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Table of Contents
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Following the Equinox verdict, no one felt like celebrating. It was probably due to a combination of feelings and circumstances. Foremost, of course, was the death of Marla Gilmore. It was so unexpected that it still remained with each of the Voyager crewmembers.
The funeral services arranged by Chakotay and Kim went smoothly and everyone commented on how well it went. Tuvok eventually was able to locate a few distant relatives and they were very grateful to the Voyager officers for all that had been done. Still the crew was sad about the young lady's death.
Another issue that led to the lack of celebration was the verdict itself. It wasn't a complete victory and left a taste of dissatisfaction with everyone.
Immediately following the verdict, Janeway and Novozhilov had a discussion with the four defendants. Tassoni, Morrow and Sofin would return to Voyager and, as outlined by the ruling of the court martial, have no chance of promotion for five years. The three agreed and each one promised to be on their best behavior. That was probably not because they were grateful for her work as their lawyer, but mostly due to their guess that not many other commands would want them. Well, at least until they proved themselves and were removed from probation; the only place they could accomplish that would be on Voyager.
Lessing was another story altogether. He was unhappy with his sentence, not realizing it could have been far worse. After a lengthy conversation with Janeway and Novozhilov, he calmed down and was very surprised by the possibility that his sentence might be minimized if he agreed to be evaluated in the same manner that Gilmore was.
He did make it clear that he wasn't necessarily staying in Starfleet. Only time would tell. In any event, he would not be serving on Voyager. By the time he completed his evaluations and served even a minimal sentence, Voyager would be long gone on its next mission.
Now, after so much non-starship work, Janeway was happy to be back aboard Voyager, in her newly renovated ready room. She could now keep a close eye on the ship's refit and upgrades.
Working on duty rosters and work schedules and progress reports was her challenge now. It was a real juggling act and she was developing a headache when her door chime sounded. No doubt it was a yard worker or crewperson that needed a problem resolved or a question answered. The ship's doctor was working with Captain Novozhilov and, much to everyone's surprise, Admiral Zafy. Janeway's involvement would be minimal from now on. But as she promised, she would be by his side in the Federation Supreme Court. Janeway had laughed when 'Mike' remarked that he was now working on his most unusual case.
"Come!"
The door opened to reveal Tom Paris. At least he wouldn't have any problems or questions.
Jumping out of her seat, she greeted him warmly. "Tom, it's good to see you! How are things at the Academy?"
"Just fine, Admiral, although compared to all the cadets, I feel like a very old man." He smiled at his statement.
"Take a seat. I'd like a few details of your re-education." Janeway indicated one of the new chairs.
As Paris sat, he rubbed his hand over the chair, admiring its feel. "Hey, this is pretty nice. Can't wait to get back!"
Retaking her own chair, Janeway pressed her question. "Glad to hear it, but what is happening at the Academy?"
"Well, compared to the Delta Quadrant, it's pretty tame... almost boring."
Janeway decided to have a little fun with the man. "Well, you can quit the Academy, but then I won't take you back and you'll be violating your agreement, so... you'll have to go back to the penal colony..."
Paris was about to jump out of his chair when Janeway laughed. "I couldn't keep a straight face... sorry."
Greatly relieved, he relaxed and smiled again, nervously. "Okay, you got me, but please don't do that again. I'm all done with hearings and such, at least I hope so."
"Anyway, how does it feel to be a student again?"
"Not too bad, sir, although sometimes I'm a bit frustrated. I mean, I could give lectures on what we've seen and done."
"I suppose that's not unreasonable and it could be interesting."
"I've already done 'interesting.' One of my instructors was telling the class that the Borg cannot be dealt with or defeated. When I told him Voyager did both, he got real quiet. But really, it's a good place to be. We missed a lot while we were gone and I'm catching up, quickly. I've talked to B'Elanna about going back to the Academy for a refresher course. Professor Chapman said she'd still be welcomed. Right now, though, she's taking time to reconnect with her father. Meanwhile, I promise to behave myself and graduate with honors!"
"That sounds wonderful! By the way, I suppose you heard about B'Elanna's special project."
"The school room and day care center?"
"Yes. I think it's a good idea. We're using Seven's old alcove area; she's even lending a hand with the conversion."
"Great!" Paris shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I do have a favor to ask, sir. It's why I'm here."
"What is it?" Janeway was almost afraid to ask but, after all, the young officer had come a long way, a reward was not out of the question.
"I have a few engineering students who'd like to see some of our Delta Quadrant modifications, first hand. You think I could arrange a tour?"
"Not a problem, but you'll have to run it. I'm a little overwhelmed with the refit."
"Understood and thank you, again."
Confused, Janeway asked, "Again?"
Tom Paris stood and humbly offered, "Yes, Admiral, for standing by me through the hearings, procedures and well... even more. Thanks for believing in me and giving me another chance, more than once." He finished on a slight smile.
She stood, "Actually, it was a very selfish act on my part. I didn't want to have to break in another pilot after I already had you properly trained."
The two shared a laugh as Paris stood to leave the ready room. "Okay, I get it. If all your laughs are going to be at my expense, I'm leaving."
"Just remember to come back, Lieutenant. I'll need you back on Voyager, as soon as it's ready."
"Count on me, Admiral." Paris left with a smile on his face and a bounce in his step.
Janeway watched him and as the door closed yelled, "I always count on you, Mister Paris, time and time again."
After the door closed, she smiled to herself, "I suppose that should be Tom and Tom again."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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