Star Trek Voyager: Season 1

Caretaker

"So, Mr. Paris, how have you been faring this week?" I asked.

"I've been good thank you counsellor. How has your week been?" he asked.

"A little stressful, but good. Thank you for asking."

He smiled and said "So, what have my superiors said about me?"

Before I could respond, the doorbell chimed.

"Come in." I said.

The door opened and in came Captain Kathryn Janeway. My eyes widened in shock as I stood up. I couldn't believe that the woman I aspired to be was standing in front of me.

"Tom Paris? My name is Kathryn Janeway. I served with your father on the Al-Batani. I wonder if we could go somewhere and talk." She said.

"About what?" he asked as he stood up.

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

"I'm already doing a job for the federation." He said coldly.

"Sorry to interrupt, but the Rehab Commission is very pleased with your work and they've told me you can go. That's why I brought you in today." I said.

He looked to me, then the Captain and said "Well then, I guess I'm yours."

"And Counsellor Roberts, I'd like you to tag along. I'll explain everything, I promise." She said.

We nodded and walked out into the grasslands surrounding the compound.

"Both of your fathers taught me a great deal during the Orias and Omega expeditions." She said.

"You must be good. Our parents only accept the best and the brightest." I said.

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

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

"Really?" I asked, looking at Tom.

"I've never seen a Federation starship that could manoeuvre through the plasma storms." He said.

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

"You'd like me to lead you to my former colleagues. I was only with the Maquis a few weeks before I was captured. Captain, I don't know where most of their hiding places are." He said.

"You know the territory better than anyone we've got." She said.

"Captain, if you don't mind me asking, what's so important about this particular Maquis ship?" I asked.

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

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

She nodded and said "Maybe. That ship was under the command of another former Starfleet officer, named Chakotay. I understand you knew him."

"That's right." He replied.

"The two of you didn't get along too well, I'm told." She said.

"Chakotay will tell you he left Starfleet on principle, to defend his home colony from the Cardassians. I, on the other hand, was forced to resign. He considered me a mercenary, willing to fight for anyone who'd pay my bar bill. Trouble is, he was right. I have no problem helping you track down my friends in the Maquis, Captain. All I need to know from you is what's in it for me." He replied.

"You help us find that ship; we help you at your next outmeet review." She said.

"Aha." He responded.