Rescue, Part 1-The Past & Present

By Jeff

Tom Paris’s Personnel log;

*Almost four years since the day Captain Janeway came to the penal colony and recruited me for this hunting trip into the unknown to capture the maquis. I remember well the first sight of Voyager at DS9. I remember the first time I laid my eyes on B’Elanna. It was right after the Caretaker died. She was incredible in every way. Since that day I’ve been trying to get her attention and get to know her better. Lately B'Elanna has shown me just how very stubborn she can be but, (smiling) that’s really just one of the things I love about her. B’Elanna has had it rough as of late. She is now working with 7 of 9 in engineering, which really doesn’t put her in the best of moods. All of this adds up to us spending more and more time apart, which I think B’Elanna doesn’t like either. It’s always tough to tell with her and it’s just the way she likes it too…..*

Janeway to all senior staff members please report to the bridge.

* Guess the log will have to wait..*

TWO DAYS LATER

Captain’s Log: Stardate 09169.7

Two days ago Voyager encountered a small system containing two ‘M’ class planets. Planetary scans revealed compounds that would be useful in the construction of photon torpedoes for Voyager. Soon after entering orbit, we were attacked without warning by a number of ships. Although much smaller than Voyager, we suffered some damage to some of our minor ships systems. After destroying two ships, the remaining ships broke off their attack and disappeared. Immediately following the attack we were hailed by a race known as the ‘Aconden’ from the Planet ‘Conda’. They informed us the attack was led by a group of Warki from a nearby planet. They requested our assistance to help with repairs and improve their defenses, in exchange for materials we would need for our journey. We agreed.

Janeway sat on the bridge looking at the viewscreen, blank except for the planet Conda. She glanced around the bridge it was mostly empty. The ship was on yellow alert, and the crew was on sleep shifts; necessary only because they had no way of determining when the Warki would attack again. Many crewmembers were also working on repairs necessary after the last attack. She paused when her gaze fell on Tom.

*He’s been here almost the whole two days. I think he misses B’Elanna. They’re both to proud to admit it, but they sure seem like they’re in love. I remember wondering when we took the maquis on board if the crews would ever get along. In Tom's and B’Elanna’s case it seems to be working out quite well. He’s been on the bridge since I sent B’Elanna down in a shuttle to help the Aconden.*

"Tom, Why don’t you take a break."

"Captain, If I'm needed I’d prefer to stay here."

Janeway smiled, "Transporter room."

"Transporter room here."

"What’s your status?"

"Captain, the transports are online and appear to be functioning normally."

"Lt. Paris is on his way down. Please beam him to the shuttles coordinates."

"Understood, Transporter room out."

Janeway knew Tom would jump at the chance to see her.

"Tom, see if you can lend B’Elanna a hand, or at least get her to take a break down there she’s been working round the clock."

"Understood Captain."

"Oh, and Tom try to be back in a couple hours. I’d hate to have my best pilot down on the surface when those Warki return."

"Understood."

Tom quickly left his post, and ran down to the mess hall. "Neelix, I need a couple supplies for an away mission." *I’ll surprise her with a little picnic. Maybe even get a smile out of her. She had a killer smile, the most beautiful he had ever seen. Though he was a little biased. * In a matter of minutes Neelix had helped Tom pack up a bag of supplies. Finishing, Tom headed for the Transporter room.

The Surface of Conda

B’Elanna was hunched over a shield generator module working on repairs. She had been working almost straight through since she arrived. The People of Conda seemed nice enough, but made her a little uneasy. Which probably was understandable especially being constantly attacked by the Warki. B’Elanna’s thoughts drifted * I wonder what Tom is up too. She remembered how jealous she had gotten when Tom gave Kes a little too much attention. It seemed silly now especially since Kes was gone. Tom was always so cute trying desperately to ask her out and win her affection. She took great pride in not giving in to him. If he only knew what a wonderful job he was doing *

"B’Elanna."

* Tom *

"B’Elanna." It took a minute to set in that someone was talking to her. B’Elanna whirled around to see Tom standing there. "Tom, what are you doing here?"

"I’ve come to take you away from it all."

"Paris, does it look like I need to get away from it all."

"B’Elanna, I’ve come to ask you to join me for a picnic. And yes I think you need a break."

"Paris get serious. I don’t have the time for a picnic. Besides the sooner I’m done down here the quicker I can get back to Voyager and see what a mess 7 of 9 is making out of engineering."

" Well, B’Elanna unfortunately for you the Captain ordered me to make sure you got a break."

"Well, in that case I’d love too."

Tom was happy to see her give in. Especially since it didn't occur often. Tom grabbed her by the arm and slowly led her to a clearing near a group of trees. He took his time and stretched out a blanket. B’Elanna couldn’t help smiling; he was definitely putting a great deal of effort into this picnic. She knew he was trying hard to win her affection, and he had. * I just want to be sure he really cares. * Tom saw her smile and began to melt. He knew he loved her and hoped she would come around. She was definitely stubborn though. *Maybe she really does care for me. Maybe she’s just worried about exposing her feelings to possible hurt. If she only knew…. *

"B’Elanna, I knew you would miss Neelix’s cooking so I brought some stewed roots."

B’Elanna laughed, and Tom loved every minute of it.

"Tom, you're not serious are you?"

"Fortunately, for both of us I’m not. I brought an Earth picnic favorite… Hot dogs!"

"Hot Dogs?"

"Hot Dogs. Filled with all kinds of stuff you don’t even want to know about."

Both erupted in laughter..

Bridge: Voyager

"Chakotay please report to the ready room"

Captain Janeway’s voice sounded over the intercom.

He’d been overseeing 7 of 9, and the repairs in Engineering. He couldn’t wait ‘til B’Elanna returned to resume her duties. The truth was he just couldn't totally trust Seven (As she was now called.) in engineering without supervision. B’Elanna didn’t really enjoy us assigning Seven to engineering, and it caused a bit of stress on our relationship. However, she usually just put her extra energy into her work. Not one to prove the theory wrong she’s been down on the planet for almost two days now. Chakotay waited for Vorek to return before turning towards the turbo lift. He headed for the ready room and was there in a few minutes.

"Come In"

Chakotay entered the ready room and his gaze fell upon Kathryn. She was intently studying the computer terminal. And if not for the doorbell announcing his presence she may not even have noticed him. The look on her face told him it was pretty important.

"Kathryn"

"Chakotay I’ve been reading some of the history about this planet, and their ongoing war with the Warki. The Aconden President Bronn was more than happy to provide us with the information."

"Anything Useful?"

"As a matter of fact I think I know why we have not been attacked again recently."

"According to the history of the people they once all lived on this planet. Both the Aconden and Warki lived in peace until roughly five years ago. All the Warki left the planet after several Warki were caught trying to assassinate President Bronn."

Chakotay: "I wonder what drove the Warki to believe the only solution to their problem was to assassinate the President?"

"I’m not sure, but this cease fire we appear to be in takes place every year for a two day period, then war resumes. Apparently it’s some sort of religious holiday observance."

"Captain if this is true they could attack at any time."

"I agree, lets get prepared."

 
Janeway & Chakotay entered the bridge.. Janeway glanced at Tuvok, "Red Alert!" Immediately the klaxon alarm sounded and red alert flashed. The normal bridge lighting was replaced with the red glow of battle lighting.

"Janeway to Paris & Torres"

"Paris here"

"Torres here, Captain"

"Tom I’d like you up here as soon as possible. We may be seeing another attack very soon."

"Understood, I’m on my way."

"B’Elanna, how long until the repairs are completed?"

"Not too much longer, give me about thirty minutes. "

"Thirty minutes no longer!"

"Understood Torres out."

Janeway turned in Tuvok's direction. "Tuvok, I want any crew members still on Conda back onboard Voyager immediately."

"Captain." Tuvok replied, "We should also inform the Aconden of the situation."

Janeway nodded and turned towards the viewscreen.

"Ensign Kim, hail the Aconden."

"Yes, Captain."

Back on the planet surface

Tom hurriedly picked up the blanket and turned to B’Elanna; "I’ll see you on the ship. Be Careful." B’Elanna smiled. *Obviously Tom is worried about me* "Be there as soon as these repairs are finished" B'Elanna had already turned to head back to her repairs. Then whirling around she saw Tom beaming to the ship. "Tom…" She trailed off "…thanks for lunch." *Oh well, I’ll see him on the ship and can tell him then. * B’Elanna turned back to resume repair work…

To be continued.

The Legal Stuff: Star Trek Voyager & Crew/characters property of Paramount Pictures.

Conda,Warki,Bronn,Aconden, and story concept property of JeffB enterprises copyright 1997.