The Other Torres | A Star Trek Fanfiction *Book 1*

Parallax-Chapter 8

"Captain's log, Stardate 48439.7. As we maintain a course back to the Alpha Quadrant, we're conducting what would normally be routine maintenance to the ship. Routine, that is, if we had access to a starbase." Janeway said in her log.

"Engine efficiency's down another fourteen percent. If we don't get more power to the warp drive, we're all going to have to get out and push." said Tom during the team meeting, "what about alternative energy sources? Ensign Kim, have you had any luck getting power from the holodeck reactors?" asked Janeway she was at the head of the table, beside her was Chakotay, beside him was Tom, beside Tom was Amanda, beside Amanda was Harry etc. etc. "Not yet. We tried hooking them to the power grid and we ended up blowing out half the relays. The holodeck's energy matrix, it just isn't compatible with the other power systems." said Harry "Captain, if we relocate all security personnel to deck seven, we can shut down power on deck nine and reroute it to propulsion." suggested Chakotay "that would be inconvenient, but acceptable." said Tuvok "fine. Now let's move on to the personnel situation. We still have..." Janeway trailed off when Neelix and Kes enter.

"Sorry we're late, but I wasn't informed there was a meeting this morning. Oh, there don't seem to be enough chairs." said Neelix "Neelix, this is a briefing for the senior officers." said Janeway "I see. Well, I, I am the senior Talaxian on board. Kes is the senior Ocampa. And I do know more about this region of space than any other member of the crew." said Neelix "we have some excellent suggestions, Captain." said Kes "very well. You're welcome to join us, this time." said Janeway.

Tom gives up his seat to Kes, Amanda does the same for Neelix, both Amanda and Tom lean against the wall behind them. "Here you are." Tom said when he got up. "To be honest, we could use some excellent suggestions right now." said Janeway "I've been thinking that you might be able to convert one of your lower decks into a hydroponics bay to grow your own food. I understand that the replicators are down and that the emergency rations won't hold out much longer." said Kes "what about Cargo Bay two? It was designed for organic storage and it already has adjustable environmental controls." said Harry, Janeway turned back to Kes "when can you start?" she asked, Kes seemed surprised "me?" she asked "it's your idea. It's your project." said Janeway. "Right away." said Kes, happily "I can do some wonderful things with vegetables, Captain. My feragoit goulash is known across twelve star systems." said Neelix "okay. The personnel situation. We've managed to find a replacement for the Transporter Chief, but we still need an Astrogation plotter, a Chief Engineer, medical support personnel." said Janeway listing those things off "I've made a list of several Maquis crew members who would make good officers." said Chakotay.

Chakotay passes her his PADD. "B'Elanna Torres? She was the one involved in that incident with Mister Carey." said Janeway "that's right." said Chakotay "just what job do you think she's suited for?" asked Janeway "Chief Engineer." said Chakotay "you're serious." said Janeway "very" said Amanda causing the Captain to turn to her "you knew?" she asked "of course I did" said Amanda, the Captain turned back to the group "regarding Sickbay, we still need a Chief Medical Officer." she said "what about that electronic man down in Sickbay?" asked Neelix "it is an Emergency Medical Hologram and its abilities are limited. It can only operate within the confines of Sickbay." said Tuvok "not to mention its lousy bedside manner." says Tom. "Perhaps we should assign somebody to train with the hologram as a field medic." suggested Chakotay "good idea. Lieutenant, I understand you studied biochemistry at the Academy." Janeway said to Tom who was quietly talking to Amanda "Er, only two semesters." said Tom hoping to get his way out of training with the Doctor "close enough. You just volunteered to become a field medic. Report to Sickbay as soon as we're finished here." said Janeway.

Amanda giggled quietly as did Harry at Tom's misfortune "but Captain..." said Tom before the ship starts shaking, making Amanda lose her balance, causing Tom to catch her arm. "Stations, everyone!" said Janeway.

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Sorry it's short I wanted to get something out.