Disclaimer:
This story is based in the "Star Trek" universe. The use of anything related to "Star Trek" in this series is not intended to infringe upon the rights of Paramount Pictures. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise.
All other content or otherwise are works of my own imagination. All events are fictitious in nature.
Any similarities to persons living, dead, or otherwise are purely coincidental.
This story contains strong themes of homosexual content, if this offends you in any way, please refrain from reading further. If you are not of legal age to read this, please leave now.
Ok as well before we start this is based on the series Star Trek Voyager but with a twist from the original story line and i hope you like it.
Chapter 21: Home
As I lay there in sickbay, watching Tom as he held Matthew who was only a few minutes old my mind turned to the two time travelling Admirals that had recently been on board. One was a future version of the Captain and the other was a future version of myself. They had sacrificed themselves in order to help get voyager home early and destroy the Borg completely and as a result changed history. I was brought out of my daydream when Matthew started to cry. "I think he's hungry." Said tom. At hearing this the doctor came over from examining B'Elanna and Miral and spoke to me. "You ready to try breast feeding again?" he asked. I smiled and nodded. I lifted up my top and with the doctors help guided Matthew to my nipples and he quickly latched on and started sucking. It felt really weird and looked strange to see a baby hanging off my nipple. Tom stood there smiling at me "How does it feel?" he asked me. "Very strange, so don't laugh." I told him. He kept smiling and we exchanged a smile and he kissed me on the forehead. "Lieutenant Paris, please report to my ready room." Said the captain over the comm. I looked over at Paris who was talking to B'Elanna and then he kissed her on the head before walking out of sickbay. After 10 minutes Matthew was back asleep after having been fed and burped and lay him back in his crib when tom spoke up "Can I get you anything sweetie?" asked Tom. I looked at him and felt so special "ermmm some coffee and pizza please." I replied. He smiled and walked away from towards the replicator. With the doctors help B'Elanna got up and moved to bio bed next to me so she didn't feel alone. "You did a great job Jack." She said. I smiled at her and looked down from Matthew then to Miral. "Thanks, but mine was simple compared to you, I mean I didn't have to push a person out of me." I said. She laughed. "Yeah, I guess." She said. "How do you feel?" I asked her. "Very sore." She said. I smiled. "She's beautiful." I said meaning Miral. "They both are, I think Matthew is going to grow up and have all the girls falling head over heels." She said. I smiled. The doctor emerged from his office, and came to my side and scanned both me and Matthew. "Well, you're both doing well." He said. I smiled. "Thanks doc." I said. He gave Matthew an injection. "What was that?" I asked. "His first set of inoculations. He will require another 3 sets, but then he should be fine until he is about 3 years old when I will have to do his 3 year check-up." He told me. "The captain also informed me, that you have 2 guests on the way who have just beamed aboard." He told me. "Thank you doctor." I said. I was very curious who he meant, but then I did have a feeling I might know who they could be. Tom returned from the replicator carrying a large tray that had a pot of coffee on it with three cups and a large pizza on a plate. He set the tray on the spare bio bed and poured the coffee handing one to me and one to B'Elanna. He then placed the plate in front of me and I took two slices off and he then went over to B'Elanna and she also took two slices. I slowly ate the first slice. I didn't realise how hungry I was. He took two slices for himself and his mug of coffee and climbed onto the bed next to me and put his arm around me.
We chatted for a few moments when suddenly the doors to sickbay opened and the captain entered followed by two admirals both of whom I knew very well. The captain was smiling as she entered but both the admirals had a serious look on their face. "Is there an ensign carter here?" said the female admiral. That was my mum, she was always playing games like this. "Actually it's lieutenant carter." I said. "That's beside the point, Mr. Carter by order of Starfleet intelligence I hereby place you under arrest." Said the male admiral. That was my father. "On what charge?" asked Tom standing up. "For being away for too long from his parents and having us worried sick." Said my mum starting to smile. That was when Tom lightened up as my mum and dad came over and gave me a big hug. "Mum, dad it's so great to finally see you again." I said hugging them back. My mum then looked over at Tom along with my father. "And you must be Tom; it's great to finally see you." Said my mum giving tom a hug. "A pleasure Mrs Carter." He said. He then shook my dad's hand "It's great to finally see you in person Tom." Said my dad. "Likewise sir." Tom replied. The two of them moved over to my side. "And this must be the baby." Said mum moving to Matthew. "That's him." I said making my mum smile. "Have you picked the name yet?" she asked. "Yeah, Matthew Charles Carter." Said Tom. "A perfect name." Said my father. Tom looked at me and we shared a smile. "And how are you feeling, lieutenant." Asked my mother to B'Elanna. "Sore, but fine." She said smiling at my mum. "Mum, dad this is Lieutenant Torres, the ships chief engineer and my boss." I told them. My mum turned to me, "Yes Jack I am well aware of who she is thank you." She said. "Sorry." I said. Tom smiled at me and my mum and dad turned to me also smiling. "How come your on board?" I asked my father finally. "Well captain Janeway here informed us that you had just given birth and we wanted to see you. Also because your mother and I have been very involved with project Voyager alongside Admiral Paris so we had to come on board to brief the senior staff and bring everyone up to speed about recent events." He told me. I nodded that was natural for them come on board first then, so that they could brief the senior staff and get ready for voyager to arrive at earth. "Speaking of the meeting we should started as soon as possible. Captain Janeway could you assemble your staff." Said Admiral Paris. "Yes Admiral." She said. She tapped her commbadge and spoke "All senior staff to briefing room in 10 minutes." She said. She turned and said "Jack, Tom I would like you both there as well." I smiled at her. "Senior officers only captain." Said Admiral Paris. "Admiral with all due respect these two have practically been senior officers. They have saved this ship more times than I care to count together." She explained. "Very well Kathryn." He said smiling at her. The doctor and Tom helped me out of bed and into a fresh uniform before handing me Matthew and then went and helped B'Elanna out of bed and into a uniform who then took Miral. Together the 8 of us left sickbay and rode up to the bridge and walked into the conference to see Chakotay, Kim, Paris and Seven already sat around the table and Tuvok just entering. He nodded to the captain which meant that his treatment thanks to his son Sek had been successful.
After everyone had taken their seats Admiral Paris and my two parents stood and looked at each of us in the room, both my parents looked at me and Tom and the baby and smiled with great joy. "I can't tell you what great joy it brings us to see you all here." Admiral Paris started. "However as you are already aware however things are not the same as they were when you left and the Alpha Quadrant is very different from what it was when you left." my father explained. "We kept you informed of the recent events thanks to the data streams, so you know about the dominion war and it's outcome, but I'm sure that many of you in particular the former maquis among you will have a great deal of questions in particular the former maquis among you. So as the chief of Starfleet strategic operations I will bring you up to speed." my mother told us. "In the final few months of the war we had a severe shortage of trained officers. Because of the severity of the situation it was decided that a general pardon would be offered to all the maquis who were not killed in the massacre on Telviks moon and who were imprisoned instead that they be released and given a general pardon of all wrong doings and all charges dropped on the basis that they serve as Starfleet officers, following Starfleet rules and procedures and acting as Starfleet officers should. Almost all of them were eager to sign up to avenge the death of their colleagues. I myself spoke out against such a coalition as I thought that an alliance between the maquis and Starfleet could not be maintained. Thankfully I was proven wrong during the final battle. I commanded the starship Sutherland as there weren't enough trained command officers and the maquis that served on board did me proud. If it hadn't been for one particular maquis officer saving my life I wouldn't be stood here today. Now following on with that it gives me great pleasure to extend that amnesty to all those that Captain Janeway has informed me have served her well, which spares me having to lead my son in law away to prison." said my mum with a smile looking over at me and Tom. I smiled back at her. "This is not an easy time; we are in the process of re building ships and facilities and training more officers to get those ships fully manned. We are also helping the cardassians recover from their losses and cleaning up areas of space where major battles have occurred. We are going to need each one of you to pitch in and help" said Admiral Paris. "After shore leave of course." said my dad adding a lighter mood to the room. "You can count on us admiral." said the captain. "Good. Everyone in this room will be debriefed over the next 24 hours before we get back to earth. Now given the report we received from captain Janeway, she and Lieutenant Carter are the first to be debriefed at 08:00 tomorrow morning." said my dad. As soon as he said I knew what he meant. Because it was future versions of me and the captain that helped to get Voyager home we would have some hard questions to answer. But I still didn't get why we had to be debriefed together. "If that's everything dismissed." said Admiral Paris. I looked at the captain and she nodded at me indicating she wanted me to stay behind.
Everyone left the room apart from me and the captain and both my parents. I handed Matt to Tom. He looked at me funny but didn't say anything and just left. As soon as the room was clear the captain and I stood up side by side facing my parents. "Something else?" my mum asked. I looked at the captain who nodded at me. "Permission to speak freely sirs?" I asked. "Granted." said my dad. "With respect I don't believe it is necessary to hold a joint debriefing session for me and the captain." I said. Both my mother and father looked at each other before answering me. "Do you have anything to add before I speak captain?" said my mother. Captain Janeway shook her head indicating she didn't. "Well lieutenant I can tell you it is very necessary to hold a joint debriefing session for you and the captain. I personally have reviewed Voyagers logs and mission reports and in almost every instance there is a common theme. You 2." said my mum. The captain and I exchanged confused looks before the captain spoke up. "Would you care to point an example?" she asked. "Let's see shall we, the very beginning of your mission you made jack your first officer, the incident with the macroviruses where the two of you saved the ship, the incident with the Borg and species 8472, where you were both transported off the bridge and onto a Borg cube and later severely injured leaving the captain and mission specialist immobile. We also have the omega incident, the incident on Kolora 2, the incident with the Borg and unimatrix zero where you were both assimilated the list is endless. Not to mention the fact that it was your future selves who crossed travelled back in time and broke the temporal prime directive in order to get the ship home early. So yes Mr Carter it is very crucial." said my dad rather forcefully which made me slightly shocked. He turned and calmed down a bit before turning to me, "I do have to tell you both now, that if you don't have a reasonable answer for the questions we have for you then you both could face serious charges." he told me. "Charges, for what?" I asked. "Jack, you face charges on the three counts, holding and possessing information on a highly classified subject namely the omega directive which is only restricted to captains and above, you also face a charge of insubordination and violation of the temporal prime directive. Kathryn you face charges of violation of the prime and temporal prime directives, a severe misjudgement of your command abilities and failure to fulfil your duty as a Starfleet captain in returning the rogue crew of the starship Equinox." my father went on to tell us. The captain and I both stood there in pure shock. How could they accuse us of such things? "But I have no doubt in my mind that it will not come to that." said my dad. "After all I'm the one who has to sentence you, and I will be in the meeting. I will tell you this off the record, keep your answers clear and to the point and be as honest as you can." he told us. We nodded. "Now that's over with, how about coffee in your quarters Jack, so me and your dad can actually meet our grandson and get to know our son in law." said my mum. "Gladly." I said smiling. They turned to leave and I looked at the captain who was stood looking out the window. I turned back to my parents, "Mum, dad my quarters are on deck 6 section 7 head there and I will meet you there in a minute I just need a moment with the captain." I said. They nodded and left. I went back to the captain and stood by her. "Kathryn, don't let what dad said worry you." I said. I knew that was what she was upset about. "How can I not though Jack, 7 years ago I made a promise to this crew, that we would remain a Starfleet crew behaving the way Starfleet would expect us to, following clear rules and procedures that every Starfleet officer is expected to follow and now I'm told that I did a bad job. Was I that bad Jack? Am I really that bad at commanding a starship?" she asked. "What? How can you ask that? Kathryn here we are one day away from earth thanks to you. You got us home because you are one of Starfleet's best captains. Yes we may have gotten a bit settled on Voyager and developed our own little community but that was because we were alone for 7 years and we got home without no real break. So yes things are bound to slip, but believe me dad won't let anything happen to me, you or anyone else on this ship. I mean after all, he did personally pick you to be its captain." I told her making her look at me. "I never knew that, I thought it was just pure luck I got this." she said. "Nope, dad asked for you specifically after you gave a presentation at command school." I told her. "How do you know this?" she asked me. "I've always known." I said. "You mean you knew for seven years and never once told me." she said. I nodded. She smiled and then I said "Come on, let's go have coffee with the family." She took my arm and away we went.
The next morning when the captain and I materialised in the in the transporter room of the Enterprise, we were met by Captain Picard himself. I stood in awe for a second, as I looked at one of the most noted captains in Starfleet history. "Kathryn." he said extending his hand to her which she shook. "Nice to see you again Jean - Luc." she said. "And you must be Jack Carter" Picard then said to me. "Yes sir." I said. "A pleasure Mr. Carter I have heard a lot about you. Welcome aboard the Enterprise." he told me. He looked at the captain before saying, "Well the meeting is almost ready to begin, so I'll escort you both the conference room." The captain and I left the transporter room with Captain Picard and rode a turbolift up to the bridge. I took a moment to note the new bridge design of the Sovereign class before walking into the briefing room. Captain Picard moved over to take his seat as did myself and Captain Janeway. Going around the room there were a number of Admirals and Captains. We had Captain's Picard, Desoto and Shelby. Then we had Admirals Paris, Brooks, Montgomery and both my parents. As I noted the people in the room I also noticed my mother and Admiral Montgomery engaged in a private conversation. When they finished speaking Admiral Montgomery spoke up. "This meeting is called to order. The time is 08:07 and we will begin the debriefing of Captain Kathryn Janeway, commanding officer of the starship Voyager and Lieutenant Jack Carter, former temporary first officer and now assistant chief engineer of the Starship Voyager." he said. He paused and then the questions began with everyone in the room firing questions at one us at some point. I do have to admit I was okay for the first few minutes as the captain got hounded to begin with. Then my first question came up from Captain Shelby. "Tell me Mr Carter, when Captain Janeway initiated her first red alert drill, why did it take the engineering department almost 3 minutes to respond. Surely as a recent academy graduate at the time you should have known that a starship has a certain expectation to uphold about how long it should take to be fully prepared during a red alert." she said to me. I remained quiet for a moment thinking of my answer but that wasn't good enough for her clearly. I was nervous. "Well Mr Carter." she said. I looked at her and said "Well sir, at the time I had been the department head for all of about a day and I hadn't had a chance to organise the department as we had major repair work to do. Also the fact that I was an academy graduate does not mean I am perfectly prepared to deal with a red alert situation as the department head." I said to her. "But still...." she said before Captain Janeway cut her off."Captain Shelby, Mr Carter was a newly graduated cadet and was not intending to be the department head so quickly so I excused him." she told her. Shelby smiled and the meeting continued. The captain and I were asked even more questions the next major incident they asked about was the omega molecule. "So moving on, Captain Janeway you encountered the omega molecule and began to carry out the omega directive as ordered. However you did so with the assistant of Seven of Nine and Lieutenant Carter, would you care to explain to us why you involved two members of your crew and then eventually your entire crew in a matter that you should have kept to yourself." said Admiral Montgomery. The captain proceeded to explain the situation before Montgomery cut her off. This was becoming a tiresome habit of him cutting her and me off and it was starting to irritate the both of us. "And Mr Carter, would you explain to us how you came to have such a good working knowledge of the omega particle." Montgomery asked. I went ahead and told him and again I was cut off. Next we moved I had the joy of being solely interrogated about how I stole the flyer to go and rescue Tom, which I explained before Admiral Brooks cut me off. "That enough lieutenant we have heard enough. The last question to you both then is could you describe how you came to sport this new technology and the events that lead to your return to earth from the delta quadrant." he asked. "Actually sir, it is Starfleet technology that is on Voyager, but you just haven't invented it yet." I immediately said. "Lieutenant Carter, a meeting with 3 Captains and 5 Admirals is no place for jokes." said my mum. "Actually Admiral, he isn't joking." said the captain. "Explain." said Montgomery. So over the next 20 minutes the captain and I explained the events that brought us home. When we were through Admirals Brooks and Montgomery conferred for a moment. They were the only two who hadn't had a chance to read the report that the captain and I had put together. They continued to talk before Admiral Montgomery spoke up "Are you aware of how many general orders the two of you have violated." I was about to speak up when Admiral Paris spoke up first. "Ken, hang on a second, firstly it was a 26 year older version of the two of them that did it and secondly we can't persecute them because the two Admirals are now dead." he said. "That may be all well and good Owen, but I'm afraid the decision is ultimately Admiral Carters. Matthew I remind you that you must be objective in this case even though it is your son sat in this room." said Montgomery. "Yes, thank you Ken I am well aware of my duty. And I would rather you didn't use my first name, don't forget who outranks who. I outrank you as does my wife so I suggest you address as such." said my father. This made me smile. "Yes sir." said Montgomery. "Right I have made my decision. Given what I have heard and in the light of current events, I am hereby dropping all charges against the senior staff and the entire crew of the starship Voyager. We should be applauding their efforts for surviving over the last seven years not persecuting them and that is my final decision do I make myself clear." said my father. Nobody spoke. "By the sound of your silence I take that as a yes. Admiral Montgomery I also believe you owe the captain and my son an apology for cutting the two of them off constantly and not giving them the chance to speak. This Captain and Lieutenant helped get that ship home they deserve a lot more than your bad attitude do I make myself clear." my father added. "Yes sir, Captain Lieutenant you have my apologies." Montgomery said. "Good now that that is over with. Captain Lieutenant, you are dismissed." Said my mother. The captain and I both stood and left.
When we arrived back on Voyager the captain and I immediately left the transporter room and headed for deck 6. Chakotay was aboard the enterprise being debriefed. Tuvok was in command but it wasn't like there was a huge amount to do on the bridge travelling at half impulse back to earth. When we arrived on Deck 6 we immediately headed into my quarters where I saw Tom, Tabor and Garren all sat on the sofa with Garren holding the baby. The captain and I stopped in the door way and watched as Garren played with baby Matthew. I couldn't help but smile. Tom looked up and smiled at me. "Hey baby, your back. How was it?" he asked. "Great, Admiral Montgomery grilled us; Captain Shelby made me want to punch her in the face just the usual." I said. This made the captain smile. I went to the replicator and got two coffees for me and the captain before sitting down with Tom and resting my head on his shoulder. The baby started to cry and I immediately went to get up but the captain said "No don't if I can handle the Borg I can handle a screaming baby. Just relax." she said. "When was he last fed?" I asked Tom. "Just before you came in." he said. "Did you burp him after?" I asked. "No was I supposed to." asked Tom. I smiled and nodded. The captain began to tap his back and before you knew it, he burped with a little bit of sick on the captain's shoulder. Tabor passed her a rag and wiped it off. Matthew then stopped crying and calmed down. The captain handed him back while she put her jacket into the replicator to get it cleaned. As Matthew lay in my arms Tom sat with me and put his arm round me. The captain came back from the replicator with her fresh jacket and a holoimager. She then said "Smile." and took a picture. That was it for the next hour as she kept snapping pictures and having us in poses. "I love you." I said to Tom who kissed me.
The rest of that day went by quickly and the night went with ease with Tom and me only getting up once. I eventually awoke at 06:00 and fed Matthew and then put him back down to sleep. I then moved over to the replicator and ordered pancakes with maple syrup and sausage meat with a glass of orange juice and some coffee for two people and served Tom's up on a tray. I then went over and pushed him and he woke up and saw me stood there with the tray and he smiled. "Awwww babes, that so sweet of you." he said as I placed the tray on his lap and grabbed mine and climbed back into bed with him, and we ate breakfast and chatted. After breakfast I tidied the quarters while Tom had a shower. I then bathed Matthew and got him ready for the day. Today was the day that the captain was saying goodbye to the crew and making her farewells to the crew while they were still her crew. After I had bathed and dressed Matthew, Tom took him off me and sat reading to him while I was in the shower. After a shower and dressing in my dress uniform and doing my hair I moved over to Tom and Matthew and sat there with him. "I better go and get Kathryn ready." I said. "Okay hunny, see you at the ceremony." he said. I kissed them both and left the quarters. I went down to Kathryn's quarters who was stood in her towel looking out the window. "Kathryn." I said. "Sorry Jack, I'm nowhere near ready." she said looking at me. I smiled and she moved back into the bedroom and got into her uniform. When it was safe I went into the room and blow dried her hair before straightening her hair and attaching her pips and making her look divine. When she was ready it was time for us to leave. As we left the quarters she looked at me and said "Hold my hand." I smiled and took her hand. As we rode the turbolift down to deck 8 I kept thinking of what she was about to say. Finally we landed on deck 8 and left the turbolift and walked down the corridor to cargo bay 2. The doors opened and there stood the entire crew. Every last one. The ship was being run by a few members of the enterprise crew. "Attention on deck. Commanding Officer Captain Kathryn Janeway Arriving." I said. It brought back memories of seven years ago when I announced those words when the shuttle first docked with the captain. She stepped up to the podium and said "At ease." The crew relaxed as I stood next to her watching the entire crew all dressed in their dress uniforms. Chakotay stood at the front with the rest of the senior staff. Kathryn wanted me there with her for moral support, plus I had a speech prepared on behalf of the crew. It was Chakotay who nominated me to do it because of personal relationship with the captain. The captain looked out into the crowd before speaking. She was about to speak from the pad but pushed it aside. "Seven years ago I made a decision that stranded this ship and crew 70,000 light years from their homes and from their families. I made each of you a promise that I would get you all back and I vowed that we would be here today, where we are but just a few hours from seeing your families. We have been through some hard times over the last seven years and not everyone could be here with us today but we have gained some new crewmembers as well. I would like to close with a quote: It is not farewell, but fare forward Voyagers." she told us all. The room erupted into whistles, claps and roars as people cried. I could see the tears in the captain's eyes and moved over to her as put my hand on her shoulder, she looked at me and we shared a smile. She then moved aside as I stood at the front of the podium. I raised my hands and people began to quieten down. "Okay ladies and gentlemen by the request of this ships first officer, commander Chakotay has asked me to say a few words on behalf of this crew about our good captain. Seven years ago, I came aboard this ship fresh out of the academy as a member of the engineering team. It only took less than a day for my life to change. When we got pulled into the delta quadrant and the Captain Janeway made me her first officer I never dreamed that my life could take such a big turn. Then as I stood on the bridge when she gave the order to destroy the array I could have stopped her, and probably should have but today I'm glad I didn't. Because without this woman giving that order this crew would not have grown as close as we have, and I always knew that this day would come. I can safely say that this ship would never have survived without the fast thinking, intelligent and determined Kathryn Janeway sat in the centre chair. I always knew that this woman was the best captain anyone could serve under from the first moment I spoke with her." I paused my eyes filling up with tears. "So captain, on behalf of this entire crew, I want to say thank you so much for all your hard work and determination to get us home and things won't be the same without you. We all love you very much and wish you all the best and happiness with what the future holds for you. And just to add a personal touch, the crew would like to say there farewells to you know while they are still members of your crew if you have the time." I told her. That was when she burst into tears and nodded. The crew made to rows and slowly she went down the rows sharing hugs, kisses and slaps on the back with each member of the crew and I could see from her eyes she wanted to engrave every face into her mind as this could be the last time that this crew could be together. She eventually finished and came back up to podium and turned to me and looked at me head on and gave me a huge hug and a kiss. "This isn't the end Jack, you're staying with me no matter what" she said to me. "Of course." I said. We hugged again. She then turned to the crew and said "As my final order to you as your captain, all hands dismissed." The crew turned and left the room.
A few hours later I was back on the bridge and all the crew were back at their posts as we were approaching earth. On the viewscreen we could see earth. My parents and Admiral Paris were also on the bridge watching this blessed occasion. "Captain Janeway, you have been cleared to land Voyager on landing pad Alpha 315." said my mother. The captain looked over at me and stood up. "Jack, would you care to do the honours." she said to me. I looked at her and smiled. "Me?" I asked. "Yes Jack you, you deserve it." she said. I stood up and moved over to her side and smiled at my parents. They nodded at me. "Okay, Bridge to engineering." I said over the comm. "Go ahead Jack." said B'Elanna. "Take the warp core offline, Vent all plasma from the nacelles and standby to commence landing sequence." I said. "Understood." said B'Elanna. "Mr Paris, prepare to land the ship." I said. "Aye Sir." said Paris. "Code Blue." I said. "This is commander Tuvok, to all hands. We are preparing to land the ship. Code to Blue alert and report to code blue stations." said Tuvok. The bridge went to Blue Alert and I knew we were ready. "Landing struts online, inertial dampeners at maximum." said Paris. "All decks report condition blue." said Tuvok. "Then Mr Paris, take us down." I said. "With pleasure." he replied. Slowly the ship began its decent. Pretty soon we were flying over San Francisco. "Jack, you have to notify air traffic control." said my mother. "Yes mother thank you." I said. She stepped back. "U.S.S Voyager to Starfleet air traffic control" I said. "Go ahead Voyager." said an ensign. "Request permission to land on Landing Pad Alpha 315." I said. "Request granted Voyager. Welcome Home." the ensign said. "Thank you. Voyager out." I said. "Tom set us down." I told Paris. Slowly tom landed the ship and made the ship safe. "Well done Jack, a text book landing." said the captain. I smiled and turned to her. "I believe you have one last thing to do." she said. "All hands, the ship has landed. All hands you are cleared to depart." I said. Slowly the crew began to leave the ship as Starfleet engineers began to swarm the ship.
After a wonderful afternoon spending time with Tom and the baby, it was time for us to get ready for the evening dinner party which was to be held for the crew. So after spending two hours getting ready it was time for us to beam down. Meeting the captain and Chakotay in the transporter room we beamed into the main banquet hall and were greeted by all the friends and family of the crew most of whom were already here. Chakotay and the captain broke away from us as they went to speak with their families and friends while me and Tom spoke with my parents. After a short while Tom got called over to Chakotay to meet an old friend from the maquis and I was called over by the captain. I walked over to the captain and was met by an older woman and a woman the same age as the captain. "Jack, I would like you to meet my mother and sister. This is Gretchen my mother and Phoebe my sister." she said. "A pleasure to meet both of you." I said. "Mother, Phoebe, this is Jack Carter my best friend and confident on this long trip." the captain said. "A pleasure Jack." said Gretchen. "And who is this little man?" she asked. "This is my son, Matthew." I said. "May I?" she asked. "Of course." I said handing the baby to her. "Well aren't you the most adorable little man ever. Any friend of my Kathryn's is welcome in our home." said Gretchen. This made me feel warm inside. Tom came over and joined us and we spoke some more before I was whisked away to meet the friends of Toms from the Maquis. After about an hour of talking, Admiral Paris spoke up from the stage. "If everyone could please take their seats." he said. Everyone took their seats and my parents moved up to the stage. With a motion from Admiral Paris, the room went quiet. "So ladies and gentlemen this is a wonderful occasion and I would like to ask the following people to join me up here on stage. Ensigns Kim, Campbell, Vorik and Walker, Lieutenants Torres, Paris and Carter, Lieutenant Commander Tuvok and Captain Janeway." said Paris. We all got up and moved over to the stage. I left the baby with Gretchen who was happy to take him. "What's this about?" asked B'Elanna. "No idea." I said. We all lined up on stage in rank order. "I know this is a bit short notice, but we had limited time. So Captain Janeway could you step forward." sad Paris. She moved forward. "For beating the Borg at their own game and for getting your ship and crew against impossible odds, you are hereby promoted to the rank of admiral." said Paris opening a small box that contained Admiral Pips. The captain lit up but I knew this was a kick in the teeth for her as it meant a desk job and no more starship. Tuvok was promoted to Commander, and me, B'Elanna and Tom were promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Tom, Harry and Ensign Campbell were promoted to Lieutenant. This was a wonderful occasion. "And now I know that the chefs have been waiting seven years to prepare this meal, so without keeping them waiting any longer let's get started." Paris said.
The meals and party went on for a long time before we transported back to Voyager for a good night's sleep. When we hit the pillow we were gone. Even Matthew was out for the night. When we awoke the next morning we had a memo from Starfleet saying that every member of Voyager had extended Shore Leave so as of that moment we were off duty. I knew the one place we would go. Home.
Sorry that this has taken so long, i've just been so busy i havent had time to write. But there are still 3 more chapters to go in this story before i start another version