By Jo Monroe
The Pom System
The ship was in the Pom Pom system. "Why did you Name
it that Mr. Kim?" The Captian asked.
"The planets seem to be in clusters ma'am." He answered.
"Are you sure they are all planets, and not one planet with
several moons?" Janeway asked. They had been doing some
mineral and ore deposit surveys. The scans showed that none of
the planets had life on them, until they got right on top of them.
They found great quantity. Of diulumthium on one planet. It
took them about two days to get there. When Janeway found out
that the scanners were not right, and there were people on the
planet.
Janeway hit her com. badge. "Lieutenant TORRIS what is
wrong with my scanners that they didn't pick up these people
before now."
"Well ma'am I just found a relay that was out. It seems
strange since we just replaced all those the other day. I'll check
into it later, as soon as I get this one replaced. Captian I need to
do a complete diagnostic on this system. The relay I just put in
just blew."
"What are you doing?? You . . . get out . . . of that . . .
jefferyies tube . . . before you get stuck, and we have to wast time
pulling . . . you out." Janeway out. The Captian yelled.
Chakotay. . . . My . . . ready room now!!!!
"Yes Ma'am." Chakotay got up. He noticed that the bridge
crew was looking at Kathryn as if she had lost her mind. She
had never acted this way before. "So what is troubling you my
Captian that usually got her to smile at least.
"What is it Chakotay? That's why we are in my ready
room, and its no laughing matter. I just need. . . . To want to
scream at everyone. Even at you, and you have done nothing.
Last night I almost hit one of the girls."
"Well you might talk to the doctor." He held up his hand.
"Let me finish," As she started to interrupt him. To see if there
is something that might be causing this because your right it's not
like you to raise your voice at anyone. By seeing the Doc you
rule out physical reasons.
The Captains's comm. link went off. "EMH here I've got a
problem. I need Paris now! We have had four fights and other
injuries that are suspect. They say things like I fell. When I
look at the bruise marks, they aren't consistent with what I'm
being told? What worries me are the children that are coming
in."
"That's ok I was about to call you as I just took two heads
off with no reason. Start checking to see if it's an out side force."
The Captian stated.
The EMH hollered to be heard over the din in sick - bay.
"Since it seems to be affecting so many of you at the same time.
The doctor answered. "That would seem a logical way to go.
EMH out.
The Captains comm. badge chirped the second time. "
Janeway here" She answered.
" Ensign Kim, Captian we are being haled from one of the
planets.
"Yes, how far away is it." The Captian asked.
"With the scanners out that's all we can tell you at this time.
Kim out.
"Find out which, and tell Mr. Paris to report to sick - bay;
the Doctor needs his help down there?"
"Yes Captian" Kim turned to Tom. "Tom you are to Report
to sick - bay the Doctor is swamped.
Tom got up. "Well if you don't want me here. I don't care
I'll just go to my quarters.
"You will go to sick-bay, as you were told Dr. Paris. Tuvoc
ordered
Tom walked over to the turbo lift giving Tuvoc a cocky
smile and left the bridge.
For the first time. Tom wasn't sure what was going on, but
he knew he didn't like it. The Captian and crew never acted this
way unless they were under the influence of something, or
someone. Q could do it. Q popped into the lift.
"I have nothing to do with this. Why are you blaming me?
Every time you puny people get into trouble." He asked
"Well" Tom had the good grace to turn red. "We have had
the problem a time or two if you remember."
"Well yes I admit I have been a bad boy A time or two.
Well you could be a nice guy for a change, and help us out
by sending us back to the alpha quadrant.
"Then you wouldn't get to meet all these interesting people.
Anyway they are at war back there." Q looked at him. "But I
suppose you would like that."
Tom smiled. "No, I wouldn't but this ship can't take much
more of this. We need a complete over haul, and the people need
sometime on solid ground. Most of our children haven't met
solid ground sense they were born. Well I have to go to work
now. You will find the Captian in her ready room." Tom saluted
as he walks out of the turbo lift.
Q snaps his fingers as he disappeared, and reappearing in
the Captains office. "Well is this the way you run your ship?"
Kathryn and Chakotay sprang apart. "Oh! Q you scarred me.
You aren't behind this, are you?" Janeway asked.
"I was just talking to Mr. Paris, he was blaming me too for
the problem you are having? I told him to look else where. He
did express the view that you needed a place where the ship
could be put down, and everything could be shut down. I
thought I would talk to you before I found you a nice safe place."
"Q" Janeway smiled. "What else did my Doctor discuss
with you?" Why would we need to set the ship down to refit it?
"I don't know something about shutting everything down,
and the children meeting with solid ground. I'm not sure why
they would want to meet the ground it has nothing to say for
itself.
Janeway smiled, then got a really serious look on her face.
"We did run across a new type of engine we thought might work
in the ship we tried it in one of the shuttles, and it seems to be
working well. We were thinking of putting it in the main ship."
Janeway told him.
Chakotay looked at him. "Why would you want to help us
all of a sudden?"
"Smile commander, I have my own lover now, and I like
her a lot. Hi lover. Have you fond any other Q on board?"
"No lover, but there are a lot of yelling and fighting on this
ship. I even saw Sam hit Naomi. The child had done nothing to
deserve it? I left little Q with her, but I told her if she hit either
child I would kill her."
Janeway looked at the Qs "Do either of you have any idea
what is going on? At Q's look, I know you aren't doing it, but I
thought you might have an idea."
Why don't we look into it for them? Q asked his wife.
You know it might be those telepathic people on the forty -
ninth planet from here trying to make contact, and not doing well
at it, or the trouble, they are causing. Lady Q answered.
"How many light years is that?" Kathryn asked
"I don't know where are we? This mode of transportation
is so slow." Lady Q said. Well Kathryn pulled up a map on
the area. "This is where we are, and this is the planet the
computer has determined, as the one, your talking about."
"You understand this better then I do. Do you trust this
thing to tell you the truth?" Q smiled at his wife. " Let's look and
see what we have here. That looks about right."
"It is about two light years away. That seems along way to
get to us telepathically. Could one of you pop over there and tell
them what they are doing to us, and that if they would stop we
would like to meet with them?
Q looked at her. "Why should I? Why would I want to?"
Q asked her.
Q lady Q said the Captian looks bad. Q looked at her.
Janeway looked tired and almost ill. Captian you need to go to
bed. Oh! All right I'll go talk to them, and see what I can do. If
you go to bed for a few hours." Q huffed. As the Captian looked
as if she was about argue.
"Thank you Q. I appreciate this." The Captian said
Chakotay who had been silent through all of this walked up
to Q. "Hurry I don't know how much more of this she can take.
We will talk about the planet to sit down on later." Chakotay
said
"Your right the whole crew needs sometime off What do
you think will help them most? Getting them to stop, or getting
you and this ship on the ground?" Q asked
I really don't know, and I really don't care. All I know is
that my wife is getting sick. With everything that is going on she
cannot rest. Chakotay answered.
The comm. channel beeped. Kathryn hit her com. badge
"Yes what is it now?" she demanded.
Bridge here we are at the planet of the telepathies.
"Thank you, but how did we get there so fast? The Captian
demanded to know.
"Lady Q told us what course to set then took us on a very
fast ride. She snapped her fingers and we are there. Tuvoc
answered.
"I see well tell her thank you, and see if we can
communicate with them in a more normal manner. Janeway out.
Well gentlemen it is a mute point, as Lady Q has just deposited
us at the planet.
"Well shall we go meet our new neighbors, and hope we
can get along with them?" Chakotay asked.
"Mr. Kim, Have you been able to contact the planet
leaders?" Janeway asked.
"Yes." Lady Q answered. "There is a Mr. Greer on line. " Mr. Tuvoc, What happened to Mr. Kim? The Captian
asked
"I sent him down to help Lieutenant Torris." Tuvoc
answered.
"Why does the lieutenant need help?" Janeway wondered
aloud.
" It seems she went into labor, and everyone in engineering
was too busy to help her to sick- bay. Tuvoc reported.
Captian hit her com. badge "Janeway to the doctor."
"Doctor Paris here."
"As soon as ensign Kim is through getting your wife to
sick- bay send him back."
"They were here, and he can't come back for two days. She
broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder." Tom spoke as though
this was nothing unusual that his wife went around breaking arms
and legs all the time. "But you will get him back in about two
days. I sent him to his quarters to rest. By the way Captian. We
have two new crew members Owen Paris the
II, and Maria Paris."
"Congratulation Doctor I have just one question how did
she break Kim's arm?" The Captian asked.
"She squeezed it to hard during a contraction on her way
here." Tom told her.
"You really should teach her not to manhandle the crew
that way." Janeway laughed
"I 'll tell her when she wakes up. By the way Captian the
rest of the crew is doing fine since we got close to the planet the
fighting and child battering has stopped."
"That is good to hear. Janeway out. Now have you
established contact with the planet." Janeway asked.
"Yes ma'am" Lady Q answered. "Mr. Greer the first
Minister of the first ones awaits your response."
"On screen." The Captian ordered. First Minister I'm
Kathryn Janeway, Captian of the star ship Voyager. We hope
you and your people are well." The Captian told him.
"Captian I would like to invite you and your officers to
dine with us. We are sorry that our probing caused you a
problem. It was not our intention to do so. Your crewman Lady
Q explained that you are not telepathies, but you can be hurt by
it." The Minister smiled. "Well until we meet later by the way
that same crewman. Asked me if I could send someone to
explain about our customs to you." He added
Janeway turns and looked at lady Q. "Thank you she was
right that will be very helpful." Janeway out.
"Why did you tell them that telepathy would hurt us?" the
Captian asked.
"I thought it the best way to handle the problem since their
way seems to have a bad effect on you." Q answered.
"Thank you, Good thinking." The Captian Complimented
her.
"Now I'm going down to sick - bay and say hello to my
newest crew members. Commander you have the bridge. Oh!
When the repersentive shows put him in the conference room,
and call me. Lady Q would like to go with me." She asked.
"I would love to." An ensign walked up to her.
"I don't need any help young man"
The ensign smiled. "Noooo ma'am you don't, but someone
has to be here at this station."
Oh Ok! She laughed, and walked away. Come on Kathryn
lets go gaa gaa over the babies. As she giggled. "How many
children do you have on this ship now?"
"We have a total now of one hundred and twenty three
make that twenty five. One hundred and Twenty five that is."
The Captian answered.
They were both giggling, as they entered the sick - bay.
"So where are those new babies at?" they asked at once.
"Over here" B'Elanna smiled. " Hi Captian Mrs. Q."
May we? As the Captian reach over to pick up one of the
babies they both got a baby, and sat down to have a good play.
Making the usual goo goo noises at them.
Chakotay and Q walked in. The women were setting on
one of the bio beds laughing and loving the babies. Lady Q
looked sad. "I wish I had another one just like this she is so cute
and cuddly.
Kathryn said. Looking sad also. "It's almost worth getting
up at two a.m. to feed them. The days and nights all mixed up
the whole thing Tom didn't like the look of the Captian, so while
she played with the children he ran a tricorder over her. Getting
both women in the first scans he reran it on both of them.
Chakotay looked at Q. "I told you we better get down here
before they get us into something."
You are to late gentlemen they are both with a child. Tom
smiled at the four of them you are both going to be mothers. I
know Kathryn will take eight months, but the Q physiology is
something different.
Q looked at him. "You were right come along my love you
don't really want one like that." As he took the baby and laid it
back in its crib. "You are lucky B'Elanna they are beautiful."
Chakotay smiled. "Come a long dear it is time to greet the
repersentive of the planet. He gave it a hug, as he put it back in
its crib.
Tom laughed, as they walked out of the room. "None of
them believed me. They both gave the babies a hug. It was nice
to tell them that they are going to be parents soon."
"You are probably right. I think Kathryn has been trying
not to be sick in the mornings already." B'Elanna smiled."
The four of them entered the conference room. "Welcome
to the Voyager. Sorry to be so long, but we just had an addition
to our crew. I'm Kathryn Janeway, you are?"
Hoo'tun Minister of protocol and deportment. You will
never be late ever again that is rude and could on our planet gets
you killed. Here is a list of things that are taboo. Learn it he
demanded.
"Mr. Hoo'tun take it easy we meant no harm. Now we will
bear in mind that this is unacceptably in the Future." The Captian
stated.
Now this thing about putting your ship down on our planet.
"Well if the head of your government is not willing we can
go some place else." The Captian looked at him she knew he was
lying, but didn't know why.
"Well that is easily fixed now when is the dinner set for."
The Captian spoke. "Now are there any other things we need to
know?"
"No, I think that will cover it. I will leave this ship and you
at this time.
Janeway and her officers went to the planet at the
appointed time. There was no one to greet them. The Captian
grimaced. "I think we have a problem." They were setting there
waiting. When a lady walked in. "Who are you, and what are
you doing here?"
"Well we are the officers from the star ship Voyager and
we were told by Mr. Hoo'tun that the dinner would be starting at
seven. You are?"
"I'm Joyli, the first Minister's wife and we have already
eaten."
"Can I speak to your husband to give him my apology?"
"No he has retired for the night call in the morning."
"Thank you, and we are sorry for the mix up." The Captian
smiled.
"Joyli nodded her head." The crew turns to leave the room.
When the first Minister walked in. Janeway turned and looked at
him.
"You have finally shown up we will eat now, and then you
can explain. Why you were so late.
"We were told to come at seven, and where given these
coordinates. I see that we have over staid our welcome we will
call in the morning as your wife recommended."
"I have no wife. Joyli is the wife of the Minister of
Protocol.
"He is the man that told us all the things you have heard. I
think my idea of going back to the ship is a good one We both
need to cool off. That would all so give you time to talk to your
Minister."
"If you would contact us in the morning with your findings.
They left the room, and beamed up to the ship. That was a
waist. The Captian kind of folded over I'm tired.
"It might be the fact that you haven't had supper, and
You're pregnant." Chakotay smiled.
Q walked into the room. "What happened? You haven't
had time to eat and talk to those people?"
"We should have been there three hours ago. They were
very unhappy." The Captian smiled. "I for one am going to bed.
Chakotay said. "Not before you have something to eat
remembered, you are eating for two now."
"Who told you that?" she demanded.
"Doctor Paris when you two were playing with the babies
you looked sick, so while you where other wise involved he ran
a medical scan." Chakotay answered. "You and lady Q are both
pregnant. You he said would take eight months, but because of
Q physiology he wasn't sure about her."
They got to their quarters here we go love. He put in the
code as the doors opened. Chakotay helped her in the room, now
love you go get ready for bed and I will fix you some supper.
Kathryn fell onto the bed she didn't even remember hitting
the bed just when she woke up the next morning she was
undressed and in the bed? "Chakotay" no answer. "Computer
what time is it?"
"O:11:30 the computer returned."
"Why wasn't I awakened before now?"
"Commander Chakotay ordered that you were to be aloud
to wake up on your own." The computer told her.
Kathryn got up and went to take a shower instead of that
she got sick and crawled back into bed. *Oh! No Tom was right I
am pregnant.* She rolled over and saw the crackers on the bed
side. *thank you my love.* She reaches over, and took one of
them started to eat it.
Chakotay walked in I see you found my little gift I hope
they work better than they did last time.
"Hope so I just can't stand being sick all the time. Have we
heard from the first Prim Minister?" Kathryn asked.
"Yes the man admitted that he gave us the wrong time on
purpose. It seemed that he felt slighted because we didn't offer
him a tour of the ship." Chakotay answered.
"We don't give those even to top people in top positions."
She said.
"I explained that to him as well as the fact that my wife the
Captian was not really sick just pregnant. That seemed to make
him laugh. He said he remembered when his wife was with child
it was a little piece of hell. By the way I just saw Q he was green
as grass. When I asked him what was wrong he said the men get
sick there."
Kathryn laughed. "I feel for him. Well its time for me to
try to get up, and get to work." She made it as far as sitting up.
"Oh, dear" she ran for the bathroom.
Chakotay smiled and hit his com. badge. "Commander to
sick - bay."
"Sick - bay Paris here. What's up commander?"
"Kathryn needs the medicine for the sickness because she
still has it. It seems to be like the last time.
"Be right there." The doctor popped into the room where is
she? The EMH asked.
"In the bathroom." Chakotay pointed.
"Captian I'm coming in. The EMH told her.
" Come at your own risk." She groaned. They came out a
few minuets later."Now if you two will excuse me. I will take a
shower and change. It is time to get to work." Kathryn said.
The Captian walked onto the bridge. "Report. By the way
Mr. Kim it is good to have you back."
"Thank you ma'am." Kim said. "The first Minister Said
when you were able to talk to him to call him."
"Get him."
"Captian the first Minister." Kim answered.
"First Minister I'm sorry for not being here when you called
earlier. Janeway told him.
"No problem your husband explained it. I was worried
when he said you were ill that it was because of our probing your
ship he said no that you were with child. Congratulation my dear.
Now to state business we have set up a reception in the same area
you were at before. I presume that you have those coordinates."
The Minister smiled till then Greer out.
"Janeway to the first Minister you forgot to tell me when?"
Greer smiled. "Sorry at six this evening
"My officers and I well be there. The Captian told him.
At 1800 hours they beamed down. There were many
people there. Janeway smiled."There is our host over there. The
Minster of protocol's wife walked over. "You are not welcome
here you are terrible people; my husband was right when he tried
to kill you before you got here."
The first Minister heard her, and raised his hand. Some
men came and she was taken away. At Kathryn's look of concern
she was told. "She will be taken home and kept there until you
leave."
Tom and B'Elanna were standing a little way away form
them. When a man said. "If they believe that I feel sorry for
them they will believe anything."
Tom said. "Well since he knows our Captian is pregnant
he may have thought it best not to up set her. You are?" Tom
asked.
"Woobb Greer first born of the first Minister. You are?" He
asked.
"Doctor Tom Paris and this is my wife B'Elanna. We can't
stay long as our children are so small we don't want to leave them
alone to long." At the man's look of horror. Tom smiled. "They
are with another doctor. They were born yesterday. So We had
better go pay my respects to the Minister, and get her back to the
children."
"Come I will introduce you to him." They walked to were
the Captian and the Minister stood by the fountain. Father I
would like to introduce Tom and B'Elanna Paris They have to get
back to the ship it seems that B'Elanna just gave birth yesterday.
He pushed on Tom's back so that he and B'Elanna fell into the
Minister, so that he fell into the fountain. Grabbing Tom he said
your Captian should have done that already.
The next morning Tom was called to the Captains ready
room. "There is no reason for your behavior none at all." The
Captian yelled. The Captian was really mad this time.
Tom hoped she wouldn't through him in the brig for this
one. "You dumped the Minister in the fountain."
"I was standing there when Woobb pushed I know no one
saw him, but I think he did it on purpose." Tom stated.
"You keep saying that, but no one saw him" The Captian
yelled at him.
The Captains comm. badge chirped. "Yes she snarled.
Bridge here we are being hailed by the planet They wish to speak
to Tom.
"Transfer it in here. Yes this is Captian Janeway. Mr. Paris
is here."
"Mr. Paris, I hope you are all right?" Greer asked
" Paris here sir, and I am fine."
"Captian I'm Mr. Woobb Greer I did what I did purpose
because no one had told you that you are supposed to do it, or
something equality embarrassing. The person who was to tell
you about our customs didn't like you. There for he didn't tell
you about the one thing that would have been an insult to all of
us, and caused you to be asked to leave. I told my father about
what I had learned. He thought I should call and tell you before
the man got punished for something the Captian should have
done anyway." He smiled "I'm sorry if your punishment was very
hard."
Tom smiled "No the Captian just yelled at me. She would
have tried to find you before she put me to death." He told him
laughing. At the man's look of horror Tom laughed I was teasing.
I would have had to murdered someone, or blow up the ship,
before that happened."
The man smiled uncertainly. "How could you joke about
such things?"
"I know way down deep that she wont do it. No matter
what happened. It is like when you were a child you knew your
father or an elder told you to do something and instead you . . .
you went out and played instead. They might feel like doing it,
but they don't. They tell you not to do it again." Captian I don't
seem able to explain it to him. Tom gave up.
She smiled. "What would you do if your child went out,
and pulled up all the flowers in your garden?"
"Well I would. . . . Oh I see what he was saying the child
would know I was mad but . . .
"Fine now do you know if your father and the other
ministers have decided about us staying." Janeway asked.
"No they are still in the meeting. I'm sure my father will let
you know as soon as the meeting is over. Here he comes now. It
is the Captian of the ship. I explained about pushing Tom into
you."
"Thank you son. Captian some of our Ministers are
worried about you staying for an extended time. What we came
up with is an island just off the coast about 100 klicks. It is
stable.
"Could you give me the coordinates for it? So we can scan
for ourselves.
"Sure be glad to. I'm sure that the way you were treated
would make you suspicious of us. I believe you will find food
and water in abundance. I have a home there myself."
"I see sorry about the slight, but we have been lied to so
often by so many." They got to the island where they found a
good place to sit the ship. They sat the ship down and everyone
started shutting everything down that wasn't essential for them to
do the work they needed. They moved the pods out into a circle
around the ship. Hooking up a communications grid, and a
lighting system. They were half done when the Greers showed
up.
"You sure do work fast. Do you think Mr. and Mrs. Paris
will let us see the children?
"I think that can be arranged. Ensign Tooly will you go
find one of the Paries, and tell them they have company that want
to see the babies.
The ensign turns to the younger man. "Will you make sure
she doesn't do to much, or the Commander will kill both of us?"
"Ensign these people take what you say literally. Now go,
and hurry."
The ensign came back with Tom in tow. " Hi Woobb
Minister come this way I hear you wanted to meet my family I'm
honored." He walked up to the largest box with two smaller
boxes. Putting in a code.
" Yes who is it?"
"It is your dad, but is your mother decent. When she is
open the door. The door opened all most immediately. Tom
smiled at Tom Jr. this is the First Minister of this planet and his
son Woobb. Turning he introduced his son Tom Jr. That one is
T'mar, Jane.
The Minister and his son looked confused. "They all look
different." Woobb said
Tom smiled. "Here sit and I will try to explain. TJ's
parents were killed just after he was born. So I adopted him the
same with the others. I now have six.
"How were they killed?" Woobb asked.
"Remember the Captian said we had been lied to by others.
Well one planet offered us a place to have shore leave. They
wanted a meat source. They had killed the four of them before
we could get them out of there. Tom looked at Woobb. "How
many children do you have? Tom asked. Having seen none, but
figuring that was because of the formality of the meeting before.
"We don't have any after my generation our women
couldn't get pregnant." Woobb said looking longingly at the
children.
Tom senses trouble. "While we are here bringing your
wife over and let us take a look at her maybe we can figure it out
for you." Tom offered.
"Maybe we will." Woobb said. "I will talk to her about it."
"Bring the youngest couple you have with you. You look
to be in your late thirties to your mid fortes you may be to old to
have children. Well I must get back to the sick bay and get back
to work.
"But we have not seen the new ones." Woobb said.
"Where is your mother?" Tom asked.
"In the other room feeding the babies?" TJ told him.
"Take this to your mom he handed the boy the data padd,
when he finished writing.
B'Elanna smiled as she came out of the room sorry
gentlemen, but I just got them down for a nap." If you could
come back tomorrow about 1:00.
"That would be fine. Thank you for introducing us to the
others though." The Minister said.
Tom showed them the door, as soon as it shut. He turned
and "told the children to stay in the house."
T'mar ran up to him. "Daddy I don't like him. He wants
the kids all of us." He grabbed Tom around the leg, and hung on
for dear life.
"Its all right love I called Uncle Chakotay as soon as I read
daddy's note they won't get back in unless we let them in."
The intercom beep all senior staff meet at the ship in ten
minuets. All children are to report immediately to the ship for
assignment.
"Why does Aunt Kathryn want us at the ship?" TJ asked.
"We don't know, but help me get things ready to take all of
you over to the ship. Including the babies." B'Elanna told them.
"Tom we have the biggest group see if you can find me
some help." She asked.
"Sure hang on a minute." The door buzzed. Tom went to
answer it What do you need Tooly?"
"The Captian told me to come over and help you and Mrs.
Paris with the children." Tooly told him. "They are going to
have the girls from stellar cryptology take care of them there until
we can get the perimeter fence up. While we were unloading
these containers, we found the fencing used for this purpose."
Tooly was talking as he worked.
T'mar said "I'm scared"
Tooly looked at him. "Its ok kid they can't get into the ship
and after we get the fence up they won't be able to get through
that."
"Yes they will, where is grandpa Tuvoc I got to talk to
him?"
The door chimed. Tooly went to answer it. Who's there?"
Tuvoc.
Tooly opened the door. "Sorry sir, but Mrs. Paris told me
to ask."
"That's smart until we get set up. T'mar what is wrong I
heard you clear across the compound?"
"Grandpa we must get out of here now they are going to I
don't know how to explain what I heard. Please mind meld so
you know what I know. T'mar asked.
*Tuvoc knew that the boy wouldn't have asked if he wasn't
scared. * "Lets give it a try son. My mind to your mind, your
mind to my mind. Relax that's right you are safe now I'm here. I
see what you mean by what they are planing."
The intercom came on Mr. Tuvoc? Tooly answered. Tooly
here he is in a mind meld with T'mar. He will be there directly.
As he was about to sever the connection. Tuvoc jumped up. "Get
everything on the ship and get us out of here. I'll explain later."
*Tuvoc was thinking him wish Q's intervention for the next
couple of hours, so he could get these children out of here.*
Q materialized next to him. "What's going on?"
"These people want our children. They plan to kill us off
so they have no one to turn to."
"For now we are putting them in the ship. We hope we can
get all this stuff back in the ship, and out of here before these
people find out we left."
"Get everyone out of the containers then tell me where you
want all this stuff. Tell B'Elanna to get her ever love engines
going."
"They hadn't been shut down yet. Everyone is out of the
containers." Q snapped his fingers, and all of the stuff that they
had around the ship even the toys some of the children had been
playing with.
Now lets get out of here! Q hollered.
The Captian yelled over the other noise. "Mr. Kim is
everybody accounted for?"
"No ma'am, We cant find Dr. Paris. The containers are
being emptied as we speak." Kim answered. At her questioning
look. "Of the things we will need clothes, toys, equipment and
the like."
Q spoke up. "Tell them not to unload everything because
they would be unloading the next day, because he was going to
take them out of the solar system right away. The danger to the
children was to great to stay here any longer. He snapped his
fingers, and they took off at warp 9.99.
Tom knew he was on the ship. But the case was so dark he
couldn't find his way to the opening. He hit his com. badge.
"Paris to anybody."
"Bridge here. "Tom where are you."
"I'm in the medical pod. Tom answered.
"I'm locking on to transport you to sick -bay.
Great it's so dark in here I can't see my hands. Tom joked
I got him then the lock wont hold. "Kim to Torris." Check
out the transporters. I tried to transport Tom but can't hold the
lock on him.
I though someone said that everyone was out of those
pods" Q yelled
"They were supposed to be." Kim said. He looked as if he
was about to kill his best friend.
Q came over. "What part of the ship is he in I put those
pods where ever I could find room."
Kim 's hands flew over the panel in front of him. "He is in
outer hull corridor level 17 corridors A that area has no air. There
none accept what is in the pod. It's a large pod so he should be
ok for a while until we get the transporters to work. Tom just sit
tight don't attempt to open that box, You are in the outer hull
corridor remember there is no air out there. We have B'Elanna
working on the problem."
" Q says if your a good boy he might come and get you.
Tom said. "Someone go look out a window, because that
same corridor I'm in has no heat but I'm as warm as toast."
Janeway went into her ready room as did Chakotay and Q.
They all looked out the window at once. They were about twenty
feet off the ground. All three of them looked at each other then
took off for the bridge. In time to hear a small voice
"Calling grandpa Tovoc help me they are trying to use me
against the rest of you. Please Grandpa, I can't hold out much
longer." As the boy began to cry.
The Captian hit her com. badge. "Janeway to TJ."
"TJ here Captian"
"Bring T'mar to the bridge now."
"Yes Ma'am I tried to keep him off the comm. link, but he
just did it."
"That is ok TJ your not in trouble, but he is he needs
Tuvoc. Now hurry."
"We will be there in about two minuets." The doors to the
bridge opened, and the kids all came in." At the look of
displeasure on the Captains face he told her. "I couldn't leave
them alone especially the new ones."
"I'm sorry TJ you were right to bring all of them." Why
don't you take them into the conference room?"
"I can't seem to find ether of my parents, and Jane has been
crying that her head hurts. I wasn't sure weather to take her to
sick - bay or not."
"Well let see what grandpa Tuvoc thinks after he helps
T'mar remember she is half Vulcan to."
Chakotay hit his comm. badge. "Bridge to Torris, B'Elanna
where are you?"
"In engineering" She answered.
"Why didn't you answer when TJ tried to call you Chakotay
asked?
"He didn't." B'Elanna answered.
"Yes I did Mom. I tried both you and dad three or four
times."
"The communications must be messed up." B'Elanna said.
"What did you need son? Where are you, and why is Jane
crying?"
"Well we are all on the bridge and, the Captian says it
might have to do with what T'mar is telling Grandpa Tuvoc.
T'mar called him, and the Captian ordered us here. He put in real
quick before she could yell at him."
"Tuvoc to B'Elanna go to sick - bay I'm on my way. To all
parent who's children might have telepathic abilities bring them
to sick-bay immediately." EMH prepare for a mass injection To
put the children in deep commas until we can get away from this
planet.
B'Elanna looked over the children spread out on the over
sized pallet on the floor with Nero patches on there heads. "What
is going on?" She demanded to know.
"These are the children we know that have some telepathic
abilities." Tuvoc answered. We have put them in a comma state
until we can get away from this planet."
"I thought we were out of there." B'Elanna stared at him.
"We are only about twenty feet off the ground." Tuvoc told
her they were hoping we would burn up our fuel, or we would
look outside and think it was hopeless.
"Did they ever find my husband, or have they done
something with him?" B'Elanna asked
"I'm right here it took Q sometime to find me. The outer
hull corridor is mighty long." Tom smiled. "What is all this?
"Well the children that have some telepathic abilities had to
be put into commas. They were trying to use them against us.
B'Elanna explained.
Tom demanded to know. How long?"
"We aren't sure Tuvoc has gone to look at the rest to see if
we missed any. It was T'mar that tipped us to what they were
doing. TJ had been trying to get a hold of both of us, because
Jane was having a bad headache and he wasn't sure what to do.
B'Elanna told him.
"So as long as you are here I better get back to engineering,
and see what I can do to help get us out of here."
"Mom it past time for the twins to be fed, and I was out of
bottles before all this took place." TJ reminded her.
"Thank you TJ. I sometimes wonder what I would do
without you." B'Elanna smiled. "You are the best son any mom
could have. She went over and gave him a hug. Took one of the
twins and started to feed it.
"Mom can I ask you a strange question? Why do you all
ways feed Maria first?" TJ asked.
B'Elanna sat back and laughed well son it's this way. She
has a screechy cry. When she cries that's why. OH! You don't
remember when she did it last.
He smiled. "Yes I know about it, but I didn't think you or
dad did."
Tom said. "Come on son would you like to help the Doctor
and me for a while. We are going to take all the children to the
most interior part of the ship there by getting the most ship,
people, and other things between them and those folk outside.
TJ like all kids hated to take care of his brothers and sisters,
but he liked doing the things the grown ups did.
"Sure dad I have an idea. For those that are all ready out
why can't we use an anti gravity unit? Maybe a large bed for
them, and get them up off the floor. The other children might
step on them other wise.
The Captian smiled. "That sounds like a good idea." Make
it so.
B'Elanna looked at Tom. "We have to make different
arrangements that was to much like a parent talking then a child.
I guess I will have to spend more time with my own children. My
son knows the cries of his sister over that of his brother better
then I do now this.
"I agree, but I'm not sure how that can be done until we get
the ship refit done."Tom told her. "I will talk to him and see
what he likes to do. That doesn't sound any better does it.
B'Elanna just shook her head.
TJ said. "That's ok you couldn't keep up with the way my
mind changes. One week I want to be a race car driver. The next
a doctor. Then I picked up one of dad's medical books. I read
half a page then changed my mind real quick."
Everyone laughed and TJ turned a pretty shade of violet.
The Captian came to his rescue. "Well lets get this project under
way. TJ come with me.
"Yes ma'am I mean Aunt Kathryn. TJ stuttered to a stop. "That okay TJ everyone does that." Kathryn told him."Well
shall we pick out a place. The children will be safe.
"It's not the children I'm worried about they won't hurt us
they want us. I worry about the adults." At Kathryn's funny
look. "He explained look what the one man did they had you all
fighting among yourselves."
"You're right well I will talk to your father and the EMH to
see what we can do to protect us from that."
"They got to deck twelve near the center of the ship what
do you think of this room?" The Captian asked
"Where are the bathrooms?" The Captian looked at him
kind of strangely. "We have one hundred and twenty five
children they go to the bathroom a lot. I'm kind of turn around
witch of these walls is the inside wall?" As the Captian pointed to
the proper wall. "Ok I would put the comatous kids by that wall."
Three adults walked in. "Captian we were told to report
here to build a big bed." The man in charge told the Captian.
"Yes well Mr. Paris here will tell you what he needs. He
has taken care of all of the children at one time or the other. Mr.
Paris you are in charge here. I have to get back to the bridge.
"Yes Captian." The boy surged his shoulders. "Well we
need a bed to fit about thirty children in. They will be laying flat,
because they are in a comma state. Now I'm not sure who to call
to get something to put on this floor. For those that are still
crawling."
Ensign Wilson is the person you need to speak to." The
man in charge of building the bed told him.
"Thank you." TJ hit his comm. badge. "TJ to Ensign
Wilson."
"Wilson here what up TJ?"
"Can you come to deck twelve room five?" I need
something here for the children that are not normal in this area of
the ship."
"TJ what are you talking about?"
The man hit his com. badge. "Foxx here Ensign. He gave
an order Ensign he's in charge of this project."
"Sorry TJ be right there."
A few minuets later she showed up with a pad in her hand.
" What do you need?"
"Something on the floor, so the smaller children can crawl
around on the floor some play toys forget that one. I will have the
parents bring them when they bring the children." TJ told her.
We better put in a few as you asked, but they can't get to
them. Some stuff is still in the pods yet." Wilson told him.
"You're right." TJ said I didn't know about the pods.
"How long do we have?" Wilson asked as she hit her
comm. badge. Tim I need a roll of carpet for room five deck
twelve. Material for a pallet for the children to sleep on.
About an hour." TJ said looking worried. How am I going
to feed them all "You will have adult help?" Wilson told him
"Yes but its along way from the mess hall to here." TJ
smiled. "Nelix will love this?"
"We have a site to site transport." Wilson said.
I don't think so they tried to get Dad out of the med pod he
was in and Q had to get him out. The transporters weren't
working." TJ told her.
"Mr. Paris the Captian told me to report to you about
cooking for the children that will be housed here." Nelix stated.
I was just discussing that. We thought about using site to
site transport. TJ told him.
"Well sir the room next door will do me find. I all ways
cook the little ones meals about two or three hours before I cook
for the adults." Nelix told him.
"The Captian to Mr. TJ."
TJ hit his comm. badge. "Mr. TJ here Captian,"
"How much longer until the room is ready." The Captian
asked.
TJ looked at Wilson she held two fingers. " Ensign Wilson
said she needed two more hours sir, I mean Ma'am." TJ stumbled
That is ok Mr. Paris, but I prefer Captian. What is left for
them to do?"
"Well ma'am, They are putting down the carpet now. Mr.
Nelix said he could cook two meals, because he usually does any
way. He said the room next door would work for him. We are
putting in the toys. Ensign Wilson told me they hadn't got the
pods emptied yet. They can start bringing the children down in
about three hours." TJ told her. "TJ out."
"Captian Janeway out."
*****************
Mean while the rest of the ship was getting back in order
B'Elanna had worked on the transporters. Got them to work Tom
was taking care of the children. When his comm. badge beeped. "Mr. Paris to sick - bay."
"Sick - bay to Mr. Paris. "What do you need TJ?" His dad
asked.
"The room is ready for the children. Bring them on. Mr.
Paris to all Parents the room is ready for the children Please bring
their favorite toys and blankets." TJ Paris out.
B'Elanna looked at Ensign Tooly. "Was that my son or are
my ears deceiving me?"
"That was your son, I heard the Captian had put TJ in
charge of the room the kids are to be housed." Tooly told her.
"He is growing up so fast." B'Elanna smiled. "It seems like
yesterday he could barely walk to day the Captian put him in
charge of a detail."
Tom walked into engineering He had just left the kids off.
"Was that our son on the comm. channel telling people what to
do?"
"I understand the Captian put him in charge of the quarters
for the children.
"She did what this I have to see!" Tom laughed.
The next day Tom's comm badge beeped. Dr. Paris come to
the children room immediately we have a child in trouble Mr.
Tuvoc is on his way. Mr. Paris out.
Tom and B'Elanna left the room on their way to the
children's room. Tom walked in. "What is the problem Mr.
Paris?"
"I'm not sure. He started rolling around and crying out to
stop it.
Tom went over to the bed to the child. TJ handed him the
medical tricorder. "This isn't working." Tuvoc walked in. "Mr.
Paris you called me?" Tuvoc asked. He was looking at Tom.
TJ turned. "Yes sir T'mar is in trouble. Dr. Paris said the
comma idea isn't working."
Tuvoc looked at him. Your father is quite capable of
talking for himself.
"Yes sir sorry sir." TJ back up as he apologized.
"Careful commander Mr. Paris called you not Dr. Paris. He
is still in charge of this room.
"My apology Mr. Paris. TJ call Mr. Chakotay and request
some help." Tuvoc told him. Tuvoc walked over to T'mar.
Standing next to Tom. "He seemed to be doing so well."
TJ hit his com. badge. "Mr. Paris to commander Chakotay."
"Chakotay to Paris. "What is up Tom?"
"This is Mr. Paris not Dr. Paris. I need someone to help me
down here. I could use two people. TJ told him.
"Who is in charge down there?" Chakotay asked him.
"I am sir. The Captian left me in charge for the setup of the
room, and no one has been sent to relive me. Grandpas sorry sir,
Commander Tuvoc told me to call you and ask for help.
"When did you start there?" Chakotay asked him.
"I don't know sir."
"Hang in there I will get back to you son, sorry Mr. Paris."
Chakotay out.
B'Elanna walked over putting her arm around his shoulder
you have done well. I am as proud of you as can be.
"Thanks mom." TJ hugged her. " I have to go to the
bathroom."
Tom had seen his face he followed him and stood guard at
the door. The Captian and Chakotay walked in "Where is Ensign
Paris?" B'Elanna pointed toward the bathroom where Tom was
standing. "We mean Ensign TJ Paris."
B'Elanna walked over to the Captian and said. "It has
been a strain on him I hugged him and he went into the
bathroom. Tom has been standing there ever since."
Tom backed into the bathroom TJ just stood there. "TJ the
Captian is here wash your face Ensign and report."
TJ turned and looked at his father. "You called me
ensign?"
"Yes, but until the Captian bestows the commission, it is
not official so get cleaned up love. Like your mother I am as
proud of you as she is." Tom told his son. *It hurt Tom in a
good way to see his son grow about ten feet taller.*
The boy - man walked out in the other room. "Sorry
Captian to take so long. TJ apologized.
That is ok Ensign Paris. The Captian saluted him he
returned it. "Ensign. Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Crist will be here
soon. When they get here, you have 24 hours off. You will
continue as head of this department. You have done well with
this room I think we will keep it as a playroom. Why didn't you
ask for help before this?"
"Well ma'am until commander Tuvoc told me to I just
thought. . . . As he slowly sank to the floor.
Dr. I think you better put the ensign. To bed after all he
has been on active duty for the last thirty six hours without any
help or relief.
B'Elanna looked down at her son. "I have been here every
couple of hours to feed the twins and he never said a word. Here
let me as Tom went to pick him up. She picked him up She
hugged him to her my beautiful son I am so proud of you. She
kissed his check. Laying him on the bed with the rest of the
children.
The Captian had never in her career ever wrote a letter of
accommodation for someone she had just made an ensign. TJ
deserved it. Even his fathers had never done what he had.
The ship started to move up. It had moved about thirty feet
when it stopped. Hitting her comm. badge. " Bridge what
happened?"
"Bridge here We don't know We just started moving then
we stopped. Just before we stopped Commander Tuvoc said, he
was coming to the bridge."
"Thank you. Janeway to Tuvoc"
"Tuvoc here"
"Commander what was you doing just before you told the
bridge you were coming back?"
"I was in a mind meld with T'mar."
"How long can you hold it without hurting either of you?
Janeway asked.
"A few hours. Why? Tuvoc asked.
As long as you were melding with the boy we moved when
you stopped we stopped. The Captian explained.
"Yes Captian I am on my way back to the children's room."
Tuvoc said to her.
"Stay there until we tell you we are out of their space." The
Captian ordered.
"Yes ma'am, What do I tell Ensign Paris in the morning
when he wakes?" Tuvoc asked her.
"The truth and to feed you if you need it Chakotay is
working on the rotation of people to work for our young ensign.
Tuvoc it's the first time I ever wrote a letter of accommodation
for someone so young." Janeway told him. "What I hope is that
he won't expect them for everything he does."
"I don't think so he won't know it's even there unless
someone tells him. He doesn't know he can look at his file."
Tuvoc told her.
"Hang on I'm about to mind meld with the boy again."
Tuvoc laid on the bed. "Tom will you put the boy on my chest"
Tuvoc laid his hands on the boy's head. Tom is there away we
can keep them there? Tuvoc asked.
"Sure a restraining field like you use in security." Tom
answered.
"Set one up. Tell TJ Chakotay is working a rotation of who
will be with him here." Tuvoc went into the mind meld and was
quiet.
Tom hit his com. badge. Dr. Paris to security.
"Security Wilson here. What can we do for you?"
"I need a tight restraining field around Commander Tuvoc
and the boy on his chest he is in a mind meld and it can't be
broken for several hours. Now gentleman Tom ordered.
"Security to the Captian"
"Captian here what is the problem ensign?"
"Captian we were given an order by Dr. Paris to put a tight
restraining field around Mr. Tuvoc."
"So do it." The Captian ordered.
"Janeway to Dr. Paris."
"Paris here what up Captian?"
"I told security to follow your orders. Now would you
please explain why it is necessary. The Captian demanded.
"It was at Tuvoc's request because he was afraid he might
let go if he got tired or fell asleep. It seems they will stay
together as long as contact isn't broken." May I ask a question
ma'am? Why is this necessary?
"Well as long as they are meld. The ship moves. He is to
stay that way. Until we get out of this system. He said it
wouldn't hurt either one of them. Janeway out."
"Thanks Captian."
"Oh by the way tell the person who is to report to Ensign
Paris that he is to feed Tuvoc other wise leave them alone. If he
thinks there is a problem to call sick-bay.
"That shouldn't be a problem, as I have to be here every
few hours to check on the children any way. Tom told her.
"Oh is that the why the boy was left on duty for thirty-six
hours. Without relief. You and B'Elanna must pay more
attention to what the kids are doing." I'm sorry Tom it was just as
much as my fault you had no way to know that I had put him in
charge." The Captian told him.
"So how did the rest find out and why didn't they ask about
it." Tom asked.
"Well you ordered the bed and they were there putting it up
when I told the boy he was in charge. Except for you and
B'Elanna no one was there all the time. The others would come
in and out to visit there children, but that would be two or three
at a time each thought the other was in charge." That leaves you
B'Elanna and me at fault.
"Your right hang on a minuet Chakotay just walked in."
"Janeway out."
"Hi Chakotay what do you need?" Paris asked.
"Where is Ensign Trgyon?" Chakotay demanded.
"I told her I would be here for a while to get her supper."
"How long ago was that?" Chakotay asked.
"Tom looked at the clock on the wall. Well it been about
three hours."
Chakotay hit his comm. badge. "Computer where is Ensign
Trgyon?"
"Ensign Trgyon is on holodeck 3. It has a privacy
lock."The computer told him.
"Over ride Chakotay command 2 5 6 7 aleph 6 Ensign
Trgyon you are supposed to be in the children room now.
*The name sounded familiar to Tom. He looked it up in
the medical data base. There it was she had just lost a child a day
or two ago.*
"Go to hell commander." Trgyon said
Chakotay started to say something when Tom showed him
what he had found. Trgyon go to sick - bay now, and I will
forget what you just said.
"Yes sir hic hup."
"Tom just shook his head we get so busy that we forget to
look out for others." I should have remembered when I first saw
her since took care of her. When it happened." Tom told him.
Chakotay looked at him. "It wasn't in the log so I didn't
know any thing about it."
Tom walked over to the panel and asked for. "The medical
logs by Dr. Paris. Star date 2564.6 the requested information
came up." Right there it is.
Chakotay walked over to the panel. "He read the entry.
Your right it was there. How did I miss it?"
"The last few days have been hell none of us is operating.
On all cylinders. Its like Kathryn and I were talking about when
you came in. She was blaming herself, B'Elanna and me because
TJ had been on duty for that many hours. After all he is only a
fourteen-year-old kid." Tom told him.
"I know we forget to let them be kids young Wildman is in
the piolet program she is at the top of her class. Chakotay smiled
I wonder what they would have been like if we live in the alpha
quadrant.
"How are we doing getting away from the planet?" Tom
asked him.
We seem to be doing well we were about half way across
the system Kathryn took us to 9.9 as soon as we cleared the
planet. Just in case something happened they couldn't grab us
again. Chakotay told him.
Tom looked up as the doors opened. B'Elanna walked in.
"You mean the twins aren't yelling their heads off. It's past their
feeding time." B'Elanna asked
They started TJ got up walking over and picked them up.
Then he went and got them a bottle set down gave it to them, and
went back to sleep." I wonder how many times he has done it in
our quarters. Tom looked down the Captian said we had to
watch all the children more. She turned this project over to a
fourteen-year-old and then forgot she had." Wilson was in earlier
she told me that he was clear what he wanted and how he wanted
it done. Tom began to laugh he even made them come back and
the sand the corners of the bed, because some poor kid might run
into it.
"He calls her to do the things that ship services would
normally do, She started to give him a hard time for bothering
her. She said one of her men told her that is an order the Captian
put the boy in charge." So no one questioned the orders or his
right to give them. Tomorrow one of us is going to have to teach
him how to do reports, and that he must keep them current. The
Captian intends to leave him in charge."
I have great pride in him at the same time I wish he was
still my blue boy baby. B'Elanna smiled sadly. Chakotay handed
them a padd you might want to read this. The Captian doesn't
think it would be good for him to see it just yet she was afraid he
might think he would get one for everything he does."
"Are you sure that he is asleep? Tuvoc asked.
Tom looked over. "He sure is."
Great can you move over closer to me, and read it to me.
Tuvoc asked.
I'm sorry if we woke you talking to much. Tom
apologized.
You didn't. The people on the planet have they have
bombarded this child with everything from hate to killer
thoughts. Trying to get him to kill. Whoever was trying to stop
him. Most of it we have been able to turn right back at them.
Now what has the Captian said about one of my grand children."
B'Elanna took the padd and started to read. She read about
four lines and couldn't go on." B'Elanna began to cry as she
handed the padd to Tom.
The letter started because of what you are about to read.
I gave Thomas Eugene Chell Paris Jr. The rank of Ensign with all
the responsibilities and privileges of the commission.
In a time of crises this officer took charge of a project of
getting a room ready to put all our children to protec, them from
some people that was trying to steal them.
When no adult came to take over this officer staid at his
post. He didn't complain or even tell anyone there was a problem
until one of the children got sick then he called the doctor. That
was when we found out he had been on duty for thirty-six hours
You may not think this was worth accommodation, but the boy is
fourteen and there are one hundred and twenty-four children. All
missing their parents, and not understanding what was going on
since part of them were in an induced comma state. The young
man had his hands full.
Kathryn Janeway
Captian of the star ship Voyager
Chakotay took the padd away from Tom and put it back in
his pocket.
"That was nice of the Captian to say all those things about
me but I only did what my fathers would have done if they had
been in my place." TJ said. Hay Tim get up so we can check
before any of the others get up your bed's dry. "Boy it's almost
time for the rest of kids to get up. Sure enough some of the older
ones started to get. TJ looked at them go do your bathroom things
then we will lay out the younger kid's things." He started to get
close out of each box. Uncle Chakotay I'm sorry Commander
Chakotay can you find someone to help with the laundry. TJ
asked
"Sure where is it?" You can still call me uncle Chakotay
when we are alone like this." Chakotay smiled. " I would miss it
if you don't."
TJ smiled. Handing him the laundry from the day before.
All this in one day? Chakotay asked looking startled.
Yes some are just learning to feed themselves and we have
to change them right after, or they get it all over the room and
then I have to clean the rug. I found it easier to clean the kids
then the floor.
"Captian to Chakotay"
He sat the laundry down and hit his com. badge.
"Chakotay here my lovely Captian."
"Where are you and have you been drinking? The Captian
demanded.
"I'm in the children quarters and just been placed on
laundry detail. By the person who is in charge of the area. I put
myself on the midnight to a morning shift. He really asked me to
find someone to do it for him. By the way how far are we from
the planet?"
"We just left their system that is why I called there is a staff
meeting in two hours make sure that Ensign Paris is there. Since
he didn't file his report, he will have to give it verbally" Janeway
out.
TJ looked at his mother. "What report is that?"
"Don't worry you can get it to her before the meeting."
"Mom I have twenty children under two years that we have
to feed yet. It takes me two hours to get that done with all the
older kids helping. When am I going to write a report?" TJ asked
looking as if his mother had lost her mind.
"This way computer I want to make an announcement. To
all parents with children under two years old its time to feed your
children. Now come over hear where we have some quiet.
Computer entry Ensign TJ Paris report to the Captian now you
start talking. She will want to know who what and where.
"This is Ensign Thomas Paris Jr. On star date 2564.9 I was
given the project protec the children and make them comfortable
at the same time. At 1400 I was taken by the Captian to deck 14
room 5, and told to make it work for the children. Dr. Paris had
ordered a bed to put the thirty comatose children on I told them.
Where to put it. Ensign Foxx helped me with where to get
the things I needed. The first six hours weren't so bad because
the parents were in and out bring children and there things. But
about supper time Nelex served dinner. Soon I got the kids
changed and into bed.
Then I set and waited for the Captian to send an adult to
take over when no one came I did as my fathers and mothers
would have done. I got around and straightened the room, so
everything was easy to find. By then it was morning.
Then at fifteen hundred T'mar Paris got sick, so I call
Doctor Paris and Mr. Tuvoc. They both came. Mr. Tuvoc told
me to contact Commander Chakotay and ask for some help. I did
that was when I got people who didn't believe I was in charge
and didn't want to do as told.
It had been thirty-six hours my folks came in and took over.
End the report send that to Captian Janeway."
"That was really good for someone who never did one
before."
"I watch you and dad do them. I just hope I covered
everything. The way she wants it. I hate to answer questions."
The boy told her.
"Well we better get to that meeting." Sylvester show these
people where their children's clothes are. Then all of you get this
place cleaned up and the dishes back to Mr. Nelix. Some of the
parents look at him as if he was crazy B'Elanna wanted to hit
them.
Commander Chakotay said that is an order folks. Ensign
Paris is on his way to a staff meeting. The work better be done
when he gets back.
"You well get your children back either late today or in the
morning. We just left the system of the people who wanted to
take them. The Captian will let you know. Chakotay walked
over to the bed. The Captian would like to know how you and
T'mar are doing?"
Tuvoc smiled. "It's funny after he head the letter of
accommodation he seemed to start fighting them. In his own
way. Every time they sent out hate things. He would send out
love they couldn't fight that then he shot them a lot of love. They
started to scream as if they were being hurt. It was funny they
didn't seem to know how to handle what he was doing."
Chakotay smiled "Do you think we should send one of the
Q back to see if he did hurt them."
T'mar picked up his head. "No Uncle Chota they are all
right. I fix them, them going to have so many children they are
like the old lady in the shoe daddy told me about can I have
something to eat I'm hungry."
You sure can, but what did you do that you think they will
have so many children. Chakotay asked.
I asked K'less to make every woman on the planet pregnant
with four babies like they use to do on Earth along time ago.
T'mar answered. They had funny looking tummies.
Tom reached over and started taking the neur. patches off
the head of the other children they all started to wake up.
"Chakotay to all parent come and tend to your children as
they are all awake and doing fine Dr. Paris says they can be taken
back to your quarters. Later today you may see Ensign TJ Paris
as to when and how this playroom is to be used."
"Come on lets get to the meeting. We are all ready late."
My first staff meeting and I'm late. The Captian is going to love
that."
The grown ups looked at him. Then began to laugh. Tom
put his arm around the boy's shoulders, and started for the door.
"Do you think the Captian would mind if I made some changes in
the room?"
"That would depend on what they are and what they are
for." Tom told him.
"Well I was thinking of taking children while parents are
on duty. So I need a room where they can lay down and sleep for
the night. Then a room for the children who all of a sudden get
sick while I have them. Then a small office. For report writing
and record keeping like who is supposed to work, that sort of
thing."
Tom and B'Elanna looked at each other looking kind of
dumb founded. Tuvoc smiled at them.
"Well you draw up your idea and state the reasons why
you think these things are necessary. Then you submit them to
me and then you and I go talk to the Captian."
"Why you then the Captian?" TJ asked.
"Well I see you and I need to have a lesson on protocol."
Oh, that stuff mom says its a pain in the . . .
"TJ you stop right there." You don't repeat everything you
hear. Ok mom TJ looked at his feet.
"That is another talk for us because you can't repeat things
you know about the kids you understand. Like the fact that Tim
Brown wets the bed by the way dad I was going to ask you to
look into that. TJ told him maybe find a type of diapers that don't
look like diapers, but would protect him. So the other kids won't
make fun of him. The worst person was his brother."
"That is why I got him up when I did in case what we tried
didn't work he wouldn't be so embarrassed."
Chakotay looked at Tom. "He is just like his father willing
to help anyone who needs it."
Epilogue
They were far enough away from the planet, so the people
couldn't hurt the children. The Qs were able to find them a
beautiful and uninhabited planet to sit down on to do their
repairs to the ship and install the new engines. But that is
another story.
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