala could hear was, "You don't have to worry about me anymore."
He swallowed the lump in his 's grown up. She's not my little girl anymore. And I don't know if I know how to be anything else but her protector.
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Lieutenant, are you ready?" Chakotay called from inside the Delta Flyer.
Ayala nodded and said, "Yes, Commander."
He hesitated for a moment, wondering whether he should hug Naomi again. He hadn't done that in a long time, he realized. It hadn't really been an opportunity, since she was always on the go. But he simply had to touch her again. This, at least. So he hesitantly reached out and gently squeezed her fingers. Just for a second. It felt distant and inadequate, but something kept him from simply pulling her close.
Naomi squeezed back, her eyes full of warmth, then he let go. He turned, stepping into the Flyer without looking back. The doors closed behind him.

As the Flyer lifted off, Naomi stood there watching, her smile still in place, but her eyes clouded with something unspoken. She had sensed it, more than before. His hesitation, his sadness and she still didn't know why. But it pained her and she decided to talk to him about this once he was back. She WAS missing him already, she realized, and Naomi sighed.

Tom navigated the Flyer smoothly through space, descending toward the lush, green surface of the uninhabited planet.
Ayala sat at tactics, staring at the display. He barely saw it. Chakotay, who was on the seat at the OPS, watched him for a moment before speaking.
"Tarik, are you okay?"
Ayala didn't look up. "Fine."
Chakotay smirked. "I saw you back there with Naomi. That didn't look like 'fine'."
Ayala exhaled through his nose, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "She's… growing up."
Chakotay's tone softened. "That's what you wanted, isn't it? For her to be strong, independent?"
"Yeah. I just didn't think it would happen so fast."
Chakotay nodded knowingly. "She's still your daughter, Tarik. That doesn't change just because she's standing on her own two feet."
Ayala stared out at the endless stretch of space beyond the viewport.
"I just don't know where that leaves me."
For once, Chakotay didn't have an immediate answer.
Instead, he let the silence stretch between them as the shuttle dove toward the planet below.