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The Dark Page of the Book

Episode Synopsis
With the entire Voyager crew back safe and sound in the Alpha Quadrant, Starfleet don't waste anytime in arranging a court martial for one crewmember.

Written
25th - 26th & 31st March 2004

Episode Based In
February/March 2380

 

February 2380
The Enterprise, the bridge:
Most of the Enterprise main cast were standing around the centre of the room, all holding glasses. Noah held a tray with a few bottles on it, he started to make his way around the room.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Lena asked as Noah filled her glass.

"Nope, we're home," Tom replied.

"How long for this time?" James asked.

Tom grinned, "ok for one week only, Tom's bookies is re-opened. Taking all bets."

Craig raised his eyebrow, "when did it close exactly?"

Jessie watched Noah fill her glass, "what is this anyway?"

"My new invention, strawberry flavoured champagne," Noah proudly replied.

"She's not allowed alcohol Noah," James said, while taking the glass out of Jessie's hands. The so called champagne was gone seconds later.

"You don't have anything else do you?" Jessie pouted.

"Sorry, I only have a can of coke and it's mine," Noah replied.

Jessie spotted the can in his pocket, she quickly snatched it away from him. He didn't notice.

"So how did this happen, a sphere doesn't transport ships," Lena questioned.

"We don't know, can we just celebrate?" Triah replied.

Bryan pulled a face at his glass of champagne, "this looks gross."

"We can't celebrate yet," Craig said, glancing at Triah's station. "We're being hailed."

"Oooh by who?" Triah asked.

"By Voyager," Craig replied.

"On screen," Tom ordered, grinning slightly. Everyone gathered around the centre of the room as the viewscreen showed the Voyager bridge.

"Screw you Indian, I'm first officer," Andrea snapped.

"Uh we're on," Jodie said.

Chakotay and Andrea turned to the viewscreen. "Oh, damn it," Chakotay muttered.

Tom glanced briefly at the others behind him, "hey Commander. You're a sight for sore eyes."

"Yeah being blind is relief for that," James commented. Everyone turned to stare at him. "What, instinct?"

"So how did you do it?" Chakotay asked, glaring slightly. Andrea was busy sniggering next to him.

Tom shrugged, "we don't know actually. A Games Sphere pulled is in."

Chakotay's eyes shifted nervously, "you mean you got home by a click of a finger?"

"Kinda," Tom replied.

"Click of a finger? You mean Q did it," Lena said.

"We think so," Chakotay replied.

"Uhoh," Craig muttered.

"Ok, what now?" Lena groaned.

"Well in this area there is us, Voyager, another Federation ship, what looks like the Lillyia Fleet, and a Cardassian ship," Craig replied.

"You mean they're still hanging around? Helm pick up speed," Andrea commanded. The viewscreen got distorted, then it went off.

"What happened?" Tom asked.

The ship shook, the red alert lights and sirens went off. Everyone put down their drinks, or what was left of them.

Daniel rolled his eyes, "hmm, I wonder what's happening, let me think." As he was the closest to Tactical, he started working at it. "Shields are holding."

"It seems like the Cardassians disrupted the hail, cheeky sods," Craig said.

Triah quickly sat down at opps, "you're an idiot Craig. We're being hailed."

"Ah they just wanted attention," Zare commented.

Gal Satai suddenly appeared on the viewscreen, scaring all the crewmembers who have never seen Cardassians before. "Enterprise, lower your shields and prepare to be boarded."

"Actually that would be inconvenient, would you mind telling us why?" Tom said.

"Well if you don't lower your shields and hand over a James Taylor, we'll do it for you," Gal Satai replied.

"Oh I see, no problem," Tom said.

James glared in his direction, "do you want to live until your next birthday?"

"Wait, what do you want him for?" Lena asked.

Gal Satai's eyes focused on James as she spoke, "he is wanted for murder. You've got ten minutes to lower your shields, if you don't we'll destroy you." The viewscreen changed back to normal view.

"Right, so in order to collect and punish a murderer they decide to murder everyone on a ship. That doesn't work," Lena muttered.

"Please, they're Cardassians, it does make sense. Two wrongs make a right with them," Jessie said.

"What should we do?" Triah questioned.

"What's the problem? We've got what they want, let's give it to them," Tom replied. Jessie turned around, she kneed him in the usual place. He fell to the ground, almost crying.

Bryan tried to keep a straight face, "is he guilty of this anyway?"

"If it's what I think it is, then yeah kinda," James replied.

"Kinda?" Craig said.

"Well it was kinda an accident. I was fighting them, two hit their heads and were killed. Plus I was a little evil when I did it," James meekly said.

"Hang on, how many people have you killed by accident and were a little evil?" Triah asked.

James glanced at the ground, "four."

"Actually that's not bad for you. I expected five considering that you've been beating up Tom for ten years," Lena commented.

Tom pulled himself up, "see, this is why we should turn him in. The man has tried to kill me several times. Why not just let them take him?"

"Lena, if this comes out wrong don't take it as an offence. The reason why the number isn't five is because I like to keep Tom alive just so I can achieve my goal," Jessie said.

Lena looked confused, "what is your goal?"

"To make sure Tom can never have anymore kids," Jessie replied.

Tom turned rather pale, "ok, we'll defend him to the very end."

"I still say killing him would work too," Lena muttered.

"Nah, that's too easy," Jessie said.

"Hmm, do these Cardassian guys know how long ten minutes is cos they're powering weapons," Daniel questioned. "Oh wait, they're not."

"They're leaving," Triah said. She smiled, "oh, Voyager and the other ships are coming."

"Great, when they hail again first make sure if Janeway's there, she's sober. If she's not there, or if she is sober, contact me," Tom said, heading for the Ready Room.

"Does anyone want to come to the Mess Hall for more drinks?" Noah asked. Everyone nodded, they all headed out of the room.

Tom stopped by the Ready Room doors, "fine, be like that."

Captains Log Supplemental: The Enterprise is now in the Alpha Quadrant, in a few minutes we will finally meet up with them and escort them home.

Voyager, the Ready Room:
Kathryn was busy working on her personal computer. Admiral Paris was on the screen, behind his own desk.

"Yes I couldn't believe it either. Q obviously brought them back and decided to hide it from me," Kathryn said.

"So Q just helped them home for nothing in return?" Paris questioned.

"We had to care of his son for a little while," Kathryn replied.

"I see," Paris said.

The door chimed. "Yes, come in," Kathryn called.

Chakotay stepped into the room, "Kathryn the Cardassians paid the Enterprise a visit. They detected us though so they're leaving."

"I should have guessed that Gal Satai would make a move," Kathryn sighed.

"There's something else," Chakotay said. "Somebody on the Leda contacted the Cardassian ship."

"Yes well Kathryn, there is something you need to know. I forgot to mention it to you before you accepted the mission," Paris said.

Kathryn groaned, "you mean you didn't want to mention it until now."

"Well yes actually," Paris said.

"I take it's got something to do with why the Leda was sent to come with us, what is it?" Kathryn questioned.

Meanwhile onboard the Enterprise
Security Office, Deck Five:
Lena walked through the main doorway, "James?" She looked around and found nobody. "Ok, is there anybody here?" She headed towards a small lift leading down to the below deck. As soon as she stepped on it, it slowly headed down.

Half way across the room, Craig and Zare were talking quietly. Lena was about to walk up to them just as they leaned in to kiss each other.

Lena stepped back onto the lift. As it returned to Deck Five Daniel walked into the room, muttering to himself. "I don't get what's so good about this Earth place, it's probably just the same as any other m-class planet."

"I wouldn't know," Lena muttered.

Daniel sat on the edge of the desk, "you mean you haven't been there before?"

"I don't know, if I did Q made me forget about it," Lena replied.

"Are you ok?" Daniel asked.

Lena glanced at him, she smiled. "I'm fine. I was thinking, do you want to get a coffee or something?"

"A coffee, a Janeway is asking me to go out for a coffee," Daniel said in disbelief. "I figured a kick in the groin was a no."

"Sorry about that, I was just shocked," Lena said meekly. "Coffee?"

"Yeah why not," Daniel replied.

James/Jessie's Quarters:
Jessie sat down on the sofa holding a small bag, "so what are we going to do about this?"

"I don't know. They know I'm guilty so they'll lock me up no matter what I do," James replied.

Jessie groaned, "don't you get a trial or something? Surely your mum will talk to the Admirals she's all friends with."

"A trial won't help me, I did it so there's no point," James muttered.

Jessie glared at him in full force, "look mister, you're not leaving me with three kids, so you can get your act together ok."

James tried to avoid the glare, "Jess I'm just being realistic. A trial is just going to make things worse, they'll find out about all the other murders."

"Yeah but it all started with your stepmum's murder. It might have been the Cardassians, so the court might go in your favour," Jessie said. James glanced at her with a raised eyebrow. "Ok fine, we'll hide somewhere."

"The Cardassians may get violent if we hide away, I don't want anyone to get hurt," James said.

Jessie sighed, "well genius, what do you think we should do?"

"I don't know," James muttered.

"Well stop dissing my ideas," Jessie grumbled, folding her arms.

James made his way over to the sofa, he sat down next to her. "Put yourself in my position. Would you hide away and risk the kids getting hurt. Or would you go through a trial that'll make the original prison sentence even worse?"

"Ok no, but I'm willing to risk getting myself hurt if it means keeping you out of jail. The kids could stay with Danny and Ian until this blows over," Jessie said.

"That's not a good idea either, I don't want you getting hurt, especially when you're pregnant," James said.

"Hey, do you think I'm going to just get stabbed again?" Jessie grumbled.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but yes," James replied.

Jessie pouted, "you know better than anyone that I'm not a pushover."

James stood back up, "I think Tom knows better anyone else Jess." He headed into one of the bedrooms.

Jessie pulled an innocent face, "I don't get how."

The door chimed. Sasha ran out of the room, "I'll get it."

Duncan followed her out, "if I didn't know any better I'd say she was expecting a friend."

"I have friends," Sasha pouted. She walked over to the door, "come in." Angela and two security guys walked into the room. "Hello, who the hell are you?"

"Charming child," Angela muttered. "Is this even the right quarters?"

Jessie pulled herself off the sofa, "oh god no."

Angela then noticed her, "Jessie? My, you're kinda big."

Jessie started glaring again, "I am not big." She gently pushed the two kids back into the other room. "What do you want whore?"

"I don't ask why you're visiting, do I? Where is James anyway?" Angela questioned.

"Of course, you want to see him," Jessie grumbled. "Sorry Angela, he's not going to take kindly to attempted rape right now."

The security guys sniggered. "You tried to rape a guy?" one sniggered.

Angela turned red in the cheeks, "no I didn't. I was just young, messed up and stupid."

"You're right about the last two," Jessie commented.

"So what did you do?" the second security guy asked.

"I only tried to come onto him, that's all," Angela grumbled. "Now where is he?"

"He's in our room, go away," Jessie replied.

Angela bit her lip to stop herself from laughing. "Oh my, you and James are together? Oh are those cute kids yours too, that's funny."

"Do you know what else is funny, a broken nose," Jessie grumbled.

"Gee someone's been spending too much time with the murderous Slayer," Angela said.

"If you don't tell me what you're doing here, I'll get murderous on your a**," Jessie said.

Sasha came back into the room, "mummy, what's going on?"

"Yeah Angela, spit it out just not literally," Jessie said.

Angela rolled her eyes, "I have orders from Admiral Paris to arrest him. He's going to be court martialed for the murder of two Cardassians in 2369."

"The trial is in 2369? So glad I missed it. Not glad you stopped by though," Jessie said.

"Jessie honey, you were more interesting when you had your own personality. James' personality doesn't suit you," Angela said.

"This is my personality, nobody elses," Jessie grumbled.

James walked into the room. His face turned pale as he caught sighed of Angela. "Angela, what are you doing here?"

"Nice to see you too," Angela muttered. She glanced back at her security guys, "arrest him."

"Oh so you are going to arrest me. That's great, all I need now is a jail full of cats," James muttered.

Angela raised her eyebrow, "what is it with you and cats anyway?" She glared at security, "I thought I told you to arrest him."

"Well you said he was a murderous Slayer, he might beat us up," security guy one stuttered.

"Oh dear god," Angela groaned.

Meanwhile, Voyager:
"You ordered them to compromise with the Cardassians, and arrest him, behind my back?" Kathryn snapped.

"I didn't want to upset you," Paris said. "They just wanted to lock him up for life, but we convinced them to go through a fair trial as it is a strange case."

"Oh wonderful, I feel much better now," Kathryn sarcastically said. The door chimed, "yes?"

Andrea entered the room, "Mr Paris from the Enterprise wants to talk to you."

Kathryn nodded, she pressed a few buttons and Tom appeared on a separate window on the screen. "What is it Tom?"

"I thought you'd want to know that a team from the Leda beamed over to the Enterprise. When I asked Harry he didn't know anything about it," Tom said.

"Supposedly a team is arresting James as we speak," Kathryn muttered.

"Oh I see, it's nice to be the first to know," Tom said sarcastically.

"It's going to be six days before we get to Earth, that's enough time for it to sink in," Chakotay muttered.

"Oh that's not the problem. I'm sure I'm going to smack Harry for lying to me," Tom said. Everyone stared blankly, he could only see Kathryn's blank face though. "We made a bet, I betted that James would get arrested when we got back, he obviously didn't want me to know cos I won."

"Tom," Kathryn grumbled, glaring.

"Uh Paris out," Tom stuttered.

"That's my boy," Paris muttered sarcastically.

James/Jessie's Quarters:
"Did you really think that two security men would be able to take him away?" Jessie questioned.

"Well why not, he couldn't handle me at one time," Angela said.

"Oh yeah, I totally forgot about my old rule about not hurting girls," James muttered.

Angela shook her head, "yeah right, you always used that excuse. You still hit me, so don't give me that bulls***."

"I hit you because you hurt Jessie," James said.

"Oh how sweet," Angela said sarcastically. She turned back to the security guys, "will you do as you're told!?"

"It's ok I won't punch any of them, I'll go but on one condition," James said.

"Let me guess, the condition involves pregnant girlfriends, hair pulling and pushing," Angela said.

"If you think I'm a hair puller and a pusher, you're in for a surprise, a painful surprise," Jessie said, glaring at her in full force.

Angela raised her eyebrow, "really, so does it involve your pregnant girlfriend and her standing on my foot?"

"No, it involves you falling into a bonfire, escaping not long before death and just in time to get hit in the neck by a flying axe," James replied. "But whatever happens first."

"So, when do you want the axe?" Jessie asked.

"You can't be serious. It was nearly seventeen years ago, and I've grown, matured, learned from all my horrible mistakes," Angela grumbled. "The least you can do is grow up a little, mature and forgive any horrible mistakes. You really should set a good example for your kids." She folded her arms, "and you wonder why you're getting court martialed."

"Speaking of which, why didn't you get locked up anyway?" Jessie asked.

"It's ok Jess, I said I'd go," James quietly said.

"Go where?" Sasha asked.

"Yes James, tell your one year old daughter where you're going," Jessie said.

James gently took her to one side, "Jess running away isn't going to do any good. The trial will prove that I killed them, but it wasn't really me remember. You were right before."

"Yeah but you said a trial might uncover other stuff you've done," Jessie said.

"Now who's dissing your suggestions?" James said.

"I liked the one where I still see you better," Jessie muttered.

"It's ok, either way they won't lock me away for long. When it happened the police let me go after two weeks, what's changed?" James said.

Leda, the brig:
"A lot has changed over the past ten years. Before you left the Cardassians had no idea about what happened, they found out after you joined the Marquis but they couldn't capture you as easily. Of course the Delta Quadrant and other Galaxy trips made it even harder," Chakotay said.

"It's been about ten years since I did it, why are they so intent in capturing me?" James asked.

"Well it didn't help that you joined the Marquis," Chakotay replied.

"If I tell them I mainly joined to find Jessie, will they drop the charges?" James asked sarcastically.

Chakotay rolled his eyes, "this is serious James."

"I know," James said.

Chakotay sighed, "good now I asked the Admiral if I could defend you, your mother wanted to but she's related to you so she wasn't allowed."

"I thought you said this is serious," James said.

"Who better to defend you than an old member of the family?" Chakotay said.

"Since when were you a member of my family?" James muttered.

"Well I was married to your mother for a while," Chakotay said. "Since I'm not now, and they don't know about it, I was allowed to defend you."

"That's great. What else is planned for today anyway. First Angela arrests me, I get locked in the Leda brig, a guy that hates me and used to be my step dad is defending me," James grumbled.

"You're not talking to Tom you know, I have nothing against you. When you were evil when Jessie was killed, I was one hundred percent supporting you," Chakotay said.

James raised his eyebrow, "really?"

Chakotay nodded his head, "yes."

"Really?" James said.

"Yes," Chakotay said.

"Was it because Janeway was divorcing you when I tried to kill her?" James asked.

"You'd think so, but I'm not that petty," Chakotay replied. He looked a little ashamed, "twenty percent was supporting you because of that."

"Ok so what are my chances?" James asked.

"Well the Slayer thing is out in the open so that'll help. But there's a lot the public still don't know," Chakotay replied.

"Meaning?" James questioned.

"Meaning they won't understand me when I tell them you were Evil Slayer during the fight," Chakotay replied.

James stared blankly at him, "I hope you plan to explain that to them."

"Well no, Wesley or Ligod can explain it better," Chakotay said.

"Ah so that's what else is planned for today," James muttered. "Are you also planning to get Angela to tell the jury a story about what happened seventeen years ago? Or maybe get Tom to say something like 'he hit me a lot but he meant well'."

Chakotay rolled his eyes, "I get the point. They're the only ones who can explain it."

"Fine," James said.

"Can you think of any incidents or information that could help get the jury on your side?" Chakotay asked.

"I don't know but you could not mention the incident where I... ok everything," James replied.

Chakotay stared blankly, "maybe we should start with your upbringing."

The Enterprise, later that day:
Kathryn and Chakotay were heading down a corridor, Chakotay was busy writing something on a PADD.

"Oh yes, you could mention that his dad sometimes treated him like it was his fault, you know that he cheated on his wife," Kathryn replied.

"Hmm, he should have blamed it on his alcohol addiction," Chakotay muttered.

"Yes but that's not important to the case," Kathryn said.

"Well he might have been drunk when he beat him, my back up plan is to get the jury to feel sorry for James after all," Chakotay said.

Kathryn nodded her head, "please god don't tell the jury that I 'abandoned' him."

"Sorry, it's my back up plan. I'll try and explain it right, you were doing the right thing after all," Chakotay said.

"Thank you," Kathryn sighed. "So what's your main plan?"

"Don't worry Kathryn, I know I can help him. I've got a few days to come up with extra ideas to help with both plans, just in case," Chakotay said.

Kathryn smiled, "oh good, well at least I'll be delivering Jessie some good news."

"That's true. I'll meet you later ok," Chakotay said. He and Kathryn split up at the next junction.

Kathryn stopped at one of the doors, she pressed the door chime. She walked inside. "Jessie, how are you doing?"

Jessie glanced at her with wide eyes, "I'm freaking out ok, I don't know what to do."

"It's ok, Chakotay thinks he has a chance of winning the case," Kathryn said.

"Really?" Jessie said. "When's this going to happen anyway?"

"A few days after we get to Earth," Kathryn replied. "Listen um, have you got anywhere to stay when we do get back?"

"No, I joined the Marquis because I didn't have a place to live," Jessie replied.

"Well we, or rather my family home has room for you three, if you're interested," Kathryn said.

"We were just going to ask Danny and Ian, they probably wouldn't have room since they have two kids themselves," Jessie said. "Thanks."

Kathryn smiled, "well you're family aren't you? No thanks are necessary."

Jessie raised her eyebrow, "you want a coffee don't you?"

"I'd love a coffee," Kathryn said.

"Am I allowed to visit him?" Jessie asked.

"Yes yes, coffee?" Kathryn replied.

Jessie glanced behind her, "a replicator's over there. I'll give you some rations if you stay here until I get back."

Kathryn nodded her head as she headed for the replicator, Jessie meanwhile headed for the door. "If you want more than one cup, I'm not paying you."

"Fair's fair," Kathryn mumbled as she worked at the replicator.

The Enterprise Bridge:
Tom, B'Elanna, Bryan and Johnathan were having a small family reunion in the centre of the bridge. Meanwhile Triah, Harry and Daniel were chatting nearby the viewscreen.

"How do I tell him that I don't want to pay up?" Harry asked.

Triah shrugged, "maybe he's too distracted by seeing B'Elanna again to care. You could trick him into paying you."

Harry groaned, "I don't know what I was thinking, of course James was going to get locked up. Idiot!"

"It is weird though, a lot of crewmembers have done bad things. How come he's the only one getting court martialed?" Daniel said.

"I know, he's not the only one who's murdered Cardassian people," Triah commented.

"Maybe since the Marquis were at war with the Cardassians, it's easy for the ex-Marquis to get away with murder and treason," Daniel said.

Harry sighed, "you don't get it. The Cardassians killed or locked up all the Marquis, maybe they think they've gotten revenge already and don't care about the rest. James wasn't in the Marquis when he murdered those two guys."

"Ah, but still we've broken the rules so many times, plus Starfleet are forgetting the only crewmember who is worse than James," Triah said.

"You mean Annika?" Harry said.

"Ok the only two crewmembers who are worse. Annika went nuts so she could get away with it anyway," Triah said. "I mean Jessie."

"Oh, how is she worse?" Daniel asked.

"You weren't around when she went psycho the first time. She slaughtered most of the Pegasus crew," Triah replied. Harry nodded in agreement. "The second time she tortured most of the guys. One guy can't even have kids anymore thanks to her."

"Ok think of this. Annika can get away with that as she was insane, but in theory James and Jessie could get away with it for similar reasons too. Being evil can be considered 'going nuts'," Harry said.

"Hmm that means that you don't have to pay Tom yet for the bet. The jury may go in James' favour and not lock him up," Triah said.

Harry's eyes lit up, "oh yeah that's right."

Angela walked out of the turbolift, "who is Lieutenant Commander Paris?"

Tom turned to her, "I am."

"I'm sorry Mr Paris but you'll have to step down," Angela said.

B'Elanna looked confused, "why should he do that?"

"Because I am a higher rank and I've been ordered to take command of the Enterprise," Angela replied.

"Or he may get distracted by this," Triah whispered to Harry.

Harry ignored her, "uh Commander, I thought you were in charge of the Leda."

"We're low on decent commanders Mr Kim, Admiral Paris wants you to command the Leda," Angela said.

Tom looked shocked, "hey hey, are you saying I'm not a decent commander?"

"Technically no, I'm saying that Harry and I are better than you. The Admiral wants you to remain on the Enterprise as a first officer," Angela replied.

"I got my own ship now? But I'm only a Lieutenant," Harry said.

"I know but like I said, we're low on decent commanders. You have more experience in command," Angela said.

Tom stared at her, "I have more experience than him, not that I'm not happy for him."

Angela tried to keep a straight face, "ok your dad mustn't play favourites then."

Tom pouted, "I always hated him."

"We'll be reaching Earth in a matter of days. Not long after we return all of you must attend the court martial," Angela said.

"That means we have to testify right?" Triah muttered.

Angela shrugged her shoulders, "the judge wants all people who know the accused, or just met him, or witnesses to the event to come."

Triah moaned, "oh I hate court martials, the rooms are always so dusty."

Daniel looked at her, "you worry me sometimes."

Leda, the brig:
Jessie walked into the room, she glanced at the security officer. "Hey you, can you lower the force field?"

"Nope sorry," the security guy replied.

"Well can you just leave then?" Jessie questioned.

"No, this guy has walked through a few force fields," the security guy replied.

"I wish I could now," James grumbled.

Jessie glanced at him briefly, looking amused. "Listen I'm his wife so you can just lower the field, and then leave or you'll be wishing I was behind a force field," she said with her glare on full strength. The security guy looked rather scared.

"I'd do as she says. That glare has lead to several broken bones and a few kicks somewhere in the past," James said.

The guy's eyes widened, "right." He pressed a few buttons, he rushed out of the room.

Jessie smiled innocently, "you really shouldn't lie to your guards."

"I wasn't lying," James said.

"Whatever, how are you doing?" Jessie asked.

"Well I was ok until Chakotay told me that he was defending me," James replied.

"It'll be fine. He knows you and it's better than somebody who doesn't know you," Jessie said.

"Yeah I guess that's true," James said. Jessie walked over to him. "So when is it?"

"About a week, you know a few days after we get back," she replied.

"Chakotay told me that Starfleet want most of the crew off the ship as soon as we reach Earth. Do you have a place to stay during this?" James questioned.

"Yeah, I just don't get why Starfleet are in such a hurry," Jessie replied.

"Something to do with the new crew coming onboard," James said.

"Well you'd think they'd give us five minutes to get sorted out," Jessie muttered.

"Well they probably figured everybody would be in a hurry to get home," James said. "So where are you staying?"

"Your mum offered her family home," Jessie replied.

"Oh, that's Indiana right?" James questioned.

"Yeah, have you heard of it?" Jessie replied.

"No, Janeway mentioned it before. It's probably an American state. You know Indian, Indiana," James replied.

Jessie folded her arms, "that sounds to me like Chakotay's home place." She sighed, "we do seem like two people who skived Geography, don't we?"

"We did," James said as he put his arms around her.

"Oh well, we shouldn't have done that," Jessie said.

"No but I still think it's American, Janeway speaks like an American," James said.

Jessie giggled, "that means you're part American."

"Oh god," James muttered.

The security guy came back in the room with another two guys. "Ma'am, your time's up."

"Did he just call me ma'am?" Jessie asked.

James nodded, "yeah he did."

Jessie turned away, "look mister I don't like being called ma'am. That's reserved for old women like James' mother."

"Uh huh, miss time's up," the security guy stuttered.

Jessie smiled like nothing happened, "ok." She kissed James on the cheek, "see you later." She headed out of the room.

"I can't believe you called her ma'am," James said.

"What's wrong with it, it's not like I called her handsome. Women hate it when you call them that," the security guy muttered. The other two security guys sniggered.

January 2351 (twenty nine years previously)
England, Durham:
Peter walked into the living room, "you do realise that people need sleep, don't you?"

Kathryn narrowed her eyes at him, "yes, I'm aware of that."

"Well sort out that noise please," Peter said.

Kathryn sighed, "maybe he wouldn't have started crying if you hadn't of walked in his room."

"What's that supposed to mean? I was just checking to see if the curtains were closed and everything," Peter grumbled.

"It means that you always manage to upset him," Kathryn said with a smirk on her face. "Seriously, I'll sort it out in a minute." The computer in front of her started beeping. "Ok you'll have to deal with it."

Peter glared at her, "me?"

"Well yes, he is your son too," Kathryn replied.

"Ugh, I thought this was a woman's job," Peter grumbled. He stepped back into the room he came through earlier.

Kathryn shook her head, "what did I get myself into?"

Susy stepped out of another room, "are you not sorting that out?"

"Peter is," Kathryn replied, while staring at the computer screen.

"Well you'll be waiting a while then," Susy muttered, she followed Peter into the other room.

Kathryn waited until the sound of a baby crying stopped. She switched the monitor on, Admiral Janeway appeared on it. "Oh, hi daddy."

"Hello Kathryn, how are you feeling?" Janeway said.

"I could be better," Kathryn replied.

"Well your teachers are asking about you, they're wondering when you're coming back," Janeway said.

"Oh I don't know when I'm coming back," Kathryn sighed. The sound of a baby crying returned.

"Oh well done Peter, just get out," Susy's voice grumbled.

"Who's baby is that?" Janeway frowned.

Kathryn looked worried, "my friends, my roommates Peter and Susy."

"I see," Janeway said, not looking convinced.

Susy walked in holding a one year old baby, Kathryn turned to her. "Kathy, I can't take it anymore, this isn't even my business." She handed the baby to Kathryn, then walked away.

Kathryn turned her head briefly, "oh I'm their nanny too."

Peter walked in, "god, what is there for him to cry about? I mean a baby can't get stressed about his job, all he does is lie there all day. I'd kill to be able to do that again."

"Uh huh, he's stopped crying, can you put him back to bed?" Kathryn asked quietly.

Peter groaned as he took the baby off her again, "ok but if he starts crying again, I'm going to demand a test to see if he's actually a proper he." He walked away again.

"Honey, you're dealing with stress by looking after a child? I don't get it," Janeway muttered.

"Oh buggar it, where did he go?" Peter snapped.

Kathryn looked around, "Peter, what did you do this time?"

Peter walked back over, "well he woke up so I put him down, instead of going to his room he ran away."

"Kathryn," Janeway grumbled.

"I'll be right back daddy," Kathryn stuttered. She spotted the baby trying to climb onto the sofa with her. "Crap, James sweetie, go to bed." She quickly picked him up, and sat him on her knee. She tried to turn back to the computer, she immediately got distracted as he grabbed a hold of her long hair. "No ow, sweetie stop it." She glanced slowly at the screen.

"Kathryn... is he..." Janeway stuttered.

"Uh, I'm losing the signal daddy," Kathryn replied, she quickly turned the computer off.

Several days later:
"Well I think my father knows so I don't know what to expect," Kathryn said, with James on her knee again.

"Well he had to know sooner than later. He probably didn't actually guess right," Susy said.

"Maybe," Kathryn sighed. She cringed as James grabbed her hair again.

"You know, you should try tying your hair up or something," Susy commented.

"Uh huh," Kathryn muttered as she tried to gently pull James' hands off her hair. He just grabbed a hold of a different strand. "As long as he doesn't pull it hard again, it's very cute." She kissed him on the forehead, he giggled. "Oh did you hear that? That was so cute."

"Not when he's doing it after throwing my kitten into the tree," Susy grumbled.

"Susy, that kitten is psychotic anyway," Kathryn said.

Peter walked into the room, "Kathy, you have a visitor."

"I do?" Kathryn said. Her eyes widened as Admiral Janeway walked up beside Peter. "Daddy, what are you doing here?"

"Well I wanted to speak to you in person, and to see the grandson you wanted to hide from me," Janeway replied.

"Susy, do you want to go in the kitchen?" Peter asked. Susy nodded her head, they both rushed into the kitchen.

Kathryn stood up with James in her arms, "well this has been great dad."

Janeway walked closer to his daughter, "why didn't you tell me?"

Kathryn sighed, "I knew you'd be mad. I'll be coming home soon so we can talk then."

"What made you think you could hide something this important from me?" Janeway said. "Does he know?"

"No and he's not going to, not yet. You don't understand dad," Kathryn replied.

Janeway sighed, "he's not his, is he?"

"No, remember that Christmas party two years ago?" Kathryn said.

"Yes I do, who is the father then?" Janeway asked.

"That's not important," Kathryn replied.

"Ok but I hope you plan on both of you coming home soon," Janeway said.

"I wish I could go now but the father wants to keep him," Kathryn mumbled.

"What about you, he's yours too?" Janeway questioned.

"The deal was if we had a daughter I'd keep her, but if it was a son he'd take him," Kathryn replied.

Janeway shook his head, he pointed his finger at James, he grabbed a hold of it. "What about this little guy, who does he want to stay with?" He tried to take his finger back but he couldn't. "He's a tough little fella, isn't he?"

Kathryn smiled, "I'd love to keep him, but he's better off here. Here he has a family he's familiar with, besides I'd have to leave the academy to look after him."

"That's true," Janeway sighed.

March 2380 (present day):
Indiana:
A large runabout about flew out of the clouds, it landed outside a large posh farm house.

The door on the runabout lowered. Kathryn headed out, Duncan pushed passed her, "where's the nearest bog?"

"Can you wait a few minutes?" Kathryn asked.

Duncan stood, looking like he was lightly dancing, "I dunno, maybe."

Jessie followed them out with Sasha right behind her. Sasha pulled a disgusted face, "what's that smell?"

"Honey this is a farm, it's best not to ask," Jessie replied.

Kathryn rolled her eyes, "it used to be a farm. The smell is called country air."

"Oh right, it's been a while," Jessie said.

"We'll pick up the luggage later, let's just get inside," Kathryn said. She led Jessie, Duncan and Sasha towards the house.

Lena and Yasmin made their way out of the runabout. "You're right, this place does smell weird," Lena commented. They both followed the others.

Kathryn opened the front door, "mum we're back."

Gretchen rushed to the passage way, "you weren't gone long. Did you find the Enterprise?"

"Actually yes," Kathryn replied. She glanced behind her, "mum this is Jessie, Duncan and Sasha."

"Nice to meet you," Gretchen politely said. She knelt down in front of the kids. "Hello there."

"Hi, can I use your toilet?" Duncan asked.

"Sure, Kathryn can you show him where it is?" Gretchen replied.

Kathryn smiled, "yeah ok." She lead Duncan further into the house.

Lena and Yasmin appeared behind Jessie and Sasha. "Hello Yasmin, who's this?" Gretchen asked.

"My sister Lena, got any coffee?" Yasmin replied. She pushed passed Gretchen.

Gretchen frowned, "always." She lead everyone else into a large living room. "So Lena, how old are you?"

Lena pulled a face, "twenty."

"She doesn't really exist, the implant thing keeps her here," Yasmin said heading for the kitchen.

Lena rolled her eyes, "mum'll explain it better."

"She already has," Gretchen smiled. "So is it true that Yasmin was cloned from you, I found that pretty strange as you don't look alike."

Jessie and Lena glanced at each other looking confused. "Um no, wrong kid uh, grandma right?" Lena said, shrugging her shoulders.

Gretchen nodded her head, she looked confused, "I don't understand. I was told that Yasmin was cloned from you, I figured there was two children. Obviously there's just one then."

Jessie rolled her eyes, "yep typical." She followed Yasmin into the kitchen, Sasha followed her.

Lena looked nervous, "there's three kids actually."

"Right, so Yasmin was cloned from the third one. You're from another timeline, so what kind of bizarre thing happened to bring the third one here?" Gretchen asked.

"Bizarre?" Lena muttered.

"Yes, I thought that, that's the reason why Kathryn hasn't told me yet. Is it too complicated to explain?" Gretchen questioned.

"Well James is the most normal out of us. I'd never thought I'd say that," Lena replied.

Kathryn and Duncan joined them again, "so I think I should show everyone to their rooms."

Gretchen turned to her, "why didn't you tell me you that the James Yasmin mentioned was your son?"

Kathryn turned pale, "uh."

"Why did you explain Yasmin and I and not James. He's the oldest after all, plus nobody gets a headache when you explain it," Lena asked.

Gretchen glared at her daughter, "he's the oldest? Was he around before the Voyager incident?"

"Um do you want a drink? Poison, no? Just for me then," Kathryn stuttered.

"Kathryn I demand an explanation," Gretchen snapped.

Jessie came back into the room with Yasmin and Sasha. "I take it she knows now," Jessie said.

"Not fully. Where did he come from, how old is he?" Gretchen asked.

"Thirty, but despite what people say, I'm not," Jessie replied.

Kathryn glanced at her, "stay out of this."

Lena tried to keep a straight face, "you liar." Jessie glared at her.

"Is she another child you're not telling me about?" Gretchen asked.

"Eeew gross," Jessie groaned.

Kathryn glared at her, "no, she's um, she's James' wife."

Gretchen glanced at Jessie first, then down at the two kids. "Oh you don't mean, they're his aren't they?"

"Yes but that's not my fault," Kathryn muttered.

"Well let's recap. Before you left for the Voyager mission in 2370, I was a mother of two daughters. Now, ten years later, I'm a great grandmother?" Gretchen muttered.

"Wow, she thinks she's great, how shallow," Duncan muttered.

"No Dunc, that means she's your father's grandmother," Jessie said, trying to keep a straight face.

Gretchen sighed, "Kathryn, can we talk privately about this?"

"That's probably a good idea," Kathryn replied. She and Gretchen headed out of the room.

 

****TO BE CONTINUED****

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