Title: Errors and Apologies
Author: Susan Maddy
Series: a stand alone story in the Problems Settling In universe
Rating: PG
Codes: PT, other interpersonal relationships with Tom
Summary: Tom and B'Elanna are assigned to work with a people who must touch
a person of the other gender in order to understand them when they speak. Set
after the fourth season.
Disclaimer: I'd like to thank all those creative people at Paramount for letting me
use their wonderful characters from Star Trek: Voyager. The only profit I get out
of it is the intense enjoyment I get from entwining my life with theirs. The
characters and universe fully belong to Paramount. The story is mine.
Warning:
Thanks: To Jan Monroe for allowing me to archive on this site. This is my
second story, first archived.
Comments welcome. Remember I'm human. HYPERLINK
mailto:smaddy@computelnet.com smaddy@computelnet.com
Errors and Apologies
"Tom Paris, I'll get you for that!" B'Elanna sputtered as she surfaced from the
murky water of the farm pond. Tom had developed yet another holoprogram and
this one was as detailed and seemingly realistic as his others. He based it on an
historical re-creation of a farm his family had visited when he was a boy. It had a
white 1950's style farm house, red barn, and smelly chicken coop. The pond they
were swimming in was complete with algae, a small dock, and catfish that
nibbled at swimmer's toes. There were even frogs to chase and a turtle. The pond
was in the middle of a meadow complete with several kinds of grasses,
cornflowers and Black-eyed Susan's. He even included several types of insects
flitting here and there.
Tom just grinned down at her with his hands on his hips enjoying the spectacle.
"Come and get me!"
"Oh, you. . ." Tom's taunt was like a red flag waved in front of a bull. B'Elanna
flew out of the water and grabbed his arm. Though she was physically smaller
than Tom her strength was considerably more due to her Klingon heritage. She
know how to use it! Tom went flying awkwardly into the pond. Now it was his
turn to come up sputtering and a happy game of tag and dunk ensued. Water,
mud, plants and people all joined in the joyous mix until B'Elanna said, "Sh, I
think I heard my name."
"Oh, you. . ."
"Lieutenant Paris and Lieutenant Torres, please respond!" It was the Captain and
she didn't seem happy.
"Paris here, Captain."
"Mr. Paris, is Lieutenant Torres with you?
"Yes Captain, I'm here."
"Good!" the Captain said with some impatience, "that was the third time I paged
you."
"Sorry, Captain, we were. . .busy," Paris offered somewhat lamely then winced
when he realized how that could be taken.
When the Captain replied dryly, "I see." Tom mouthed to B'Elanna, "Sorry."
"Captain, did you want us?" Tom queried.
"Yes, come to the bridge immediately for assignment to an away mission,"
Janeway ordered.
"Captain,. . ." Tom started.
"Yes, Lieutenant," The Captain stilled sounded annoyed.
"Ah, we're going to need 20 minutes to shower and change. You see we're in the
holodeck and the pond is really muddy." Tom felt stupid, but they couldn't appear
on the bridge like this. They began to leave the pond.
"Twenty minutes then," the Captain said curtly.
Tom and B'Elanna looked at each other and started to laugh helplessly. Still
laughing, Tom said, "we can't give into this or we'll really be in trouble. Let's just
go to our quarters like this to save time, then let's meet at the turbolift and go up
together." B'Elanna agreed. Tom ended the program as they left the holodeck.
On the bridge Captain Janeway leaned over to her first officer and said, "Would I
love to know the whole story behind that little scene." Chakotay nodded and
grinned back.
Seventeen minutes later, by the Captain's reckoning, two rather abashed
Lieutenants reported to their Captain not quite sure what to expect.
The Captain turned to them as they entered the bridge and ordered, "in my ready
room, please. Commander, you have the bridge." Tom and B'Elanna rolled their
eyes at each other. Uh oh.
Janeway went directly to her desk and sat down never looking up at Paris and
Torres. They were half expecting a dressing down and were very uncomfortable.
Janeway found the PADD she wanted and started, "Very well, as you may know
we have been negotiating with the Tranni in order to replace a couple of our
shuttles.
"Shuttles, Captain?" Torres ventured.
When Torres spoke, Janeway looked up and seeing their discomfiture said,
"What's wrong with you two?"
Tom and B'Elanna looked at each other and shifted uncomfortably, "Well, ah, its
just that," Torres started gesturing with her hands. She looked at Tom. "You just
seemed so bothered, Captain," Tom finished.
"Will you two sit down and relax. I was a bit miffed that you didn't answer
immediately, but after all you were off duty. I'm not in the habit of monitoring
off duty pursuits." The Captain smiled, "I will admit a good bit of curiosity about
the pond."
"The farm pond is part of a holoprogram of a 1950's family farm." Tom
elaborated. "It's full of murky water and a lot of mud," he grinned at B'Elanna.
"You see I just happened to bump into B'Elanna, accidentally, of course," Tom's
eyes snapped mischievously, "When she was close to the pond and . . .," Tom
looked over at B'Elanna again, "Then she asked me ever so politely to join her."
Janeway watched the interplay between her officers with a great deal of
satisfaction. These two not only gave each other a lot of joy; as a pair they were
much stronger than they were separately. The relationship was still in the honey
moon phase. It had not really been tested, but it was definitely putting down
roots. "OK, thanks for filling me in. Now that you don't think I'm going to jump
down your throats, maybe you can listen to what I'm saying." Captain Janeway
started again. "We've been in contact with the Tranni by subspace and it seems
that they have the manufacturing skills to build us the better part of two shuttles.
A problem came up when we sent our blueprints and specifications. It seems that
they cannot translate them into their own language. This is where you two come
in. I want you to work directly with them, either here or on the planet, to develop
a working set of plans and supervise the project to completion including the final
test flights. You'll have the holodecks at your disposal and any personnel you
need. Inform Chakotay before 2000 hours the day before with personnel needs, if
possible. The sooner this project gets done the better. The planet does have
resources for supplies and shore leave and we will be availing ourselves of them.
I'm afraid you two will miss shore leave, we'll want to be on our way as soon as
you are finished. I think some additional time-off ship board will be in order.
"Captain," B'Elanna asked, "What about the transporter? We can't give them
plans for that."
"No," the Captain answered, "We also won't have the computer, or most of the
internal systems installed by the Tranni. We will just have to replicate those
components and install them ourselves."
"When do we start?" Paris was eager for the new challenge.
"We arrive at the planet in about an hour." Janeway stated, "The Tranni liaison
said that anyone coming to the planet needed to be briefed on some cultural
idiosyncrasies. He refused to tell me what they were until we get there." She
paused." I hope this isn't a warning flag! We need those shuttles. You two have
about an hour," she looked at them with a wry smile. "I wouldn't suggest the farm
pond."
*****************
Tom and B'Elanna decided to gather the supplies and plans they needed and meet
back in Tom's quarters to wait. Tom was studying the specs of the shuttle when
B'Elanna arrived. "Come. I'm so familiar with these plans. It seems difficult to
believe that they are hard for someone to read."
"I was thinking the same thing," B'Elanna agreed, "rather small of us, don't you
think?"
"Yea, I guess you're right," Tom replied. "I guess I need to be more tolerant.
Hey, come here." He said pulling gently on the sleeve of B'Elanna's uniform. "If
what the Captain said is right we're not going to have much time together for the
next several days."
"And what are you proposing," B'Elanna asked archly.
"Just a gentle, little cuddle," Tom replied his blue eyes wide and innocent.
B'Elanna said, "Oh, Tom," as she allowed herself to be pulled over into his arms
and lifted her head for the kiss she knew was waiting.
"Lieutenant Paris," then over B'Elanna's com badge "Lieutenant Torres, please
come to the briefing room." "Coming," they answered in concert. The
Lieutenants had spent a comfortable half hour B'Elanna nestled in Tom's arms
mostly talking about how they would divide the work in their upcoming project.
Now they were all business as they headed to the briefing room.
The Captain began the meeting after everyone had assembled, "Minister Watser
has asked that we record this message and insure that every person going down to
the planet's surface watch it before going planet side." Janeway addressed the
communications system. "Minister Watser, we are ready for your message."
"Thank you, Captain." The Minister cleared his throat. "We of the planet Tranni
welcome the people of the Starship Voyager. We are a friendly people and are
happy to cooperate with you in trade and shore leave. We would like to inform
you about a cultural trait of ours that has a history of being misunderstood. In
order to communicate effectively with those of the opposite gender, we need to
be in physical contact with them or if there is a group each one of the female
gender must be in contact with someone who is touching one of the male gender.
Often in mixed groups it is easier to simply join hands. The touching we do is
often misunderstood by those visiting as being sexual in nature. The minister
paused briefly to collect his thoughts. If you are uncomfortable being touched a
certain way, just show the person a more suitable place or manner for you to be
touched. You will not offend us that is what we do in our culture. Captain
Janeway, you may find that some of your crew cannot permit this type of
intimacy. I am sorry. These people should stay on your ship. Do you have any
questions?"
"Thank you, Minister Watser, we will discuss this and talk to you later." Janeway
closed the link and faced her officers. "Well, that's unique, comments?"
"I don't think this means we need to curtail our activities on the planet," Chakotay
began. "We will need to thoroughly brief everyone going down. I think it would
be a good precaution to have people stay in groups of two at least." Janeway
nodded.
"Captain," Paris spoke up thoughtfully, "I heard the Minister say that some of the
touches might be interpreted as being sexual in nature by us and be innocent from
the Tranni's point of view. I think we need to emphasize that point." Looking
pointedly at Kim, "Especially with the younger crew members."
The Captain looked warningly at Paris, then continued.
"Tom, B'Elanna, do you anticipate any problems?"
"No, Captain," Tom answered, "I've never had any problems being touched."
B'Elanna just said, "No ma'am," her thoughts on the project.
"Are there any other comments?" Seeing none, she said, "Very well then, I'll get
back to Minister Watser. Commander, I will leave the briefing of the crew in
your capable hands. Tom, B'Elanna, stand by for instructions for the away
mission. Everyone else, dismissed."
****************
Lieutenants Paris and Torres were able to go down to the planet in short order.
Their counterparts, two engineers, both women were waiting for them. The
engineer Paris would be working with was a specialist on the hull and interior
design of space craft. Her name was Adont Sherrit. Torres was equally well
matched with a specialist in engine design whose name was Catata Wimrun.
Even though she had been at the briefing, Torres was taken aback when both
women immediately went to either side of Tom and took his arms. When she
looked back on the incident she realized the women had been very professional,
even cool, but in the heat of the moment she didn't like it, not one little bit.
The manufacturing facility was very impressive and any question about whether
the physical production of the shuttles could be completed with suitable materials
was put to rest by their visit. The Tranni had sophisticated techniques for
processing the high density metals used in the shuttle. When they were finished
with the tour of the factory, they beamed up to Voyager. Once there B'Elanna and
Catata went to a workroom in Engineering. Tom and Adont went to the meeting
room on the same deck as holodeck two.
Adont had brought a large number of charts and supplies that she immediately
began to unpack and organize. Tom was somewhat at loose ends and he said,
"Well, let's get started," at the sound of Tom's voice, Adont immediately stopped
what she was doing and came to his side lightly brushing his hand with her
fingers. Tom looked at her and said, "Touching me really doesn't bother me. It's
just. . .I just don't understand it," he trailed off. "Do you mind talking to me about
it?"
"No, of course not," she started, "It is as natural to me as breathing. It is how we
are. Not touching a man when speaking to him seems odd to me."
"Let me see if I understand what I've been told." Tom stopped, remembering.
"Touch is really a part of the way you communicate across gender lines. Two
women don't need to touch in order to talk. Right?" Adont nodded. "Why is
that?"
Adont thought for a moment trying to find a way to explain it. "It has to do with
the way women's brains are 'wired'. Women are wired in one way. Men are
wired in a different way and when men and women try to talk to each other they
cannot for this reason. They are not compatible to communicate with each other
unless they touch. Our science has not figured out all the reasons yet. It must
have more to do with us than it does with you because I cannot understand what
you are saying unless I am in physical contact with you. That is why I came over
to you when you began to speak. I can understand a little, especially, if you speak
slowly and use simple words. The more complicated the exchange, the less I get,
unless," she held up Tom's hand.
"You don't need to move differently or accommodate me. In fact, if I touch you
in a way you would rather I didn't, either tell me or simply move my hand
somewhere else. If I may speak boldly, I have found from working with people
who are not from our planet that they often have a greater number of touches that
have a provocative implication. I assure you, Lieutenant Paris, I am a
professional and happily married. I would not risk all I have for a one night
stand. You will probably get used to my touch quickly. I have found unless
someone is offended by touching itself, it soon becomes very natural."
Tom smiled, "That's not a worry, I like being touched. OK, I think I understand
better now. Let's get started."
A couple hours later B'Elanna went up to the meeting room where Adont and
Tom were working. They were so involved in what they were doing, they didn't
hear the door open. Torres was amazed at what she saw. Adont had her leg over
Tom's. She was so shocked she stood and watched before she decided to leave
and ring the bell before entering.
"Hi, B'Elanna," Tom smiled at her, "How are things coming? We're doing great
here. We've already managed to translate three of the schematics."
"Good, good," B'Elanna started distractedly while thinking, he doesn't even have
the decency to act guilty. "I wanted to make sure you had the correct
measurements for the engine compartment and warp nacelles." Tom found the
right pages and B'Elanna corrected them. "Be sure to follow through with the
changes on each blueprint."
"B'Elanna, before you go Adont has a couple of suggestions for upgrading the
hull. Why don't you take a look?"
"Sure." The hull modifications should have been fascinating, but B'Elanna was
beginning to stew. She could not separate the impersonal, functional touch Adont
was using with Tom from a flirtatious touch in her mind. "We'll have to clear any
modifications with the Captain. They do look good. Why don't you ask her to
come down and look at them personally? I need to get back to engineering."
Tom did call the Captain and they had a good discussion about the modifications
ultimately deciding on some and rejecting others. The Captain had not yet had a
chance to visit the planet, but had heard some of the reactions of the crew
members who had. She subtly watched Tom and Adont and was pleased by how
natural and professional they were. If anything, she thought, the situation
augmented their efficiency.
Work went well and by the afternoon of the third day Tom and Adont were ready
to begin tests and simulations in the holodeck.
"I am truly looking forward to seeing this marvel," Adont was saying as she and
Tom went hand in hand down the corridor to the holodeck.
"It's one of the most popular places on the ship. I hope we have time to sample
some of the recreational programs. You can go anywhere you can imagine on the
holodeck." Tom was definitely in his element. "I had to post a warning that this
holodeck could be needed for official business at any time today. It's possible
someone might have risked using it anyway. Here we are. Good, nobody's here.
I really hate to interrupt people on the holodeck."
Tom accessed the holodeck and started the program he wanted. Adont and Tom
entered and Adont exclaimed, "is this all there is?"
"This is a working program," he explained, "It doesn't have anything extra, no
ambiance. Let me show you how it works. Computer, add a table 6 feet by 6 feet
and two padded chairs without arms." When the furniture appeared, Adont
started and gasped, dropped Tom's arm, and went over to inspect the new arrivals.
"They're solid! I don't think I really believed you."
Tom just stood where he was and grinned remembering that she would not
understand him if he did speak. He wanted her to be able to satisfy her curiosity.
After a bit he began arranging their blueprints and other supplies on the table and
calling for other tools to facilitate their job.
Adont finished inspecting the furniture and came over and linked arms with Tom.
"You've gotten used to me. You didn't say anything while I was away - by
choice."
"You were right," Tom said, "It wasn't hard to get used to. I hope you don't have
to inspect everything that I bring up like you did those chairs," Tom was teasing
her now, "We'll be here for three eternities!"
"You keep that up and I'll refuse to touch you and we won't get anything done,"
Adont teased back.
The project was going so well that they lost track of time and not only worked
through dinner, but several hours after. Parts and pieces of plating littered the
holodeck in a highly organized junkyard when B'Elanna walked in to see Tom
and Adont arm in arm leaning over a table full of specs.
"So, here you are," B'Elanna exclaimed not happy with the situation.
"B'Elanna! Look at all this. If we keep this up we'll have a completed shuttle by
tomorrow night!" Tom was so excited he missed B'Elanna's tone.
"Do you know what time it is?"
Tom shrugged and said, "Well, about dinner time."
"It's close to 2200."
"I had no idea." Tom said looking at Adont. "I better get you back home."
The three of them walked down to the transporter and B'Elanna worked the
controls. As she closed down the transporter, Tom walked behind the console
and began to put his arm around her waist. She flung away from him and said
angrily, "Don't you think for one minute, Tom Paris, that that is going to make up
anything with me."
Tom was completely caught off guard and just stood looking at her with his
mouth slightly open and a shocked look on his face.
"I have seen you all week with that, that Adont woman. She has been all over you
and you haven't done a thing to keep her in line. I'm fed up with it. May be you
think you can treat the Delaini sisters like that, but don't think you can treat me
that way."
"Wait a minute," Tom started, but B'Elanna cut him off.
"No, you wait a minute. You have been spending an awful lot of extra time
working, too."
Tom started to get angry, especially since B'Elanna won't let him explain. "The
Captain needs us to finish as soon as possible."
"So, now you hide like a little boy behind the Captain's skirts."
"You're being unreasonable," Tom's voice was starting to rise.
"UNREASONABLE! If you want unreasonable, I'll give you unreasonable,"
B'Elanna was bellowing as loud as possible and standing with her fists balled at
her waist as close to Tom as she could get.
"B'Elanna, if you would just calm down." Tom turned away from her and she
reached out and grabbed his arm hard. It hurt and he pulled away from her.
Despite himself his anger intensifying.
B'Elanna continued, "I can't count on you for anything. You can't keep a date
unless it's good for you. You might as well be back in that prison for all the good
you do me. I'm beginning to think your father was right, you really are no good,
no good for anything. You're never going to really change." B'Elanna was being
purposefully hurtful. Egging Tom on.
Unfair! Tom raged in his mind. "B'Elanna, you don't have to tell me I have a
rotten past. Are you just trying to upset me? You are jealous over nothing!"
Tom tried reasoning one more time, but was yelling, his control slipping away.
"We have been completely professional." His shouting is matching B'Elanna's.
"I can't believe you, Paris. Oh no. I couldn't possibly have anything to be jealous
about. This Adont is just like that car you made love to a few weeks back."
"That's it! We settled that." Tom lost it. He had been clenching his fists, but
now they came up ready to attack. He crouched, took two, quick steps toward
B'Elanna, froze, came erect, and blanched. He deliberately turned away and
hurled himself at the bulkhead smashing his fist into it and making a terrific
noise. Intense pain shot up his arm. The intensity of the pain made him dizzy
and he leaned against the bulkhead a moment to regain his equilibrium. His pride
wouldn't let him tell B'Elanna he was injured. She was so consumed by her rage
she couldn't process what happened to Tom. She just continued to shout.
Shaking, he turned and looked fiercely toward B'Elanna meeting her eyes and fled
the transporter room holding his hand. B'Elanna shouted, "Coward!" after him.
The pain of his hand effectively dissipated Tom's anger. Now he had to deal with
the consequences of his actions. Great, Tom thought, now I'm going to have to
face the Doc. His heart sank further. He's going to make his report to the
Captain. I know I'll hate hearing what she and Chakotay have to say about this.
What could possibly have gotten into B'Elanna? You're a great one for keeping a
cool head, Thomas! Going after B'Elanna, you've got to have your head
examined. Tom continued his self recrimination all the way to Sickbay.
Once there, Tom stepped in quickly and looked around. Well, there's one good
thing, no one's here to start spreading gossip. He couldn't even see the Doc. Then
he heard a noise coming from the doctor's office and realized he was under the
desk. The Doc came out just in time to see Paris leaning around the end of the
desk to see him. "Lieutenant Paris, what brings you to Sickbay? It usually takes
an executive order to get you here."
"Um, Doc."
Something in the tone of Tom's voice caught the Doctor's attention and he
scrutinized Tom closely. "What have you done, Lieutenant," the doctor said
quickly moving to get his diagnostic equipment. "You've broken two bones in
your hand. Your adrenaline levels are very high." The doctor laid aside his
equipment and gently guided Tom over to a diagnostic bed. "Please sit down,
Lieutenant. How did this happen? And don't try to fool me with your silver
tongue, I can already tell you hit something and hard." Tom was reluctant to talk
and sat quietly with his head averted. "Alright, let's see how close I can come.
You and B'Elanna had a fight and instead of hitting her, you chose to hit a wall."
Tom's head came up sharply and he said, "it just happened, no one could have
told you that fast."
"No one did, I just know enough about you and Lieutenant Torres to know that a
serious disagreement was due any time now and this situation with the Tranni
was ripe to develop jealousy in Lieutenant Torres." Proceeding to repair his hand.
"Now as you know the best way to set a bone is physical manipulation. I will
give you something for the pain, but it will still hurt. That is unless you want me
to put you out. If I do that you will have to stay in Sickbay tomorrow." Tom
vehemently shook his head. "No, I didn't think you would." The Doc gives Tom
a hypospray for the pain and has him lie down on the bed. "Now, Lieutenant, the
best thing for you to do is relax, if your muscles are as loose as possible the bones
will return to their proper places easier. Close your eyes and I will talk my way
through this procedure with you."
The Doc continued with the procedures for setting and healing Tom's hand.
When it was over, Tom sat up and said, "Doc, that wasn't bad at all. Your bedside
manner was great. It sure has come long way from when you were first
activated."
The Doc commented, looking smug, "It's kind of you to notice. I've been refining
it lately." He looked appraisingly at Tom. "Now about this unfortunate tendency
to hit walls."
"Doc, can you keep it quiet?"
Lieutenant, you are not suggesting I falsify my report?"
"No Doc, of course not! Just something like Lieutenant Paris - broken hand, no
complications instead of Lieutenant Paris - broken hand, compound fracture from
hitting a bulkhead going warp 3 because of an argument with B'Elanna. The
Captain just might let the first one go. The second one I'd be on the carpet for
sure."
"Lieutenant," The doctor started, "I think we need to discuss the impulse that
caused you to start after Lieutenant Torres in the first place. I want you to
commit to come to me and discuss it after our current mission will suffice."
"Doc, that bothers me, too. I never want to hurt her!" Tom responded
emphatically.
The doctor said, "Humph." And said to himself, I was really thinking of it more
from the point of view of your safety, Lieutenant, but I won't bring that up now.
Aloud he continued, "I think I can write my report in an innocuous enough way
that the Captain will think nothing of it. I've done so in the past. As a point of
fact I have written them to get her attention as well."
"Thanks," Tom said relieved. "Doc, I owe ya."
"Well, Lieutenant," the doctor said officiously. "If you indeed owe me a debt.
Then come to your duty shifts in Sickbay on time and willingly!"
"Doc, you wound me!" He smiled. "OK," Tom said resigned to his fate, "You got
me, Doc. I'll do better. Thanks, again. I'll come talk to you after we get done
with the Tranni. Remind me if I forget. I've got to get to bed, early call
tomorrow."
*****************
B'Elanna spent some time in the transporter room pacing and doing her own share
of hitting bulkheads, but breaking no bones. As she cooled down some she
realized she was going to need to do something much more physical to work
through her anger. She thought of the holodeck which had the advantage of
having a privacy lock. She asked the computer if one was available and thank the
stars it was. She put a reservation on it just to be sure and stopped at her quarters
to change.
An hour of hard, aerobic exercise left her physically rung out, but her mind
wouldn't stop. She walked until she was cooled down then sat down on the floor
to think about the argument she and Tom had had. The more she tried to justify
herself, the more she realized she had been out of line. Then she thought about
how Tom had left the transporter room so quickly. She realized he had been
injured. She jumped up and ran to Sickbay only to find the Doc involved in his
nightly ritual of cleaning.
"Oh, Lieutenant Torres, I was half expecting you also," the doctor said brightly.
"What do you mean by that?" she said suspiciously.
"Oh, nothing really, except that Lieutenant Paris was here earlier," he went on.
"You don't appear injured. I couldn't say that about Lieutenant Paris."
"What was wrong with him?"
"Don't you know, Lieutenant, I understand you were there."
"You mean, he told you?" she said heating up again.
"Lieutenant, I don't need another demonstration of your temper." The doctor
started, "And to answer your question, no, at least not until I told him what
happened. Then he did not elaborate about the details."
"Is he alright?" B'Elanna ask in a small voice.
"Yes, his hand will be sore for several days."B'Elanna looked relieved. The
doctor went on, "Lieutenant, did you know he came very close to hitting you?"
She nodded, "I wanted him to. I would have beaten him to a pulp. I said some
incredibly mean things. I really feel badly about that."
The doctor regarded the chief engineer. Openness from her was unusual and he
did not want to push her too far. However, she did need counsel. "I understand
you are working with the Tranni. How is it going?"
"I'm not having any problems," she commented easily. Then she volunteered,
"That's what the quarrel was about. That woman Tom is with is all over him," her
eyes flashed with a hint of the fury that had been there before and she started to
pace.
"Even though I'm not going down to the planet, I saw the tape by Minister Watser.
I think you should see it, again," the doctor ordered. "Right now."
"Doc!" B'Elanna looked at him in dismay.
"I'll make it an order if I have to. Sit down. It won't take long."
B'Elanna sat and watched the tape. Afterwards, she was very quiet for several
minutes. "I had forgotten that."
"What had you forgotten, Lieutenant?" He said with a stern edge to his voice.
The doctor was determined to insure his lesson hit home. He looked at her
expectantly.
"I had forgotten that the Minister said the touches were often misunderstood as
sexual when, in fact, they aren't." B'Elanna sat eyes downcast thoroughly
chastened. "Tom has been so excited about the work they've been doing. They
never could have gotten so much done if they had been fooling around." B'Elanna
was convicted. "I've never been so wrong in my life." Then to herself, "How am I
ever going to make this up to him?" Louder, "Doc, someone needed to take me to
task over this. It wasn't pleasant, but you did it well." She walked out of Sickbay.
The doctor thought to himself, well, some psychological sub routines work better
than others.
*******************
The next morning the computer woke Tom and he stretched his whole body
before he remembered his hand. Ouch! Then he remembered the whole scene
from last night and a cloud descended on him. How was B'Elanna going to be? I
have no idea whether it would be a good idea to talk to her. It might just make it
worse. My hand is really sore, too. I'm going to have trouble working with it. I'll
go to see if the Doc can do something for it ASAP. Tom hurriedly got ready and
went to Sickbay never thinking to look at his computer. B'Elanna had left a
message.
Tom charged into Sickbay and said, "Hi, Doc, do you have. . ." without thinking
who might be there. The Captain was discussing some point of ship's business
with the Doctor. They both turned toward him and he hurriedly put his hands
behind his back. The one he had broken was quite bruised. "Oh, Captain, I didn't
expect you here."
Janeway knew her helmsman well enough to know something was up. She
figured she would find out soon enough. "Tom, do you need the Doctor? This is
just routine."
"No, no, you finish. I have a few minutes before I go down to the planet."
"This is likely to take some time," Janeway began.
"Oh, well, this isn't important, I'll come back later." Tom started to back out of
Sickbay.
"Tom, do your business with the doctor. I need a cup of coffee anyway." I'm not
so insensitive that I can't tell when someone wants some privacy, Janeway
thought as she left.
Tom waited until the Sickbay doors closed completely before he turned to the
doctor and asked about something for his hand. The doctor reexamined it and
pronounced it healing as it should and asked him about his activities today.
When Tom told him, Doc said there were a limited number of things he could do.
Most pain relievers also slowed reaction time, and caused sleepiness; however, he
could give him a neural inhibitor. He would wear it on his wrist. It would also
serve to remind him to be careful with his hand since the pain would be gone.
Doc cautioned him that when he took it off the pain would seem to be worse, but
it would normalize quickly. Tom thanked the Doc and checked the time. It was
almost time to meet Adont in the transporter room. A shock of fear went through
his heart when he realized B'Elanna would be there. He decided he would be
impersonal and do his job, disregarding personalities.
Torres was there when Paris arrived and he nodded a greeting to her, leaving
immediately with Adont when she arrived. The conversation floundered after the
initial pleasantries and after they entered the holodeck Adont started, "Please
excuse my forwardness, we have worked so closely these last few days, I feel I
know you very well. Are you well?"
Tom looked rather embarrassed and momentarily disengaged from Adont, then
immediately touched her again. "I'm sorry, in our culture touching as much as we
are doing indicates a more intimate relationship than we would have, even
working together this much. I pulled away to give myself some space. My
girlfriend and I had a serious argument last night. I'm not sure how it will come
out. We didn't have time to work it through this morning. I even broke my hand
hitting a wall during the argument. There won't be a major problem with the
project. We are professionals, we do what is needed. We probably won't be at
top efficiency though.
"It was about me, wasn't it?" Adont stated.
Again, Tom was embarrassed and he was reluctant to say, but, "Yes; however,
you and I both know we have always acted properly. The proof is in the amount
of work we've done. We've been focused. This is her problem and it is just
overflowing on me. I can work. Let's get started." With his last sentence just a
little of Tom's buoyant spirit shined.
Despite Tom's gloomy predictions about reduced efficiency, they were able to
finish the mockup on the holodeck in time to go down to Tranni and discuss the
actual production of the shuttle with the plant manager. Construction could begin
tomorrow. Tom was fascinated by the easy movements the two Tranni made to
enable communication. The act of touching that sometimes could be so
troublesome between human and Tranni was the picture of ease between two
Tranni.
Tom was finished with everything he could do today on the planet, but he wasn't
thrilled with the idea of going back to the ship. He didn't know what to expect
out of B'Elanna and he certainly didn't want a repeat performance of yesterday.
Ultimately, he decided he couldn't hide in his quarters so he went to the mess hall
for some dinner. He found Harry Kim sitting all alone and joined him.
"Hey, Harry."
"Tom, you're a sight for sore eyes."
Paris grinned, "How's the bridge been since I've been sequestered with the
Tranni?"
"It's been like a tomb," Kim moaned. "The Captain has released as many people
as possible for shore leave and because of that touching thing Chakotay has been
down on the planet a lot making sure things go smoothly. Guess who drew the
last slot for leave?"
"Let's see, Ensign Bristrow?" Kim reached out and hit Tom's shoulder. "Oh, I'm
struck." Paris went on teasing his friend.
Harry noticed the neural inhibitor on Tom's wrist. "Tom, what's that for? The
Doc doesn't just give those out for a hangnail."
"It's nothing really."
"Don't give me that, Tom. You've been hurt and I want to know what happened."
"Can't a guy keep some things to himself," Tom fell into his old style cockiness.
Kim knew from experience only honesty and openness could combat Tom's
cockiness. In a low voice he said, "Tom, I think more than anyone else here on
the ship I've earned the right to have your trust. I've never let you down. Have I?"
"No, you haven't, Harry. I appreciate that more than you know. I really don't
want this to get out, if you don't know about it, then it's not out. This would be all
over the ship - warp speed." Kim just looked at him. "Alright Harry, let's go to
my quarters. The mess hall isn't my idea of private."
Back in his quarters, Tom told Harry the whole story and swore him to secrecy.
Harry was not to discuss it even with B'Elanna, Tom wanted to do that when the
time was right. B'Elanna was accusing Tom unjustly, but maybe there was
something he could have done to prevent it. Then there was the matter of almost
hitting her. Kim wondered if B'Elanna had provoked him on purpose. He
reminded Tom of the times he and B'Elanna had sparred in the gym. Tom had
never won. B'Elanna had bested him in every form of self defense or fighting
they had tried. Tom had to admit it was true. They talked companionably for a
while longer and Tom chased Harry out claiming an early morning the next day.
*****************
The next few days witnessed Tom and B'Elanna heavily involved in quality
control and the assembly of the shuttle. The only time they saw each other was
when the engines were incorporated into the body of the shuttle and they were so
involved with that they didn't think of personal concerns. The final step was the
computer run systems of the ship and the controls. The computer systems
department head Lieutenant Anderson on the crew was in charge of that. Tom
and B'Elanna found themselves standing beside each other and secluded from
everyone else.
Tom had just realized who he was standing near and was about to move off when
B'Elanna said quietly, "Did you get my message?"
"No, what message?" Tom said, puzzled.
"I left a message on your computer. You didn't get it?"
"No, I hate that thing beeping at me," he replied. "I've disabled the call chime."
"Oh, I hope you haven't been stewing over the argument," she groaned and looked
at him, "I know we can't talk about it now, but just let me say, I'm sorry and I
realize the argument was my fault. I didn't listen to the Minister's talk well
enough. I hope you can come to forgive me."
"B'Elanna, thank you for telling me that." Tom exclaimed, immensely relieved.
"You're right there are some things we need to discuss, but I couldn't figure how I
would bring the subject up. Now it's open." With true Tom Paris devilment in
his eyes, he said, "I wish I could kiss you. Right now!"
****************
The next day, the team put the shuttle through a series of test flights, beginning
with a simple powering and calibration of the engines and progressing
systematically through more and more demanding protocols. Some were
executed cleanly, others revealed minor problems, but all difficulties were
overcome easily. The last atmospheric test was a long distance flight. Tom was
piloting and Adont co-piloting. The first 45 minutes of the flight went very
smoothly. Tom was happy with the way the shuttle handled. Then, the shuttle
began to stutter as if it were a car running out of gas.
"I better put this baby down while I still can." Tom thought he probably could fly
the shuttle back to the launch point, but sometimes the risk wasn't worth it. As he
was landing Tom called the test base, but didn't get an answer. The landing was
rough and Adont hit her head hard. Tom went to get the medkit.
"Believe it or not, I'm a medic in my spare time," Tom informed Adont. When
she looked at him doubtfully, he said, "I'm not teasing this time. I really am."
Tom scanned her and said, "it looks like you've got a mild concussion. The Doc
back on the Voyager could do a couple things I can't to help you feel better. All I
can do is give you a pain killer and have you lay down." Tom arranged a
makeshift bed out of several blankets and had Adont lay down, then he gave her
the hypospray. "Try to rest. If you need me just call. Oh, if you feel sick to your
stomach let me know. Remember, I can understand you just fine." Tom smiled
down at her.
First order of business is to contact the ship or our base. Paris tried hailing the
ship on several frequencies all with no success. As far as he could tell the
communications system was working. He set a distress beacon. The next step
was to scan the area. That was it, the area Tom had set the shuttle down in was
full of minerals that inhibited the communications system. Unfortunately, the
minerals extended for as far as he could scan in any direction. He couldn't walk
out of them, especially since Adont was injured. Let's see what can be done about
the malfunction.
On his way out he saw Adont watching him. He knelt down and touched her
shoulder. "Are you doing OK?" Adont smiled slightly and nodded. "I'm going
outside and see if I can find out what went wrong." She nodded again.
As Tom diagnosed the problem with the shuttle, he pondered about when they
were likely to be found. Our flight was to be about two hours round trip. So,
we've got about an hour before they start looking for us. They would have
expected us to call if we were delayed. So they will probably start looking right
away. We're on our flight plan and they should start looking there first. I'll guess
either Chakotay or the Captain will pilot the shuttle. They might even bring the
Doctor because they may fear the worst. I'll bet the ship's scanners won't work
through this mineral interference. Tom found the problem with the engines, but
had neither the skills nor the tools to fix it. He went back inside the shuttle.
Adont appeared to be asleep. Good. Tom sat down in the pilot's chair to wait.
Apparently, Tom dosed off because he was startled awake by the sound of a
shuttle landing near them. He got up and went out to greet them. Chakotay had
come, along with Torres, the Doc, Catata the Tranni working with Torres and
Tuvok. They all showed obvious relief when Tom emerged from the shuttle
healthy and smiling. "Adont has a mild concussion and is resting in the shuttle."
The Doctor went in to check her over. The human element cared for, all attention
focused on the shuttle. "I found the trouble," Paris began, "but I couldn't fix it."
He led them to the trouble spot. "See, here and here." B'Elanna got busy
immediately.
Chakotay inquired about the accident. "It looks like you made good landing,
Lieutenant."
"Only fair," Tom replied, "The drive was running sporadically and the shuttle
completely lost power about five feet above the ground. We hit heavily at an
angle. I managed to keep my seat. Adont was thrown from hers into the
bulkhead.
"Fortunate you were as close to landing as you were, Lieutenant. What caused
you to decide to land?
"To tell you the truth, Commander, I almost turned around and started back to the
test base. If I had," Tom speculated, "We would've had a much different result.
At the least the shuttle would have been trashed. Who knows what would have
happened to the passengers."
"No offence intended," Chakotay started looking appraisingly at the helmsman.
"You are not always one to choose the cautious route. Why this time?"
This conversation was beginning to get a little too intimate for Tom's comfort.
Sometimes it seemed Chakotay was trying to see into his very soul. Paris had met
his eyes and was trying to formulate an answer when Torres called him from the
other side of the shuttle. Tom answered and nodded at Chakotay excusing
himself. A look of relief plain on his face. Chakotay smiled and said, "don't
think you're off the hook, Lieutenant. I still want an answer." Paris turned and
gave a small bow before going to see B'Elanna.
****************
This was the most complex problem they had had to over come. It took most of
the rest of the daylight hours to resolve it. They decided to leave the shuttle there
over night and fly it back to complete the test the next day. As the rescue shuttle
could hold only six people, someone needed to stay behind. Tom volunteered
immediately and B'Elanna was close behind. Chakotay commented, "We have
room for you, Torres."
"I just thought he might like some company," she said trying to look like she
didn't care. "There's nothing else I can do tonight on the shuttle."
Chakotay looked at her knowing he would say, yes, but making her chafe a bit.
"Alright Lieutenant, we should have a shuttle back here inside of two hours." The
rescue shuttle was ready to go in short order.
Tom climbed into the prototype and sat down in the pilot's chair. B'Elanna
entered too and stood tentatively in the back of the shuttle. "I thought we could
talk." Tom swiveled around in his chair at the sound of her voice. "OK." To
B'Elanna his voice sounded apprehensive. Tom indicated the copilots chair when
she lingered in the back.
She came up and sat down. "I don't know where to start." She stole a quick
glance at Tom. He was scrutinizing the instrument panel, inspecting it closely, as
if he had never seen it before. "Tom, please tell me what you're feeling. My
apology is sincere. I was wrong. I know that."
"This is hard for me, too, B'Elanna." Tom paused thinking to himself, my
impulse is to be honest and tell her how I feel. It's risky. The he decided, "Some
of the things you said really hurt. I'm still a little angry with you. I'm
disappointed in my self for getting angry. I'm embarrassed about loosing control
and hitting the wall. I'm really conflicted."
B'Elanna was very close to tears, but didn't want to let them fall. "Can you tell
me about why you are still feeling angry with me," she said quietly.
"I need to let it go! I keep thinking that if you had only paid attention in our
briefing, none of this would have happened." Tom paused, he continued agitated.
"Who am I to expect someone to pay attention every minute. How many times
have I pulled you or Harry over and asked you to tell me some point or another
after a briefing. This isn't your problem, it's mine." He went on very quietly. "I
need to apologize to you, too. If I had kept my cool, we might have been able to
save ourselves a lot of grief. Also, B'Elanna," he took a deep breath, "I almost hit
you."
"I know."
"You know?"
"I'm embarrassed to say, I was trying to get you to hit me." She was very
surprised to hear Tom chuckling. She looked up at him. "Boy, I'd love to hear
something funny!"
"That's what Harry said you were doing." At her look he continued. "Harry
noticed the neural inhibitor bracelet I was wearing and asked me why I was
wearing it. He wouldn't take "no" for an answer and I finally told him about the
argument. We can both pound him if it hits the gossip channels." He wanted to
know more. "You wanted to beat me up?"
"I would have, too. You've never bested me. I would have blamed you for
starting it." A tear fell and she quickly brushed it aside. "I probably would have
hurt you badly. I was in full Klingon Battle-mode." B'Elanna reached over and
touched his hand, with devastating honesty, she continued, "Tom, this is part of
the package if we are going to be together. I can work at controlling my temper,
but I probably won't be successful all the time. Can you accept me like this? Can
you risk having more scenes like the one in transporter room two?" Despite
herself, tears were falling. She turned away. "Can you deal with a woman like
me?"
Tom swiveled his seat to face the bulkhead and was quiet for a long time.
B'Elanna turned her seat away and waited for him. She knew this couldn't be
rushed. She hoped they had enough time. After an eternity she was startled out
of her reverie by a gentle hand on her shoulder. Tom was standing beside her
chair. With his hands he tenderly indicated he wanted her to stand. As soon as
she was standing, he gathered her into a light embrace. She communicated her
acquiescence by returning the embrace firmly and laying her head on his
shoulder. They stood there a long time enjoying being rejoined physically.
Finally, Tom kissed her head and said, "B'Elanna, I hope we can always work
things out. I hope you will always want me with all my problems and faults. I'll
always want you. I still need to talk about some things. Can we sit on the floor?
I really need to be close to you."
They sat companionably in silence for a couple minutes. Then B'Elanna started,
"I think I know what you still need to discuss. Those awful things I said. Tom, I
don't believe them. I guess I was half crazy. You wouldn't hit me and I was
trying to hurt you."
Tom was very still. "It hurt, B'Elanna. I haven't forgiven myself for some of
those things yet. They are like raw wounds. What you said just rubbed salt in
them."
B'Elanna turned to him and got up on her knees. She traced his hairline and
placed one hand on the far side of his face and one under his chin. She kissed
him on the side of the face. "Did your mother ever kiss your hurts away?" She
said kissing him between every word. If I could I would take every hurtful word
out of your head. I'm so sorry I said them. You've had so much hurt in your life
and now I've added more." Her voice caught and more tears fell.
Tom's heart melted and with it all his hurt feelings faded away, "B'Elanna, I
forgive you." Tom said reaching up and wiping her tears away. "What's hard for
me to do is forgive myself. Will you help me do that?" Tom shifted gears. "The
next time we argue, it will probably be me that is more wrong. Promise me you
will never give up on me."
"Tom, I promise with all my heart!"
He pulled her around so that she was sitting on his lap. "Well, I'm done talking
for now. How about you?" She nodded. "Good." Smiling affectionately Tom
slowly lowered his head to kiss her. By the time they noticed the distant roar of
the returning shuttle, B'Elanna knew what it meant to be kissed by Tom Paris.
****************
As Tom and B'Elanna were walking over to the other shuttle, Chakotay opened
the hatch and jumped out. "Sorry about taking longer than expected. We ran into
unforeseen problems back at the base."
"Oh, let me assure you, it wasn't a problem, Chakotay," Tom replied flippantly. It
was all B'Elanna could do to stop herself from elbowing Tom in the ribs.
The Commander looked at him sharply. Tom calmly returned his gaze.
Chakotay decided to leave the remark alone. "Tom, would you like to fly back?"
"Sure."
"Alright, let's get going."
Chakotay took the copilot's seat and the flight was uneventful. About half way
back Chakotay readdress his question to Paris.
"Lieutenant," Chakotay began, "have you had time to think about the last question
I asked you?"
"You mean the one about choosing the cautious choice?" Tom queried, "Let me
ask you a question. Have you ever seen me choose a reckless move over a safe
one if I had a choice? When flying, that is."
Commander Chakotay thought about this for several minutes. "Lieutenant, I can't
think of one time."
"Tom smiled, "I didn't think you would. Case closed!"
The rest of the flight was as uneventful as the first part had been and they arrived
at the test base when expected. Tom was securing the shuttle for the night and
Chakotay asked him to wait on board after he was finished. Tom was sitting
musing in the pilot's chair about his conversation with B'Elanna.
Chakotay paused momentarily at the back of the shuttle. His next action was
quite difficult for him. He knew it was the right thing to do, but that didn't make
it easy. Mustering his resolve he walked to the front of the shuttle and sat down
in the copilot's seat.
"Lieutenant," Chakotay began looking intently at Paris, "I owe you an apology."
This won his attention. "An apology, what for?"
"I haven't made it a secret that I didn't think much of you even from the time you
were in the Maquis. I disagreed with the Captain's decision to make you the
Senior Helmsman. Since you had saved my life risking yours, I was heavily
indebted to you. Don't think I liked you better for that. That did mean I had to
insure your safety. I'm digressing. I had decided you were a reckless pilot. I
have been wrong all this time. I have corrected that misapprehension." He
paused and looked intently at Paris. "I'd like to ask for your forgiveness."
Chakotay finished quietly then looked down waiting for whatever Tom would
say.
Tom paused a long time. So long that Chakotay looked up at Tom, his face still
open and receptive. Tom had been looking at him, but quickly looked away when
Chakotay met his gaze. "Commander, you've taken all the words right out of my
mouth." Then Tom did look at him. "Apology accepted. Thank you." Tom rose
and extended his hand to Chakotay. Chakotay also rose and took Tom's hand
firmly, reinforcing it with his other hand.
"Tom, for quite sometime, something about my evaluation of you didn't fit.
Actually, my spirit guide kept mentioning you."
"Your spirit guide, come on Chakotay!"
"It's true. When you answered my question tonight everything snapped into place.
I knew instantly I had misjudged you and had to make it right. I hope I have."
"Chakotay, there are very few people on Voyager I don't call my friend, even the
Captain though only on the holodeck and out of uniform." They smiled.
"Someday, I would like to call you friend."
"Tom, if you keep up the way you are going you can count on it." Chakotay took
Tom's hand in a brief reprise of their hand shake and they left the shuttle to beam
up to Voyager.
****************
The finishing touches were placed on the prototype shuttle the next week. Work
on the second shuttle went much quicker, especially the testing phase since they
had the first one to learn from. Harry noticed right away that things were OK
between Tom and B'Elanna. They were having dinner in the mess hall and about
half way through he leaned forward and whispered. "You made up, didn't you?"
Tom whispered back, "What, I wear it on my forehead?"
Harry grinned and replied, "No, I just know you that's all."
Tom shook his head and asked, "Did you ever get shore leave?" Harry blushed.
"OK, Harry, now it's your turn, 'fess up."
He rolled his eyes and said, "let's discuss this in my quarters." Once in Harry's
quarters, Tom stepped just inside and planted his hands on his hips. "OK."
"Tom, you worked with one woman and you got used to her. You haven't been to
the city."
"So far, Harry, all you've talked about is what I've done."
"Look this is embarrassing enough. Do me a favor and don't hassle me about it."
"Alright, Harry," Tom settled down realizing this was important to Kim.
"I had been planet side just a few minutes and I was with Lieutenant Hazleton.
We went to the bazaar and we were looking through an art gallery. Everything
was fine when Jill was talking, but I started to say something and three women
just descended upon me. I practically jumped away from them, but then I
apologized and let them touch me. The same thing happened in the next two
shops we entered, always to me. Unbeknownst to me, Chakotay saw the whole
thing and he came up to me and asked to see me. He suggested I go back to the
ship. I was so flustered by that time, I couldn't defend myself."
"That's tough, Harry. Have you talked to Chakotay since?"
"What's the use? He won't let me go down anyway."
"Oh, he might surprise you. I'll bet you'd be more successful if you went down
with another man. You'd share the wealth so to speak. Ask to go down with
someone who made an easy adjustment. Why don't you see if Chakotay's
shipboard now? No time like the present."
"Right," Kim said, his courage bolstered, "Ensign Kim to Commander Chakotay."
"Chakotay here, what can I do for you, Mr. Kim?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you. If you're not busy."
"Give me about five minutes and I'm yours. I'm in my quarters."
"Thank you, sir."
Harry came back all smiles. "We talked it over, including what you said. He said
he wished that he had thought of putting people who adjusted easily with people
who were having a harder time. I'm going down tomorrow morning with Ensign
Kelly. Chakotay says Kelly's almost like a native. Kelly gets extra leave out of it,
too."
****************
When the two, new shuttles were finished and secured in the shuttle bay,
Captain Janeway invited the Tranni they had worked with most closely to
Voyager for a good-bye party. Both the crew of Voyager and the Tranni agreed
that this team had been a successful one. This had been the longest stop over
Voyager had ever made in the Delta Quadrant. Now they were saying good bye
to friends they would never see again.
Tom and Adont were standing in a corner arm in arm talking. "I think we worked
together very well. In a way it's too bad we'll never see each other again. We
were quite efficient. I've been thinking a lot about why you need touch to
communicate. Could you have a type of telepathy? You often understand what I
say much better than when I speak to another human."
"Our scientists have never been able to measure anything," Adont said, "However,
science is always learning new things. Many of our people think this is what
happens. Also, I have worked with visitors to Tranni who have said the same
thing. It is always the ones who we work well with who say it," she smiled.
"I wanted to let you know everything is OK with my girlfriend and I. You helped
to mend the rift, too. Just being with you and experiencing the way you use touch
taught me a lot about touching and how to use it to communicate. I was able to
use some of what I'd learned when B'Elanna and I made up.
"It is nice to know we can fix relationships as well as muddle them up."
Glancing around, Tom realized the party was breaking up. "Adont, thank you. It
has been a real joy working with you. I feel like we have become friends through
all this."
"I do, too, Tom. I have learned a great deal about shuttle construction that will
help our industry. Your crafts are sturdy and fast."
"I would like to say good bye the way we do in our culture when close friends
part." Tom suggested, "We hug each other."
"We also hug. Usually, it is between husband and wife."
"Only if you are comfortable, Adont." She nodded and they hugged good bye.
"Tom, your hug was much different than hugging my husband." Adont was
surprised. "I think you have just helped me understand how it must be for you
when we touch you in ways you are used to thinking of as sexual, but for us they
aren't. I didn't think anyone from off planet could teach me of touch!"
Tom said, "Leave it to ol' Tom Paris," as they left the mess hall.
****************
The next day Paris was back at the helm for the first time in weeks when the
captain called Lieutenant Torres and ask her to come to her ready room at 1700
for debriefing on the away mission. Then she asked Lieutenant Paris if he would
be so good as to come, also.
"Yes, ma'am," was his crisp response.
At exactly 1700 hours Lieutenant Torres entered the bridge. Captain Janeway
turned in her chair and said, "Lieutenants, my ready room," and preceded them
into it. She motioned them into chairs and picked up a PADD. "Over all, this
venture was quite successful. Agreed?"
"No question, Captain," Paris affirmed, "We achieved our objectives. Actually,
we did better than that, the shuttles are improved over their original specs. We
did it efficiently considering we had to translate all of the blueprints." Tom's tone
was strictly professional until now. He continued lightly. "We also made some
friends out of the deal."
Janeway glanced at Tom with a 'let's stay serious look'. Tom just smiled.
Torres began, "We didn't make any engine modifications. The Tranni are not as
advanced as we are in warp technology. We gave them a few ideas. I was afraid
their lower level of technology could cause problems. None showed up in the
tests. We were very fortunate that they use the same metals we do."
The debriefing continued until everything had been covered thoroughly. Then
Janeway leaned back in her chair and pondered her next move. "Lieutenant Paris,
Lieutenant Torres, I thank you for your hard work and diligence. You both have
come through for me again and I am very pleased." The Lieutenants were
gratified at the praise Janeway gave them. "I'm placing a notation in your
permanent record for work above the norm in excellence."
"Thank you, Captain," they responded.
"Now, one last subject," Janeway looked down and then nailed Paris with her
eyes. "Tom, what happened to your hand?"
Tom instantly blushed, looked down at it, and covered it with his other hand.
"Captain, I'd rather not have to tell you."
Janeway noted he didn't refuse her. Another sign of how far he had come. "Tom,
I always read the Doctor's reports. Most times that's all I do. The report on your
injury caught my eye because it was so incomplete. I went down to sick bay to
talk to the Doctor and he was very evasive, not like him at all. His report also
noted a counseling session very late the same night with B'Elanna. Earlier in the
day I read the report, I remembered seeing you two and thinking something was
wrong. It didn't seem to effect your work so, I let it go. I admit you seem fine
now. And somehow you managed to keep it out of the gossip mill. I won't make
it an order, Tom; however, I would really like to know."
Tom and B'Elanna exchanged looks. Tom decided to speak. "I'm not proud of
myself, Captain, and the Doc made me promise to come in to talk to him once our
Tranni mission was over." He looked up at his captain. "I hit a bulkhead and
broke my hand: two bones, a compound fracture." He saw Janeway wince
imagining the pain that must have caused.
Janeway digested this and said, "What caused you to hit the bulkhead with such
force?"
"I did, Captain," B'Elanna spoke up. Janeway looked at her with surprise. "I
missed some important information at the briefing before the Tranni mission. I
thought Adont was coming on to Tom and he wasn't stopping it. I was trying to
goad him into fighting me when he hit the bulkhead. The doctor straightened me
out. He really put me in my place. We were able to work things out when we
were left behind in the prototype after it went down."
Janeway looked soberly back and forth between her two young Lieutenants.
"Captain," B'Elanna started, "If you're thinking of any discipline, I should take. . ."
"NO! no." Janeway waved her hand. "I'm not going to administer any discipline.
It hadn't crossed my mind." Tom visibly relaxed. He hadn't realized how
important his record had become to him. It was hard proof he was worth
something to someone.
"What were you thinking about, Captain?" Tom ventured.
Janeway favored him with a grin. "Well you told me. I guess I have to tell you. I
was wondering how in the world you kept it out of Voyager's infamous rumor
mill?"
"I think that was more good luck than anything else." Tom speculated. "We
argued in transporter room two and no one on Beta shift walked by. No one was
in sick bay when either B'Elanna or myself were there. And because of the
Tranni mission we weren't seen while we were cool toward each other and no one
expected to see us much. Also, I only told Harry and we were in my quarters. He
would never spread gossip."
"Captain, your opinion has come to mean a great deal to me," Paris disclosed. "I
don't ever want to disappoint you."
"Thank you, Tom. It is gratifying to me you think so highly of me." Janeway
went on with a twinkle in her eye. "Tom, I can empathize with you. Some day,
not today, I'll have to tell you about a teenager who not only broke her hand, but
put her hand through her bedroom wall."
"Captain!"
"It's long past time for all of us to go off shift." Janeway hurried on smiling.
"Congratulations on your Excellence Notations and Tom, thank you for letting me
in on what happened. Go do some serious relaxing. Maybe you could take a
swim in your farm pond!"
The End
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