The Past Is Behind Us, Isn't It? | A Star Trek: Voyager fanfiction

Chapter 3-Tom Paris-2371

[Starfleet, HQ]

Tom Paris, a Lt. j.g, was twenty eight years old, he was teaching new cadets how to fly, some of his students were still hanging around wanting more information. 

When a woman walked in, she was a Captain.

"Tom Paris?" Kathryn asked

"Kathryn Janeway. I served with your father on the Al-Batani. I wonder if we could go somewhere and talk." she said.

"Hold on." said Tom.

He shooed his students away, he turned back to Kathryn.

"About what?" Tom asked curiously.

"About a job we'd like you to do for us." replied Kathryn.

"I'm already doing a job for the Federation." said Tom in response.

"I've been told about your exploits as probably the best pilot in the Federation and your father suggested asking you about whether or not you want this mission." said Kathryn

"Well then, I guess I'm yours." said Tom.

The two walk through the trees.

"Your father taught me a great deal. I was his science officer during the Orias expedition." said Kathryn explaining.

"I know, he spoke very highly of you." said Tom.

"Well he's spoken highly of you too." said Kathryn.

"So what's the mission?" Tom asked.

"I'm leaving on a mission to find a Maquis ship that disappeared in the Badlands a week ago." said Kathryn getting to the point.

Tom chuckled.

"I wouldn't if I were you." replied Tom.

"Really?" asked Kathryn.

"I've never seen a Federation starship that could manoeuvre through the plasma storms." answered Tom, he was right of course but then again he didn't help make Voyager.

"You've never seen Voyager. We'd like you to come along." said Kathryn.

"Why?" Tom asked.

"Was that not just established? You're the best pilot we could have." said Kathryn.

"I think my father's just proud. I killed three of my closest friends." said Tom.

"I know, but you came forward and admitted that it was your fault rather than hiding it." said Kathryn.

"What's so important about this particular Maquis ship?" asked Tom.

"My Chief of Security was on board, undercover. He was supposed to report in twice during the last six days. He didn't." said Kathryn.

"Maybe it's just your Chief of Security who's disappeared." said Tom.

"Also undercover is my new Chief Engineer, B'Elanna Torres." said Kathryn.

"B'Elanna, what's she doing undercover?" Tom asked.

"You knew her then?" asked Kathryn curious.

"We grew up together, she was eight, I was eleven when she moved in." said Tom.

"Well, I'm sure you heard but she punched the Chief Engineer on the USS Cheyenne, they didn't press charges but they decided to take advantage of the situation." Kathryn explained.

"Hmm." Tom said.

"The Maquis ship I'm looking for is under the command of a former Starfleet Officer, named Chakotay." said Kathryn.