Pinch Me

Pinch Me
By: Chris

Pinch me
I think I’m dreaming
I can’t believe I’ve found someone
understanding and true
I still don’t believe it, until I’m with you
The days seem so much brighter
and nights do too
but it only happens when I’m with you
So wake me up
tell me it’s not real
I must be sleeping
pinch me
cause I still think I’m dreaming

Paramount and Viacom own characters and I own the poem. Any comments?
E-mail me at mack3@ix.netcom.com. Or visit my page at:
https://www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9157/
Chris 🙂

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Private Pain II: B’Elanna’s Regrets

Private Pain II: B’Elanna’s Regrets

I try to be truthful,
I lied to a good friend today,
Said I was fine and nothing was wrong.

I left with hard feelings,
I said we would always be friends,
I thought it would be true,
still, I never meant to hurt you.

There are no excuses for what we did,
No corrections for wrongs,
No apologies for anything,
And above all no regrets.

Paramount owns the character, and I own the poem. Cm97.
Copyright Chris McNeair 97

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Private Pain I: Tom’s Thanks

By: Chris McNeair

Summary: Poem

Private Pain I : Tom’s Thanks

I dreamed of you again
kinda funny come to think of it,
I thought I had forgotten you,
but how can I ?
You are and always will be a part of me.

I’ve always loved your smooth skin,
that creamy tan of yours
( that made you so attractive ).
The way your hair felt
( like silken fabric ),
the way it cascaded down your back
when you let it loose.
Your eyes,
a dark reflection pool.

I can never forget those long walks
around headquarters,
I will never forget kissing your lips,
softly and passionately.
I will always remember how you taught
me to have courage,
never look back on my mistakes,
once it’s in the past it’s gone
( I wish I could still believe that )

Paramount & Viacom own the character.
E-mail me at sherena@geocities.com or visit my website at https://geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9157/
Copyright Chris McNeair Cm97

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Words

I’m sorry I waited so long and wish I could have come up with something
sooner.. It’s a poem,
Paris/Torres
Chris McNeair
Words

How can I find the words
to tell you how I feel
when I can’t even say how much I care about you
when I don’t realize how much you’ve changed my life
when I can’t even describe what you mean to me
how you filled the void in my middle
making me feel whole again

It’s so hard to find the words
when I’m looking into your eyes
I know you understand me
I see that
but I need to tell you
need to speak, but my mouth fails me again
and I am standing before you
wanting to say how I feel
but I just can’t find the words.

Please direct any comments, and creative critizims to:
mack3@ix.netcom.com. Paramount owns the characters and I’m just
borrowing them, the story is mine, copyright Cm97. Thanks Chris 🙂

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Without Love, Parts I – VI

Disclaimer: This is my first solo attempt and P/T and nothing but P/T
fanfic, so please excuse it if it is kinda lame.
You know who owns the story (Me, Chris) and you know who owns the
characters, (Paramount and Viacom)Oh, yeah on a minor note: PG-13 for
lanugage, you can’t express you true feelings with a damn here and
there…..:)

Without Love: First Strike
By Chris McNeair

This was the first huge fight they’ld gotten into. Sure, they had there
squabbles as all couples do, but this was different.
Tom sat in his quarters mulling over the arguement, the more he thought
about it, the sillier it got……

************************************************************************

It was lunch and Tom was glad to get out of the Bridge. The conn was
sluggish, due to the last species they got into an arguement with for
invading their claimed space. He sighed, looking down at his appetizing
lunch. *Does this stuff get uglier looking as the day goes on?*
He spotted B’Elanna sitting at a table, by herself surrounded by PADDs,
trying to work and eat at the same time.
“Hey, ‘Lanna.” he greeted her, sitting down.
She nodded, scooping up some greenish-brown slob of her plate and into
her mouth.
Tom closed his eyes for a moment, not wanting to watch. He caught her
reaction though.
“So, what’s up?” he asked, trying to start a conversation.
“Everything.” she replied, gesturing toward the PADDs in front of her.
*Okay, let’s try it again*, he thought.
” How are repairs in Engineering?”
” Not bad, there’s still considerable damage to the warp core and
impulse engines will probably be working at 2100 hours.”^+
“I thought we had a hoverball game?”
B’Elanna nearly choked on her water.
“Since when do you play hoverball?”
“Since Harry taught me.” he replied.
She shrugged, ” Sorry, gotta finish repairs.”
” You’re in Engineering repairing something, can’t Carey do it?” Paris
whined, not meaning to.
“No, he can’t.”
“B’Elanna…”
“What? I’m not going to be available at your convenience Thomas Eugene
Paris,” he cringed at the mention of his last name and the tone of her
voice, “as a matter of fact, I *need* to be back in Engineering.”
With that B’Elanna left the Mess with all of her stuff.

Don’t you just hate lovers’ quarrels?
well you know my e-mail addy: mack3@ix.netcom.com
SO E-MAIL ME!!!!!!!

Legal stuff: Consider it said and done. Minor note: This is diffently
PG-13, not that I was in a bad mood or anything, just a *unique* mood.
Anyways enjoy comments welcome.

Without Love: Rumors
By: Chris McNeair

Think of me like I think of you,
Gimme a sign to show you care,
Am I so far away in your thoughts, not there?
Forget what you told me that didn’t get said
Is it too much to ask to come down off your cloud,
And with you feet on the ground,
Say something out loud.
**************************************
Donna Lewis Without Love
**************************************

“Heard you and B’Elanna had a fight.” a smug voice said, interrupting
Tom’s thoughts.
He looked up and saw Jenny Delaney.
“We did *not* have a fight, just a disagreement.” he replied.
She snorted, “If it’s anything about time, I have lots of it. I’m
*never* busy.”
*Uh-oh* Paris thought, knowing that tone of voice. As he tried to take
her arm off his shoulder, he spotted B’Elanna walking into Sandrine’s.
*Oh, crud.* he thought, hoping she didn’t see him, but she did and stormed out.
He tore after her.
“‘Lanna, wait I-”
She jerked her arm out of his grip, “You know, I *was* going to apologize
for snapping at you. I *was* going to make it up to you. You’re making
me wish I had knocked you on the floor the first time.”
“It’s not what it looked like-”
” Dammit! Thomas Eugene Paris, what the hell do you expect me to
think?! I walk in there and see you with Jenny Delaney of all people!
Now you tell me what that’s supposed to look like!” she hissed.
“Not good?” he repiled, quietly.
” Why didn’t you tell me? At least you could have let me know you didn’t
what to be with me anymore. You know you really asked from this.”
And with that B’Elanna’s fist made contact with Tom’s jaw. He lay on the
floor stunned, with a pained look on his face, holding his jaw. As
B’Elanna Torres, the only thing that really mattered in his life stormed
off.
*Great, now how am I going to explain this to the Doc?* he thought.

That was the least of his worries……..

It just comes from within.Just one of those days where I decide
to vent my anger throught words….
Comments, Questions,and other such stuff….well, you know the address.
mack3@ix.netcom.com
🙂

Without Love: Wishes part III
By: Chris McNeair

Disclaimer: You know who owns what by now, I’m sure. This is P/T (of
course) and I really would like feedback.

blame it on work,
Buy me some flowers
Empty gestures wile away the hours
Promises, promises
sealed with a kiss,
Please acknowledge it’s me that you miss.
No message received,
excuses believed,
You hurt me so much,
I’ll never recover,
Takes time to discover,
A love like no other….
*****************************
Donna Lewis Without Love
*****************************

B’Elanna had no idea why she felt guilty. It was Tom who was guilty, he
was the one she had trusted, and *he* was the one who had taken her
trust and trashed it. He deserved it. *How could he?* she thought.
Walking down the hallway to her quarters, she recalled the pain and
shock in his sky blue eyes. Maybe he was telling the truth, maybe –
*No he wasn’t! You saw him with her! You saw the way she was all cuddled
up to him!* the little voice agrued back.
She sighed, enough of this. Sitting at her desk, totally abandoning the
PADDs she’d left there earlier, she accessed her personal logs to find
any earlier signs she had maybe missed of him cheating. Leaning back in
her chair and closing her eyes she listened.
“….Harry’s birthday is about a week or so away…”
What?!? Her mind instantly jolted. How could she have forgotten?
B’Elanna just hoped he wasn’t expecting anything fancy….

************************************************************************

Tom walked out of Sickbay briskly, the Doc had reset his jaw and the
ache in his jaw was managable. He was begining to wonder whether or not
the doc bought the line : “I took the Holodeck safties off.” sure, it
was lame, but that was all he could think of at the time.
He was going to mull it over more when he was accompanied by his best
friend.
“Hey! What’s up?”
“Nothing much, I guess,” Harry shrugged, “I was curious what you
planned on getting me for my birthday, but I’d rather be surprised.”
“Your birthday?” Tom asked, squeaking slightly.
Harry looked at his friend as if trying to determine if he was sick or
something.
“Yeah, my birthday. Something like the day after tomorrow.” He said
slowly, making sure his friend would understand.
“What did you want for your birthday?”
“You really wanna know?”
“Yeah,” Tom shrugged. *How bad can it be?* he thought
“I want you and B’Elanna to get back together.”
*Oh, boy*
________________________________________________________________________

and that’s it for part 3!
Part 4 is coming about Mid-April so hold tight!
🙂

Disclaimers as follows: You know who owns the stories and who owns the
rest. One other note, more K/K this time then the last few times, but it
still ends nicely. Yep, the KicKers would love me for this one. 🙂

Without Love IV: No Doubt
By: Chris McNeair

You and me
we used to be together
did everything together always
I really feel like I’m losing
my best friend
and I can’t believe this could be the end
It looks as though you’re letting go
and if it’s real than I don’t want to know…
NO DOUBT – Don’t Speak
______________________________________________

“Where *is* he?” Harry asked in reference to his best friend.
“I’m sure he’ll show up.” Kes replied.
” Yeah, he’ll probably be late for his own funeral.” B’Elanna grumbled
under her breath.
Kes frowned at the comment, but said nothing. Everyone knew what was
going on between Tom and B’Elanna.
*Poor Harry, caught in the middle* she thought.
He had wanted to have the party at Sandrine’s, but changed his mind.
Neelix’s program was used, minus the crews’ creative “additions”.
Still all of Kim’s friends showed up, including Tuvok (not that he would
ever admit having a friend, just a co-worker), which surprised
everyone. Sighing, Kes turned toward the main table where a choclate
chip cake and some presents awaited the young ensign’s attention.
She smiled, remembering how Ensign Wildman came to the Mess to help
create the cake, which was half repilcated.
“I guess he’s not coming.” Kim sighed, turning around starting toward
the table.
Just as he reached for the knife to cut the cake, the holodeck doors
opened and Tom Paris stood there, lopsided grin and all, a small parcel
tucked under his arm.
“The replicators were malfunctioning again.” he explained simply.
Presenting the object the Kim.
” I thought you weren’t coming.” Harry said.
“Me? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Hours after the party was over, Kes and Kim lingered in the Holodeck
together, remains of the party behind them as they sat watching the
tide come in.
There was a ceratin amount of sadness in his expression, Kes thought,
reaching out and squeezing his hand as if to reassure him. He looked at
her and smiled slightly, pulling her close.

E-mail: mack3@ix.netcom.com

Disclaimers above

Without Love V: Never going back
By: Chris

Harry tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. It had been an extremely
uneventful week. He checked the chronometer. It said 1330. Four more
hours until his shift was over and he could get three hours worth of
sleep and join Kes for dinner in the Mess. Four more hours. . . . just
four more hours and he could sleep…-
The ship jolted forward, snapping Kim out of his thoughts.
“Report.” Janeway barked.
“Warp engines off line, shields at 40%.”
“But where-?”
The Captain’s question was cut off as a bright flash of light hit the
view screen, rocking the ship. as if to answer her question, a small
gray oval shaped ship appeared in front of them.
” Didn’t Neelix say there where no ships that had cloaking technology?”
Chakotay asked.
No one answered his question.
” Open a channel.” Janeway ordered.
” Channel open.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thirty minutes had passed since the Captain made her standard greeting,
still there was no response. Kim tried all channels, he assumed that
they had received Janeway’s message. Everything seemed to be on a stand
still. Suddenly a loud screeching noise filled the bridge. Kim quickly
terminated the link.
Silence once again filled the bridge once again and Kim could tell this
was going to be a long day.
The Captain called a senior officer meeting. There seemed to be no end
to bad news; warp engines were down and wouldn’t be completely fixed
until 27 hours from now, shields would take 17 to repair, decks were
left without life support, and worst of all Voyager’s Chief Engineer was
rushed to Sickbay to due extensive plasma burns when a conduit blew.
The damage reports where flooding in and Janeway wondered if she could
keep up with them. Sickbay had their hands full. The Universal
translator abviously didn’t work, so there was no way of telling when
they would attack again *if* they would attack again.
Janeway asked for suggestions, Kim spoke up.
“Project more ships. Like we did to fool the Kazon.”
Janeway looked at Carey,” Do we have enough power?”
“Impulse is all we’ve got for now. There shouldn’t be a problem with the
Holoemitters.”

Without Love VI: Casulities
By: Chris McNeair

“You know this wouldn’t ‘ve happened if you had listened to me!”
” This wouldn’t ‘ve happened if I *had* listened to you!” Carey shouted
back over his shoulder at the young ensign.
The holoemitters had worked perfectly and Voyager was once again away
from danger, two lightyears away from their previous postion.
Unfortunately, impulse engines were no longer functioning, and they were
adrift.
Carey never realized how much Engineering really depended on Torres, she
kept engines running and took care of the Maquis, especially the one at
his back. She had been insisting the whole time that she had predicted
the engines would fail, and had been following him the entire time to
make sure he understood.
“….you know all you Feds are alike, you can’t stand anyone being
better than you.” she continued.
Last straw, the only possible thing that would make him angry was to
cross the line.
Whirling around to face her, he said with *extreme* politeness,” Look,
we’re kind of shorthanded here and I would appreciate it if you helped.”
Her eyes narrowed, but she left him to work at a console near the warp
core.
************************************************************************

Kes was just about to leave Sickbay when Tom walked in, his face ashen.
“Tom! What can I do for you?” she asked
“How’s B’Elanna?”
“Stable. She should be able to threaten everyone in Engineering in a
week or so.”
Tom smiled slightly and nodded, making his way towards her bedside.
Kes smiled warmly back and exited Sickbay’s doors, knowing that she
would get five replicator rations from Kim who said that Tom and
B’Elanna wouldn’t be a couple again. She knew they’d stay together, no
matter what….

Hehehehhe!
e-mail : mack3@ix.netcom.com

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Forever Maquis: Expanations

From mack3@ix.netcom.com Sun Apr 27 17:14:27 1997
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 1997 18:34:14 -0600
From: William McNeair <mack3@ix.netcom.com>
To: Dave Tremel <djtst18+@pitt.edu>
Subject: See Note!!!

Dave-
Here you go, again, have fun! 🙂
-Chris

________________________________________________________________________
Forever Maquis: Explantions
By: Chris McNeair

“Shanna? Sherena? Nat? Mosambe?”
The hostages froze at the mention of their names, turning to face the
tall Indian, who’s eyes where wide in surprise.
*This is not happening, this is not happening, it’s only a dream* she
thought, but looking at him, in his brown eyes, it was hard to believe.
Standing before her was the one person she thought she’ld never *ever*
see again.

Captain Janeway had no idea what was going on, first they were fighting
the Den’oplar, next thing she knew, she was being called to the
Transporter Room. She wanted answers.
“Captain, these people are *Maquis*.” Chakotay whispered.
“Then how-?”
“Spacial time rift?” Torres offered.
” Spacial rift; yes, but not throught time. Warp technology.” one of
the Maquis said, looking directly at Torres.
“Explain.”
He focused his attention to Janeway, ” The modifications made to the
engines inabled the ship to travel at Warp 3, the area of space was
unstable , causing a spacial rift,”
*A new way home* she thought.
“Unfortunately, the calculations were wrong, causing a total drainage
of
power from all systems and an engine meltdown.” he finished, as if
reading her thoughts.
“Isn’t there a way to repair them?” Torres asked.
“No, everything is completely ruined.”
Torres turned to Janeway, “Captain-?”

To
Be
Continued
=:-)

I own what I own, Viacom and Paramount can argue over what they
own.
E-mail: mack3@ix.netcom.com
Web Page: http:www.geocities.com/Area51/Vault/9157
Partner: Erin
Paris-ite page: http:www.angelfire.com/pa/Parisite

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Forever Maquis: Strange Happenings

Forever Maquis: Strange Happenings
By Erin Alpert

Sorry it took so long to write this, I was * really * busy!

A burst of white light filled the bridge of Voyager, causing the eyes of its crew to turn
away. Then, when they looked back, the ship they had been fighting was not there, but now
sat a tiny craft, one with an all too familiar design.

The Transporter Room was silent as the hostages came aboard. But at first glance, or second
or third for that matter, they were not the ones they had been battling. They were familiar,
all too familiar. Erica felt like she knew them, supported their causes even. Then, she
realized why.

“Johnson to the Bridge,” her nervous voice seeped through the Comm channel.
“Janeway here, what is it?”
“I think you need to see this for your self, and send some other crew members as well, Paris,
Torres and Chakotay in particular.”
“Okay, Janeway out.”

“Where the Hell am I?” one of the hostages demanded.
“It’s okay, you’re on Voyager,” Ensign Kim tried to explain, but the woman wouldn’t
listen.
“I knew that Starfleet would find us, but why so soon,” then turning to the others she said,
“we didn’t get to have any fun.”
“Oh, shut up,” one of the others shot back.
“Nat, I do wish you would treat your commanding officers with some respect.”
“Sorry,” “Nat” sarcastically snorted.

At that time, a few Starfleet officers walked in, one of them vaguely familiar. Then, she
caught herself staring into his blue eyes, his light blue eyes, and she felt.. she felt
something she could describe… but she knew him…. she really did.

“Shanna? Sherena? Nat? Mosambe?”

To
Be
Continued
:+)

Does anyone else want to help write?

Viacom === Owns all but what I own
Me ==== owns what Viacom doesn’t
E-mail ==== Eraalpert@aol.com
Web page 1 ==== https://www.geocities.com/2931
Izzy page ==== https://www.angelfire.com/va/rolaren
Paris-ite page ==== https://www.angelfire.com/pa/Parisite
My partner in crime === Chris

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Open Book

Open Book
By Jessica Ferroni

This story is dedicated to JoAnna Walsvik. JoAnna!!> Something she wrote in one of her stories started
me thinking, and the result was this story. It connects
to her story in a very roundabout sort-of-way, though,
so trying to figure out how could be harzardous to your
health.

Yada, yada, disclaimers at the end, but we all know what
belongs to Paramount, etc., etc….
Read it, distribute it, archive it, (mail me comments!!)
but be nice with it or I’ll send my Paris-ite The Great Eugeni
after you…. =o

* * * * *

“Tom? Tom? Hello? Anybody home?” Harry Kim waved his
hand around in circles in front of his unresponsive
friend’s face. “Yo, Tom? What’s the matter, Neelix’s
Leola Root Delight finally kill you or something? Tom?”
“What? Oh, very funny, Harry. You’re a laugh riot.
Ha ha.”
“Seriously, Tom, what are you looking at?” Harry
tried to follow Tom’s gaze, but could see nothing that
might captivate his friend’s attention.
“Huh?”
Harry gave a deep, long-suffering sigh. “You. Looking.
What are you looking at?”
“I’m not looking at anything.”
Harry peered around the mess hall once more. “No, I
don’t see a Delaney in sight. What gives? You’re just
staring at nothing. It’s kind of creepy.”
Tom Paris shook off the last of the old ghosts that
still persisted in haunting him even though he had
everything he’d ever wanted here on Voyager; a part
of him prayed they’d stay in the Delta Quadrant so he
wouldn’t have to face those ghosts again.
It had been a long day, he thought. Too long to have a
heart-to-heart talk with Harry Kim. Some things you just
didn’t discuss with people, unless you wanted to depress
them, too. Huh. Maybe Chakotay ought to come down and have
a chat….Not that Tom would really wish any misery on
the commander, but in his opinion the haughty Maquis
could stand to be bumped down a couple of pegs.
Tom grinned evilly at the thought, startling Harry.
“Tom, don’t do that,”
“Sorry, Harry,” the lieutenant apologized, still
grinning. Harry absently thought Paris somewhat resembled
the Cheshire Cat from the stories his mother used to
read him when he was a child, then instantly knew whenever
he saw that grin on his friend’s face he would picture
the smiling Cat. “I was just thinking. And you know
that Megan and I aren’t together any more,” Tom added,
mildly annoyed.
A slightly wicked grin crossed Harry’s face. “I was
talking about Jenny.”
“Really?” Tom retorted. “I thought *you* were the one
she adored.”
“After the little mishap in Venice? And besides, everyone
knows Jenny thinks you’re the best thing since sliced
bread.”
“Sliced bread?”
“Sorry. An old expression of my grandmother’s. What
were you thinking about?”
Tom sighed. The ensign could be as stubborn as Tom
himself sometimes. “Nothing,” he replied firmly. “It’s
nothing.”
“Sure, Tom,” Harry replied, but Paris could tell Kim
was’t convinced.
“Look, Harry,” he said, resting a hand briefly on
the ensign’s shoulder, “sometimes I get depressed when
I think about what my life was like before Voyager, that’s
all. It’s nothing major.”
“Right,” Harry said, frowning. “Look, Tom, if you,” he
hesitated, “if you ever want to talk to someone, you know
I’m always here.”
Tom gave a genuine smile. “Thanks, Harry. I appreciate
the offer.”
Harry rose from his chair. “Hey, I have to get down
to Engineering. B’Elanna’s been having some trouble lately
with the converters.”
Tom grinned fractionally. “So you’re just going to waltz
in there and play the hero?”
Harry shrugged good-naturedly. “Any help I can offer.”
“Yeah, I’m sure,” Tom retorted.
Harry paused. “And, Tom? I’m sorry about you and Megan.”
Tom nodded shortly. “Thanks.”
Harry headed out, passing Megan Delaney. She stopped
and exchanged a few words with the ensign before he left,
then she picked up a meal tray and walked over to Paris’
table. She waved at the chair Harry had just vacated.
“Hi. Mind if I sit down?”
Tom glanced up. “Not at all. But we don’t want people
to think we’re back together, do we?”
Megan laughed. “I’m not sure,” she joked.
There was silence, and mainly for the sake of conversation
Tom asked,
“How was your shift?” Stupid question, he berated
himself mentally.
Megan placed her tray on the table and sat down across
from the pilot. “Slow. But things usually are in Stellar
Cartography.”
Tom smiled a little. “I’ll bet.”
Megan brushed a lock of black hair behind her ear. “So….
you up to going to Sandrine’s tonight?”
Sapphire eyes met sea green, then sapphire looked away
abruptly.
“I don’t think so. I don’t really feel like it.”
Megan sighed and regarded him sternly. “Tom, ever since
we….`broke up’, you’ve been so somber and secluded. I
hate to see you like this; you’re usually so cheerful and
cocky,” she teased, but she knew it was a poor attempt.
Tom touched her arm. “Meg, it’s okay. You’re my friend.
Still. Always. The charade had to end. It’s time for you
to get on with your life.”
“Tom, you know I would do anything for you.” She wanted
to protect him so much. He was so vulnerable. “And I truly
enjoy being with you.”
“I enjoy being with you, too, Meg, but it’s time for
you to move on. Still, I think I’m crazy not to get down
on one knee and propose to you right now.” He grinned. “But,
of course, you’d turn me down — don’t say anything! I know
how you feel about Aaron Dalby. You two make quite a couple,
you know. And I think he feels the same way about you.”
She laughed quietly. “Tom Paris, you are incorrigible.”
He smiled. “I know.”
It was quiet for a moment, then Megan said slowly,
“I guess our `breaking up’ is all over the ship now,
isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
Megan squeezed his hand. “You know, I know alot of people
who are thrilled about it.”
“Well, any guy would be lucky to have you as his wife,
Meg.”
Megan regarded him wryly. “It’s not me the `guys’ are
talking about.”
“Oh.”
*`Oh’? That’s all he can say is `Oh’?* “You know Jenny
thinks the world of you, Tom.”
He sighed. “I know, Meg — at least, that’s what I’ve
been hearing.”
“She wouldn’t be right for you,” Megan said softly.
“But I can think of someone who might be.”
Tom raised his eyebrows. “Really? Who?” he asked with
mild curiousity.
Megan grinned conspiratorally. “B’Elanna Torres.”
“What??! Meg, you have got to be crazy. She hates me.
She’d rather be with *Chakotay* than me.”
Megan shook her head. “Tom, I’ve known you for eight
years. We grew up together. We went to the Academy together.
Trust me.”
Tom smiled placatingly. “Sure, Meg, I trust you. But
you’re crazy.”
“We’ll see,” Megan said knowingly. “You think you know
everything that goes on aboard this ship. Well, let me tell
you something, Thomas Eugene Paris — ”
“Don’t call me by my middle name,” Tom pleaded.
” — you aren’t in Stellar Cartography all day with a
bunch of women — ”
“There are men in Stellar Cartography, too,” he pointed
out, but it was a moot point anyway.
” — who would rather pester me about what it’s like
being Tom Paris’ girlfriend than concentrate on their work.”
“Well, at least the men get *their* work done,”
“Tom, you know what I mean.”
“And who’s fault is that?”
“All yours.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah?”
“Tom, don’t start.”
Tom grinned. “Can’t think up a better comeback than that,
Meg?”
Megan sighed. Yep. He was back to his old self again. That,
at least, she should be grateful for.
“Lieutenant Paris to the bridge,”
It was Tom’s turn to sigh. “Listen, Meg, I’ve got to go.”
They both stood, but Tom paused on his way out.
“Meg? You’re one in a million, you know that? You’re gonna
make someone very happy.” He bit his lip. Being sentimental
was hard for him. He started to leave.
Megan laughed lightly at his discomfort. “Hey, Tom — ”
He turned. “Yeah, Meg?”
She smiled. “Anytime you need a friend, you know I’m here
for you.”
He returned the soft smile. “I know. Thanks, Meg.”

The End….
_____________________________________________________________________________
© Copyright January 1997 by Jessica Ferroni on all original story content.
Not meant to infringe on copyrights held by Paramount or any other copyright
holders of STAR TREK: VOYAGER. Please do not reproduce for anything other
than personal reading use (including fanzines) without written consent of
the author. Comments are welcome at evenstar17@hotmail.com.

Posted in Voyager | Tagged | Leave a comment

Sick Days

Well, I had to write this because I heard that
Robert Duncan McNeill was down with the chicken pox. 🙁
(Worse yet, I also heard that they gave most of McNeill’s
lines to Tuvok because he couldn’t work. =:-O).

Sick Days
By Jessica Ferroni

“Tom, don’t do that.”
“It *itches*, B’Elanna.”
“You’re just making it worse, you know.”
“So what?” Furious scratching at his ribs followed the last statement.
“Have I told you lately that you’re incorrigible, Paris?”
A pause. “No, I don’t think so. But I think these things are going
in my ears and into my brain, so it’s kind of hard to think right now.”
“Moron.”
“Listen, I’ll pay you to scratch my back. Two weeks worth of replicator
rations.”
“No.”
“Come on,”
“You’d put up with two weeks of Neelix’s gourmet cooking to have somebody
scratch your back?”
“*Yes*”
“I think you’re delirious.”
Tom groaned. “Please?”
“I am not going to scratch your back in the middle of the mess hall,
Paris. And how did you pick up the chicken pox, anyway??”
He sighed and scratched at his neck. “Ensign Wildman’s baby.”
B’Elanna quirked an eyebrow. “And what were you doing with Ensign
Wildman’s baby?”
Tom flushed scarlet, making the painful-looking red spots on his
face and neck almost invisible. “I was watching her,” he mumbled.
“Really? Baby-sitting?”
Tom shrugged helplessly. “Ensign Wildman needed to check something in
Stellar Cartography and I just happened to be standing there. And besides,
I *offered*.”
“You offered to hold a baby covered in chicken pox?”
“She wasn’t covered in chicken pox when I offered,” Tom retorted.
B’Elanna seemed to think the whole thing was just hilarious, Paris thought
wryly. “What exactly do you find so funny, Torres?” he asked defensively.
She shrugged her shoulders. “Klingons don’t get chicken pox. Ensign
Wildman actually trusted you with her baby??”
“Cheap shot, Torres. Yes, she did. She actually trusted me with her
baby. Apparently she trusts me more than *some* people around here do.”
“Sorry, Tom.”
He waved it off. “It’s okay.”
“And I’m sorry I laughed at you.”
“Are you really or are you just saying that?” he asked warily.
She tried to hide a grin. “I really am sorry I laughed at you.”
“You’re smiling.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m NOT!”
“Touche, Torres. Well, you’re not smiling anymore, anyways.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” He scratched furiously at his neck.
“Big improvement. Now you’re bleeding.”
“Aw, you want to kiss it and make it all better?”
“Pig.”
“Don’t you know any other words, B’Elanna?”
“Not when I’m around you,” she retorted.
“Oh, my incredible good looks take your breath away?”
“That must be it.”
“Really?”
“Pig.”
“Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“You’re bleeding on your shirt.”
“At least it’s not my uniform. The Captain’d probably kill me or
throw me in the brig or something.”
“Tom, you’re accident prone. You can’t tell me you haven’t ruined more
than one uniform in the time you’ve been onboard. And shouldn’t you be in
your quarters or something, somewhere you won’t spread this?”
“Nope. The Doc checked everyone’s records. Ensign Wildman’s baby and
I were the only ones who never had them.”
“How did you get chicken pox in the Delta Quadrant, anyway? Only you,
Paris, could find a way.”
“B’Elanna, I’m a pilot, not a doctor.”
“Too bad. I always wanted to marry a doctor.”
“Although I have been trained as a medic….”
“Pig.”
“You know just what to say to take my breath away.”
“I think you *are* delirious, Paris.”
“B’Elanna, you’re sweeping me off my feet!”
She reached across the table and swatted his shoulder.
“Augh! Don’t *do* that!”
“Wimp.”
“Am not.”
“Don’t start again, Paris.”
“Oh, look. Here comes Ensign Wildman. She’s probably coming to tell
me how sorry she is that I’ve contracted this horrible thing from her
child.”
“She’s probably coming to tell you to stay away from her kid because
the baby got it from *you*.”
Samamtha Wildman spotted them and made her way over to their table.
“Lieutenant Paris, I am so sorry,” she began without preamble.
He shrugged. “It’s nothing.”
“Still, it’s my fault,” She clucked at Paris like he was a small boy.
“Look at you, Lieutenant. You should be in bed with some chicken noodle soup.”
“Tomato?” he asked hopefully.
“My mother always said chicken noodle,” Samantha said firmly.
“Okay. I’ll remember that.”
“But, Lieutenant, I am so sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he said in the way of his that put people at ease, flashing
her a dazzling smile. “No permanent harm done.”
Samantha smiled. “Good. And you did a wonderful job with the baby.
Thank you.”
After she’d moved away, Tom turned to B’Elanna with the barest hint
of a smirk on his face. “Well, it was nice of her to stop by, don’t you
think, B’Elanna?”
“Don’t say another word, Paris.” She picked up her meal tray. “Now,
unlike you, I have to get back to work.”
She left and Tom sat in miserable silence with his chin resting on his
hands. He was reminded of the times he’d been sick as a kid, stuck inside
while his friends were outside playing baseball.
Bored, bored, bored. He should’ve been at least allowed on the bridge.
But, no, the Captain had said. You’re officially on sick leave. Well, fine.
Bored, bored, bored.
He strode back to his quarters, ignoring the various looks on the faces
of his fellow crewmembers. *Not like *they’ve* never had the chicken pox,*
he thought wearily to himself.
His quarters pretty much looked the same as they did when he’d left them
a few hours earlier. The plant needed watering, maybe.
Bored, bored, bored.
He sighed. “Computer,” he requested, scratching furiously at the patch of
raw skin behind his left ear, “Hot, *plain*, chicken noodle soup.”

T
H
END 🙂
_____________________________________________________________________________
© Copyright January 1997 by Jessica Ferroni on all original story content.
Not meant to infringe on copyrights held by Paramount or any other copyright
holders of STAR TREK: VOYAGER. Please do not reproduce for anything other
than personal reading use (including fanzines) without written consent of
the author. Comments are welcome at evenstar17@hotmail.com.

Posted in Voyager | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Sweetness of Home

The Sweetness Of Home
By Jessica Ferroni

The shift had been slow, Tom Paris noted to himself.
He wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad
thing, but it was boring to say the least.
But boring shifts meant more time to spend with
his family, with those he loved.
He tossed off a jaunty wave to the Captain as he
left the bridge, humming tunelessly to himself. He
needed to — *sigh* — see what delightful dish
Neelix had prepared for them all for their dinner.
One would think that after five years the Talaxian
would be better able to prepare food fit for human
consumption, but he certainly tried his best and
no one could fault him for that.
Then, as per habit, Paris would get the food —
provided it wasn’t already moving on its own — and
head for home.
Home. The word had a nice sound to it. His little
corner of the galaxy.
“Hey, Neelix,” he called to the ever-cheerful alien
behind the counter. Neelix bustled out to greet him
and help get a stack of food-laden plates organized;
it had been a ritual between the two almost everyday
for four years now.
“So, how is the little one?” Neelix asked
conversationally as he heaped plates into Paris’ arms.
“Excited about having little brothers yet?”
Tom grinned. “You bet. And the Doc says the twins
are doing great. But B’Elanna’s not too happy about
being on maternity leave.”
Neelix smiled. “You know Kes and I are always ready
to lend a hand,” he offered.
“We know. Thanks, Neelix,” Tom replied warmly as he
made his way carefully out the doors. He caught
sight of Harry Kim just entering the turbolift.
“Harry, wait up!” he called almost frantically.
Harry held the lift doors as his friend entered,
gently balancing a load of plates. “Hey, Tom. Here,
let me help you with those.” He took half the stack,
leaving them with three dishes each. “What’s B’Elanna
craving this time?” he teased.
Tom rolled his eyes. “Don’t even joke about it,
Harry.” He lifted the cover of one of the dishes,
showing Kim the bluish glop resting inside.
“Neelix’s Laurelian Blue Pudding, if you’d believe it.”
Harry grimaced. “Yuck,” he commented sagely.
“And,” Paris pulled the lid off the top of one
Harry’s plates, and an odor that smelled strangely like
wet, dirty socks filled the turbolift. “Leola root
stew!” he announced with a flourish.
“Tom!” Harry protested. Trying to cover his nose
with his hand, he ordered, “Deck four.” He turned
back to Paris. “Did you have to do that?” he accused.
Tom shrugged. “Not really.”

Katie Paris looked earnestly at her mother with all
the seriousness of a two year-old. “When’s Daddy coming
home?”
B’Elanna fleetingly wondered what kind of home a
starship was for a family. For *her* family. “As soon
as he gets supper,” she replied.
“More blue pudding?” Katie frowned.
*Poor child,* B’Elanna thought. *She’s going to
grow up never knowing what real, unreplicated food
tastes like.*
B’Elanna looked into her daughter’s bright blue eyes,
so much like her father’s. Katie seemed to be the very
image of Tom sometimes. She possessed his undeterring
curiousity and stubborness, and the cerulean eyes and
blonde hair to go with it. The little girl may have been
a quarter Klingon, but one wouldn’t have known it by
looking at her.
The door swished open and her husband entered, followed
by Harry Kim. Katie shrieked in delight and squirmed
off her mother’s lap. Tom barely had time to put the
plates down on the dining table before his daughter was
in his arms, breathless. He laughed and scooped her
gently. “Hey, Princess. Say hello to Uncle Harry,”
Katie waved shyly at Kim, who returned the wave
with a smile.
“Why don’t you show your Uncle Harry what you made
for him today?” B’Elanna suggested. Tom set her on
the floor and she grabbed Harry’s hand, all traces
of shyness gone, and led him to the other room where
she had proudly displayed her artwork.
Tom stooped to give B’Elanna a kiss on the cheek.
“How was your day?”
She smiled wryly. “I think this leave is going to
drive me crazy! I can work perfectly fine,” she
protested, sounding irritated.
Tom snorted. “Huh-uh. No sons of mine are going to
be born in Engineering.” He addressed the last to
her swollen belly.
B’Elanna laughed and Tom patted her shoulder lovingly,
flashing her the lopsided grin she loved. Katie and Harry
returned, and Katie presented her father with a holosketchpad.
Tom turned it this way and that, trying to make out what
she had drawn. At last he gave up.
“Um, what is it, honey?”
Katie hmmphed. “It’s Uncle Chakotay and Aunt Kathryn,”
she patiently explained.
“Oh,” Tom said thoughtfully. “I see,”

T
H
END 🙂

_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright November 1996 by Jessica Ferroni on all original story content.
Not meant to infringe on copyrights held by Paramount or any other copyright
holders of STAR TREK: VOYAGER. Please do not reproduce for anything other
than personal reading use (including fanzines) without written consent of
the author. Comments are welcome at jessica@p24818.cle.ab.com.

Posted in Voyager | Tagged , | Leave a comment