A strong gust of wind shook the ruined shuttle. Chakotay woke up and looked around. He felt and saw the craft shake. He saw more debris fall; most of it falling on Paris. Dirt was also coming in from the hole in the ceiling causing him to cough.
Chakotay stood up, bracing himself against the bulkhead. The shaking was tearing the shuttle apart. He had to get himself and Paris out of the craft before it crushed them.
He stumbled over to Paris and tried to wake him. When yelling didn't work, he shook the pilot.
"Damn it, wake up!" Chakotay shouted.
Tom Paris' eyes flew open, and a half second later, he punched Chakotay.
"I told you not to shake me!" Paris shouted at the surprise commander.
Chakotay sat on the floor, checking his jaw. He stared at Paris, who glared angrily at him.
"Feel better?" He asked the pilot.
Before he could recieve an answer, the shuttle shook even more. Paris placed a hand on the bulkhead beside him to brace himself.
"We have to get out of here," Chakotay shouted as he cautiously got to his feet.
He helped Paris to his feet, and half-carried him to the shuttle door. He pressed the panel's buttons to open the door. It hissed open, and they were greeted with a blast of dust and wind.
"You want to go for a walk in that?" Paris shouted to be heard over the roar of the wind.
"Unless you want to be in the shuttle as it falls apart?" Chakotay mentioned.
The two left the craft and fought against the wind to find better shelter. The dirt was tossed into their eyes and noses, but they continued on. Paris lost his footing twice, but Chakotay held onto him. A rock hit the commander in the shoulder nearly knocking him over. Paris used what little strength he had to keep Chakotay from falling.
"The weather's not very nice here, is it?" Paris shouted.
Chakotay shook his head and continued on. He could barely see an outline of a large rock formation. He knew it would be less windy there, so he headed for it.
"Where are we going?" Paris asked, straining his eyes against the wind.
"There's a rock formation up ahead," Chakotay answered, "We'll be safe there, and can wait for Voyager."
The two slowly walked toward their destination. The sound of the wind rang in their ears, and the dust made them cough. They finally made it to the rock formation when darkness fell across the planet.
Chakotay helped Paris sit down on the ground.
"You didn't happen to bring one of those containers, did you?" Paris asked, catching his breath.
Chakotay nodded and brought one from his pcoket. He opened it and handed to Paris.
"They might have to scan the planet for us, but they'll find us," Chakotay said, looking around at their new surroundings.
Paris nodded in agreement, and took a drink of the orange liquid. He then handed it back to Chakotay. He placed his hands on his mid-section and pressed against it. He gasped and caught a concerned stare from the commander.
"What are you doing?" He asked, stunned.
Paris looked at him, "You left the tricorder back in the shuttle. I'm checking my injuries the old fashioned way."
"I can tell you now it's not good," Chakotay said.
Paris said nothing, but continued checking his injuries. Chakotay watched as the pilot winced and gasped in pain. He moved his hands to the center of his stomach and pressed again. He cried out, causing Chakotay to jump. The commander put his hands on Paris' to stop him from continuing.
Paris stared at Chakotay, "Let go."
Chakotay shook his head, "You're just making it worse, Tom. You already know how bad your injuries are. You don't need to do this."
Paris shoved the commander's hands away then tried to stand up. A sharp pain in his stomach, and Chakotay's hand on his arm stopped him. He plopped back down, and stared at Chakotay.
"You're not going anywhere, Paris," the commander said, "There's nowhere to go plus the gale..."
"Would confuse me? Cause me to go in circles?"
Chakotay nodded. He let go of Paris' arm when he saw the pilot wasn't going anwhere.
~~
"We're in hailing range, Captian," Kim announced.
"Hail them," Janeway said.
The hailing frequencies were opened, and Janeway announced herself. Almost at once, the alien interrupted her.
"What are you doind here?" A gruff voice filled the bridge.
Janeway was surprised by the interruption, but she answered the question.
"We have reason to believe that two of my crewmen crashed on this planet. Are you the cause of the crash?"
The gruff voice sounded proud, "Of course, yes. We wanted the supplies they were carrying. We sell them in exchange for equipment for our ships."
Janeway's eyes darkened, "You're pirates."
There was a chuckle then the voice became cold, "If your crewmen survived the crash, they might be of use to us as well."
"Not if I can help it," Janeway growled.
"The voice laughed, "I have sent a group to salvage the supplies and the two with them. Can you get to your people before mine?"
The communication was cut off. Janeway glared at the large ship on the view screen. She had to get her crewmen back before the pirates got to them. She tapped her commbadge and spoke, "Voyager to Chakotay. Are you there?"
"Chakotay here," there was still static.
"Pirates attacked you. They want the supplies. They are on the planet searching for the shuttle."
"They won't find much," the commander mentioned, "A strong gale shook it apart. We escaped and are waiting it out behind a rock formation. The gale is kicking up a lot of dirt."
Janeway smiled at the idea of the pirates finding a pile of rubble, "Do you have the supplies?"
"No. I had to half-carry Paris out of there. The gale kept us off balance most of the time. I was more concerned about getting out of there with our lives."
"How's Tom?" Janeway asked.
"He's hanging on."
"We're going to try to beam you out of there," Janeway said.
"Wait until the storm has passed," the static was getting worse, "I think we're safe from the pirates. They wouldn't want to look for us in this."
"All right. We'll watch the weather. Janeway out."
Janeway leaned back in her chair, staring at the view screen. She hoped the storm Chakotay mentioned would keep the pirates from searching for him and Paris.
~~
The sound of the wind echoed in Chakotay's ears. It helped keep him awake as he watched over Paris. The pilot slept so still that he made it a habit to check Paris' pulse every five minutes. He also cooled Paris' forehead with the liquid.
Chakotay checked Paris for a pulse for the fifteenth time, and he stirred in his sleep. He opened his eyes and looked at the commander. Chakotay believe now would be a good time to mention the pirates.
"Janeway contacted me," he began, "She found out that pirates attacked us. They wanted the supplies. A group of them were sent down to find them and us."
"Wonderful."
"The storm should keep them from searching for us. When it clears Janeway will beam us out of here."
Paris nodded, "I'm starting to wonder if the storm will ever stop."
"It'll end," Chakotay answered, "We'll be back on Voyager soon."
Paris stared at him, "Quit lying, Chakotay. It'll be you who returns to Voyager. I'm going to be buried here."
Chakotay finally had enough of Paris' gloominess, "Stop it, Tom. You're not the type to give up sp easily. What happened to the Tom Paris, who turned everything into a joke?"
"He died on the shuttle, and I'm going to follow."
"I don't believe that," Chakotay said, trying to keep himself from hitting the pilot, "You're too damn stubborn to die. You wouldn't miss a chance to be a pain in the butt to me."
"I could always haunt you."
Chakotay smiled, "That's better. Keep it up and you'll feel better."
"Anything for you, Chakotay."
A gust of wind sent dirt into their faces. Chakotay blinked back the dirt, and spit it out of his mouth. Paris groaned bitterly and wiped his eyes. Some of the dust went up his nose, and he sneezed.
"Next time, I pick the planet we crash on," Paris said, blinking the sand away.
Chakotay chuckled, glad to see Paris' humor return.
~~
An hour later, the sand storm finally died down. Tom Paris slowly opened his eyes and stared at his surroundings. Sand covered everything even his and Chakotay's uniforms. He ran a hand through his hair to find it gritty with dirt. He tasted dirt in his mouth, and he spit it out.
Paris then spotted the container half-buried in the sand. He leaned over, ignoring the pain, and picked up the container. He then opned the container and drank the liquid. After a moment, he heard his stomach growl. He stared at the landscape that stretched out before him. He knew he could become lost if he went out on his own.
Making up his mind, he slowly stood up, using the rock as support. Keeping his etes ahead, he headed out into the wilderness.
The wind still kicked up dirt, but it was not as bad as last night. Paris kept his eyes open for anything that might prove as food. He just hoped he didn't have to wonder too far from the rock formation.
At the thought, he turned around. He could barely see the distant image of the formation. Something then caught his attention. He looked in the direction, and saw a grey creature sitting on a rock. His fuzzy mind began to work, and he remembered the creature Chakotay had caught. He smiled weakly and slowly stalked toward the creature.
Chakotay opened his eyes and looked around. His gaze fell on Paris, who was eating something. The commander sat up, surprised.
"Where did you get that?"
Paris looked at him in mid-bite, "I got hungry, so I went hunting."
Chakotay stared at the pilot, surprised, "You went out there alone!? Why didn't you wake me? I could have gotten the food. You're not in..."
The pilot glared at him, "I am capable of getting my own food. I didn't go very far, and if I got into troulbe I would have contacted you. You don't need to worry."
Chakotay shook his head, "I've been worried ever since learning of your injuries."
"I'm not going to sit here, and let you do everything for me. I know I'm dying, but I'm not going to lie down and take it."
Chakotay smiled inwardly. Something inside the boy had found the will to live even if the chance he would die was greater. The commander's outward expression was of mild anger.
"Alright. Just tell me the next time you decide to wander off."
Paris was about to say something when he saw a shadow fall across Chakotay's face. He spuna round only to be hit in the face. The force of the blow sent him flying onto his back.
Chakotay lept to his feet as the attacker showed itself. He was muscular and stodd taller than him. The pirate's clothes were ragged, and he carried a huge black sowrd. Strapped to his back was a phaser rifle.
"Looks like I found you," the pirate said, smiling.
Chakotay knew he couldn't win this fight, but he wasn't going to be taken either. He charged the pirtate. His battle cry startled the advisary enough to get in a punch across his head. The pirate stumbled back, but held his balance. He sneered at the commander then returned the punch.
Chakotay lost his balance and fell on the ground. He sat up after a moment, and saw the pirate holding the blade of his sword over Paris' chest.
"Stay there or he's dead," the pirate warned.
Chakotay froze, his eyes on the sword. Paris was starting to wake up, bringing the pirate's attention to him.
Paris opened his eyes, and saw a black blade pointed at his heart. He instantly forze, but his gaze moved up the weapon until he saw the owner. He suddenly wished he stayed unconscious.
"Hello there," he said calmly, even though his heart was pounding.
The pirate sneered as he glared at Paris, "Quiet you I'll kill you right now."
"Do as he says, Tom," he heard Chakotay say.
Paris looked over to his right, and saw the commander sitting on the ground. He appeared as if he was ready to charge. He then understood what happened.
He turned back to the pirate, "Alright, just point your sword at something else."
The pirate snarled. He stared at Paris as if he was trying to decide to kill the pilot or not. He finally bent down and harsly lifting Paris to a sitting position. He yelped in surprise and pain at the sudden movement.
"Leave him alone," Chakotay snapped, "He's injured?"
The pirate stared at the commander, "How badly?"
Chakotay did not like the sound of the pirate's voice. It was not a concerned voice, but one that expressed on urgancy. He realized he must have been silent for awhile, for the pirate asked again, angrily. Chakotay blinked, startled. He looked at Paris, who was barely staying awake. The pirate shouted his question again.
"He's dying," Chakotay blurted out of anger. He wished he could take it back when he saw the pirate smile.
"He won't be of much use to us then. I'll just put him out of his misery."
The pirate pointed his sword at Paris. He raised the weapon above the pilot's chest. Paris stared at the pirate. He tried to move, but fear and pain held him still.
He heard Chakotay shout and charge toward the pirate. The pirate spun around, but the commander had got him off guard. He was shoved into the rock. He sank to the ground just has the darkness over took Paris.
~~
Commander Chakotay took the unconscious pirate's sword. He was about to take the phaser rifle when he saw movement from the corner of his eye. He turned, sword in hand, to see another pirate coming from behind the rock. He was about to charge when the newcomer quickly aimed his rifle at him.
"Don't move," the pirate hissed.
Chakotay stood still, staring at this new advisary. For several minutes, the two glared at each other. Neither one wanting to provoke an attack from the other. The long silence was suddenly broken by coughing.
Chakotay looked at Paris, who was coughing violently. He looked back at the pirate, who stared at Paris. He made a move toward him to which the commander shouted a warning. The pirate looked at him and smiled.
"Don't worry. He can come along as well."
Chakotay sneered and made a move toward the pirate. He aimed his weapon at the commander, who stopped short.
"He needs help," Chakotay said, "Let me help him."
Kquion tried not to laugh, "He's beyond help, but if you insist."
Chakotay went to the pilot as Kquion went to check on his companion. The commander checked Paris for a pulse, and found a weak one. He looked at Paris, and saw a stream of blood flowing from a corner of his mouth. The commander felt a chill run down his spine.
Paris opened his eyes and saw Chakotay hovering over him. He tasted blood and a sense of dread went through him.
"What happened?" He asked, his voice a whisper.
"Pirates happened," Chakotay answered, "I knocked one out, but he had a friend with him. He's checking on the other now."
"And he just happened to let you check on me without being watched?"
"Obviously he's more concerned about his companion."
Paris suddenly felt a sharp twinge in his stomach. He closed his eyes, and put his right hand on his mid-section. When he opened his eyes again, he saw a fearful expression on Chakotay's face.
"I was right," Paris whispered, "I am going to be buried here."
Chakotay shook his head, "Not if I can help it."
Paris tried to smile, but he felt too drained. He took a breath, winced against the dull ache he felt, and closed his eyes.
"Will you do something for me?" Paris began.
"Tom.."
"Will you?" Paris demanded.
"What?"
Paris took another breath. He fought against another coughing fit before he spoke, "Will you tell B'Elanna that I love her."
Chakotay smiled sadly, "You can tell her yourself. We're going to get off this dust ball."
Paris' eyes flew open. The blue eyes flashed in anger, "Will you, Chakotay!?"
The commander stared at him in shock. The voice reflected the anger that shown in the pilot's eyes. Chakotay found himself nodding, though he was not going to give up as easily.
Chakotay stood up, sword in hand, and turned to face the pirates. Kquion smiled at him. He aimed his rifle at Paris then looked back at the commander.
"You're not going anywhere, except with us. Give me the sword and I won't shoot your friend."
Chakotay looked at Paris, who was trying to sit up. He only made it to propping up on his elbow. He stared back at Chakotay, then the pirate.
"Well, look who's awake. Give me the sword and he'll stay that way."
The commander glared at Kquion. He sneered and tossed the sword at him. The pirate picked it up and smiled.
"Now help your friend up and follow us."
The pirate then went to his compantion, who was holding his head in pain. Kquion handed the weapon back to his companion watched as Chakotay helped Paris to his feet.
The four traveled across the barren wasteland back toward the crash site. The two pirates walked behind Chakotay and Paris to keep an eye on them. Chakotay was half-dragging Paris, who could barely keep his feet under him.
"Why didn't you contact the captain instead of playing with the pirates?" Paris asked of a sudden.
Chakotay stared at him. The pilot was pale. The only color came from the blood trickling from his mouth.
"If I made even the slightest move they would have killed you."
Paris stared at the commander, "Thanks, but I'm..."
"Don't say it, Tom," Chakotay interrupted, "I'm going to make sure you make it to Voyager alive."
Paris smiled weakly, but said nothing. He used the rest of his energy to walk. He stared at the horizon and saw the blurry image of the shuttle and a large craft. As they got closer, he could see more pirates walking back and forth between the two shuttles. They were taking the supplies, and he had a feeling he and Chakotay were going to be among them.
Paris suddenly felt light headed. He tried to fight back the coming darkness to no avail. The last thing he knew was that he was falling.
Chakotay felt Paris go limp. He held onto the pilot before he fell to the ground. He then picked Paris up and lifted him onto his shoulder and continued walking. He heard the pirates behind him whispering to themselves about Paris not making it to the ship. He couldn't help, but realize it as well.
~~
Captain Janeway stared at the pirate leader on her view screen. She had told the leader several times that they could have the supplies if they let her find her crewmen. The pirate captain had refused each time, saying that he could sell them.
"Though I believe I might keep the shuttle's pilot for myself. I could use his impressive skills to pilot my ship. He'd come in handy in escapes."
Janeway had not liked the idea of Paris being forced to pilot the ship of the very people who tried to kill him. She believed he would like it even less.
"You're being very quiet, Captain," the pirate captain said, a smirk on his face, "Have you run out of things to say?"
Janeway's eyes darkened at the remark. She cut the communications, and the alien's face vanished from the view screen. She then turned to Tuvok and asked, "Has the weather changed?"
Tuvok looked at his console then asnwered, "While the pirate leader was ingaging you in idle conversation, the sand storm had stopped."
Janeway saw her oppurtunity and she took it. She tapped her comm badge, "Bridge to Transporter room. Lock onto Commander Chakotay's and Lt. Paris' badge signals and beam them to sickbay."
~~
The four arrived at the crash site. Chakotay gently put Paris on the ground. He was about to check for a pulse when Kquion grabbed his arm. He spun around, glaring at the pirate.
"Forget him," Kquion said, "You're going to help us with the supplies."
Chakotay sneered, "You have more than enough help. Let me check on him."
The pirate stared at him. They were actually almost done placing the supplies on their craft. After a moment, he finally snarled and shoved Chakotay toward the pilot.
Chakotay knelt beside Paris, and placed two fingers on the pilot's neck. A chill went up his spine when he couldn't find one. Trying to keep himself calm, he put an ear against Paris' chest and listened for a heartbeat. He listened for several moments as he told himself it was the noise of the wind that made it hard for him to hear anything. He knew that wasn't true.
No, he shouted in his head, Why couldn't you have waited a few more minutes!?
Still trying to remain calm, he lied Paris on the ground, and began compressing the pilot's chest. As he went through the motions, he could feel the amused eyes of the pirates upon him. He ignored them.
"Come on, damn it!" Chakotay nearly shouted, "I'm not up to being haunted by you!"
After several minutes, he felt the familiar sensation of being transported.
When everything cleared, he saw that he was in sickbay. Chakotay looked around, and saw Janeway standing before him. He tried to smile, but their gaze fell on Paris.
The Doctor appeared and waved his scanner over the pilot. He looked at his tricorder after a moment.
"I'll save you the trouble, Doctor," Chakotay said, "Paris is dead. He bled to death from internal injuries."
The Doctor looked at his tricorder again, "Unless something is wrong with this tricorder, he's alive, though barely."
Chakotay looked up, stunned. He then remembered what he did, "I gave him CPR."
"Well, Commander, you just save his life. Now, help me put him on a biobed, so I can get to work."
Chakotay gave a small smile and helped the Doctor. He then turned and followed the captain out of sickbay.
"I should have let you transport us during the storm."
Janeway stopped and looked at Chakotay, "You did what you could. You saved his life on that planet. The Doctor knows what to do. He'll make it."
"I'll feel better when I see him walk out of sickbay."
~~
Voyager left the planet and the pirate ship behind. Janeway had no intention of staying another minute agruing with the pirates' captian. She looked over at her second in command several times during the past hour. He was deep in thought as if he was praying. She knew he was feeling guilty for not getting Paris back to Voyager sooner.
"Sickbat to Bridge," the Doctor's voice broke her thoughts.
"Janeway here."
"I'm informing you that Mr. Paris will live. I stopped the bleeding, and so the saying goes, 'patched him up.'"
Janeway relaxed and smiled. She looked over at Chakotay, who appeared as if a wave of relief flowed over him. She also felt that rush as well.
"Thank you, Doctor. Janway out."
The communication ended and Chakotay spoke for the first time in an hour, "You can't image how much better that makes me feel."
Janeway smiled, "I believe I know."
~~
Two days later, Tom Paris slowly opened his eyes to find someone hovering over him. His eyes focused and he saw the person was B'Elanna. He smiled weakly and she returned the expression.
"You had us worried," she said as she stroked his hair, "They wouldn't even tell me what happened until you were back on Voyager. I'm just glad you're all right."
Paris was quiet for a moment, just looking at Torres. He then broke the silence, "I actually thought I was going to die on that planet. In fact, I knew I was."
Torres placed a finger on his lips, "Enought, Tom. You're going to be fine. The Doctor said that you'll be up and around tomorrow."
Paris smiled and touched her face. Torres put her hand over his and smiled. He then remembered what he told Chakotay on the planet.
"B'Elanna," he began, "On the planet, I told Chakotay something I wanted him to tell you when-if I died."
Torres leaned closer to him, holding his hand in hers, "You're here now. Tell me."
Paris stared into her eyes, "I love you."
Torres smiled and ran her hand through his hair, "I knew that, Tom. I've always known that."
Paris returned the smile and brought Torres closer to him. He kissed her and she returned it.
At that moment, the sickbay doors opened. The two turned their attention to Chakotay. He walked to Paris' biobed and and noticed a tired expression on the pilot's face.
"How are you feeling, Tom?"
"I'll feel better tomorrow."
"Good. You're getting used to lounging around. You need to put a stop to that."
Paris rolled his eyes and smiled, "Alright, Chakotay. I'll have the Doctor call you when I'm ready to leave sickbay. I know you wouldn't want to miss that."
Chakotay chuckled glad to see that Paris was feeling better. He nodded his agreement, and turned to leave the two to themselves. He stopped half-way to the door and turned around.
"Oh and, Tom," he said, getting their attention, "we're even."
Chakotay then turned around and left sickbay.
Back to Paris, Voyager