StarTrek: Voyager is property of Paramount Pictures, Inc.  I'm justletting the characters do what they really wanted to do, but The PowersThat Be wouldn't let them.  This is a fan-fiction story for non-profit.You may archive it or email it to your friends, but leave this header andmy name attached.***As this is my first *real* story, I would absolutely love feedback.Please send feedback to BeccaJH@aol.com.  Okay... enough talking... on tothe story.*** Voyages Home ***              by Becky H.             (BeccaJH@aol.com)***Eighteen months ago...Lieutenant Tom Paris and Ensign Harry Kim were walking toward theirquarters after a long day of doing nothing on the bridge.  They werecurrently in a very boring part of space, and everyone had to concentrateon just keeping their eyes open.They walked along discussing this and that, nothing of importance, asfriends often do.  When they got to Tom's quarters, Tom turned to Harry,hesitance evident in his body language.  "Harry, can I ask you aquestion?""Sure Tom, what's up?"  Harry knew that something had been bothering Tomlately, but he also knew better than to press him about it.  Although Tomfelt things deeply, he preferred to gloss over emotions with a quick grinor a joke.  Harry had learned that when something was bothering Tom, hejust had to wait it out until Tom was ready to talk about it.Tom motioned to the couch and he sat down.  He waited quietly while Tomwent to got some tea from the replicator for them.  It was Harry'sfavorite beverage, which Tom knew.  He smiled a bit nervously, whateverTom wanted to talk to him about, it was probably *very* serious.  Taking asip of the aromatic liquid, he set it down on the table and leaned back,"Okay Tom, what is it?  You've got me nervous now."Tom laughed, a short laugh that held no humor in it.  "Harry, you know metoo well, don't you?"  At Harry's nod he continued.  "I wanted to talk toyou about something, and I want you to be as honest as you always are.Don't say what you think I want to hear, just tell me straight."Harry frowned in puzzlement,  but nodded.  "Okay."  When Tom didn't starttalking right away he frowned again, "Tom, what is it?"Taking a deep breath Tom started, "Harry, how do you... I mean, what doyou think... I mean..."  He stopped and looked at Harry, whose face wasshowing only more confusion than before.Tom smiled, "Let me start again."  He took a deep breath, then plungedforward, "I think I'm falling in love with someone, but lately I've sensedthat you might have feelings for her too."  He paused, "I don't want toruin our friendship over this, so please tell me..."  He swallowed hardover the lump that had grown in his throat, "How do you feel aboutB'Elanna?"  He asked the question in a deadly serious voice, one whichHarry very rarely heard.Harry blinked, "B'Elanna?  I think she's a great Engineer, a brilliantmind, and a good friend."  He looked at Tom, who seemed to be waiting forhim to continue.  "All right, I admit there was some chemistry at first,but it never developed into anything more than a wonderful friendship.We're like Ying and Yang--- total opposites.  When she's raging I'm calm.It makes a great friendship, but can you truly see us together in arelationship?  I can't.  We'd drive each other nuts with our differences."Tom sighed deeply in relief, all that he'd been worried about was fornothing.  He smiled, "Harry, you're the best friend I've got, maybe thebest friend I've ever had or ever will have.  I didn't want to do anythingto destroy that.  If it meant never pursuing anything with B'Elanna, thenthat's what it would've taken."Harry smiled, "I know Tom, I know."  Suddenly he grinned, "You... andB'Elanna?  This is going to be interesting!"Tom frowned at him, "Why not me and B'Elanna?  You think I'm not goodenough for her or something?"  He'd tried to say it in a teasing voice,but it came out a bit too serious for Harry to miss.The smile fell from Harry's face.  "Never in a million years Tom.  You'rea lot better than most men would be.  What I meant was that B'Elanna's gota wall around her so high I don't know *who* could break through it.  Iknow she no longer considers you a "pig", but romantically?  I think itwill take a lot to get to that point with her."Tom sat down next to him on the couch, "Yeah, I know.  I've invited her todinner.  I've asked her to join me on the Holodeck, but she's onlyaccepted a couple times.  She is always very wary of me when she's withme, too.  It's not like I'm going to try anything!  I just want to get toknow her better, as a person, not just as the Chief Engineer."Harry shook his head, "You're pushing too hard.  Just relax a little.  Whydon't you just talk to her in the Mess, or when you happen to worktogether.  Get to know her in an environment she's comfortable with, thenyou can move on to a more "formal" setting.Tom shook his head, grinning.  "When did you get to be such an expert onmatters of the heart?"Harry rolled his eyes, "Hey, I've been engaged, remember?"Tom chuckled, "I know, I was just kidding you.  It's good advice.  WishI'd thought of it myself."Harry stood, "Yeah, well... anyway, are you coming to Sandrine's tonight?I've got a new move I want to try out that Dalby taught me.  I have afeeling I'm going to beat you tonight in our pool match."Tom shook his head, smiling.  "Not a chance my friend, but try your best." They'd walked to the doorway and Harry exited.  "I'll see you later.  I'mlow on rations, so I'll be eating in the Mess tonight."Harry grinned and shook his head, "Not me, I've been using mine sparinglyso I can eat a *real* replicated meal."Tom sighed dramatically, "Not me, poor soul that I am.  I'm hoping to winsome tonight though.  See you then."Harry grinned and walked away.  Tom went back inside to ponder the adviceHarry had given him.  Maybe he was right, maybe he should slow down, nottry so hard.  He'd give it some thought while he changed into some casualclothes.***Chakotay entered Sandrines and took in the scene.  There was Tom beatingHarry at poolÉ again.  He shook his head, smiling, would Harry ever learn? In the back was the Captain who was sitting at the old fashioned piano,picking out bits and pieces of songs on it.  His eyes moved to the barwhere B'Elanna was sitting.  She was sipping a drink and watching TomParis, but trying to look like she *wasn't* watching him.  VeryinterestingÉ he may just need to have a talk with his old friend.B'Elanna had just set her drink down on the bar when she felt a heavy handon her shoulder.  She jumped, and her startled eyes flew upward, meetingChakotay's twinkling ones.  "Don't you know it's a bad idea to startle aKlingon?" she asked irritably.  Usually her senses were so fine tuned thatshe could hear someone coming from around the corner."He's interested in you too."  Chakotay's soft voice floated to her fromthe next barstool.Her dark eyes flashed at him, "What!?  Chakotay, what *are* you talkingabout?"He smiled at her over his glass, "You know who I'm talking aboutB'Elanna."She sighed, her shoulders drooping.  "I can't hide anything from you, canI?"He grinned, "Nope, so don't even try."  He paused, "How long?"She frowned, "How long what?  Oh, how long have I been interested in him?"He nodded and she looked down at her drink, watching the bubbles rise tothe top.  "A while now.  But..."  She looked back up at him, her facereflecting her mixed emotions.  "I mean... I don't know, Chakotay.  I'mattracted to him, and I think he's interested in me too... butÉ it's thesame old thing.  *Why* is he interested in me?"He nodded again, his eyes now serious.  For a long time she'd been theobject of many a man's attention.  Almost every single one, withoutexception, was only interested in her as a Klingon.  They'd been curiousto see if what they'd heard about Klingon females was true.When she'd joined the Maquis, he'd stepped in and protected her.  Shecould fend for herself very well, but it was a welcome relief on her partto have someone run interference for her.  He'd made it well known thatanyone who wanted anything to do with her had to come through him first.He'd proven to be an effective barrier against all but the most brave...or foolish... who'd tried their hand at wooing the fierce B'Elanna Torres.He looked at Tom, who'd started another game, then back at B'Elanna.  He'dhad a lot of reservations about the young pilot for quite a while in thebeginning, but Tom had really surprised him.  He'd proven himself to be agood officer and a good man as well.  Chakotay had discovered that Tom wassomeone you could depend on in a dangerous situation, risking himself tosave others time and time again.He'd also been watching how Tom looked at B'Elanna.  Chakotay was a peoplewatcher.  He watched how people interacted with others.  One thing hiswatching had shown him was that although Tom was very attracted toB'Elanna, it was different from the ones who'd pursued her in the past.First off, they'd become friends, true, they loved to trade insults andbarbs, but it was a friendly kind of fighting that they'd developed.Second, Tom didn't look at her as just a Klingon, or even as just a Woman,but as a Person.  Tom had respect for her, and that was something thatChakotay was *very* happy to see.He set his drink down, deciding he'd tell B'Elanna how he felt about thisone.  "I think he has enough sense to recognize a good thing when he seesit."  He paused, trying to think of the best way to put it into words."He's not like some of the others were, B'Elanna, he's a lot better thanthat."She looked at him in shock.  At one time Tom and Chakotay had been nearlysworn enemies.  She swallowed, a lot of things on the ship had changed inthe last three years.  Their relationships with one another the biggestthing.  "Are you saying... that you're okay with this?"He studied her for a long moment, "Yes, I am.  I don't always see eye toeye with him, but I respect him.  I really do think he cares for you,B'Elanna.  I think you could do a lot for each other.  You have verysimilar backgrounds, and I think you would understand each other more thanmany others would, or could even."  He stood up and smiled down at her,"And that's all I'm going to say on the subject."  He walked away from thebar to the back and joined Janeway.B'Elanna sat at the bar thinking.  Chakotay respected Tom... Chakotayrespected Tom... Chakotay respected Tom.  The thought kept repeatingitself in her head.  She knew how much his respect meant.  It was notfreely given, but once earned, it was something to be cherished.  Shelooked at Tom again, maybe, just maybe there was something to this...attraction... she'd been feeling toward him after all.******Twelve months ago...Chief Engineer's Personal Log: Stardate 49643.  I don't quite know what tosay about all this, but I've talked to Chakotay and he told me it wouldhelp me to sort out my feelings if I recorded them, so here goes.About a week ago we came upon a planet that showed large gallacitesignatures.  We made arrangements for an away team to go down andinvestigate it.  The night before, just as I was leaving for the day,Ensign... Vorik... approached me about being his mate.  His mate!  I was*not* amused, or even slightly interested, let me tell you.  I told him,as politely as I could, that I was not, and I mean *not* interested.  Heapparently had other ideas and approached me, gripping my head for aminute or so.  Vulcans are often thought of as weak, but they're just asstrong as Klingons are.  Fortunately, he's a young Vulcan, and I was ableto break the hold.Okay, this is where it starts to get weird.Apparently we'd been in physical contact long enough to establish somekind of bond or link.  I don't know... Tuvok has tried to explain it tome, but Vulcan mental powers are something I've never quite understood.Anyway, it affected me... made me act unpredictable, excitable, and morethan that... I was driven by a deep desire to... mate.When we were down in the caves, I bit Tom Paris, the initial signal in theKlingon mating ritual.  It surprised me as much as it surprised him.  Wewere separated, but later met up again.  In fact, we were trapped togetherin the caves later.  The longer I was around Tom, the more... attracted...I was to him.  It was almost like I had lost all control.  I practicallythrew myself at himÉ more than once.Tom surprised me, he didn't give in like he wanted to, and I *know* hewanted to.  He's been attracted to me for a while now.  Later, when thingsgot really bad, he knew what he had to do, and was willing to do it... tohelp me.Fortunately, or unfortunately... we never did... mate.  The next day whenwe saw each other in the lift we were both very uncomfortable with eachother.  I told him we should just forget everything that happened, that itwasn't really me down there.I was lying.I had less control over my emotions than usual, but everything I did,everything I said, was how I really felt.  He surprised me yet again, hetold me he'd seen my Klingon side, and that he wouldn't mind seeing itagain.  I didn't know how to respond.  I've tried so hard to hide thatside of myself from everyone.  Yet, here this handsome... Human... wastelling me he wanted to see more of it.  Is he interested in me justbecause I'm half Klingon?  I don't know, but I decided to let him knowthat I wasn't entirely averse to the idea of getting to know him better.I told him to be careful what he wished for.***"Harry, hand me that spanner would you?"  B'Elanna's head popped out ofthe Jeffries tube she'd been working in as Harry walked over with the toolshe'd requested."How's it going?  Could you use some help in there?"  He asked as hehanded her the tool.She smiled, "Actually, I'm just about done here.  If you're not busy rightnow, though, I could use your help in Jeffries Tube 12-A.  There's a gelpack that's gone bad... again... that has to be replaced.He grinned, "Sure.  Things are really boring on the Bridge right now.  Notthat I'm complaining, of course, but I could use something new to do rightnow."She smiled up at her friend, "I'll inform the Captain that I've stolen youfor a while, I'm sure it'll be okay.  Let me finish this real quick, thenI'll ask the Captain.  Why don't you go grab a toolkit while I do that?"He nodded and headed for the supply locker.  Twenty minutes later the twoof them were in the Jeffries Tube and replacing the gel pack.  It didn'ttake long to do, which left them with some time to talk."Harry, can I ask you a question?"  B'Elanna leaned back against the walland fixed Harry with an intense gaze.He swallowed, where had he heard this before?  "Sure, what's up?"She looked down at the toolkit, then back up at Harry.  "Well... you knowTom and I have been dating for a while now."  He nodded and she continued. "I'm just... concerned... I guess."He frowned, "About what?"She shrugged, "I don't know.  It's just that... I think I'm in love withhim."He narrowed his eyes at her, "But...?"She smiled, "But... I don't know how serious he is.  I mean, I'm lookingfor a lifetime thing.  If he's not that serious, I want to know now...before I get in any deeper."He nodded understandingly, "I know what you mean.  Believe me, he is*very* serious about you.  I've never seen him this way about a girl...um, woman... before.  He's just unsure of himself, and you, I guess."She frowned, "What do you mean?"He sighed, trying to think of how to put it in a way she'd understand."You want to be 100% positive that he's in for the long haul, that thisisn't just some fling, right?"  She nodded and he continued, "He's feelingthe same way.  Both of you have been rejected in the past, that's notsomething that's easy to forget or get over.  I think both of you need tobe honest with yourselves *and* each other.  Tell him how you feel, whatyou're afraid of.  If you're both totally honest and upfront now, thenthere won't be any nasty surprises later."She sat back in silence, pondering what he'd said.  It did make sense.She'd discovered quite a while ago just how similar she and Tom were whenit came to matters of the heart.  Maybe it *was* time they sat down andhad a real heart-to-heart talk.  She looked up at Harry and smiled,"Thanks, Harry.  You're a really good friend, you know that?"He smiled, "Anytime, B'Elanna."Her communicator beeped and she groaned.  Probably another small disasterwas waiting for her to fix.  She shot Harry an exasperated look and helaughed.  She joined him and they soon were on their way to yet anotherJeffries Tube repair job.******The present...Captain's Log:  Stardate 52345.  Home...what exactly is home?  "Home iswhere the heart is" is a favorite saying, but what does that mean?  To me,home is where we are happy, and comfortable, feel loved, and give love aswell.  I guess home *is* where the heart is.  For the crew of the starshipVoyager, Voyager has *become* home.It has been four and a half years since we were brought to the DeltaQuadrant by the Caretaker.  Although most of us have homes back in theAlpha Quadrant, the vast majority of the crew have begun to accept thatthey may never see the Alpha Quadrant again.  However, I have a muchharder time accepting this.  I promised I would get them home, and I'venever been one to take my promises lightly.  Fate, Life, whatever you wantto call it, seems to have taken that out of my hands though.  After fourand a half years of constant use and abuse........ Voyager is beginning tofail.Captain Kathryn Janeway was rubbing her temples when her First Officerentered the Ready Room.  She looked up at him, forcing a smile to herface.Chakotay paused at the door.  "Headache?" he asked sympathetically.  Ather nod he continued, "The Doctor could give you something for them."She smiled grimly, "I know, but no medication in the world will make allthese headaches go away." She indicated the pile of PADDs on the desktop."Engineering reports?"  She nodded and he walked over and picked one up,quickly scanning their contents, he grimaced and glanced back up to herface.She nodded, "They're getting worse and worse, Chakotay.  B'Elanna's notsure how much longer we can keep going."  She slapped the PADD she'd beenlooking at down and rose from her desk, walking to the viewport.  "Ipromised them we'd get back home...I promised, and now it's looking moreand more like I may have to go back on that promise."He walked up behind her, looking at her reflected face in the window,"It's not your fault, Kathryn.  I know that, and they know that."She nodded, "I know that too, Chakotay, but right now I'm just too angry.I feel like Voyager's betrayed me, forcing me in turn to betray the crew."He nodded, "I understand you're angry, but you've got to realize that youare not to blame for what's happened.  If anything,  you've kept this crewgoing when we would've faltered.  The crew not only respects you, but theylove you as well."  He paused, weighing his words, "I have a feeling thatthey'll surprise you when the time comes.  There's been talk for a whilenow that we might not get back.  The crew has started to notice thefrequency with which things are breaking down lately; it's reasonable toassume they will understand what that means."She nodded, then sighed as she turned around to face him.  "Maybe Tom andB'Elanna's trip will solve a few of the problems we've been having lately. Call the senior staff to the bridge.  I want to meet in fifteen minutes."He nodded, knowing as well as she did that the problems with the ship hadbecome too big to solve now. "Aye, Captain."***"Is there anything more?"  Glancing around the table at the faces of hermost trusted officers and seeing that no one had anything further to offershe smiled, "Then this meeting is adjourned.  Tom, B'Elanna, stay a fewminutes.  I need to discuss something with you."Taking their seats again, they looked at each other in surprise.  Theirtwo jobs didn't usually intersect.  As the last crewmember exited and thedoors swished shut, Janeway cleared her throat drawing their glances awayfrom each other and to her.  "Well, now that I've got your attention." Shepaused, smiling.  "I have an assignment for the two of you."Seeing the curious, yet surprised looks on their faces she continued,"There's an asteroid field ahead that needs to be investigated, but we'vereceived a distress call from a D'Tlaaran outpost that's in the oppositedirection.  I'm sending you two to the asteroid field.  When we'vereturned from the outpost we'll rendezvous with your shuttle and move on."B'Elanna looked at the Captain, puzzled.  "An asteroid field, Captain?"Janeway nodded and Tom frowned, clearly confused as to why they were goingto check out asteroids of all things.  "What's so special about thisasteroid field that we need to investigate it?"Janeway smiled at their puzzled expressions, "Usually we'd just adjust ourcourse and fly right by them, I know.  However, long range sensorsindicate that there might be some large deposits of metals that B'Elannaand her staff could use.  We can't pass up this opportunity, but I can'tignore that distress signal either."They nodded in agreement, and she handed Tom the PADD.  "These are thecoordinates of the asteroid field, as well as the coordinates of where wewill be joining you again."  Turning to Tom she continued, "Tom, you'rethe best pilot we've got, and navigating that asteroid field is going totake someone with your skills."He smiled at the praise and she turned to B'Elanna, smiling, "B'Elanna, asChief Engineer, you know more than anyone on board what metals would beuseful down in Engineering."B'Elanna nodded, although it was unusual for the Pilot and the ChiefEngineer to work together, in this case it made perfect sense.  Sheglanced at Tom as he glanced at her.  They both smiled and almost in onevoice said, "When do we start?"Janeway smiled at them, "Tomorrow at 0800 hours.  At that time we'll be asclose to the asteroid field as we will get before leaving for the outpost. You'll both have Alpha shift off today to prepare."  She looked from oneto the other, waiting for any more questions.  Since there didn't seem tobe any, she dismissed them.Tom stood up, "Thank you, Captain, I'm going to get started right away."She nodded and glanced at B'Elanna.  She stood up as well, "I've got a fewthings to finish up in Engineering first, and I've got to talk to my staffas well."  Looking at Tom she continued, "I'll meet you in the mess forlunch at 1200 hours so we can discuss what we'll need to bring along."He nodded, "It's a date."  He stood and turned toward the door andB'Elanna stood as well.  Before he reached the door he turned around andsmiled, his voice teasing.  "If you don't show up, I *will* come and getyou though."She rolled her eyes at him, but grinned.  "I know.  I'll be there, Ipromise."Janeway had been watching the exchange and smiled, it was nice to havethem work together now and then.  They were so good for each other.  Sincethey'd been together, B'Elanna had learned how to relax a little bit.  Tomhad taught her how to have fun and it showed.   She'd also noticed achange in Tom as well.  He was no longer the smooth-talking, skirt-chasingyoung man he'd been a few years ago.  He'd become more serious.  B'Elannahad shown him that he didn't always have to be entertaining everyone togain their acceptance.  His mask... and hers as well... had slipped to thepoint of being nearly nonexistant these days.  They always had theirprofessional masks firmly in place of course, but their personal masks...the ones that they used to protect themselves from being hurt by others,had all but totally withered away.Tom had obviously made some wild suggestion, because B'Elanna gave himthat "I can't believe you said that" look, then promptly started laughing. Janeway shook her head and smiled again, they were like a couple of kidsplanning an adventure.  They exited the room discussing what they neededto bring with them, barely breaking stride as they entered the turbolift.Harry watched them and looked curiously at the Captain who only smiled athim.******0630 Hours, the chronometer flashed the time as he groaned, rubbing hishands over his unshaven face.  He never had been a morning person.  Hesighed aloud and got up out of bed, stretching as he made his way to theshower. Half an hour later a very awake, and clean-shaven Tom Paris wasjust finishing making his bed.  One last look around the room and then hewas out the door.He entered the turbolift, smiling at the pretty ensign who was alreadythere.  "Good morning, Ensign."She lifted appreciative eyes to his, "Good morning, Lieutenant."He smiled, and informed the computer of his destination.  A few minuteslater when the lift arrived at his deck, the door paused halfway open andhe frowned, "Computer, open turbolift doors."  The doors opened up therest of the way and he stepped out, sighing in frustration at yet anotherexample of the ship's condition.Entering the shuttlebay, he walked over to where their shuttle waswaiting.  He rounded the corner of it and let out a silent groan when hesaw the piles of equipment waiting to go inside.  He thought that they'dalready worked out what equipment they were going to bring already.  Heapproached the shuttle, only to find B'Elanna inside already, studying aPADD.  "Good morning."Not even glancing at him she responded, "Good morning Tom.  You just aboutready?"He smiled, "I'm ready when you are.  Um... did you want me to help bringin these supplies out here?"She looked up grinning at his tone of voice, which clearly indicated hedid *not* want to bring all that 'stuff' into the shuttle.  "Relax, Tom.I've already gotten all we need in here already.  That's the equipment Iruled out because it would weigh the shuttle down too much."  He sighed inobvious relief and she laughed, "Come on in, Helmboy, and check out yourship.  We've got half an hour 'til we leave."He grinned at her teasing and joined her in the shuttle.  He sat at thepilot's seat and performed his pre-flight check.  He knew that theshuttles were kept in top condition, but he wouldn't truly be a pilot ifhe didn't personally check it out himself.  Finding everything in fine,working order he glanced at the chronometer to see that it was nearlytime.  B'Elanna sat down next to him in the co-pilot's seat as hecontacted the Captain to let her know they were ready.Janeway smiled at them, "Good luck you two.  We'll meet you in seventy twohours.  Tom, you have the coordinates of the rendezvous point?"He nodded, glancing at B'Elanna, then back at the screen,  "We're ready,Captain."She nodded and the screen went black.  The shuttlebay doors opened, andmoments later they lifted off and were on their way.  They made their waysmoothly away from the ship and on their way toward the asteroid field.Tom was very quiet as he consulted with the computer as to the best routeto take, so B'Elanna took the time to take a hopeful look at her list ofdesirable metals: duranium, tritanium, and beryllium were her top choices,and a fresh supply of dilithium would be nice too.  Her good mood quicklyevaporated as she thought of all they needed in order to properly fix theship, knowing it was unlikely they would find even a portion of it.She sighed sadly and Tom looked up at her.  "What's wrong?"She smiled wryly, "Nothing... it's just that we need so many things tokeep Voyager running, and I'm beginning to wonder if that's even possibleanymore."He nodded, "I've noticed that things seem to be breaking down much morefrequently than before."  Noting her defensive look he quickly added, "Notthat it's any of your fault.  Heck, we wouldn't have made it this farwithout you, and I'm sure everyone on board knows that too."She slapped the PADD down, "I sometimes wonder.  I swear, sometimes I getso frustrated.  My Engineering team wasn't trained for this.  I'm used totaking nothing and making something out of it.  That's part of what you doin the Maquis, but they aren't used to it.  They're learning, but nomatter how hard I try it's just not something you can just easily teachsomeone."He nodded, "I think I understand.  It's kind of like piloting."  Seeingher unbelieving look he smiled, "Bear with me, I think you'll see what Imean.  With piloting, you can teach someone *how* to fly, but it's theactual time you spend flying, developing your own skills and style thatmake *you* different, unique from other pilots.  That's something that youjust can't teach, it has to be learned on your own."She nodded, "I never thought of it that way, but you're right.  We have alot in common, don't we?"He nodded, "Yeah, we do.  Do you remember when we were captured by theVidiians?  You told me a bit about your childhood, growing up, and yourrelationship with your parents."  She nodded and he continued, "You know Ididn't get along with my dad, but I don't think you know why.  My fatherwas a veryÉ harshÉ man.  He expected the best, no, make that theimpossible, from everyone.  He was an Admiral, and his son had to rememberthat at all times."He sighed a little sadly, "Like I could ever forget.  When I was a kid Idid my best to live up to his standards, to make him proud of me.  Itnever worked, I was just never good enough.  My mom died when I wassixteen, after that I gave up even trying."  He gave a short laugh,"That's when life started to get *really* interesting.  I made it throughthe academy, just barely.  I was in one scrape after another, my onlysaving grace was that I excelled at flying.  The funny thing is, it hadnothingÉ yet everythingÉ to do with him.  When I was up there... allalone... flying over everyone and everything, I felt free, released fromhis hold on me.  Then I'd land and it would start all over again."  Helooked at her, then back at the stars, "After Caldik Prime he disowned me. As far as he's concerned I don't exist anymore."She crossed her arms, unconsciously feeling defensive for him, "With mymom it was the other way around.  She didn't get upset at me for notliving up to her standards...she just ignored me.  Sometimes I think shehated me.  I was a constant reminder of my father.  I wasn't Human, Iwasn't Klingon... I was a half-breed, not good enough to be either one.  Ileft as soon as I could."  She gave a short laugh, "Things are often notwhat they appear to be are they?"   He nodded and she continued, "Look atyou.  You're good looking, charming, talented.  But you don't feel thatway on the inside do you?"He was about to nod, but changed his mind.  "For the longest time I didn'tfeel good enough, worthy enough of anyone.  There are times, okay a lot oftimes, that I still do feel that way, but being on Voyager has changed alot of that.  Having someone believe in me."  He paused, "It's addictive,y'know?  The more trust the Captain placed in me, the more I wanted toearn that trust."She nodded,  "I know exactly how you feel.  When we all came together,StarFleet and Maquis, I didn't know where I stood.  With Chakotay, Ialways knew, but with her?  I didn't have a clue.  When it came down to meand Carey for Chief Engineer, I knew she would choose him; he wasStarFleet.  She surprised me, and chose me instead.  I know Chakotayhelped, but she had to make that final leap of faith, trusting a StarFleetdropout, a member of the Maquis to be responsible for her ship.  Icouldn't understand why, but she decided to trust me, and I had to live upto that trust."He nodded, "There's one more way in which we're alike.  You too, arebeautiful and talented.  But people made you feel otherwise didn't they?"She shook her head no, "I admit I'm good when it comes to Engineering, butbeautiful?  I will never be that."  She looked back down at the PADD,embarrassed.  She knew she might be considered exotic, maybe even sexy...but beautiful?He reached over and tilted her chin up to make her look at him, "Youalready are.  You know how I call you Bella sometimes?"  She nodded and hecontinued, "It's an old word from earth, back when they had many differentlanguages.  It translates into Standard as beauty, or beautiful... and youare."  Brown eyes searched blue, trying to discover the truth of hiswords.******Tom and B'Elanna had been traveling in silence for quite a while whensuddenly the shuttle rocked.  They each looked at their monitors to seewhat had hit the ship.  "We're entering the asteroid field.  It's going tobe pretty bumpy for a while."  Tom informed her.She bit her lip, but continued to work on the computer, monitoring shieldstrength and engine capabilities while Tom's fingers flew smoothly overthe controls, making an adjustment here and there to their course.  Shelooked up at the screen and had to catch her breath as they flew in andaround the huge chunks of rock flying past them.They continued this for quite a while.  Tom weaving the seemingly tinyshuttle around the huge asteroids, coming breathtakingly close at times.B'Elanna fought to maintain her composure, she didn't know how he was ableto do this.  She looked at Tom, his eyes were on the screen, not evenlooking at his hands which flew with amazing speed and grace across thecontrols.  It was almost like his hands were an extension of the controlpad, like the two were one.  It was an amazing thing to behold, andB'Elanna was filled with awe at his skill.  She knew he was a good pilot,but because they were rarely on the bridge together, watching him likethis was a rare thing for her.She finally pulled her eyes away from him and looked at the sensorreadouts.  "Tom, that large one over there to the left.  It's got heavyconcentrations of duranium!  See if you can find somewhere to land on thatthing."  Her voice was filled with excitement, one of her top choices inmetals seemed to be in abundance on this meteor.He smiled and nodded, glancing down at the navigational readoutmomentarily.  "Here we go.  A nice flat area to set the shuttle down on.It's not the best possible place to set down, but it will have to do.  Andwhen we engage the locking clamps, we'll be fine."She stood up as he got into position to land.  "I'm going to change intothe environmental suit.  Be right back."  She scooted to the back, quicklychanging into the heavy, but necessary suit.They landed with a quiet thud moments later and she joined Tom up at thecockpit.  "You better go change as well.  As soon as we open the door, thecabin will depressurize."  He nodded and made his way to the back tochange.  A few minutes later he joined her, and they made their way to thecabin door.  With quick, yet quiet movements the door was opened and theystepped outside.  Their heavy, weighted boots helped them to maintaintheir foothold on this barren, flying rock in space.Tom glanced up at the stars, feeling insignificant against such a massivebackdrop.  He watched as two smaller asteroids collided, sending evensmaller chunks of rock flying in opposite directions.  He felt like hecould've watched this scene all day, but he knew they had work to do.With a small shake of his head he looked back down and saw that B'Elannawas already several feet ahead of him.  He shook his head again, this timein amusement.  If he was 'always the Pilot', then B'Elanna was equally'always the Engineer'.  He chuckled inside himself as he tried to catch upto her.B'Elanna walked briskly forward, well as briskly as the heavy suit wouldallow, constantly scanning with her tricorder.  There were metalsscattered all around them, but there was a really large concentration justahead of them.Within a few minutes Tom had caught up to her as she reached a cave.  'Inhere?' he motioned.  She nodded and they entered the cave together.  Theywalked along for a while until the cave branched off into two separatepassageways.  She consulted her tricorder again and struck off to theleft.Tom paused to glance down the other way, but quickly joined her as theymade their way down the left passage.  Suddenly everything shudderedaround them.  B'Elanna looked up at him and he moved his hands together tosimulate two asteroids hitting each other.  She nodded and they continuedonward.B'Elanna kept scanning with her tricorder, but couldn't seem to findanything.  She growled in frustration and Tom looked at her in concern.They didn't have a lot of oxygen to waste.  She made some adjustments toher tricorder and it started to flash insistently.  She smiled, andmotioned Tom to follow her.  They walked on for a bit longer when theycame across what appeared to be a large metal door.  Tom and B'Elannalooked at each other in surprise, turning wary eyes back to the door.While B'Elanna scanned the door, Tom felt along it trying to find a way toopen it.  He noticed one spot was a darker color and pressed down on thatspot.  The door swung open, and they stepped inside.  It was a dark room,but the walls were amazingly smooth and straight.  B'Elanna scanned them,they were made up of duranium.  That would explain the heavy concentrationof duranium she had noticed on her scan.They walked further into the room, phasers drawn.  Suddenly light filledthe room and they were surrounded by beings unlike any they had ever seenbefore.  They floated freely, seemingly translucent but emanating theirown light. Tom looked at the aliens with wonderment and fear, then,gathering his courage, he stepped forward.***Janeway smiled warmly at the screen, "Prime Minister Q'Rella, I appreciatethe offer, but we really have to get back to meet our shuttle."  Sheturned from the screen and strode to her chair, sitting down and smilingagain at the D'Tlaaran leader of this outpost.She smiled, "If there is anything we can ever do for you Captain, do nothesitate to contact me. Q'Rella out."She smiled to herself, D'Tlaarans were such a... friendlyÉ race.  Turningto the ensign at the Conn, "Ensign Fitzpatrick, set coordinates for therendezvous point, warp five.  Chakotay, join me in my Ready Room, Tuvokyou have the bridge."Tuvok nodded and silently took her seat as the Captain and Commanderdisappeared into the Ready Room.Janeway turned to Chakotay, "Neelix tells me that Jalix informed him of anM-Class planet ahead.  He said that it's protected by some kind ofmagnetic forcefield though.  When we get there we'll have to see if we canfind a way to break through that so we can send down some shuttles togather food."He nodded, "I'm sure the crew would appreciate some fresh fruit andvegetables.  Since we've had to shorten the amount of replicator rations,it's probably been a while since anyone's had some.  If the planet issuitable, maybe we could schedule some shoreleave as well.  I know Iwouldn't mind getting out and stretching my legs on solid ground for achange."She chuckled, "Getting a bit stir crazy?"   At his grin and nod shecontinued, "I know the feeling.  I wouldn't mind some myself.  Go aheadand plan a schedule.  If it works out then we'll use your schedule toarrange shoreleave for the crew."He nodded and exited her Ready Room.******Tom and B'Elanna made the rest of the trip in silence, each lost in his orher own thoughts.  They rejoined Voyager sooner than they thought theywould, as they had spent such a short time in the asteroid field.  Afterdocking, they made their way to the turbolift and entered.  He glanced ather and saw her biting her lower lip, he smiled, she always did that whenshe was nervous about something.  He reached for her hand and squeezed itgently.  She looked at him in surprise, "It'll be okay, B'Elanna, whateverhappens."She nodded, "I know, but I hate being the bearer of bad news, and that'sall I seem to bring to her lately."  She paused, "Thanks, though."He smiled, "Anytime."The lift soon brought them to the Bridge and they exited quickly andquietly.  The Captain stood up and walked toward her ready room, "Tom,B'Elanna, Chakotay, Tuvok, in my ready room.  Harry, you have the Bridge." He nodded and slipped into her chair as the four of them exited theBridge.Janeway sat at her desk and Chakotay sat on the couch.  B'Elanna and Tomstood at attention.  "At ease, Lieutenants.  Have a seat, we may as wellbe comfortable."They nodded and sat at the two chairs in front of her desk.  Janewayglanced from one face to another, seeing... something she couldn't quiteput her finger on.   Apprehension was evident, but there was somethingelse there as well, almost... excitement.Tom cleared his throat and began his tale with B'Elanna filling in now andthen, adding something he'd forgotten.  When it came to the tale of thealiens, they seemed to consult without words, glancing at each other asthey were trying to put into words what they had only felt in their minds.Finally the whole story was finished and Janeway sat back, a thoughtfullook on her face.  "Tell me again what the alien said for you to tell me."B'Elanna cleared her throat, "He said to tell you that we are going home."Janeway stood up and paced the room, finally stopping in front of thecouch to look at Chakotay.  "Could they possibly know?"He shrugged his shoulders, "This quadrant is full of many strange andwonderful things, I wouldn't be surprised if they did."Tuvok cleared his throat, "Captain, I would recommend caution.  Are we toassume that these aliens are simply giving us this planet?"She nodded, "Good point."  She leaned back in her chair, dismissing them.Had they truly found their home?  She'd promised the crew that she wouldget them home, but maybe that home wasn't in the Alpha Quadrant anymore?Could the aliens Tom and B'Elanna met really know that?  Could they betrusted?  Chakotay was right about this quadrant being full of strange andwonderful things.She sighed and leaned back in her chair.  It seemed they would know moreshortly.  Although she refused to admit it aloud, she had a feeling thatlife on Voyager was going to be changing quite a bit, and it was up to herto be their leader yet again.  This time not leading them home to theAlpha Quadrant, but possibly to a home here in the Delta Quadrant."Captain, we're coming up on the planet now."  Chakotay's voice brokethrough her musings and she pulled herself and her thoughts together.Exiting her Ready Room she strode to the command chair and took her place."On screen."Immediately the screen came to life and there was a collective gasp.Janeway stood up and approached the viewscreen, hardly believing her eyes. There, in the middle of the screen hung a blue and white marbled planet.Tears welled up and she tried to hold them in.  As she was clearing herthroat, she heard Harry whisper a single word..."Earth."***Janeway turned around, her soft blue eyes sparkling with unshed tears."No Harry, not Earth, but she sure is beautiful isn't she?"  He nodded,embarrassed that he had blurted it aloud.  Janeway smiled at him warmly,letting him know that she understood how he felt.Turning to the Commander, she ordered him to prepare for Blue Alert.  Theexcitement on the bridge mounted as they realized they were going to landVoyager on the surface.  Turning back to Harry, she asked him to scan thesurface for a good spot to land.He grinned, "Yes, Ma'am!"She shook her head in amusement, she'd tried to break him of the habit,but had yet to succeed.  "At ease, Ensign.  It's not crunch time yet."He smiled, then turned back to his monitor.  "Captain, I believe thelargest continent would be good, it's fairly flat and it would be easy toland there."She nodded, "Give the coordinates to Tom."Chakotay turned from the monitor he'd been conferring with to face her,"We're ready.  All nonessential personnel have been confined to quarterswhile we land."She nodded, "Take us in, Mister Paris."His fingers flew across the Conn, making minute adjustments to theirtrajectory as they entered the atmosphere with amazing ease.  Theforcefield that they'd detected just suddenly seemed to disappear, as ifit hadn't been there at all.Janeway caught her breath as they approached the surface.  It alwaysamazed her that such a large ship could land with such ease and grace, yetthey'd done it a few times now.  From beside her she heard the Commandersay quietly that he'd engaged the landing struts and were ready to land."All right Tom, set us down nice... and... easy."He nodded once, and slowly and gently brought the ship closer to thesurface.  With a final thud, they landed and everyone sighed in relief.It was a marvelous thing that they could land, but it was not without itsdangers as well.Janeway turned once more to the Commander, "I want all senior members ofthe bridge crew in the conference room.  We have a lot to discuss."He nodded and quickly arranged for replacements.  Tom waited untilB'Elanna had arrived from Engineering, then he followed her to theconference room.Harry watched Tom and B'Elanna enter last.  They sat down, and althoughthey weren't saying a word, their eyes were speaking a mile a minute.  Heknew something was up, but dared not ask what just yet.  He turned hisattention to the Captain, hoping that she would clarify exactly what wasgoing on.Janeway cleared her throat and the room instantly quieted.  Five pairs ofeyes turned to her and waited for her to begin.  They didn't have to waitlong, "We are at a crossroads, ladies and gentlemen.  This is the timewhere we have a decision to make, a very important one."Looking around the table she saw them nodding, all except Harry who lookedtotally confused.  She smiled at him, "I'm sorry, Harry, you are the onlyone here who hasn't heard of Tom and B'Elanna's recent encounter, and thedecision we now face."Turning her glance to Tom and B'Elanna, "Tom, B'Elanna, why don't you tellus again what happened when you went to the asteroid field."Tom nodded, "Yes, Captain." He glanced at B'Elanna and she nodded.  Onceagain they told their story---  how they went to the asteroid field toobtain metals, and instead met an alien culture who had a very interestingproposition for them.  By the end of the story, Harry's jaw had nearlydropped to the table, and he had to force himself to keep his mouthclosed.Janeway looked over her bridge officers, knowing that they all nowrealized what that decision was, and hoping they realized just how hardthat decision was going to be.  "I will be making my final decisiontomorrow."  Turning to Chakotay she continued, "Right now I would like torelease all nonessential crew to get out and explore a bit.  Make sure wehave a skeleton crew for the necessary departments, but until 0800 hourstomorrow, everyone else is released from their duties."  Chakotay noddedand she brought her gaze back to the rest of the room, "Make sure the crewstays in groups of at least two.  So far, sensors indicate that thisplanet is entirely hospitable, but until we have thoroughly establishedthat, I don't want to take any chances."They nodded and she smiled at them all, "Then you're all dismissed."******Chakotay had the distinct feeling that he was being watched.  Looking upfrom his PADD he saw Paris, Torres, and Kim's eyes all fixed on him.  Hesmiled, "You heard her, you're released."  Their faces wore equally largegrins as they hopped out of their chairs.  B'Elanna and Harry were halfwayto the door when Tom, his eyes filled with devilish mischief exclaimed,"Yes, sir!" with an old fashioned salute, then quickly hightailed it outof the room behind them.Chakotay shook his head, not even trying to hide the grin on his face.  Hemight not have always gotten along with the hotshot young pilot, butcouldn't deny that Tom had brought more than one smile to his face in thepast few years.  A quiet chuckle beside him had him glancing at hisCaptain.  He raised his eyebrows and she shook her head.  "I swearChakotay, I sometimes feel like we're the parents of an extremely largefamily."He nodded, "You know what?  I wouldn't have it any other way.  It'sstrange...my life before Voyager and my life now.  I can't imagine evergoing back to that now.  Voyager has become my home, and where I belong isright here."  He'd placed his hands on the tabletop, emphasizing hiswords.He didn't have to say it, she knew he meant at her side.  She smiledwarmly at him, "The last few years have certainly been something haven'tthey?"  She glanced away from him to the windows flanking the right sideof the room .  Her gaze was met by blue sky and puffy white cloudsfloating by.  At the bottom of the window she could see the tops of trees,their branches and leaves fluttering in the occasional breeze.  "Are wereally home, Chakotay?  Is this where it ends?"Chakotay looked at her for a few seconds, then, seeming to make up hismind, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, bringing hergaze back to him.  "Who said anything about it being an end?  True, onephase of our journey has ended, but the next phase begins now.  I'm ratherexcited about it to tell you the truth."He leaned in closer, his eyes lit by that excitement.  "Kathryn, look atus, at Voyager.  Just as our crew is no longer Federation and Maquis, butVoyager's crew...*our* crew, this planet can become *our* home.  NotEarth, not Vulcan, not any of the planets that our crew is originallyfrom, but *our* planet, *our* home."By the time he finished, she had tears in her eyes for the second timethat day.  "Thank you, all I was seeing was the fact that I had failed,that all my promises were being broken.  You have such a way of seeingthings, you see beyond the here and now to what might be.  No wonderyou're the best First Officer I've ever had the pleasure to work with."She stood up and walked over to the windows, her arms crossed in front ofher.  He watched her for a moment, then stood up and joined her.  Hepaused for a moment behind her, then gently placed his hands on hershoulders.  To his surprise she relaxed into him, allowing him to holdher.She turned her head slightly to look at him, "It is beautiful isn't it?"she asked, indicating the view outside.His eyes never leaving her face he answered, "Yes... it is."  To her ownsurprise she felt a blush stealing up her neck to bloom on her cheeks.Her eyes reflected her confusion, she wasn't ready to ask him what hemeant, she turned back to the view.  They stood that way for a while, eachdrawing upon the other's strength, knowing that the decision to stay hadalready been made for them before they had even landed.******Tom, Harry and B'Elanna had taken off in the direction of a nearby forest. The trees were huge, and Harry was convinced they were hundreds of yearsold.  Along the way they collected samples of berries and other fruits andnuts they encountered.  They would take them back to the ship to have themanalyzed later.Harry was scanning ahead on his tricorder, when Tom called to him."Harry, we've been walking for hours.  I need a break."B'Elanna looked at Harry, then at Tom.  "Harry, I'll stay with Tom.  Ifyou want to keep going, go ahead.  Just don't get too far ahead of usokay?"Harry grinned, "Sure B'Elanna.  I'll be back soon."Tom sighed, "Thanks, let's find someplace comfortable to sit down for awhile."  She nodded and they wandered off to the left."Tom, do you hear water?""I thought I did, but I wasn't sure.  Come on, let's check it out."  Tomflipped open his tricorder, and a few moments later they came upon a smallstream."This is wonderful!  Have you ever seen such a beautiful spot?"  B'Elannawalked forward, enchanted.  There was soft green moss everywhere, andthere were large, flat rocks all around.  She sat down on one of the rocksand leaned forward to pluck a flower from the small bunch that weresnuggled against the rock.  She brought it to her nose, inhaling its sweetscent and closing her eyes in appreciation.Tom watched her in silence.  It was so rare to catch her like this, whereshe was open and unguarded.  He glanced across the stream to the otherside where there was a clearing.  Just then the clouds that had beenoverhead passed by and a stream of pure golden sunlight shone down uponthe area.  He looked back at her, then at the clearing and a vision of asmall house filled with laughter and love, with him and B'Elanna came tohim.He was so caught up in what he was seeing that he didn't hear herapproach.  "Tom, what is it?"He swallowed over the lump that had risen in his throat and blinked hard,clearing the picture from his mind.  He looked at her and smiled tenderly,"Ask me again sometime."She frowned at him, knowing that something was on his mind.  Deciding hewould tell her in time she shrugged.  "Well, come on then.  These rocksare perfect."  She turned and walked back to the rocks and sat down.  Sheclosed her eyes, soaking in the warmth of the sun and the silence of thearea.  She loved her job, working in Engineering, but sometimes she justwanted to get away to somewhere quiet.  This was the most perfect spotshe'd ever encountered to just...rest.He watched her go, then followed her over and sat down.  He picked up theflower she had dropped and twirled it between his fingers, watching itspin this way and that.  Should he tell her?  He was deeply in love withher, and wanted nothing more than for her to marry him and be with himforever.For a long time before "The Pon Farr Incident" as he called it, he'd beenmildly pursuing her.  He knew that beneath that sometimes gruff exterior asurprisingly soft heart was beating.  She'd deny it to her last breath,but he'd seen evidence of it often enough to know it was there.  He wasfascinated by her duality;  the Klingon B'Elanna and the Human B'Elannaalways fighting for control of who she was.  It was something he'd beentrying to tell her for a long time, that the combination of her two halvesmade her more interesting than either one of them would be alone.Despite Harry's misgivings, this was a forever kind of thing for him.  Thethought of settling down forever with just one person used to terrify him. 'Why settle for one, when there's a galaxy of girls out there?' had beenhis motto.  Now... well, now he could see himself getting married,settling down, living in a house with a wife and kids...and being trulyhappy living that way, especially if it was with the woman sitting mereinches from him right now.He looked at her again, for someone so strong, so seemingly self assured,she didn't have a lot of faith in herself sometimes.   He decided thathe'd have to find a way to ask her without scaring her off.  Then it cameto him.  He'd take the basic Sandrine's program, which hadn't been used ina while, and modify it.  He'd make it a private dinner for two.  Then he'dtalk to her, quietly yet sincerely letting her know what was in his heart. He hoped it would work.  It had to, he couldn't imagine being with anyoneelse now."Have you thought about how living here is going to change our lives?"Her voice broke through his thoughts and he looked at her.  Her eyesopened slowly.  "I've been sitting here with my eyes closed, trying toimagine us settling here.  It's going to be harder on some than others.What about you, Tom?  Aren't you going to miss flying?"He nodded, "I will, but I figure that we'll be too busy at first for me tonotice.  Once we get things settled a bit, I'm going to ask the Captainabout the possibility of setting up a flight school.  We're going to needthe shuttles for short trips, and we'll need pilots for them.  Andeventually we're going to want to make trips off planet, if only to openup trade relations with our neighbors."She looked at him, "You've really given this some thought, haven't you?"He chuckled at her amazement, "Actually, I've been thinking about it offand on since we left the meteor."She nodded, she had noticed that they had both been very quiet on theirreturn trip.  Each of them had been lost in their own thoughts of what wasto come.  Silence reigned once again as they returned once more to theirthoughts of what was to come, only now it was pretty much decided as towhere the future of the crew of Voyager was going to be."Tom, B'Elanna, look at this!"  Harry's excited voice broke the spell ofsilence that had wrapped itself around them.  They jumped up as Harry camethrough the trees, his face flushed and excited."What is it Harry?"  B'Elanna moved toward him, and Tom followed rightbehind."You guys have got to see this... I found a river!"  He started off in thedirection he had come from, "C'mon you two!"The two looked at each other and smiled, Harry's enthusiasm wasinfectious.  They followed him through the trees and back onto the path.He was several feet ahead already, so they broke into a run to catch up.They came through the dark forest into a sun-filled scene of gentlyundulating tall green grass that gently sloped downward.  Their mouthsopened in surprised delight and their eyes widened.  At the bottom of thegently undulating grass was a wide river that was so blue it nearly hurttheir eyes to look at it.  They grinned at each other and quickly ran therest of the way down to join Harry."Guys, this is wonderful!  We have a nearby water source, and I wasthinking... we could use this river to provide energy."  Harry's voice hadan excited edge to it that was infectious.B'Elanna's eyes widened, "Of course... a dam!  We could build a dam anduse it to catch the energy of the flowing water.  Voyager's got a lot ofpower, but we can't expect to live off of her forever.  We're going tohave to find ways to do things on our own."Tom looked back at the forest they had just come through, "Looks like wehave plenty of wood to build with too.  How are we going to cut it forlumber though?"Harry and B'Elanna looked at each other, their minds whirling withpossibilities.  "The phasers?" Harry asked.She nodded, "The handheld ones are okay for cutting small things, but wecould use the ship's phasers to cut large pieces.  I'd have to modify itof course, but I'm sure it would work."Tom looked at the two of them, they were already planning new machines intheir heads, he could see it.  He smiled and shook his head, it was alwayslike that with these two.  "Well, come on then."Harry looked up at him, puzzled.  "Come on where?"His grin widened, "If you two are going to be designing new machines,shouldn't you be back on the ship?"Harry grinned back, blushing a little. "Yeah, I guess so."The trio made their way back through the forest to the ship.  When theygot there they took the main turbolift to Engineering.  As Harry andB'Elanna exited, Tom hung back.B'Elanna turned around and looked at him quizzically.  He smiled, "I'vegot something to do in my quarters.  Why don't you two go ahead and get towork.  I'm sure I would just be in the way anyway."She frowned, looked back at Harry, then back to Tom.  She *did* have a lotof ideas that she wanted to work with Harry on, but she didn't want Tom tofeel left out either.  "I'm sure you wouldn't be in the way, Tom, whydon't you come with us?"He smiled at her warmly, her soft heart was showing again.  "It's okay,Bella, I really do have something to do."  He dipped his head and gave hera quick kiss.  "I'll see you later... and that's a promise."She smiled, "All right then."  She still looked a little unsure, butdecided to let him go anyway.  She turned and joined Harry further downthe hallway.  He'd gone ahead a bit to give them a little privacy.Tom watched them as they made their way to Engineering, discussing thisidea and that.  He smiled at them and let them go.  He wanted to get tohis quarters and consult the computer.  He had a little research of hisown to do, it didn't affect the whole ship, but one very important memberof her crew.******Tom walked into Engineering, the computer had told him that she was inhere.  Now it was just a matter of locating her.  He spotted her in heroffice, consulting the computer.  He walked over and leaned against thedoorway.She looked up as he came in, "Hi, Tom, what can I do for you?"He smiled, "Actually it's what I can do for you."She had looked back at her monitor, but her eyes snapped up to his.  "Oh,what's that?"  Wry amusement was evident in her tone and voice.  He'd donethis more than once during the last year or so."Have you had dinner yet?"  He knew she hadn't, but it never hurt to ask.She smiled, knowing where this was headed.  "No, I haven't had the time.Harry and I have been working on designs all afternoon for a type ofwoodcutter."He walked in a bit further, "Then I say it's high time you took a break toget something to eat.  And I'm not taking no for an answer.  Besides, youcan't think clearly if you don't have any fuel in you, can you?"She shook her head and threw up her hands in mock surrender.  "Okay, Igive.  The mess?"He shook his head, "Nope, I've got Holodeck One reserved and a realreplicated dinner awaiting us."Her eyes widened, "Well, with a deal like that, how can I resist?"He grinned, "Just what I was hoping you'd say.  Come on, let's go."She smiled and followed him out of Engineering.  She told him about thedifferent ideas she and Harry had come up with that afternoon.  He smiledand laughed at some of their more outrageous ideas.  Within a few minutesthey'd arrived at the Holodeck.  Tom walked to the computer terminal,"Computer, run Paris Program 12, Sandrine's 2"She raised her eyebrows, "There's a different version of Sandrine's?"He smiled, "I programmed it this afternoon in fact.  I hope you like it."The computer informed them that they could enter.  Tom followed her in,and immediately engaged the privacy lock.  Sandrines had been such apopular program that if he didn't put the lock on, anyone could and mostlikely would, walk right in.  He stood at the entrance, watching herreaction to the changes.She looked around, taking in the different setting.  The bar was stillthere, and the old fashioned piano was still in the back, but in themiddle of the room where the pool table usually resided was a table setfor two.   She looked around some more, something was missing.  Then ithit her, Gaunt Gary, and Ricki were gone.  Those two had always gotten onher nerves.Tom noticed her glance in his direction and smiled.  He indicated thetable, "Shall we?"She smiled and followed him to the table.  Moments after they sat down, awaiter appeared to take their order.  She raised her eyebrows at Tom andhe smiled, "I set it up so that whatever you tell the waiter to bring youwill be like ordering from a replicator."She looked at the waiter, then back at Tom.  "Very impressiveprogramming."He shrugged, "It's always been a hobby of mine."They ordered their dinners and sat back, talking about their currentsituation.   B'Elanna stabbed a bite of her pre-dinner salad.  "I wonderhow the Captain's taking this whole thing?"Tom frowned, his fork paused over his plate.  "I think she'll be okay.She's probably feeling guilty right now, if I know her ,but one good thingabout this is that she's got Chakotay to help.   You know, I may not havealways gotten along with the Commander very well, but I've always hadrespect for him.  It's just hard to show it sometimes."She shrugged, "I've never had a problem with that."He chuckled, "That's because he sees you as his younger sister.  To tellyou the truth, I've always been a little jealous of his relationship withyou; it's so close."B'Elanna's communicator interrupted what she was about to say. "Kim toTorres.  B'Elanna, can I see you for a minute?"She looked at Tom and he smiled, "Go ahead, I want to get something fromthe bar anyway."She smiled, relieved.  "Thanks, Tom.  I'll be right back."  She hopped upand quickly exited the Holodeck.Tom looked around, the Holodeck looked so empty without her in it.  He gotup and went to the bar, pouring himself a glass of synthale, then hewalked to the back and sat down at the piano.  He ran his fingers up anddown it, listening to the notes.  He played a little song he'd learnedwhen he was a kid, then he started to play a slow song.Clearing his throat he began to sing some of the lines he knew until hehit the right notes.  He was so into it that he hadn't heard the Holodeckdoors opening again.  Satisfied that he had the notes down, he began  toplay.  He started out quietly at first, then his pure tenor voiceincreased with volume and passion as he began to sing:The very first time that I saw your brown eyes, your lips said "hello" andI said "hi".I knew right then you were the one.But I was caught up in physical attraction.But to my satisfaction, you were more than just a friend.And if I ever fall in love again, I will be sure that the lady is afriend.And if I ever fall in love so true, I will be sure that the lady's justlike you.If I say that I can be your one and only, promise, promise, promise thatyou'll never leave me lonely.I just want to be the one you need.I just want to be the one to serve you, sometimes I feel as if  I don'tdeserve you.I cherish every moment that we share.And if I ever fall in love again, I will be sure that the lady is a friendAnd if I ever fall in love so true, I will be sure that the lady's justlike you.B'Elanna hadn't made her prescence known, she had walked in just as thesong had started.  By the end of it she had tears in her eyes.  She walkedto Tom and laid a hand on his shoulder.  "Tom, that was beautiful.  Ididn't know you could sing, or play for that matter."He shrugged, "I don't really.  I just pick out the notes by ear until theysound right."  He paused, not sure how she would react.  "B'Elanna, haveyou ever thought about settling down, getting married, having a family.That kind of thing?"She widened her eyes, surprised by the question.  It was something she*had* been thinking a lot about lately.  She looked into his eyes, gauginghow serious he was.  She saw only honest curiosity, and somethingelse...something undefinable there.  She decided to answer him honestly,"Would it surprise you to know I have?"He looked at her for a moment, then nodded slowly, "A little bit.  Ourlives are certainly nothing like they were before are they?  I know that afew years ago I couldn't imagine wanting to find one person to settle downwith forever, but now... and especially in light of our current situation, I find myself thinking about it more and more."B'Elanna bit her lip, wanting to ask him who it was that he was thinkingof settling down with, hoping he meant her, but afraid of what the answerwould be.  Deciding to go for it she asked quietly, "Anyone I know?"Tom swallowed, but took her hand in his.  "Someone you know very well."Deciding to go all the way he continued, "Someone you look at in themirror every day in fact.""Tom?"  His name was a question on her lips.  He nodded slowly, trying totell her with his eyes what his heart was feeling.B'Elanna shivered, suddenly cold.  Every time she had loved someone, theyleft her.  Could she trust him to stay?  He wasn't the galactic Romeo he'dtried to make everyone believe he was, but still...  She looked himstraight in the eye, "Why?""Why do I love you?"  He saw her nod and paused. "I swore that if I everfell in love again, it would be with someone I truly loved and respectedas a friend first."  He paused, weighing his next words carefully, "Youwanted to know why I love you?"She nodded, and he continued,  "It's hard to put into words, but I'lltry."  He looked deeply into her eyes and began, "You're unlike anyoneI've ever known before.  You do things that I wish I had the bravery todo.  If you don't agree with someone, you let them know that, and why.You're the best friend anyone could ever hope to have.  You're loyal,intelligent, and you have the most wicked sense of humor I've ever seenbesides my own.  And you're just as beautiful on the outside."  She lookedclosely at his face, wanting... no, needing to see the truth in his eyes."I have never met anyone before you whose eyes reminded me of the deepest,darkest, mysterious night."  His fingertip traced her brow and down hercheek.  "Or whose lips reminded me of the deepest, reddest roses."  Hisindex finger ran lightly across her lower lip, which now trembled.  "Andyour ridges..."She closed her eyes, embarrassed.  For a few moments she had forgottenabout them.  Her eyes flew open as she felt his finger run along eachridge, then down to the next one, then down to the next.  His eyes were onher forehead as he did this, then they dropped to look into her eyes."Your ridges fascinate me, Bella... *you* fascinate me.  Next to you,other women look featureless."Her eyes shone with unshed tears, tears which she swore would *not* fall."Do you really mean that?"He nodded, "I love you, B'Elanna Torres.  Heart, body, and soul."  Helooked at her, waiting.  He'd said what was in his heart, but he wanted toknow what was in hers as well.She swallowed, "I..." the words would not come, her throat was too cloggedwith emotion to talk.  Deciding to show him without words what he meant toher she reached up to wrap her arms around him, pulling him down to her.At first it was just a whisper of a kiss, lips barely touching.  Then itdeepened and grew, their mouths speaking for their minds.  When they brokeapart they were both breathless.  "I love you too.""Marry me?"She nodded and he closed his eyes, pulling her close.  For once in hislife he was completely happy.******The mess hall was a noisy place that night.  Everyone had gatheredtogether to swap stories of what they'd done that day, where they'd gone,and what they'd found.  One group had found a fruit that was quicklydetermined to be edible.  It kind of looked like an orange, only it wasgreen, and it tasted like a combination of peach and apple.  It was a bighit with the crew, who hadn't had any real fruits or vegetables in quite awhile.Harry Kim sat alone at a table in the farthest corner, he was bored... andlonely.  He was happy for his best friends, but he was also findinghimself feeling very left out.  He picked at his dinner half-heartedly,hardly noticing the hideous combination of purple and orange that residedon the plate before him."You look like someone who could use a friend to talk to.  Mind if I joinyou?"  Kes' deep, soothing voice broke through his thoughts and he smiledup at her."Hi Kes.  Sure, have a seat.  I've got to warn you though, I'm notparticularly good company right now."She smiled warmly at him, "That's why I joined you."He smiled at her, cheered already.  She had gotten so pretty lately.  Heparticularly liked her new, longer hairstyle.  He sighed, would he everfind someone now?  He'd known for a while now that even if they didsomehow make it back to the Alpha Quadrant, Libby had probably moved on.He was happy for her, but it left him wondering about himself."Harry, what is it?  What's bothering you?"  She reached across the table,touching his hand lightly.He sighed as he pushed his uneaten food away from him, "I've just beenthinking.  We're all going to be pairing off now.  Tom and B'Elanna havealready started, and it's just a matter of time before the rest of thecrew does as well.  I'm happy for them, don't get me wrong.  I just feelleft behind I guess."  He sighed again, running his hand through his hair. "I guess I'm just feeling a little sorry for myself right now.  I'll getover it though, don't worry."She sat back, watching him.  She wondered if he realized just how handsomehe really was.  "Tell you what, I've got a lot of extra replicator rationssaved up.  How about I treat you to a replicated meal?  You can show mesome of your favorites and we can talk."His eyes widened, "I'd love to, Kes.  Where would you like to go?  Wecould go to my quarters or yours, it's up to you."She smiled, "I don't think I've ever been to your quarters before.  Let'sgo there."He grinned and hopped up, she walked with him as he dropped off his tray.They exited the mess hall and made their way to the turbolift.  Theychatted about this and that during the ride.  He was surprised to discoverthat she had an interest in music as well.  When they got to his quartershe showed her his clarinet.  She told him she'd replicated a harp a whileback and had been practicing now and then on it, but hadn't had any realtraining.He set the steaming dishes down at the table.  "I don't know how to playthe harp, that's a rather difficult instrument, but I could give you somebasic music lessons.  Teach you how to read notes and all that."She smiled at him as she finished her bite.  "I'd love that.  I haven'treally spent much time on it actually.  I'm usually kept pretty busyhelping the Doctor.  Speaking of, I've heard that we're going to stayhere, on the planet, what are we going to do with him?"He frowned, his fork poised over his plate.  "You know, I hadn't thoughtof that yet.  We're going to need him.  We could build a hospital andtransfer his program there.  That way he wouldn't be dependent onVoyager's computer to keep him running.  With the autonomous transmitter,he can pretty much go anywhere."She nodded and smiled.  "Harry, this is delicious.  What's it called?"He smiled, "It's called Lemon Chicken.  My mom used to make it all thetime.  She had a real sweet-tooth, and always made it just a little toosweet, almost candy-like.  My dad didn't particularly like sweet things,but he'd eat it all and compliment her anyway."  He was silent for amoment, remembering."You were very close weren't you?"He sighed, setting his fork down.  "Yeah, we were.  I was their onlychild, and I came late in life for both of them.  I never felt lonelythough, I always had one of them to talk to.  When Mom found out that Iloved music, she was in seventh heaven.  We used to spend hours together.Mom at the piano, me at the clarinet."She smiled, "It was hard for me to leave home too, it was the only link Ihad to my parents, although they'd already died."  She reached across thetable, squeezing his hand.  "I wouldn't trade my time on Voyager foranything though.  You, all of you, have become my family."He squeezed her hand and let it go.  "Kes, why *did* you and Neelix breakup?  I mean, you can tell me to drop it, and I will, but I'd really liketo know."She smiled, "It doesn't bother me, Harry.  When I met Neelix, I thoughtI'd found my hero.  I was infatuated with him, he was the most fascinatingperson I'd ever met.  I was very young though, barely past one.  As I grewup, our lives started to change as we drifted apart in our interests andideals.  I wanted to have a husband and family, he was focusing on his jobhere on Voyager.  I'm four years old, it's nearly time to have a child ifI'm going to, and I'm not getting any younger."He nodded, "I'm sorry it didn't work out."She smiled, "Thanks.  I was too, but one thing that my backwards trip intime taught me was to not waste any time.  I know what I want... what Ineed, and Neelix was unable or unwilling to provide it.  I had to decidewhat was more important.  It hurt, but it was necessary."He smiled a little sadly, and nodded.  They finished their dinner,learning more about the other as they made their way through the selectionof Asian dishes Harry had chosen.  After finishing dinner, they spent therest of the evening talking about the future.  Setting up a classroom fortraining medical students, how they would build the hospital, and a lot ofother wild ideas they thought up.  Some were practical, others weren't,but Harry realized he hadn't had such an enjoyable evening without his twobest friends in a really long time.As the night wore on, they grew more comfortable with each other.  Socomfortable that when Harry took her to her quarters that night "as agentleman always should" he'd said, she thought nothing of it when he'dleaned down to kiss her goodnight.  It had started out as a quickgoodnight kiss between friends, but quickly grew more intense.  Both ofthem wore identical expressions of shocked amazement when they brokeapart.Harry broke the silence first, "Um... well, goodnight then.  I'll see youtomorrow."She looked up at him, "Tomorrow...right.  Goodnight Harry."  She slippedinside her quarters.  As the doors swished shut she found herself standingin the middle of the room, lost in thought.  Finally, shaking off thestrange feeling that had enveloped her, she made her way to the bed.  Shestopped and looked at herself in the mirror.  Her hair was curled aroundher face, which was still flushed.  She brought her fingers to her lips,brushing them with her fingertips.  "Wow."Outside in the hallway, Harry was having the same reaction.  He finallytore his eyes off of her door and made his way down the hallway.  On hisway back to his quarters he passed Tom, who was on his way to his.Tom grinned, "Harry, you're out and about awfully late."Harry smiled, "Hi Tom, yeah.  Well, goodnight."  He kept walking, his mindstill on the incredible kiss he'd just shared with Kes.Tom watched him walk by.  That was one of the shortest conversationsthey'd ever had before.  He hoped Harry was all right.  He'dsounded...funny.  Shrugging, he entered his quarters where he found a notefrom B'Elanna wishing him goodnight.  Thoughts of Harry quickly left as hecrafted a reply.******The next morning, everyone was back on duty, and there was an expectantkind of hush that had settled over the crew.  At 0800 hours CaptainKathryn Janeway addressed the entire ship from her Ready Room."When we were first brought here by the Caretaker, I made a promise thatsomehow I would get you home.   I meant home to the Alpha Quadrant, butlife, it seems, has decided otherwise."She paused, gathering her thoughts, "Voyager is dying, and there is verylittle we can do to stop it.  An alien culture that Lt. Paris and Lt.Torres met have offered us this planet as a place to build a colony.  Theyhave offered us protection, and after all that we have faced during thelast four and a half years, I'm willing to accept it.""I wanted to let all of you know that you have been the best crew I haveever had the pleasure of serving with.  When we first came together... wewere two crews forced to be one.  It seems that once again we need to cometogether, this time not as a crew... but as a family.  It won't be easy,but we will all need to work together to make this planet truly our home.Janeway out."***The End?And that's all she wrote...  well... this is what I've written so far.  Ifthe story is received well, I will be adding more parts, telling whathappens on the planet.  Since they're going to be so busy creating acolony, will  Tom and B'Elanna ever get married? Will Janeway ever letChakotay love her the way he wants to?  Will Harry and Kes get together?There's a lot that can still be explored.  Let me know if you'd like me toexplore it.=/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\= =/\="Be careful what you wish for, Lieutenant." - B'Elanna Torres to Tom Paris in *Bloodfever*