Dear StarfleetBy Amy C. Bowerrewob@adiis.netSummary:  Voyager returns to the Alpha Quadrant, but the reception isn't quite what they were expecting.  Set roughly nine years after "Caretaker."Rating: PGDisclaimers: The standard disclaimers apply – no infringement on Paramount is intended.  I was just having a little fun.Author's notes: This is a fluff piece I wrote based on a bumper sticker by sister bought at a convention a few years ago.  As always, I owe her my thanks for her help and support.  I hope everyone enjoys the story…"It is the judgment of this tribunal that the Maquis crewmembers be retained in a secured facility pending an official hearing.  Captain Janeway, you and your Starfleet crew will be reassigned while the Voyager is decommissioned.  She was a fine ship when she was built, but the past nine years have not been kind to her.  The same holds true for your EMH program.  We will study the mobile emitter, but the EMH Mark 2 is a more efficient program and will be installed on all new ships.  The EMH program will be de-compiled."Captain Kathryn Janeway stood ramrod straight as she listened to the ruling.  Though she betrayed no emotion, she was shocked at the outcome.  She had spent the better part of the last week presenting their story from the time they had been swept into the Delta Quadrant by the Caretaker to their surprising return to the Alpha Quadrant when they stumbled upon a wormhole that deposited them not far from Vulcan.  She had pleaded, sometimes passionately, to the Admirals and top Starfleet brass to drop all charges and let all crewmembers retain their current rank.  She had secretly hoped that Voyager's crew would remain intact, but that didn't seem to be likely at this point.  She felt like a phaser set on heavy stun had just hit her.  The Admiral's voice brought her back to the cold reality."…As for Thomas Eugene Paris, observer for this mission," the admiral continued to recite tonelessly.  "Your field commission is hereby reversed.  You are to turn in your uniform at which time you will be given your release papers.  You will be free to go."Tom Paris also felt as if he'd been stunned.  He had almost forgotten in what capacity he had started on this journey and he certainly had no idea what to do now that he was released from Starfleet – again.  He glanced over to the captain but could not even muster enough will power to flash a grin to reassure her he would be okay.  He wasn't sure he would be."Mr. Neelix, we would like to thank you for all your help in helping the Voyager crew return to the Alpha Quadrant, and to show our appreciation you will be escorted to your desired destination where you will be free to do as you wish."Neelix had to refrain himself from arguing with the admiral, but Captain Janeway had warned him that they would not look kindly on any outbursts so held his peace until he could talk to Janeway about what he would do.  He had rather hoped to remain with Janeway as an unofficial advisor or with Tuvok to continue his security training."Security," the admiral gestured to the silent guards posted around the room.  "Take the Maquis into custody and escort them to the secured facility.  Also, place the Borg under close arrest and escort her to the brig.  The rest of you are free to go and will receive your new orders shortly.  This tribunal is concluded."Janeway jumped slightly as the admiral's gavel hit the table.  She suddenly felt very cold.  She had failed her crew, her friends, to whom she had promised to not only bring them home safely but also see that they were looked after.  She turned to Commander Chakotay standing next to her.  "Chakotay, I'm sorry.  I had no idea it would turn out this way.""We know, Captain.  You did your best and that's all we can ask for."  Chakotay smiled at her, knowing she would still blame herself.  He saw her flinch as a security guard, phaser in hand, removed his comm badge and rank insignia.  Chakotay stood proudly and looked at his captain, silently enduring the humiliation.  "We'll get you out, Commander."  She deliberately used his rank for the benefit of the security ensign.  "That's a promise."Chakotay nodded and turned to go as the Maquis were led out of the room."Let go of me before I break your arm!"Janeway turned as she heard Lieutenant Torres' growl.   A young security guard had a hand on her arm, trying to lead her away."Ensign, I would suggest you take your hands off her like she wants.  My wife has experience breaking bones, trust me."  Tom urged."Give them a couple minutes, Ensign."  Captain Janeway interjected.Tom and B'Elanna turned back to each other as the guard took a step back.  Tom leaned down to embrace his wife one last time and whispered in her hair, "Don't worry.  We'll get you out of there.  Everything will be okay."I know." She nodded, fighting back tears.  "I love you.""I love you, too."  He blinked back tears of his own.They kissed deeply before Tom broke contact, long before either one was ready to.  "You better go before I decide to break his arm and take you with me."B'Elanna smiled and nodded before moving to walk next to Chakotay."Chakotay," Tom called.  "Take care of her."  Chakotay nodded as the two were led from the room."We'll get them out, Lieutenant."  Captain Janeway assured him, placing a hand on his arm."Now what, Captain?"  Harry Kim questioned as the remainder of Voyager's crew gathered around.Janeway looked around at the faces of her crew.  All that remained of her senior staff was Harry, Tuvok, herself and Tom who was technically no longer a part of Starfleet.  She looked at the remainder of her crew and an idea began to form in the back of her mind.  She was not going to let them destroy the finest crew she had ever commanded by imprisoning some, getting rid of Tom and Neelix, decommissioning her doctor along with the ship, and she didn't even want to think about what they would do with Seven."Captain?"  Harry questioned, seeing the slow smile spread across her face.'Okay, everyone, this is what we're going to do…"The crew gathered around their captain as she outlined her plan.Captain Janeway spent the next week meeting with more of Starfleet's top brass.  Their response was always the same; "There's nothing more you can do.  The tribunal has made their decision.  You'll get your reassignment in a few days.  Relax – you deserve a break."Janeway did not relax.  After talking with Admiral Nechayev, her last resort, and getting the same response, she finally put their plan into action.Her first stop was Marseilles, France, where she met up with Tom and Neelix at Sandrine's.As Janeway entered Sandrine's she was struck by how real Tom Paris' program was.  She had known that he was good at holoprograms, but she hadn't known that he was this good.  "Captain!"  Neelix greeted her exuberantly as she entered the room."Captain, I'd like you to meet Sandrine."  Tom motioned to the woman behind the bar."Mon capitan," Sandrine came around the bar, smiling widely, to shake her hand.  "I am so pleased to meet you. Monsieur Thomas has told me so much about you, and I must thank you for taking such good care of him.  I was so worried when I first heard about the Voyager.""Thank you," Captain Janeway smiled at the other woman.  "I have also heard a great deal about you.""Oui, Thomas has told me about his little holodeck program, and I am most honored.  He even tells me that you are not too bad at pool.  Perhaps Thomas could find the time to teach you some of his tricks."Janeway turned to Tom with a bemused expression and raised an eyebrow, "Yes, perhaps he could."Tom coughed and tried to hide his smile. "Uh, Sandrine, could we talk to the captain privately now?""Oui, of course.  I have saved the back room for you."  Sandrine escorted them to a back room well away from other patrons.As soon as the doors had closed behind them, Neelix turned to the captain.  "Well, Captain?""What's the word?"  Tom chimed in."The word, gentlemen, is no." she paused only a moment before going on. "I am therefore going anyway."The two broke into grins as they thought of their next move.  "We're behind you, Captain.  Let us know what needs to be done."  Neelix offered.  "Thank you, Neelix."  Janeway seemed relieved at their show of support.  "Tom, did you get everything?""Yes, Captain, and I know how I can get in to see B'Elanna and the others."  A roguish smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he spoke."Very good, Lieutenant.  Neelix, your job is going to be diverting the guards while I get Seven…"The three quickly worked out the details of their plan and went over it to look for any trouble spots."…Right," Janeway slapped the tabletop as they finished.  "Neelix, start contacting the crew to let them know.  Give them the time and coordinates to meet us if they're in.  If not, tell them I appreciate their hard work over the years and good luck.  Tom, talk to Harry and then go see B'Elanna and Chakotay.  Update them and give them what they need.  I'm off to see Tuvok.""Yes, Ma'am.""Right, Captain."Janeway looked at them and smiled.  "Thank you both.  Good luck and I'll see you tomorrow night if everything goes well.  If not…" She shrugged."It will work, Captain."  Neelix assured her.Tom put on one of his best expressions of innocence, "If it doesn't, at least we'll all be together again.  You suppose they'd give us our own penal colony?""Very funny, Lieutenant.  Let's go Neelix."  Janeway patted Tom on the arm as she left.  She nodded at Sandrine as they left quietly without disturbing the patrons of the bar.Tom, alone, stopped at the bar before leaving.  He embraced his friend and whispered in her ear, "Merci."   He quickly kissed her on both cheeks before leaving without looking back."Good luck, mon Cheri." She whispered as she watched the door close behind him.  "Wherever you are going.""Harry, are you sure?"  Tom asked his friend, gesturing at their surroundings.The two sat in the living room of the house Harry had grown up in.  His parents were in the other room leaving the two to talk privately."Tom, I'm sure.  I'm coming with you.""But, Harry, you're finally back home with your parents.  Can you really leave them again?"  Tom looked concerned.  "Can they handle you leaving again? This time, we know it would be for good."Harry sighed, "I know, but…""Excuse me for interrupting but I think I need to say something."  Harry's mom came into the room followed by his dad.  "We don't mean to be listening, but we had a feeling you might try to talk him out of it.""Mom, it's okay.""Harry, your friend is everything you said he is, but I think we need to explain our position on this."  "Tom, they know what's going on."  Harry explained.  "I had to tell them.  I couldn't make a decision if I didn't.""It's okay, Harry."  Tom grinned at his friend.  "I kind of figured you would.  That's why I want to know if all of you have thought this all the way through, yet.""Of course, Tom."  Harry sounded despairing of ever convincing his friend that he knew what he was doing."Mr. Paris, if I may explain our reasoning?"  Mrs. Kim asked.Tom nodded his consent so she went on,  "When Voyager was first lost, we didn't know what to do with ourselves.  Our only son was lost and presumed dead.  That is something that no parent should ever have to endure, but gradually life got a little easier again and we began to move on with our lives.  We were shocked five years ago when a Starfleet representative contacted us with news of Voyager and a letter from Harry.  At last, we knew he was alive and well.  We were saddened again when Starfleet again contacted us telling us that communication with Voyager had been lost, probably for good.  Again, we were left to wonder at the fate of our son, but we never gave up hope that he would return.  Finally, three weeks ago Voyager did come back.  We were reunited at last, but we knew that something was wrong when he came back from that tribunal looking so downcast.  When he explained what had happened, we were shocked that Starfleet could treat all of you that way.  What you and your shipmates accomplished should be rewarded, not punished.  We understand that in the nine years that you were stranded in the Delta Quadrant you became a family.  That is why we are saddened that Starfleet has chosen to treat you in this way.  We know what it is like to lose family, but we also know what it is like to get that family back.  We don't wish our son to lose the people that he has become so close to.  Under normal circumstances you don't get to choose your family, but sometimes people are blessed to choose the family they wish to have.  None of you could have foreseen these events, but you chose to make the best of them.  Now, you are all a family that is much stronger than mere genetics could ever hope for. We knew before Harry even told us that something was going on, and we were the ones who made him tell us what Captain Janeway has planned.  We have told Harry in no uncertain terms that it is his decision and his alone because we know that he would not take part if he felt like he was abandoning us again.  Let me assure you, Mr. Paris, that we understand fully what this would mean, but we would not feel right to ask Harry to abandon his other family for us.  We know what all of you, especially you, mean to Harry, and we appreciate that.  We know he wants to help and go with you, and we certainly understand that and will do nothing to hinder him."Tom looked a little sheepish as she finished her explanation.  "I, uh, see that you have thought this through.  Thank you for being so understanding.  I can see why Harry has missed you so much.""And we can see that he was indeed fortunate in finding a friend like you to share this journey with."  Harry's father expressed his opinion for the first time since the discussion began.  "We understand that your wife is one of the ones being kept in the prison.  We are sorry to hear of this as we were looking forward to meeting her as well.  Harry has told us so much about the two of you."Tom gave Harry a sly look.  "Gee, Harry, you must not have told them everything since they still let me in.""Well, I did leave out some of it."  Harry smiled.  "I didn't tell them about all the times you got me in trouble…""That's okay, Harry, save it.  I should be going and give you some more time alone."  Tom stood to take his leave."I'll be right out."  "Take your time, Harry.""Mr. Paris… Tom, thank you for all you have done for our son.  Your friendship means a great deal to Harry and to us.  Thank you."  Mrs. Kim stood and gave Tom a loving hug."Tom, good luck."  Mr. Kim shook Tom's hand and after a moment's hesitation, a hug as well.Tom looked at his friend's parents and hoped that this would not be the first and last time he would get the chance to talk to them.  "Thank you."  He quickly turned and left the house before he lost his composure entirely.A few minutes later, Harry came outside to join his friend.  "Come on, Tom, let's go get the others."  "Harry, you are a lucky guy."  He put a hand on his shoulder and led him down the street as his parents watched from the window."You have a visitor." The burly security guard stopped in front of B'Elanna. "Excuse me?"  She resisted the urge to rearrange his anatomy at the look he gave her."This way."  B'Elanna looked back at Chakotay and shrugged as the guard led her out of the large cell that held the former Maquis.  They walked down the corridor and stopped at a turbolift.  The guard keyed in his access code and gestured for her to get in ahead of him.  He took her up three levels and led her to a small room."You have half an hour.  Make it quick.""Hey…" She got no further as the guard pressed the pad that shut and locked the door behind her."Hi, B'Elanna."B'Elanna spun around to see Tom standing at the other end of the room.  "Tom!"Tom stepped forward to fold her in an embrace.  It felt like months since he had last seen her.  "Are you okay?""I'm fine.  We're all fine."  She stepped back to look him in the face, but she didn't remove her hands from his arms.  "How did you manage to get in here to see me?""Well, I, uh…" Tom found a sudden interest in the floor."Tom?""Well, they wouldn't let just anyone in here, and they almost didn't let me past the gate since I'm a civilian now.  But…""Why do I get the feeling I don't want to know this?"  She looked at him intently.  "Go on.""I just told them I needed a conjugal visit.""You did what?!"  "It was the only way they would let me in."  He protested.  "Besides, this way we're assured of some privacy."B'Elanna couldn't maintain her scowl for long.  She could just picture him telling the guards why he was here.  She suddenly figured out why the guard had looked at her the way he had.  She almost laughed.  "Okay, what's going on?  Why are you really here?""Unfortunately, the captain hasn't had any luck on getting you released.  Your trial is scheduled for three days from now, and it's a sure bet they aren't going to just release you after all this time."B'Elanna turned and started to pace with frustration.  "I should have known it wasn't going to be easy.  What else?""We haven't heard about Seven except to know that she was put under close guard somewhere in this building.  Janeway is working on that part.  The ship is set to be decommissioned the beginning of next week.  We haven't been able to get the mobile emitter so Doc is stuck in Sickbay and will be de-compiled when they take Voyager apart.""They can't do that!"  B'Elanna paced furiously and tried to keep from hitting a wall.  "It gets worse.  Harry tells me that they've gotten their re-assignments.  Everyone that served aboard Voyager has been given some out of the way assignment without anyone else from Voyager being anywhere close to them.  Including Captain Janeway.  They are to report the day after tomorrow so everyone is gone by the time you go to trial.  They're trying to get us so far away that they won't have to worry about us.""What do they think we're going to do?""Probably exactly what we are about to do."  Tom's smile returned in full force and forced B'Elanna to stop and look at him again."What do you mean?""We're going back to Voyager – all of us.""How?"  B'Elanna's eyes lit up as she caught the excitement in his voice."Tomorrow night we're going to break everyone out of here."  He produced two hyposprays from a pocket. "This has enough subcutaneous transponders for everyone here.  Harry is going to knock out the shield blocking transporters so we can beam everyone up.  This way we can make sure we only get who we want.  Then, we're going to get the ship and beam up you, Seven and the mobile emitter.  Then we'll be on our way.""You make it sound so simple."  B'Elanna looked at him in astonishment.  She half-thought he was joking, but one look at him convinced her he was serious.  "Well, I'll admit it may be a bit more complicated than that, but that is essentially what we're going to do.  Even as we speak, Janeway is locating the Doc's mobile emitter and making sure we'll be able to take it with us.  I don't think Doc would be too happy otherwise.""Anything you want us to do?""Just don't let the guards know anything is going on.  We're going to start the great escape at 2300 tomorrow night.  We'll have someone in each of the transporter rooms so it shouldn't take us too long to get everyone aboard.  We need to do it as quickly as possible before someone catches on.  Just let Chakotay and everyone know what's going on so they know what to expect.""What Starfleet crew is coming?  Is Harry?""Everyone knows about it, but Neelix is letting everyone know the exact time and coordinates so they can be ready if they're coming.  We won't know if everyone is coming until tomorrow night.  Harry will be coming.  I wasn't sure he would, but I talked with him and his folks this morning.  They are extraordinary people.  I wish you could have met them.""Yeah, they must all be heartbroken.  Poor Harry."  B'Elanna couldn't help but feel sorry for her friend to hear that he was again leaving the people he had tried so hard to return to.  He had suffered so much to see them again, and now he was going to be leaving them for good."We've only got a few more minutes before the guard comes back."  Tom pointed out as he pulled B'Elanna to him.  "Want to take advantage of it?""Well, I would hate to disappoint the guard."  B'Elanna smiled at her husband."Yeah, that would be a shame…"The rest was lost as they pulled each other close for a kiss.  Ten seconds later, they were interrupted by the sound of the door opening.  The guard cleared his throat to get their attention."You have lousy timing, Ensign."  B'Elanna growled."Time is up." The guard stated as if they hadn't figured that out."I don't suppose we could talk you into a few more minutes?"  Tom wondered, peering over B'Elanna's shoulder as he continued to hold her to him."Time is up.  I need to take the prisoner back to the cell.""That prisoner happens to be my wife." Tom reminded him, glaring at him."It's okay, Tom."  B'Elanna stepped back. They shared one more kiss before the guard stepped forward and put a hand on her arm to lead her out the door.  "Sir, you are to remain here until someone arrives to escort you out.""Of course."As she reached the door, B'Elanna turned back to Tom, "Come back and visit soon, Tom.""I'll see what I can do."  He managed to hide his grin until the door closed behind them."The Kobayashi Maru has set sail for the Promised Land." Janeway's comm voice told the waiting pair."That's the signal, Harry.  Let's do it."  Tom whispered to his companion.Harry began to enter a string of commands into a computer terminal at the detention facility.  "That should do it.  In ten minutes, my program will take over and the shielding should go down.  We'll be able to beam them out of there no problem. They won't even know anything is wrong until morning when they go check and no one's there!""Great, Harry, let's go."The night security guards at the detention center didn't notice the slight fluctuation in their readings ten minutes later.  The routine maintenance check they ran five minutes later noticed nothing amiss.  They continued to play their game of Fizz Bin.Deep in the building, Seven of Nine dematerialized.  A small piece of paper materialized on her uneaten tray of food.In another section of the building, the doctor's mobile emitter also dematerialized to be replaced by another scrap of paper.Chakotay and B'Elanna smiled as they watched group after group of the former Maquis disappear in transporter beams.  As the last group disappeared from the cell, a small piece of paper floated gently to the cell floor.Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager stood on the Bridge of her ship and smiled.  She opened a ship-wide channel,  "Welcome back, everyone.  I have been informed that everyone that came back with Voyager has now returned to continue her journey.  Thank you for your support.  Mr. Paris, set a course… for home."Voyager gracefully broke orbit from Earth, turning their backs on the planet they had long sought but that had ultimately been the site of their greatest disappointment.  As soon as they cleared the solar system, they headed to the Delta Quadrant at high warp.EPILOGUEThe next morning, Admiral Nechayev went into her office at Starfleet Headquarters.  As she sat down at her desk, she noticed an old fashioned piece of paper sitting atop her pile of padds from the previous day.  She picked it up and read it.  It was a simple message that read:Dear Starfleet,       Hate you.  Hate the Federation. Taking Voyager.                        -Janeway  THE ENDWell, let me know what you thought.  I'm contemplating a sequel so if you hated it, you better stop me now!  If you can't wait to read more, you better let me know that, too, so I get started some time soon!