Q and Consequences By Diane Klepper (Author’s Note: This story is set in the sixth season.) Tom Paris stared into space. His duty shift at the conn had been uneventful and he knew his relief, Samantha Wildman would arrive in a few minutes. He turned back to his console and pressed a few buttons to verify his readings. Tom looked up and saw Captain Kathryn Janeway sitting in her command chair. She was discussing something quietly with Commander Chakotay. He often wondered where he would be if turned down Janeway’s offer to come on Voyager six years ago to be an observer. I probably would of been a drunk and a pool hustler at Sandrines, he thought. Tom turned back to his station and double checked the readings. The door to the turbolift opened and out came Ensign Wildman and Susan Nicholetti who was going to relieve Harry Kim. Nicholetti went to Harry’s console and Wildman went to the conn in front of the bridge. Tom pressed a few buttons and stood up to let Wildman sit down. She smiled, “Tom anything I should know about?” “No it’s been smooth flying all day. Naomi would say it was boring.” Wildman smiled. “Naomi loved when you let her fly the Delta Flyer. She’s wants to take flying lessons. Do you think you could teach her?” “Sure. I remember when I was her age, I couldn’t wait to fly either.” 1 “Thank’s Tom, I’ll tell Naomi. Have a good off shift.” “Bye, Sam.” Tom walked over to the turbolift to see Harry Kim was holding the door open for him. Tom got in and Harry said ”Deck Two.” Harry was staring at him and smiling. “Harry, what is it.” Harry smiled at his best friend and said, “You seem to be spending a lot of time with Naomi Wildman lately. Are you are B’Elanna thinking about having a baby?” “A baby?” Tom laughed. “Come on Harry, can you picture me the fatherly type.” “Yes, I can. Your good with Naomi. I bet you and B’Elanna would make wonderful parents.” Tom looked at his friend, “I don’t know Harry...until B’Elanna I was never serious enough with one girl to even think about having children.” He looked his friend in the eye and said, “Besides my father and I could barely say two sentences to each other without having a fight my last few years on Earth. I wouldn’t want that to happen with a child.” “Tom doesn’t that message from your Dad changes things....he told you he was proud of you and he missed you.” Tom Paris smiled at his friend. “It does Harry....but were still years from the Alpha Quadrant...once we get home the problems we had will still be there.” Just then the turbolift opened and Tom and Harry saw B’Elanna Torres waiting by the lift for them. She and Tom kissed. “I’ve been looking forward to that all day.” B’Elanna smiled at him and said, “Me too.” 2 Tom took B’Elanna hand and led her to the mess hall. Harry followed. He was happy that Tom and B’Elanna finally got together, but sometimes he felt left out. Harry went over to where Neelix was putting food on trays for Tom and B’Elanna and picked up a tray. Tom and B’Elanna walked over to a table and sat next to each other. Harry then walked over to the table with his dinner and sat down on the other side of the table. The three of them ate in silence for a few minutes and then B’Elanna said. “Tom why don’t we have dinner at my cabin tomorrow night...I have been saving up my replicator rations. I could replicate some of your favorite dishes.” “I can’t B’Elanna...I volunteered to take over sickbay tomorrow night so that Doc could practice his opera singing.” B’Elanna looked at Tom suspiciously and said, “Since when do you volunteer to work an extra shift in sickbay?” “Doc wanted some time off. I said I would work there tomorrow night. What’s the big deal?” Harry said, “Is this the same Tom Paris who begged me to make another holographic doctor when Doc went to the other ship so he would not get stuck in sickbay.” Tom said, “That was different. I thought I would be stuck there all the time. I volunteer for an extra duty shift and everybody makes such a big deal out of it.” B’Elanna took Tom’s right hand in hers and said, “Tomorrow the anniversary of Caldik Prime isn’t it....it was 10 years ago tomorrow.” 3 Tom turned away from B’Elanna , “So the anniversary is tomorrow?...What does that have to do with anything?” Harry interrupted, “That has everything to do with it. Every year you work double and triple shifts on that day to try to run away from it.” “I don't run away from it.” B’Elanna said, “Tom you made me realize that I was running away from the Day of Honor. After I accepted it the last few years have been really good...Maybe it’s time to stop running away from Caldik Prime?” Tom angrily remarked, “I’m not running away from it.” He then stood up and said, “I’m kind of tired. I think I’ll turn in early tonight.” B’Elanna said, “Want me to walk you back to your quarters?” “No....you and Harry enjoy dinner.” He gave B’Elanna a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Harry and B’Elanna watched as Tom picked up his tray and put it in the recycle bin and left the mess hall. B’Elanna threw down her fork. “Damn it. I hate when he closes up on me. Harry why does he do that? We know he is hurting. Why won’t he let us help him?” Harry looked at her friend and said, “B’Elanna, Tom was raised to think it was unmanly to show his emotions....that’s why he keeps everything so bottled up.” “Sometimes I don’t know who I want to pound some sense into more Tom or his father.” 4 Harry smiled at B’Elanna’s remark. “I think they could both use it.”. Tom Paris sat on the couch in his quarters. On the table in front of him he had a mostly full bottle of scotch and a glass that was half full. Tom picked up the glass and gulped down the remainder of the drink. He then poured himself another glass and he was about to drink it when suddenly a voice said, “Tommy, long time no see.” Tom looked up and saw Q standing there in a Starfleet uniform. “Q...what the hell are you doing here?“ “Oh I was in the Delta Quandrant. I thought I’d drop by to say hello.” Tom quickly pressed in comm badge and said, “Paris to Tuvok.....I have an intruder in my quarters.” Q smiled at that and said, “Tom...they can’t hear you.” “What do you want?” “I here to help you.” Q walked over to Tom and touched the one pip on his collar and frowned, “Tommy...I see you have been a bad boy. Kathy took away one of you pips.” “Q get out of here.” Q frowned, “I don’t you what it is about you humans. I come to help you and I’m treated like an outcast. I thought Picard and Riker were annoying. You humans in the Delta Quadrant are worse. I’m here to help you change your biggest mistake after Caldik Prime.” “How do you know about that?” 5 “I’m omnipotent. I know everything. Tom...I’m giving you a second chance to rectify the thing you most regret. You let your mind wander and because of that Charlie, Bruno and the lovely Odele died. I know you couldn’t face the truth so you re-programmed the computer to make it look like it was Bruno who was the lead pilot and he caused the accident....You know Tommy if you kept quiet no one would of known the truth. By now you would probably be a lieutenant commander and on the fast track to Admiral just like your daddy always wanted you to be.” Tom angrily said, “ You leave my father out of this?” Q smiled and said, “Come on Tom, we both know every decision you ever made in your life was to try to please him and then when you realized nothing you ever did was good enough, you rebelled against him. You joined the Maquis because it would make your father angry, but you were hoping to get away before you got caught and sent to New Zealand.” “Q….why are you really here?” “I here to give you a second chance.” Q snapped his fingers and Tom found himself in a courtroom. He looked down and he saw himself in his dress uniform with Lt. pips. He turned towards the seats and he saw his father and mother sitting in the front row. His mother smiled at him and he gave her a little smile back. His father just sat there with a stern look on his face. The look his father always gave him when he was displeased with something he’d done. 6 Just then a door in the back of the courtroom opened and three middle aged men walked in. They were all wearing Starfleet uniforms. Tom recognized them all, Admiral Hayes, Captain Smith, and Captain Timmons. He had meet them at various Starfleet gatherings since he was a boy. Admiral Hayes had been a frequent dinner guest at the Paris house. Hayes and Owen Paris went to the academy together. As soon as all the officers were seated the spectators stood up and Admiral Hayes banged the gavel and said, “Everyone may be seated. “This is a formal inquiry to discuss what happened at Cadik Prime on Stardate 4555.378. On that day Starfleet was saddened to lose three fine young officers. According to all our investigations and using the computer aboard Lieutenant Paris’s ship we the court find that the accident was caused by pilot error from Ensign Bruno Katajavuori.” Tom Paris stood up and did something he knew he should of done 10 years ago. “Admiral Hayes, I lied about the accident....It was my fault.” Just then Admiral Paris stood up from his chair and said, ”What?” Admiral Hayes banged on the gavel and said, “There will be order in this court.” Tom turned to face his father and saw that his face was burning with anger but before he’s lost his nerve Tom continued,” I was the lead pilot of the SAV’s. I lost my concentration for a few seconds and I pulled up my ship too late. The other pilots didn’t have a chance. They all crashed into the asteroid.” Hayes stared at the younger man and said, “Lt. Paris your official report after the accident said Ensign Katajavuori was the lead pilot. Your ship’s computer verified that.” 7 Tom Paris stood up straight as he said, “I reprogrammed the computer to make it look like it was Bruno’s fault.” Tom turned back to where is father was seated and saw him simmer with anger. Captain Smith asked, “Mr. Paris you grew up around Starfleet. You of all people should know that the first duty of every Starfleet officer is the truth.” “Yes, sir.” Smith asked, “Then why did you lie?” Tom quickly turned to where his parents were seated and he saw his mother Maggie with tears in her eyes. The seat next to her was empty. Admiral Paris already left the courtroom. Damn it, Dad. You never did listen. You didn’t let me explain the first time either. Why did I think anything would be different this time. Hayes angrily said, “Mr. Paris we are wanting for an explanation.” Tom Paris turned to face the Admiral and said, “ Flying has been the one thing I did well ever since I was a boy. I guess I didn’t want to admit that the one thing I did well I messed up so bad that three people died because of me.” Tom licked his dry lips with his tongue and said, “I know what I did was wrong. I can never make amends for what I did. I’m going to live with the deaths of those three officers......my three friends on my conscious for the rest of my life. I just want to apologize to Starfleet and to my family for shaming them with my actions and I will take any punishment Starfleet sees fit in giving me.” Admiral Hayes turned to the two Captain next to him and for a few minutes the courtroom was completely silent as the three men on the bench quietly conversed. Tom turned to look at his mother. He saw tears silently slide down her cheeks. She saw him Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 10 watching her and she gave him a weak smile. The tears he saw in his mother eyes were more painful to him then anything Starfleet could do to him. He wanted to run to her and say something to make the tears disappear, but he knew there was nothing he could say to make what he did go away.. The banging of the gavel made Tom turn to face his judges. Admiral Hayes said, “This court finds Lieutenant Thomas Eugene Paris guilty of falsifying reports and perjury. Lt. Paris as penalty for your crimes your piloting license is revoked for six months. For the next six months you will work as an assistant piloting instructor at Starfleet Academy. You are also ordered by this court to go through six months of counseling. At the end of that time you will be reevaluated. Mr. Paris, the court is being really lenient with you. The Federation and Starfleet believe in giving people second chances. It is fortunate for you that you came forward with your lie. If you came forward at a later date, I would of personally seen to it that you would of been coutmartial for your offense. Mr. Paris I expect perfect behavior from you for the next six months, because if I hear one bad report about you, I promise you will never fly in Federation space again.” Tom stood stiffly at attention and said, “ Yes sir.” Hayes banged his gavel and said, “Court is dismissed.” Tom watched as the Admiral and the two Captains walked out of the courtroom. He felt a soft touch on his arm and he turned to see his mother standing next to him. Her gentle voice said, “Tom....are you okay?” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 11 Tom gave a weak smile and said, “Yeah Mom.....I’m fine for someone who just disgraced the great name of Paris.” “Tom don’t say that..” Tom turned away and stared at the seat his father had vacated, “ It’s true. Dad made his feelings known. He can’t stand to be in the same room as me.” Maggie Paris said, “Tommy.....your father is upset...you have to give him some time.” Tom turned back to his mother and saw her cheeks stained with tears. Seeing how upset she was brought back all the pain and anguish he felt after the accident. He remembered waking up in the hospital bed and the first thing he saw was her tear stained face. Her words of comfort made him remember all the times when he was growing up and his father yelled at him for something. She always had a way to calm down the Admiral and the punishment always seemed less painful. He knew he would of never had survived 18 years under his father’s roof without his mother’s love. He gave his mother a small smile and said, “Mom, I’m fine....six months is nothing. Before you know it I’ll be flying again.” His mother looked up at him and said, “Tom....I want you to know to whatever happens I’ll be there for you. I love you Tom.” Page 12 Tom entered his quarters and slowly sunk into a chair. He lowered his head into his hands. He heard a voice say, “So Tom...did everything go as you thought it would.” “Q, get me out of here. I want to go back to Voyager.” Q look perplexed, “I don’t understand you humans. I give you what you want and instead of appreciating it you tell me you want to be lost 30,000 light years from home.” Tom stood up and started pacing back and forth in front of the chair, “Damn it. I don’t know what the hell I want. I thought things with my father would be different if I told the truth in the beginning... he still walked out of the courtroom just like he did all those years ago. Why do I do this to myself.? I have been happier on Voyager than I have ever been in any other place in my entire life. Why does his approval mean so much to me?” “Because for you lowly humans the approval of one’s parents helps you define yourself as a person. I know that it always bothered Picard that his father did not approve of him joining Starfleet.” “Q just send me back to Voyager.” Q smiled, “Sorry Tommy...I have important continuum business to take care of. Don’t worry, I’ll check in with you from time to time.” Q vanished and Tom Paris found himself staring at the empty place Q stood a minute before. Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 13 Tom Paris entered a darkroom and said, “Computer, lights on.” The hangar deck lit up and Tom stared at the room filled with 30 one man shuttle simulators. Tom knew his class wasn’t schedule to start for another hour and 45 minutes but Tom didn’t want to run into anybody he knew on the Academy grounds. He only hoped that most of the first year cadets in this class never heard the name Tom Paris before. The memories of all his so called friends turning their backs on him the first time he told the truth about the accident still stung too badly to relive. He walked over to one simulator and he lovingly moved his hands over the curves of the ship, The cold metal felt friendly and inviting. All of a sudden a memory from the past flew into his head, He was five years old and he sat in a simulator pressing the buttons. The buttons felt tremendous in his small hands but according to the monitors he was flying the ship in a straight line through smooth space. Admiral Paris stood next to the simulator with a wide grin on his face . “Tommy, your doing great. Keep the ship steady. That’s my boy. Wait till I tell my friends at Starfleet Command about this. They won’t believe me, but we’ll show them son.” The door to the hangar opened again and Tom turned to see a woman in her late twenties dressed in a black and red Starfleet uniform with lieutenant commander pips on it. The woman smiled at him and asked, “ Lieutenant Paris.” Tom stood at attention and said, “Yes, ma’am.” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 14 The woman who had her blond hair up in a bun said, “I’m Lt. Commander Susan Thompson. I understand you will be assisting me.” “Yes, ma’am.” Susan Thompson smiled, “Lt Paris, I know you may consider this job punishment, but somebody really does have to teach these kids how to fly and from your files you are one excellent pilot.” “Yes, ma’am.” Thompson frowned, “Mr. Paris.....I know all about Starfleet procedures. but I really don’t like being called ma’am so when we are alone you can call me Susan and I can call you Tom. Okay?” Tom Paris smiled and said. “Okay.” “Good now that we got that out of the way, I just want to tell you I’m not here to judge you. You made a mistake and your being punished for it. I know how hard it must be for you not to be able to fly.” Tom frowned and said, “At least this time I wasn’t forced to resign.” “Forced to resign?” “Nothing...I guess my mind was wandering. I learned to fly on simulators similar to these when I was a kid. I guess being here brings back a lot of memories.”
Susan smiled at him and said, “My Mom is a Starfleet Captain. She use to bring me with her whenever she went to Starfleet Command. I use to play in the simulators for Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 15 hours. I couldn’t wait until I was old enough to go to Starfleet Academy. Everyone thinks you have it easy if you have a parent in Starfleet. Nobody ever realizes that we also are under so much more pressure then the average Starfleet cadet to succeed.”

Tom frowned at Susan Thompson and said, “ My father expected straight A’s in all my classes. When I got a B in Studies in the Prime Directive my father lectured me for two hours and then arranged for a tutor so I wouldn’t embarrass the great name of Paris.” Susan smiled, “I had an advantage....my Mom used her maiden name so by the time I entered the Academy only a few people there knew Captain Wells was my Mom.” Tom smiled and said, “Thank you. It’s nice to know that everyone in Starfleet doesn’t think I should be thrown out of the nearest airlock.” Thompson smiled at him and said, “This is Earth Mr. Paris. There aren’t any airlocks in the immediate vicinity so I guess your safe for a little while. Now readjust the simulators for class today.” Tom smiled, “Yes ma’am.” Tom was shutting down the simulators when Susan Thompson walked in. She smiled at Tom and said. “Why don’t I buy you a drink to celebrate your first day.” Just then the door opened and in came a large middle aged man with gray hair. Tom froze at the sight of his father. He hadn’t seen him since he walked out on the trial. Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 16 Not noticing Thompson, Admiral Owen Paris walked up to his son and said, “Tom, we need to talk.” Tom glared at his father and said, “You made you feelings abundantly clear at my trial ,sir.” Thompson cleared her throat and then Admiral Paris looked at her and said, ‘Commander Thompson, would it be possible for me to have a few minutes alone with my son.” Thompson said, “I was just leaving. I’ll see you tomorrow Lt. Paris.” “Yes, ma’am.” Thompson quickly left the hangar bay and the door closed behind her. Admiral Paris looked at his son and said, “Your Mother is worried about you. She left several messages, but you never called her back.” “Tell Mom I’m fine. I’ll call her soon.” “How’s your new job?” Tom looked at his father quizzically. Admiral Paris was not a person who believed in small talk. When he started asking someone how there were you knew he was at a loss for words. Tom always thought it was kind of amusing that a man who made his living talking to diplomats. ambassadors, and alien leaders often became tongue-tied talking to his son. “Dad why are you really here?” . Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 17 Admiral Paris frowned and said, “Tom, when I walked out on the trial I was mad. I was mad that you didn’t tell the truth at first. You know what they would of done to you if the truth came out later?” “Yeah Dad....I do know. I would of been kicked out of Starfleet” “But Tom why didn’t you come to me?” “Come to you? How could I come to you. Everytime I made a mistake you lectured and punished me. You wanted the perfect Starfleet son.....obedient..... respectful.”. “Tom, I admit I was hard on you growing up ...but you were always reckless and rebellious. Your Mother and I always felt that we had to keep a tight reign on you to keep you safe. I just want to know why you lied.” Tom turned away from his father and said, “I lied because I didn’t want you to be ashamed of me again.” Admiral Paris stared at his son a minute and said. “ Tom, I’ve never been ashamed of you. Your mother always accused me of trying to hid my emotions.” Owen Paris gave his son a small smile. “ She says you get that trait from me. I just never felt comfortable telling people how I felt....but I just want you know that no matter what happens I will always be your father and I will always care about you.” Tom turned to face his father and said. “Dad...I don’t know what to say.” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 18 Admiral Paris grabbed Tom and gave him a big hug. Tom hugged his father back and for the first time in a long time he felt he had a father again. Tom Paris just got out of the sonic shower when he heard his doorbell ring. He quickly put on a robe and pressed the button to open the door. He was surprised to see Susan Thompson standing at his door. She was still in uniform, but her long blond hair was down. It made her look more like a woman then Tom’s commanding officer. She gave him an embarrassed smile and said, “Tom, I shouldn’t of come.” Tom smiled at her and said, “Commander...it’s okay. Come on in.” Susan Thompson slowly walked in and turned to face him.. “Tom...I just had to know what happened with you father .I know it’s none of my business.” Tom smiled at her and said, “Susan it’s okay, it went really well. My Dad still cares about me.” Susan Thompson hugged Tom and before either of them knew it their lips were pressed together in a passionate kiss. Thompson pushed Tom away and said, “Lt.Paris, I’m sorry. That shouldn’t of happened.” “Why not?” Thompson gave a slight frown and said, “I’m your superior officer....it’s just not appropriate.” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 19 “Susan....I’m only temporarily under your command. In six months I’ll be flying again and I won’t be under your command.” Commander Thompson smiled and said, “Is that so?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Then what are we going to do for the next six months.” Tom Paris smiled at her and said, “I’m sure we can figure out something to do for the next six months.” “Tom....honey, its time to wake up.” Tom Paris slowly opened his eyes and smiled to see the face of Susan Thompson standing above him. He smiled, “Hi.” Susan smiled back at him and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips. He tried to pull her back into bed and she pulled away from him and said, “Tommy.... I can’t......I have an early meeting this morning...You mentioned the name B’Elanna in your sleep again,” Tom slowly sat up and wiped the sleep from his eyes. “I did.” Susan Thompson frowned at him, “Who is B’Elanna?” “She was someone I knew a long time ago...in another lifetime.” Thompson angrily said, “Would you rather be in that lifetime with her?” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 20 Tom climbed out of bed and took Susan in his arms, “Susan I don’t want to hide anything from you.. My counselor told me that I spent most of my life hiding from my feelings Whenever I felt scared or alone I tried to hide behind a stupid joke. My Dad never showed his emotions and I thought if I acted just like him, I would win his approval....but I can’t live that way. B’Elanna was very special to me, but circumstances prevented us from being together. I thought I would never be happy with someone else again until I met you. Susan Thompson, I want to be with you.” Susan gave him a little smile, “You better mister... or I throw you in the brig.” “Yes ma’am.” Tom and Susan softly pressed their lips together in a gentle kiss.” Susan pushed Tom away and said smiling, “ You have a test flight scheduled in an hour. Now get dressed or your on report.” Tom gave her a small peck of the cheek and said, “Yes ma’am.” Tom walked into the bathroom and turned on the water to wash his face when suddenly a voice said, ‘Well Tommy....long time no see.” Tom looked up and saw Q’s face in the mirror. “Q...what are doing here?” ”I came to see how your doing in your new life. Commander Thompson is not as exotic as B’Elanna...but she not bad to look at.” Angrily Tom said, “You leave B’Elanna out of this.” ‘Tom, are you telling me you miss your old life. I wonder how your Dad would Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 21 react if he found out you were involved with a half Klingon woman who worked for the Marquis.” “I worked for the Marquis too.” “Not in this timeline” Suddenly a voice called from the other room. “Tom...did you say something.” Tom looked at Q and said, “No, I. was just talking to myself.” Susan said, “Honey...I have to leave .Don’t forget we are having dinner with your parents tonight.” Tom called back, “Want me to pick you up at your office.” “No, I’ll meet you there....I’m helping your father plan the memorial service for the Voyager crew next week.” Suddenly a lump appeared in Tom’s throat. “Voyager crew?” “Yeah...I told you that yesterday. The Voyager crew sent its flight recorder out just before it was blown up by the Kazon. The flight recorder and some debris from Voyager were found by Deep Space Nine coming through the wormhole. Your father wants to lead the memorial service because Voyager’s captain was one of his protégés.” “Captain Janeway.” Susan said, “Tom, I’m late...I’ll talk to you later.” Tom heard the front door open and close. He then turned to Q. and said, “You did it. You destroyed Voyager.” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 22 “I had nothing to do with what happened to Voyager. It’s not my fault Commander Chuckles is not as good a pilot as you are. I’m going to miss Katie.” “Q you have to stop it. Send me back to Voyager. I can save the ship. I can save the captain.” “But why would you want to go back there. Your home and you have a good relationship with your father. You have a beautiful girlfriend. Why would you want to go back to Voyager.” “I don’t belong here. I belong with Harry and B’Elanna and Chakotay and Tuvok and the rest of the Voyager crew. I let three people die because I made a mistake. I can’t let 150 people die because I have it good here. Q you have to send me back.” All of a sudden a woman’s voice said, “Okay Q...I’ve seen enough. Tom turned to where the sound came from and saw a spark appear. A second later Lady Q was standing next to Q holding a small boy who appeared to be about three years old. She smiled at Q and said, “I told you Helmboy would pass the test.” The little boy jumped out of his mother’s arms and ran to Q and said. “Daddy.” Q picked up his son and said, “Little Q...did you learn your lesson.” Little Q smiled at his father and said, “Yes Daddy. I learned that even though human’s are primitive they do know the difference between right and wrong.” Tom looked from Q to Lady Q and said, “What the hell is going on here?” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 23 Lady Q looked at Tom and said, “You see for thousands of years Q’s did not procreate. When we had little Q we did not know how to raise a child. Q felt that if we studied the father- son relationship from a human stand point it would help us teach our son right from wrong.” “But why did you pick me?” Q smiled, “Oh I just didn’t want anybody with a squeaky clean past. Besides we thought if we picked you it would be more entertaining.”Q turned to Lady Q and asked, “Sweetheart were you entertained.” Lady Q smiled at him and said, “Yes...I was I do find some humans to be very entertaining...but Q its getting late. We have to put little Q to bed.” “You right. “ Q turned to his son and said, “Little Q say good-bye to Tommy.” The last thing Tom saw before everything went black was little Q waving and saying, “Good-bye Tommy.” Tom slowly opened his eyes and he found himself sitting on his couch in his cabin on Voyager. He heard his doorbell and quickly walked over to answer it. The door opened and he saw B’Elanna standing there. “B’Elanna what are you doing here?” B’Elanna said, “I was worried about you. You seemed so upset when you left the mess hall.” Diane Klepper Q And Consequences Page 24 “When was that?” “Tom that was about 30 minutes ago. Tom are you all right?” Tom smiled at B’Elanna and said, “I just had a really weird dream. I dreamt what my life would of been like if I didn’t lie about Cadik Prime.” B’Elanna frowned, “So tell me what was your life like?” Tom frowned, “It was funny...I thought I had everything I wanted but I kept feeling I should be on Voyager. I should be with you?” B’Elanna smiled, “Sometimes I think we were fated to be on Voyager. If we weren’t stuck together for all these years we would of never found each other. Tom I want you to know that I will always be here for you. I love you Tom Paris.” Tom smiled at her and said, “B’Elanna I feel like I was always meant to be here with you. You and Voyager are my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way,”