Chakotay and Tuvok materialized at the excite spot where Neelix and the commander had beamed up several minutes before. They brought out their tricorders and scanned the area.
"The village is five miles to west of us," Tuvok said, pointing his tricorder in that direction.
"Well, then let's head west," Chakotay said, "We can't waste time standing around."
Tuvok agreed and he head into the forest. The Vulcan led the way into the darkness as if it was as bright as daylight. Chakotay followed, hoping they would make it to the village in time.

Lyndra wiped the blood off her patient's skin, so she could see what she was doing. She lit another candle, and held it above Paris. She saw that he was bleeding badly from the hole in his lung. She had to work fast. She placed the candle on the floor beside her, and got to work.
"Are you finished, yet?" A voice behind her asked.
She didn't need to turn around to see who it was, "No, Hrond. I just got started."
Hrond grumbled, "I should have left him out there for the scavangers. It would have been more merciful than making his wound larger."
"Leaving him out there to die is not merciful, and you know it. Otherwise, you would have."
Hrond snarled, "Just hurry up and heal him! He's taking up all your time. There are more sick people in this village that need you help."
Lyndra turned around then, "They are not dying! They can wait. Now leave and let me help him!"
She turned back around and resumed her work. She crawled over to a basket near the far left right wall. She went through it until she found a ball of fine thread. She searched deeper in the basker until she found a needle. She then went back over to Paris' side.
"Just a little bit longer," she whispered as she threaded the needle.

B'Elanna Torres entered the mess hall, and went to the replicator. She ordered some food, and went to sit at an empty table. She stared at her food ignoring everything around her.
Almost immediately, Neelix saw her and went over to her. He could see that she was worried, so he decided to comfort her. He sat down across from her and cleared his throat.
Torres looked up to acknowledge him then looked back down at her tray.
"Lieutenant," he began, trying to choose his words carefully, "You can't mope around. It won't bring him back any faster. I know he wouldn't want you sulking when there are things to do."
Torres stared at Neelix, annoyed, "Are suggesting something, Neelix?"
"May I?"
The two turned their attention toward the voice, and saw Harry Kim standing before them.
"What do you have in mind, Harry?" Torres asked, knowing that she wasn't going to be left alone to worry in peace.
Harry sat down between them, "You need something to take your mind off Tom. How about an hour or two in the holodeck?"
Torres stared at Kim, surprised, "Doing what?"
Harry smiled and began describing a program he had made.
"Medieval what?"
"You don't want to fight a bunch of Klingon monsters, do you?" Kim asked, smiling.
Torres shook her head, "That program would only remind me of Tom. Then I would start worrying. I hope they find him."
Kim gave Neelix a worried look. Neelix returned the expression and Kim made his decision. He stood up and said, "That does it, Torres. We're going to the holodeck and storm a casle."
Torres looked at him strangely then smiled. It would do her good to escape reality for an hour or two. She stood up and followed Kim to the holodeck.

Chakotay and Tuvok stopped at a stream to refill their containers. Tuvok scanned the area with his tricorder while Chakotay refilled the containers.
"I suggest we camp here till tomorrow," the Vulcan said, taking his flask.
"How far have we gone?" the commander asked, taking a drink.
Tuvok stared into the darkness, "About two miles. We could see better in the morning."
Chakotay didn't like the idea of stopping till morning, "I don't want to stop when a crew member's life is at steak. We keep moving."
Before Chakotay could take two steps the Vulcan spoke, "You are tired, Commander. We won't be of much help to Paris if we are dead tired."
Chakotay stared at Tuvok. Was he disobeying an order or giving him advice. He then realized that he was tired, but he couldn't sleep at a time like this.
"If I was lying someone out there, and maybe dying would you stop to rest?" He asked.
Tuvok took only a moment to think, "Yes. Knowing you, you would have found some plants that would aid in healing. The villagers, if they do have Paris, would also have some kind of knowledge of healing. With this in mind, it would be safe to sleep."
Chakotay nodded even though he still didn't like the idea. He finally gave up, "Alright. Let's get a fire started.
He helped Tuvok gather some wood.
I just hop I don't regret this, Chakotay thought as he used his phaser to start the fire.

Paris slowly opened his. He moaned softly then coughed only to moan again. When he was able to open his eyes again, he saw Lyndra looking at him, concerned. He saw that she held a bowl in her hands, and his eyes brightened.
"Thanks, I'm starving," he whispered, forgetting that she couldn't understand a word he said.
Lyndra only smiled, and help him sit up. She then handed the bowl to him. He shoveled some food into his mouth. He made a face, but ate anyway. He was too hungry to care about taste. He swallowed and put another spoonful into his mouth. A harsh voice came to his ears, and he looked to see the leader of the hunt standing in the entrance way. Paris could see that he was not happy.
Lyndra followed Paris' gaze to see Hrond blocking the door. She stood up and went to him.
"How is he?" Hrond asked.
Lyndra smiled, "I didn't think you cared."
Hrond glared at her, "I don't. I want to know if he is well enough to travel. I want him out of the villag."
Lyndra looked at Paris, who was finishing off the soup. She then stared at Hrond, "He's not well enough to travle, Hrond. It'll be another day or two."
Hrond's eyes darkened, "Unacceptable. I want him out of here today!"
Lyndra sneered, "You uncaring...."
"Careful, Lyndra. You could join him."
"Sounds better than staying here and be told who I can and can not heal! Now get out before I help you out!"
Hrond snarled, "He has one day or you're both out in the forest!"
He then turned and left the hut. Lyndra sighed and went back to Paris' side. She saw he had finished the soup, and had set it aside. She knew he had to have been listening to the arguing. She was glad that he couldn't understand a word they said.

The sound of birds singing woke Chakotay. He sat up and saw Tuvok already up and fixing breakfast.
"What's for breakfast?"
"Fruit," came the answer.
Tuvok handed the commander a stick with various fruit on it. Chakotay took the top piece off, and bit into it. He nodded his approval and slid another off.
"We need to get going," he told the Vulcan as he popped another piece of fruit into his mouth.
Tuvok nodded and stood up. Chakotay snuffed out the fire then followed the Vulcan into the forest.
"The villagers do have Lt. Paris," Tuvok said suddenly.
Chakotay stared at Tuvok, "You set the tricorder to search for Paris' DNA pattern?"
Tuvok raised an eyebrow, "It did not take as long as Kim had thought."
Chakotay smiled, "Then let's head for that village."
Paris woke to t he sound of shouting. He opened his eyes only to find that the hut was empty. He looked over at the doorway to the hut and saw two shadows on the ground. He slowly sat up, wincing against the pain. He used the wall beside him to help him stand up. He then slowly walked toward the entrance.
He stopped short when he felt a sharp pain in his side. He fought back a cry and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw Lyndra staring at him in shock.
He looked down to see that he only had on the fur blanket. He felt his face flush as he stared back at her. He saw her smile in embarressment. She saw a few words then left the hut. He went back over to the wall, and carefully sat down.
Several minutes later, Lyndra came back, this time she had a bundle of clothes with her. She handed them to Paris, who tool them with a smile of relief.
"Thanks," he said, "Hope they fit."
Lyndra smiled then knelt in front of him. He stared at her strangely as she removed the blanket. He followed her gaze to a large leaf on his right side. She gently removed the leaf, and he hissed in pain. She smiled sadly as she looked at the wound.
Paris grimaced as he realized just how close he had come to death. He took a deep breath, but soon regreted it. He gasped in pain and Lyndra looked at him, concerned.
"Guess I have to be careful with how deep I breathe," Paris whispered.
Lyndra, seeing taht he was all right, smiled. She then went into a basket on her left, and brought out a clay jar. She opened it, stuck her index finger in it then applied the goo to the wound. After a moment, she placed a new leaf on top of it. She looked at him, opened her mouth then closed it. He couldn't understand a word she said, and vise versa.
Such a shame, she thought, he has such a lovely voice.
Lyndra stood up and left the hut.
B'Elanna stepped out of the shower and went over to the replicator. She asked for orange juice, and a moment later, a large glass appeared. She took it, sipped it, the set it on top of her dresser. She then grabbed her uniform, and put it on.
I didn't think an hour or two on the holodeck meant all night, Torres thought as she left her quarters.
She finished off the glass on her way to Engineering. She placed the empty glass in a replicator as she passed it. She went into Engineering and instantly got to work. She wanted to keep her mind occupied, for she knew that is thought about Paris alone and injured on the planet, she would go crazy.
Her thoughts were interrupted by someone calling her name. She turned around and saw Kim walking toward her.
"What is it?" She asked, surprised to see him.
Kim came up to her with a large smile on his face. Torres believe that if she didn't know him any better, she'd sworn he was drunk.
"Chakotay just reported back," he said, "They were able to trace Tom's DNA pattern. He's in a village."
Questions flooded Torres' mind, but only one made it to her lips, "Is he alive?"
"They don't know, yet. They're three miles from the village, but they're making excellent time."
Torres didn't like the sound of it, but at least they knew where he was. She gave Kim a small smile. She then heard her name being called again. She excused herself and went to see what was needed. Kim took that has a cue to head back to the bridge.

Tom Paris stood in the middle of the room looking over the clothes that he wore. They were a dark brown and petal soft.
At least they fit, Paris thought, smiling.
He heard a voice, and he looked up to see Lyndra standing in the doorway. She was holding a bowl, and as if on cue, he heard his stomach growl. She walked up to him, and gave him the bowl.
He took the bowl and looked in it. The soup was a clear liquid with small chunk of meat floating around.
Ah, meat swimming in water. Yum, Paris thought as he took a sip of the brew.
He felt a sharp twinge in his side, but he ignored it. He finished off the soup and gave the bowl back to Lyndra. He then went to the wall and sat down. The twinge had become a dull ache, and he figured he had better sit down before he fell down.
Paris looked up to see that the hut was empty. He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. He tried to think about something to take his mind off the pain. His mind wandered to thoughts of B'Elanna. He wondered how she liked his gift, and he couldn't wait to see her in it. His heart sank when he began to wonder if he'd ever see her again. He knew they had to be searching for him, but what was taking so long? Where were they? Where was he?
Negative ideas entered his mind, but he shook them away. His mind went back to B'Elanna. He thought about taking her up on that eain check for the picnic, day off or not. He thought about making it night this go around. His heart beat faster as he imagined Torres standing in the moonlight wearing the nightgown.
Gods, Tommy, he yelled at himself, She'd never go for that no matter how long you've been gone!
A soft hand on his shoulder made him jump. His eyes flew open to see Lyndra kneeling in front of him. She tried to say something, but thought better of it. She took his hand, and lead him out of the hut.
The two made their way through the village. Paris could feel the villagers staring at him, but he didn't care. Lyndra pulled him so fast that he had to jog just to make sure his arm was not yanked from its socket.
"Lyndra, where are we going?" He asked, knowing that she would only understand her name.
She surprised him by pointing to a large hut placed between two huge trees. He felt a sudden sense of dread, and he fought against Lyndra's pull. She gave him a look that reminded him of B'Elanna. He let her drag him into the hut, knowing that it was best not to argue.
The two went into the hut, and Paris saw why she brought him here. Sitting on a large fur covered chair was the lead hunter.
So he's the head honcho, Paris thought as Lyndra lead him to the chieftain.
He could literally feel the coldness of the chief's stare. He glared back, knowing that doing so would only anger the chief more. They stared at each other for a few minutes before the leader turned his cold gaze on Lyndra. Paris also looked at her as the chief spoke.
Paris stood there as they shouted at each other. He didn't know what they were saying, but he had a feeling it was about him.
"The signal is getting stronger," Tuvok announced as he stepped over a fallen tree limb, "We should reach the village in a couple hours."
Chakotay nodded, but said nothing. He was wondering if Paris was even alive. He didn't doubt that the natives had the knowledge to heal; he just didn't know if they got to Paris in time.
He was so deep in thought that he almost didn't see a low hanging branch coming toward him. His reflexes caught the branch just before it hit him in the face. He walked around it then let it go. He ran up to Tuvok, and decided to keep alert before something else tried to hit him. He then brought out his tricorder, and set it to pick up lifesigns. He then set it to pick up Paris'.
"That answers that," he said more to himself.
"You checked for his lifesign," it was a statement not a question.
"Yes," Chakotay answered, "I wanted...."
"You wanted to ease your conscience," Tuvok said.
Chakotay stared at the Vulcan's back, shocked, "What makes you think I feel guilty for Paris' situation?"
Tuvok kept walking, "He was angry for having his day off cut short."
"I didn't have nothing to do with that."
Tuvok seemed not to be listening, "Then you go to 'set him straight.' I can only assume that what you told him only made him fume more."
"He wanders off on his own. Disobeys me about returning to the transport area, and winde up getting hurt. You can think what you like, Tuvok, but he wandered off on his own accord. I did not tell him nor push him to chase some wild animal. I did not cause him to get injured."
Tuvok continued walking, only looking at his tricorder once. Hw did raise an eyebrow at Chakotay's statement, however.
"Of course," the Vulcan replied, "But if you consider the Domino Effect, you did push him to get injured."
Chakotay said nothing. He looked at his tricorder, and saw a red dot beeping steadily.

"Why did you bring him here!?" Hrond shouted angrily, "Are you trying to mock me!?"
Lyndra glared back, "I'm showing you that he is well enough to walk, Hrond! I'm going to take him into the forest where I know his people are looking for him!"
Hrond sneered, "Fine! Take him! You can go with him as well. I don't want a wife nor a healer that disobeys and argues with me! Go!"
Lyndra looked at Paris then turned and left the hut. Paris gave a final glare at Hrond before he followed after Lyndra.
"Lyndra," he called after her.
She turned around to see Paris running up to her. She wondered how she was going to tell him that they were to leave the village.
Paris was about to say something when she pointed toward the woods. He looked in that direction, and came up with some idea of what Lyndra and the chieftain were talking about.
"Your chief wants me to leave, doesn't he?" He asked, already knowing the answer.
Lyndra pointed to him then herself and again at the forest. Paris only nodded and headed toward the forest. Before he got far, he heard his name. He turned around to see Lyndra walking up to him. She said a few words then headed into the forest. Paris followed after her, wishing he knew what she said.
Chakotay and Tuvok stopped to rest by a fallen tree trunk. Tuvok took a sip from his container while Chakotay stared at his tricorder. The Vulcan looked strangely at the commander.
"You have been looking at you tricorder for the past thirty minutes."
Chakotay stared at Tuvok, "We don't know how bad he's injured. I'm hoping it doesn't change."
"I believe the villagers had a way to heal him," Tuvok assured, "If the steady beeping doesn't convince you, then maybe we should see for ourselves."
Chakotay nodded and stood up. He took a quick drink from his container then followed Tuvok toward the village.
"We should reach the village by nightfall," Tuvok announced.
Chakotay nodded once then suddenly stopped. He stared at his tricorder strangely.
"He's moving," he said, "He's heading right for us."
"Shall we wait here for him or keep moving?" Th Vulcan asked.
"We keep moving. He might be walking on his own. Someone could be carrying him."
The two continued forward. Tuvok kept his eyes ahead for Paris while Chakotay kept looking at his tricorder.
You better be walking in you own, Lieutenant, Chakotay thought to himself. I'm not going to carry you. Paris and Lyndra made their way through the thick brush. The fading light made it difficult to avoid tripping over fallen limps and protruding roots. Paris almost stumbled over such obsticles twice, had not Lyndra grabbed his arm. He grumbled, but continued on, ignoring the growing pain in his side.
Lyndra could see that Paris was hurting. She tried three thimes to get him to rest, but he refused. When she heard him gasp a fourth time, she grabbed his arms and forced him to sit down. She looked at him, and in the fading light, she could see that he was in a lot of pain.
"I don't feel so good," Paris was able to say, "Guess we shouldn't have gone for a walk."
Lyndra smiled sadly. She knew he could walk much farther, and night was coming on them fast. If they were to find his people, she would have to leave him here. She stood up and pointed to him. She said his name then pointed to the ground. She pointed to herself then toward the forest. She looked at him and she could see that he didn't like the idea. She saw him nod once, telling her that he understood.
"I'll leave the light on for you," Paris whispered.
Lyndra gripped his shoulder tightly then headed deeper into the forest.
"At least I don't have to go far for firewood," Paris said to himself as he gathered sticks of lying around him.
Paris placed the sticks in a pile in front of him. He then picked up two twigs and rubbed them together.
"Next time, I'm bringing a spare phaser," he grumbled.
Several minutes and aching arms later, a fire sparked to life. He let out a cry of joy, and began to feed the fire dry leaves and twigs. He then leaned back against a tree and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and winced in pain.
Should have stayed in the village, he thought.
Paris stared into the fire as he tried to focus on something else besides being in pain. It didn't help as the ache grew into sharp stabs. He closed his eyes and tried to picture B'Elanna's face. He almost saw her deep brown eyes looking back at him, but a stab of pain forced the image to vanish. He yelped outloud causing a nightbord to fly away in surprise.
"It's getting dark and we still haven't seen the village," Chakotay said.
"The village is beyond those trees, "Tuvok said, pointing his tricorder toward the trees.
"Good. Let's pick up the pace. I want off this planet with Paris in tow before tomorrow."
Tuvok said nothing. He knew Chakotay wouldn't want to stop to rest now that they were mere minutes from finding Paris. He just hoped that the commander waited a day or two before he reprimanded Paris for disobeying him. The Vulcan was not in the mood to baybsut either of them in the brig. He would much rather lock them in their quarters until they calmed down.
"He stopped," Chakotay announced bringing Tuvok out of his thoughts, "Something must be wrong."
Tuvok looked at his tricorder, then toward the forest, "Someone is coming toward us."
"I hope it's one of the villagers," Chakotay said.
The two walked slowly forward. They heard the rustling of bushes and the cracking of twigs. They strained their eyes and saw the silouhette of a humanoid running toward them.
"We have company," Chakotay said, unconsciously placing a hand over his phaser.
They heard a voice rushing toward their ears. It sounded frightened, yet determained.
"It is female," Tuvok mentioned.
"She must have Paris."
The two shortened the gap between the woman and themselves. When they caught up to her, she began pointing behind her and talking quickly.
"She knows we're here for Paris," Tuvok said.
Chakotay nodded and turned to the woman, "Where is he? Take us to him."
The woman looked at the commander, surprised. She understood what he said and she nodded.
"You are his people?" She asked, glad to finally be able to communicate.
"Yes. Will you take us to him?"
She nodded then walked into the darkness. The two followed her, knowing that their search was almost over.

Lyndra didn't bother to check to see if they were following her. She could hear the twigs snap and the bushes rustle. She kenw there was no time to stop, and wait for them to catch up. Tom was hurt, and if a wild animal was hungry enough, a blazing fire wouldn't stop it from attacking.
She could see a small orange light ahead of her. She thanked the gods that he was able to start a fire. Now, she could see where he was and how much farther.
She easily jumped over a fallen trunk as she ran toward the beaken. She finally stopped at the tree where she had left Paris. She caught her breath as she waited for the two to catch up.
Lyndra didn't wait long, for she heard them coming up behind her. She turned around and spoke, "He's not well. An arrow pierced his right lung. I helped him as best I could, but he's still in pain."
Chakotay looked at Tuvok, who stared at him with an unreadable expression. The commander went to the tree, and looked around it. He saw Paris lying on the ground, unconscious. He knelt beside the pilot and checked for a pulse.
"He's alive," Chakotay said, "we have to get him to sickbay."
He looked at the woman and nodded, "Thanks. I'm sure he would thank you as well."
She smiled then asked, "How can I understand you, but not him?"
Chakotay gave Tuvok a surprised look, but the Vulcan only raised an eyebrow. The commander looked back at the woman and answered, "Magic. We're shamans, but he is not. We cast a spell, so that we would be able to communicate with you."
The woman nodded. She looked at Paris, concerned, "If you are shamans, then what is he?"
"A smartass, but he's the best pilot we have."
Tuvok stood there as Chakotay answered her questions. He let the commander fill her head with lies, for he knew the truth would only bring more questions. They didn't have the time to answer them all.
Paris began coughing bringing their attention back to their situation.
"We must leave now, Commander," Tuvok said, "Shall I cast the spell or you?"
Chakotay tried not to smile. He stood up and tapped his commbadge, "Chakotay to Voyager. Three to beam up."
Lyndra watched in both awe and fear and the three vanished before her eyes.
The three reappeared in sickbay. Paris was lying on a biobed while Chakotay and Tuvok stood watching the Doctor scan the pilot's injuries.
After a moment, the Doctor went over to them and reported, "The native's did a good job on sewing up the hole in his lung. The goo I found is made from certain plants that aid in healing. I gave him a painkiller that should also help him sleep. He should be up and around tomorrow."
Chakotay nodded, "Let Janeway and I know when he's fit for duty."
"I will."

Tom Paris had completely recovered the next day. The Doctor released him from sickbay, and Captain Janeway decided to give him another day off, seeing that he needed it. She told him, though that she expected him to work longer the following day. He agreed and left for his quarters. He contacted Torres and told her that he wanted to take her up on that rain check for the picnic. She agreed and would expect him in an hour.
Paris now stood outside Torres' quarters. He wore the dark brown clothes that Lyndra had given him. He didn't want the leathers to go to waste, and they seemed perfect for the picnic.
He let himself take a deep breath as he touched the buzzer. The door hissed open to reveal a dimmly lit room. He was a little surprised, but he stepped in anyway.
"B'Elanna?" He called as a flicker of light caught his eye. He turned and saw two candles placed before two plates. On the plates was pasta, and to one side of them was a glass of wine.
"Um, B'Elanna," he called, "I thought we were going to have a picnic on the holodeck?"
"I changed my mind," Torres called from her bedroom.
"I can see that," Paris said as he took a seat at one end of the table.
A moment later, Torres came out of her bedroom. Paris stopped in mid-sip of the wine, and stared at her. She was wearing a deep blue dress and a Klingon necklace that Janeway had given her. He watched as she moved to sit across from him. She smiled at him, and he returned the reply.
"You look beautiful," he said as he set the glass down on the table.
"And you look like you're ready to hunt deer, Tom."
"If I knew you had changed your mind, I would have worn something more appropriate."
Torres smiled, "You look quite attractive in those clothes."
Paris blushed and looked at his food. He took a bite and relished in how wonderful it tasted.
"I was worried about you, Tom," Torres said suddenly, "I thought they wouldn't find you in time. I thought you were dead."
Paris looked at her. He could see the worry in her eyes, "I thought I was, too. But thinking about you kept me going."
Torres stared at him as if she was trying to look into him, "I'm glad that I could keep you fighting. I could only imagine how much pain you were in."
"A lot," he whispered, knowing that listening to this was just as difficult as telling it, "I'm sure they told you."
Torres nodded. She then shook her head, "Let's talk about something else."
"Great idea. How about that picnic?"
Torres smiled, "A moonlit swim?"
Paris could see impish delight in her dar eyes. He gave his own mischievious smile in return.
"When ever you want is fine with me."
"Good. How about Sunday?"
Paris felt a twinge of disappointment, but he nodded, "I get off rather late, though."
"Sounds good to me. A moonlit swim after a long day is a great way to unwind."
Paris only nodded and took a bite of the pasta.
"Right now, I have something else in mind."
Paris gave her a look of surprise. She moved around the table to sit beside Paris. She stared into his blue eyes as she gently touched his face. She drew closer and kissed him. He embraced her and returned the kiss.
After a moment, Torres pulled away, "There is something I wanted to show you before you left."
Paris stared into her eyes, "That can wait. Right now, I don't want you out of my sight."
Before Torres could answer, Paris kissed her. In responce, she shoved him onto his back. She then got on top of his, looked down into his eyes, and growled.

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