Unworthy - Kirsten Beyer [39]
“No, Captain,” he admitted. “Though I was surprised that they were engaged in battle.”
“Explain,” Eden ordered.
Tom took a deep breath. “A Klingon sect known as the Warriors of Gre’thor tried to kill my daughter three years ago.”
Eden nodded for him to continue.
“The Emperor Kahless, B’Elanna, and I all agreed that the only way to stop them was to make them believe that B’Elanna and Miral were dead. B’Elanna constructed that ship at a civilian facility. During the Borg Invasion she ejected wreckage near one of the battle sites and when it was found, they were declared dead. I provided B’Elanna with our rendezvous coordinates.”
“Was it your intention that B’Elanna and Miral would join you here on Voyager ?”
“No, Captain,” Paris replied. “We intended to set off on our own, as far from the Warriors of Gre’thor as possible.”
Eden’s eyes narrowed. “I’m pleased Starfleet was able to accommodate you, Mister Paris,” she said with evident disdain.
“Captain, I’m sorry—” Paris began as Eden moved past him toward the doors.
“For the moment, I’m still your commanding officer,” Eden cut him off. “You will report to your quarters while I speak with your wife.”
Though it cost Tom dearly, he nodded his assent. The disappointment flowing from her was palpable. He hadn’t known her long enough to feel he owed her anything more. He’d done his duty well. He was surprised then when he felt his face flush in shame as Eden led him back to the bridge.
I did what I had to do, part of his mind insisted.
As Tom was trying to determine how he was going to live with his shame, Eden added to it by saying, “Lieutenant Kim, please secure Mister Paris in his quarters. Lieutenant Patel,” she added, nodding to the science officer, “the bridge is yours.”
The three entered the turbolift in silence and Paris felt that quiet grow heavier until they reached deck five and Eden exited without a word. The moment the doors had closed Harry blurted out, “It took me a minute to verify my readings and to cross-check them with Lasren’s, but I know I’m right. B’Elanna and Miral were on that shuttle, weren’t they?” Harry demanded.
“Yes.”
“And you knew?”
“Yes.”
If Eden’s dismay had been palpable, Harry’s was like a punch to the gut. Tom couldn’t tell if the tears welling up in Harry’s eyes were of relief or anger.
“You knew they weren’t dead,” Harry confirmed though he clearly didn’t want to believe it.
“I’m sorry, Harry. It was the only way,” Tom attempted.
“No it wasn’t,” Harry replied, his voice rising. “Since when do you lie to me about something like this? Who are you?”
“Harry, please understand. They were going to hunt Miral down and kill her. I couldn’t let that happen.”
“I don’t care,” Kim answered, not mollified in the least. “This isn’t how we do things. We’re family. When we need help, we ask for it. You let me believe …”
“I had to.”
Harry shook his head, aghast.
“No. No, you didn’t.”
Harry led Tom out of the turbolift and down the corridor without uttering another word. He left Tom locked in his quarters, wondering how what was supposed to have been the happiest moment of his life in years had just become so miserable.
Eden entered sickbay to find B’Elanna Torres, Voyager’s former chief engineer. She’d read Torres’s file numerous times. A headstrong and passionate woman who tended to live in emotional extremes, she was an ingenious officer.
B’Elanna stood watching with consternation as Doctor Sharak and the Doctor tended to the small, still figure who had to be Miral Paris. Clearing her throat slightly, Eden extended her hand. “Ms. Torres, or do you prefer Mrs. Paris?” she asked. “I’m Captain Afsarah Eden.”
“‘B’Elanna’ is fine, Captain Eden,” B’Elanna replied tensely as she accepted Eden’s hand.
“Was your daughter injured in the battle we just witnessed?”
“No,” B’Elanna replied, shaking her head. “She’s been sick for two weeks. When we arrived in the Delta quadrant my ship was damaged. I contacted Neelix, an old friend—”
“The Talaxian?” Eden interrupted.
“Yes. His people