BECKY'S (HERBARD)FAN FICTION & BOOK PAGE

B’Elanna



Disclaimer: For years I’ve written these disclaimers. They own the characters I’m only borrowing them for my pleasure.

Subtext: Yup. Actually main text.

Sit back and enjoy. Feedback is always welcome at: Herbard@yahoo.com

B'Elanna Torres stormed into Engineering and headed to her office for some much needed peace and quiet. Tom Paris, her lover/ boyfriend had stayed away again all night. B'Elanna suspected it had more to do with the Delaney twins than the new Delta Flyer specs he claimed he needed to work on. Recently Tom had spent more and more time away from B'Elanna. This was not boding well for the Chief Engineer who was eight and a half months along in her pregnancy. Tom had seemed pleased when B'Elanna informed him of her pregnancy, but the further along the pregnancy went, the less inclined Tom was to be around. The beautiful Chief Engineer wondered if circumstances were different and they were all back in the Alpha Quadrant would they be together. Without hesitation she knew the answer. No, she would have given Tom the heave ho, long before now.

B'Elanna picked up a Data Pad, looked at it, and then thoughtfully placed it back down on her desk. Crew rotations could wait. This child she was carrying inside of her was growing bigger everyday. Before long she would enter this world and need her parents. At first when the doctor had told B'Elanna she was pregnant the part Klingon/Human was madder than a Targ. This couldn't have happened at a worse time. But as the days grew, she found herself excited at the prospect of having a child. Someone to love unconditionally, someone who would need her no matter what. Getting upset and losing her temper over Tom, wasn’t helping the child growing inside her.

A quiet tap at the door brought B'Elanna to attention. Standing at the door with a big smile on her face was Lt. Ro Laren, formerly of The USS Enterprise, now of Voyager. Lt Ro Laren had found herself onboard Voyager in a most unusual way. Her beloved Captain Picard had sent her on a covert mission for 6 months. Ro had barely returned to the Enterprise when Q, Captain Picard's adversary, had arrived on board ship to wreak havoc with the crew. As usual he found one crewmember to hassle, and Ro Laren was it. Without any warning, Ro Laren found herself standing on the bridge of Voyager with phaser guns pointed at her head. After twelve hours of being held in the brig, it was confirmed that Ro Laren was who she said she was, and posed no threat to the ship or her crew. The unfortunate part, she now was fated to live out her life on Voyager along with all the other lost crewmen. One of the first people she had befriended was B'Elanna Torres. Captain Janeway had forced the two to work together, knowing how much alike they were. At first they argued non-stop, each proud and stubborn in their own right. Kathryn had to intervene more than once when their arguing got out of hand. But after 8 months the two women had become friendly, even spending off time together when their schedules permitted.

'What brings you down from the bridge?' asked B'Elanna.

'I heard you were tearing up your quarters again,' Ro said with a smile on her face. ‘And as second in command of security, it’s my duty to investigate,’ she said barely able to control a laugh.

B'Elanna loved it when Ro smiled, which was not too often. The woman still carried a lot of baggage with her, and it was rare times a smile found its way onto her beautiful face. A jolt went through B'Elanna,'when did she start thinking of Ro's face as beautiful?' She was, beautiful. Everything about her was beautiful. 'Oh Targ,' thought B'Elanna, 'this can't be good.'

'Tom stay out again, all night?'

'More like all night till early morning. He came strolling in this morning making claims that he'd been working on the new specs for the Delta Flyer. Yeah right, more like a night with the Delaney Twins,’ B’Elanna stated sadly.

Ro Laren hated to see B’Elanna so upset, especially over someone as stupid as Tom Paris. Why couldn’t he see what a special, beautiful woman her B’Elanna was? ‘Whoa, when did B’Elanna get to be her B’Elanna?’ Part of her wanted to go beat some sense into Paris; another part of her wanted him out of B’Elanna’s life.

‘Well?’ Ro asked.

‘Well, what?’ B’Elanna asked innocently.

‘Did you really tear up your quarters again?’

B’Elanna nervously picked up her Data Pad and studied it. ‘Who wants a glass coffee table anyway; all they do is collect fingerprints.’

Laren let out a loud laugh, causing B’Elanna to break into laughter as well. ‘Now that I’ve put a smile on your face, I guess I better get back to work,’ Laren chuckled. The security officer turned to leave, and then stopped. ‘Lunch?’

B’Elanna smiled, ‘1300 hours okay?’

‘I’ll meet you in the mess hall.’ Laren left the Chief engineers office and happily headed towards security. It was turning out to be a good day after all.

B’Elanna picked up her Data Pad and with a smile on her face, worked on the crew rotations until it was time to meet Ro for lunch.

B’Elanna was headed to the mess hall looking forward to an hour of Ro’s company. Her thoughts were drifting when she heard a pleading voice. Looking up she saw Tom Paris headed in her direction.

‘Where were you, you didn’t even hear me?’ asked Tom. The boyish smile he used when he was guilty was plastered all over his face.

‘What do you want Tom?’ B’Elanna asked in a cool tone.

‘Are you still angry with me? I told you I had t work.’

‘Mm,’ was all the Chief Engineer said.

‘I thought that maybe tonight we could spend some private time together. You know, to make up for last night.’

‘I can’t Tom, I’m busy.’

‘Busy, busy with what, with whom?’

‘With me,’ came the strong female voice. Tom turned around and came face to face with Ro Laren.

‘With you!’ Tom said sarcastically.

‘That’s right Tom, Laren and I have plans for tonight.’

Tom came in close and whispered in B’Elanna’s ear. ‘Just remember, you’re carrying my child.’ Tom pulled back from B’Elanna and smiled. ‘Well, have a good time ladies.’ With that the Lt, turned around and left, leaving a very angry Chief Engineer in his wake.

Ro put her hand on B’Elanna’s shoulder. ‘Relax, whatever he said he’s being a jerk.’ Ro hoped she hadn’t spoken out of turn.

‘He’s an, argh!!’ was all the Klingon/Human could say.

‘Come on my friend, let’s get some lunch and put Tom Paris out of our minds,’ Ro stated firmly.

B’Elanna looked into Ro’s eyes and smiled. ‘Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t been here. I do know what I would have done, smacked him from here to the Bridge.’

A half-hour later Tom Paris was forgotten as the two friends sat in the mess hall eating their lunch. Ro liked the prospect of spending the evening with B’Elanna and was on the verge of asking her if she would like to get together when B’Elanna spoke.

‘So… what time do you want to get together tonight?’

‘Huh?’ came the shocked reply.

‘You told Tom we were getting together this evening. I can’t have you telling fibs now, can I?’

‘No, I guess not,’ Ro said in a rather surprised tone of voice. ‘How about dinner in my cabin?’

B’Elanna smiled warmly at the security guard. ‘Best invitation I’ve had all day.’

‘1900 hours?’

‘I’ll be there. Can I bring anything?’

‘Just yourself B’Elanna.’

‘I better get back to work; I have a meeting with my staff. See you later Laren, and thanks for everything.’

Ro sat in her seat watching the beautiful woman leave. What Ro didn’t see was one very angry Lt Tom Paris watching Ro.

At precisely 1900 hours the door chimed in Ro’s quarters. ‘Enter,’ the Lt stated. Seconds later the door opened and a very beautiful looking Chief Engineer walked in. She was wearing black casual slacks and a green tank top. ‘You look beautiful B’Elanna.’

The Chief Engineer grinned from ear to ear when she looked at Ro, who was similarly dressed in brown dress slacks and a brown tunic.

‘Thank you for the compliment, I don’t feel very beautiful. I feel fat and pregnant.’

‘Oh B’Elanna, you’re positively glowing during your pregnancy. You really don’t have any idea how beautiful you are,’ Ro said as she lightly brushed B’Elanna’s cheek with her hand.

B’Elanna felt a shiver go up her spine when Ro’s hand touched her cheek. Tom’s touch never sent shivers up and down her spine.

‘Can I get you something to drink?’ Laren asked the young engineer.

‘Any kind of juice would fine.’

‘How about Targilian juice?’

‘Sounds yummy. I haven’t had any in a long time.’

Laren went over to the food replicator and ordered B’Elanna’s juice. Just as Laren went to hand the juice to B’Elanna she let out with a yelp.

‘B’Elanna, what is it, what’s wrong?’ Laren asked with concern.

‘She kicked, the baby kicked,’ B’Elana cried.

‘Are you hurt? Did she hurt you?’ Laren asked, concern written all over her face.

B’Elanna almost laughed out loud when she saw the look of concern on Laren’s face. ‘Relax Laren, its normal for babies to kick. Some more than others. But remember, this little one here is part Klingon and part human. I imagine she’s out to give me a run for my warp core,’ the engineer laughed. ‘Oh, there she goes again.’

Before Ro knew what she was doing, she had her hand on B’Elanna’s stomach. Moments later the baby kicked again, causing Laren to laugh. ‘I felt it, I felt her kick!’

The two women stood there for long moments feeling the baby kick. B’Elanna watched Laren as she stood with her hand on B’Elanna’s belly. In that brief moment when Ro Laren had her hand on B’Elanna’s stomach, the Chief Engineer knew that she was in love with security officer. She didn’t know when it had happened, perhaps slowly, over time. Who was she kidding? She’d been in love with Ro Laren for quite some time. It wasn’t until now she admitted it to herself. Everything about Ro felt right. She knew that Laren was the one, the proverbial one she had always been looking for. The unfortunate part was Tom Paris, the father of her unborn child. How could she walk up to him and drop such a bombshell in his lap? In a flash, B’Elanna went from feeling happiness over her feeling for Ro Laren to despair that she couldn’t have her. It wouldn’t be fair to Tom or their daughter. She needed to grow up knowing her father, having him a daily part of her life. Of course being on Voyager Tom would be a part of the child’s life.

Laren had outdone herself with dinner. To start the meal she had a nice array of greens, followed by soup and then the main course of Eloian steak. B’Elanna and Laren sat down and started eating. Both were lost in thought during the meal, barely speaking to one another. Laren thinking about how much she enjoyed the Chief Engineers company, and B’Elanna wishing she had never paired up with Tom Paris.

It was 2200 hours before B’Elanna returned to her quarters. Awaiting her was one angry Tom Paris. She was barely in the door before he started in on her about spending the evening with Ro Laren.

‘Just where the hell have you been? Tom asked angrily.

‘Tom, I told you I had a dinner date with Ro.’

‘Three hours? It took you three hours to eat?’

‘Oh this is ridiculous,’ B’Elanna said, as she headed into her bedroom to change. Tom was right on her heels.

‘What’s going on with you and Ro?’

B’Elanna could feel her Klingon blood starting to boil. She knew she needed to get her temper in check for the sake of the baby. Taking a deep breath she began to speak. ‘Tom, you’re over-reacting.’

‘Oh you think so? I see how she looks at you.’

‘Tom, what are you talking about?’ B’Elanna shook her head and started to undress.

‘I saw the two of you today at lunch, the way you looked at one another.’

B’Elanna spun around and came face to face with Tom. ‘I don’t know what you think you saw, but Ro is my friend. We had lunch together. End of subject,’ B’Elanna spat.

‘I’m sorry baby, I over-reacted, I’m sorry. I just missed you and wanted you here.’

‘Funny you didn’t feel that way last night when you were gone.’

‘I told you, I had to work,’ Tom grinned and put his hand on B’Elana’s shoulder.

B’Elanna jerked away. ‘Tom, I think you should leave and go to your quarters tonight, I want to be alone.’

‘Aww honey, I said I was sorry. Let’s start over again.’

‘I mean it, I want you to leave.’

‘And I want to stay.’

‘Look, I’m tired; I want to go to bed. We can finish this in the morning.’

Tom felt his blood begin to boil. B’Elanna was remaining much too calm. ‘Fine! But I’m not through with this!’ Tom shook his fist at B’Elanna and quickly left her cabin. The Chief Engineer breathed a sigh of relief as she heard the door to her quarters open, then shut.

She finished undressing, then went out to the living room, and ordered a cup of tea. The human part of her always loved a cup of tea before bed. Taking her tea, B’Elenna sat down on the couch and let herself relax.

As upset as she was over her confrontation with Tom, that wasn’t what was foremost in her mind. All B’Elanna could think about was Ro Laren. She felt warm and happy when she thought of the young security officer. As happy as she was to be having a baby, B’Elanna wished she had met Ro before Tom.

Reflecting back on how her relationship started with Tom, she knew it was out of loneliness and the thought of spending her entire life alone and lost in the Delta Quadrant. Even if Tom wasn’t the perfect catch he was at least someone who could fill a void. But had he been? In the last few months since B’Elanna had found out about her pregnancy, they had drifted apart. Tom had spent many nights away, and even when they were together, they were each distracted with their own projects.

B’Elenna came to with a start; she didn’t know where she was. She half laughed as she realized she had fallen asleep on the couch. ‘Computer, time!’

The computer responded in its usual monotone voice, ‘2:30am.’

Without warning B’Elanna was doubled over in pain. She reached for her com badge and lightly tapped it. ‘Torres, to sickbay.’

‘State the nature of your emergency,’ the holographic doctor asked.

‘Doctor, something is wrong,’ B’Elanna said before she passed out on the couch.

B’Elanna Torres slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was the doctor, who was standing next to the biobed smiling.

‘How are you feeling?’ he asked.

‘You tell me, you’re the doctor.’

‘I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor, even during labor.’

‘Labor?’

‘Yes, labor.’

‘But I’m not due for another two weeks!’ B’Elanna cried.

‘Tell that to your daughter, the doctor said.

‘Where’s Tom, why isn’t he here?’

The doctor scowled and then tried to smile. ‘Well, he’s a, he’s a bit indisposed at the moment.’ Even though the doctor was programmed not to lie, he’d been sentient long enough to know when to stretch things. The truth was, Tom Paris was passed out on the floor in his quarters. No amount of hypo sprays would awaken him. Apparently he had taken something and had passed out cold on the floor. Captain Janeway and Tuvok had spent the last hour trying to sober him up. It had been a slow process as Tom had kept falling asleep every time they got him on his feet.

The doors to sickbay opened and in walked Ro. She smiled as she walked over to B’Elenna. The Engineer looked up at Ro and returned the smile.

‘So, I hear you’re having a baby.’

‘That’s what the doctor tells me.’

‘I hope you don’t mind my stopping by.’

‘Of course not, I’m glad you’re here. Ro, do you know where Tom is?’

Ro looked over at the doctor who shook his head no. She pushed a stray piece of hair away from B’Elanna’s eye. ‘I’m not sure where he is. I can stay until he gets here, if you like.’

‘I’d like that very much, I don’t want to be alone.’

‘Of course it’s okay.’

Hours later B’Elenna was still in labor and there hadn’t been any sign of Tom Paris. B’Elanna had barely noticed his absence, instead she was glad to spend this time alone with Ro. B’Elanna felt safe and cared for in the security officers presence.

The doctor had come over and checked again to see how the labor was progressing. ‘I’m pleased to say, Lt, you’re just about ready to welcome your daughter into the world.’

Ro looked at B’Elenna and smiled. ‘I should give you’re your privacy.’

‘No, please stay,’ B’Elanna pleaded.

‘Are you sure?’

‘I want you to stay, only if you want to.’

‘I wouldn’t miss this for anything.’

With no more thoughts of Tom, B’Elanna concentrated on giving birth. Ro began stroking B’Elanna’s hand. That simple gesture made the mother to be relax.

Ro was honored to be a part of such a special moment, the birth of her love’s daughter. Yes, she loved B’Elanna Torres, heart and soul. It pained Ro that Tom was willing to let his girlfriend go through childbirth alone. If she were lucky enough to have B’Elanna as her spouse she would make sure that B’Elanna knew she was loved and cherished. She also couldn’t imagine Tom not wanting to spend every night with the beautiful Engineer. Instead he would opt to stay out all night and play with his friends. People like Tom definitely had commitment issues. A loud yell brought Ro out of her thoughts.

She was just about to ask the doctor what had happened when out popped a little head.

‘That’s it Lt., push!’ came the steady voice of the holographic doctor.

‘You want this baby so badly, then you push,’ the Chief Engineer yelled back at the doctor.

Laren bite the side of her cheek to keep from laughing. She knew poor B’Elanna was in a considerable amount of pain, but her reply was rather funny.

‘One more big push, Lt..’

‘I can’t, I can’t do it anymore,’ came the exhausted voice.

Ro bent down and wiped the perspiration from the Klingon’s brow. ‘Honey, you can do it, I’m right here with you.’

B’Elanna looked into Ro’s eyes and saw nothing but love and tenderness. She nodded to Ro, then took her hand and held it tightly. Ro thought her hand would break. She had underestimated the Klingon’s strength.

The doctor broke out into a broad smile. ‘Lt., Torres, May I introduce you to your daughter.’ The doctor wrapped the crying baby into a blanket and handed her off to the new mother. B’Elanna was crying tears of joy as she looked at her new daughter for the first time. She had tiny little ridges on her forehead, and a head of black hair just like her mother.

‘I need to take her back Lt.,’

‘Why, what’s wrong?’

‘Honey, the doctor needs to get her cleaned up.’

That one word didn’t go unnoticed by B’Elanna. That was the second time Ro had called her honey. If only she were Ro’s honey.

Reluctantly she parted with the baby long enough to let the doctor get her cleaned up, and weighed. When all was said and done, the baby ended up weighing, 8lbs, and was 21” long. B’Elanna settled back down on the biobed and watched her new daughter sleep.

‘I guess I should be going,’ Ro said quietly.

‘I’m sorry Laren, I didn’t expect you to get stuck with me,’ she said sadly.

‘Hey, I am so honored to have been part of such a beautiful moment. This is something I will never forget. I feel so humble,’ the security officer choked.

‘Just too bad her father didn’t feel the same way,’ B’Elanna said icily.

Not able to bite her tongue any longer, Ro spat back, ‘He’s an idiot for not wanting to spend more time with you. If I were lucky enough to have you as my mate, I would sure as hell treat you better than he treats you!’ Realizing what she had just said, Ro quickly turned around and was gone from sickbay.

‘B’Elanna tried to call after the upset woman but in her haste to leave she hadn’t heard B’Elanna.

B’Elanna’s spirits lifted as she heard the doors to sickbay open. She looked up and came face to face with Tom.

‘Hey babe, heard you had a baby,’ he joked.

‘Where were you?’

‘I was stuck on a job, I couldn’t get away,’ he lied.

‘You know Tom; you’ve always been a lousy liar. I find it very hard to believe that you couldn’t have spared a couple of hours to be present at your daughters birth.’

Tom moved closer to the bed, and started to put his hand on B’Elanna’s shoulder. She pulled away, sending a strong signal that she didn’t want to be touched.

‘Honey, I really tried to get away, I just couldn’t. Captain Janeway had me,’

‘Had you what Mister Paris?’ came the strong voice of the Captain.

Neither Tom nor B’Elanna had heard the Captain enter sickbay.

‘Nothing ma’am.’

Tom looked down at his feet, suddenly ashamed of his actions. He’d screwed up big time, and he doubted very much B’Elanna was going to forgive him.

Captain Janeway, had just about lost all patience with Tom Paris. It was bad enough he had shirked his responsibility to B’Elana and his daughter, but to lie and use her as the excuse was unconscionable.

‘Mister Paris, after you’ve oohed and awed over your new daughter, I’d like to see you in my ready room,’ the Captain stated firmly. Kathryn walked closer to B’Elanna and squeezed her shoulder. ‘B’Elanna she’s beautiful,’ the Captain said softly. ‘I’ll leave you two. Remember Mister Paris, my ready room!’ Kathryn turned and left sickbay, hoping that something could be salvaged from Tom’s mistake. She doubted B’Elanna would have it in her heart to forgive Tom this big a transgression.

Tom looked sheepishly at B’Elanna. ‘I guess I screwed up, huh?’

Feeling nothing but pity for Tom, B’Elanna looked up at the father of her child and shook her head. ‘Yeah, you did. Want to tell me what really happened?’

‘I was angry that you decided to spend the evening with Ro instead of me.’

B’Elnana felt her blood begin to boil, but pushed it back down, this time she needed to stay calm and focused. She softly spoke, ‘but it was okay to leave me alone for an entire night, especially when I was so far along in my pregnancy.’

Tom nodded his head in agreement. ‘Yeah something like that. I know that my saying I’m sorry isn’t going to change anything.’

‘No Tom, it won’t. So, where were you?’

‘Like I said, I was angry, so I went to the kitchen and took some of Neelix’s Stumakian Ale.’

‘Oh Tom, you didn’t!’

‘I did. And believe me, my head is paying the price. Captain Janeway and Tuvok have been trying to sober me up for the last five hours or more.’

‘You know Tom, I don’t need you to raise our daughter, but our daughter needs you.’

Tom knew what was coming next, he was prepared, he knew he’d messed up, and subsequently he needed to take his punishment. He was glad of one thing, that his father was in another quadrant. He would never have tolerated Tom’s actions.

‘So what happens now B’Elanna?’

‘I need someone in my life who can be there, not someone who prefers going out to play.’

‘I can change, I know I can, if you’ll give me a chance,’ Tom pleaded.

‘Tom, I know you think you can, but I don’t think you’re the settle down with one-woman type. I think you mean well, but then that certain something comes along, and it draws you in. It’s who you are. And maybe in some small way, I thought I could change that about you. I can’t, you are who you are. You know I’m right,’ she said softly.

‘I know, it just kind of hurts to hear it.’

‘It hurts to say it too. Tom we have a beautiful daughter together, and I wouldn’t change that for anything. We just aren’t meant for each other.’

‘But I can come around and see her, can’t I?’

A tear fell down B’Elanna’s cheek. ‘Oh Tom, I would never keep you from your daughter, you must know that. You’re still her father. She’s going to need her daddy,’ the engineer half laughed.

‘Did you decide on a name? I mean, I know I was supposed to home that night too and I stayed out, we never discussed her name.’

‘I’d like to name her after my mother, if that’s okay with you.’

‘Whatever you want to name her is fine with me.’

Once again Tom and B’Elanna didn’t hear the doors to sickbay open.

‘Then Miral it is. Now, come meet your daughter.’

Tom bent down and looked at the tiny bundle in B’Elann’s arms. He felt a wave of emotion wash over him, as he looked at the sleeping child. This was his child, his and B’Elanna’s. ‘She’s beautiful,’ he laughed.

‘Of course she is, she’s our daughter.’

For the first time B’Elanna felt at peace with Tom and his actions. She knew in her heart she had done the right thing. It wouldn’t be easy, but Tom would still be around to help.

‘She looks just like you honey.’

‘You think?’ B’Elanna asked.

Ro Laren quietly turned around and left sickbay. Her heart was heavy as she watched the happy couple with their new daughter. Ro couldn’t believe that B’Elanna had so readily forgiven Tom. He must have given her a song and dance to get her to forgive his not being there for the baby’s birth. Slowly the security officer walked back to her quarters. Once she arrived to the sanctity of her quarters she sat down on the couch and sobbed, until she fell asleep exhausted. Hours later she awoke on the couch in the same spot, still exhausted and still upset.

‘Sickbay to Lt. Ro,’ came the Doctor’s familiar voice.

Ro tapped her com badge. ‘Ro here. Is everything okay with the baby Doctor?’

‘Could you please report to sickbay at once?’ The Doctor had signed off before Ro had a chance to find out the answer to her question. Without wasting a minute, Ro was hurrying down to sickbay.

As the young Lt. entered sickbay she could hear the B’Elanna and the Doctor laughing and talking.

‘It truly is amazing Lt how quickly you heal. Your Klingon physiology is truly remarkable!’ the Doctor said in awe. ‘Ah, Lt. Ro, you’ve arrived.’

Ro looked at the Doctor and then to B’Elanna who was standing in front of the Doctor holding the baby. ‘Is everything okay B’Elanna?’

B’Elanna broke out into a big grin. ‘Everything is wonderful, couldn’t be better. The Doc here is springing me from sickbay.’

‘So soon?’ Ro asked alarmed. ‘I mean she just had the baby!’

‘I was saying to Lt Torres as you entered what amazing healing powers she has.’

‘According to the Doc, my Klingon side heals very quickly.’

‘I see no reason to keep them in sickbay. I do want you both back tomorrow for a follow up.’

B’Elanna nodded her head in agreement. ‘I hope you don’t mind my asking you to come down, and walk us back to our quarters.’

Ro was thrilled to the core but unsure of why she was the chosen one and not Tom. ‘Ummm, sure no problem. Tom not available?’

‘Actually I didn’t ask Tom, I asked you to walk us home.’ B’Elanna said huskily.

Ro felt a chill go down as her spine as she looked at the women she loved holding her daughter. She wished that little bundle could be their daughter.

The pretty security guard could sense something was up but she didn’t think it her place to ask. B’Elanna kept looking at her and smiling, a smile that was melting her heart.

‘Shall we?’ the Chief Engineer asked.

‘Lead the way,’ was all Ro could muster.

Slowly the two women made their way back to B’Elanna’s quarters. Normally it wouldn’t have taken long, but the birth of Miral was all everyone on board ship was talking about. B’Elanna knew that her daughter would always be safe on board Voyager.

The trio arrived at B’Elanna’s quarters. The door opened and B’Elanna entered. Ro not knowing what to do remained by the door. ‘Are you coming?’

‘Do you want me to?’

‘Doc doesn’t think I should be alone right now.’

‘Maybe you should be in sick bay then.’

‘If you have something you need to do, don’t let us keep you.’ B’Elanna said with hurt in her voice.

Ro was in the door like a shot. ‘There isn’t anyplace I’d rather be than here.’

B’Elanna smiled at Ro. ‘Come on, let me show you the nursery.’

The nursery was decorated brightly, with little animals and bright colors on the walls. Ro suspected that was B’Elanna’s human side, not the Klingon side that normally would have been decorated with dark colors.

‘Ro, can you hold Miral for a minute?’

Without giving her a chance to decline, B’Elanna handed the little bundle to Ro. She stepped out of the nursery and was out of sight. Ro had never spent a lot of time around children, especially a newborn. She didn’t want to break the child, but something about holding Miral felt right. Almost as if the child belonged to her and B’Elanna.

A few minutes later B’Elannd returned. She had changed into her sleepwear. She smiled as she watched Ro hold her newborn daughter. Everything looked right, Ro holding Miral, and Miral snuggled in the security officer’s arms.

‘We should put her down,’ B’Elanna suggested.

‘It’s hard to let her go,’ Ro laughed.

‘I felt the same way when I handed her off to you. I just can’t believe she’s finally here.’

‘B’Elanna you need to get off your feet.’

‘Come on then, let’s go sit in the living room.’ The two women went out to the living room, not wanting to put the baby down in her crib. Ro handed the child back to her mother, not really sure what her role in all of this was.

‘Do you want me to stay until Tom gets home?’

B’Elanna looked up at Ro and smiled. ‘Tom won’t be coming home tonight.’

Ro could feel her blood boil. ‘What do you mean he’s not coming home? I can’t believe….’

‘I broke up with him,’ B’Elanna interrupted.

‘He wouldn’t know a good thing if it hit him.’ suddenly it dawned on Ro what B’Elanna had just said.

‘You broke up?’

‘Uh huh.’

‘With Tom?’

‘Yup.’

‘I may be out of line, but it’s about time B’Elanna. He’s no…’

B’Elanna put her hand over Ro’s mouth to silence her. Slowly she removed her hand and leaned in to kiss the security officer on the lips. At first Ro couldn’t believe what was happening. Before their lips touched she pulled away.

‘B’Elanna? What’s going on?’

‘You don’t want me to kiss you?’

‘That’s not it, what happened between you and Tom? I came into sickbay and you two were getting along.’

‘You came back to sickbay?’

‘Yeah, I wanted to see you and the baby again. But when I saw you and Tom together, I didn’t want to intrude on your moment, so I quietly left.’

‘Then you must have come in on the latter part of our ‘time together.’ I realized something today, well actually it’s something that’s been building inside of me for quite some time. Tom and I aren’t meant for each other. He’s not settling down material, and quite frankly my heart belongs to you, and it has for quite some time. I think since the first day you beamed onto the Bridge.’

‘You have?’

B’Elanna smiled at Ro. ‘Yes I have.’

‘So what happens now?’

‘Well,’ the Klingon began, ‘I’ve been trying to get you to kiss me, so that would be a good place to start.’

‘But B’Elanna, you’ve just had a baby!’

‘Ro?’

‘Yes?’

‘Shut up and kiss me,’ B’Elanna said as she melted into the arms of her love. When their lips met, they both could feel the heat and electricity pass through them. The two lovers stayed on the couch for hours watching the new little bundle sleep. Both felt such happiness and contentment, neither one wanting to move off of the couch. B’Elanna, who was still exhausted from giving birth, gladly let Ro prepare dinner. Miral, was finally settled into her crib for the night, after her feeding.

After dinner the two women retreated back to the warmth and comfort of the couch. Ro looked at B’Elanna and broke out into a big grin.

‘What are you smiling at?’

Ro had never felt this happy in her entire life. ‘This all feels so right, being here with you, sharing this with you. B’Elanna, I hope you don’t mind, but I love you, heart and soul, I love you.’

The Chief Engineer felt the tears welling up in her eyes, and wasn’t embarrassed to let them fall freely. ‘Oh honey, I love you so much, you have no idea how much I’ve wanted to tell you.’

The two women fell asleep on the couch in one another’s arms, they awoke to Miral letting it be known she was ready for her dinner. Without thinking, Ro was at the side of her crib gently lifting her up and into her mother’s awaiting arms.

‘You’re a natural mother, Ro.’

‘Me? I don’t think so.’

‘Look at how gentle you are with her.’

‘Yeah, well she’s special, she’s yours.’

‘No, she’s ours.’

‘B’Elanna, Tom is still her father.’

B’Elanna shifted in her chair as the baby suckled. ‘I know, and I’m not keeping Miral from her father, but Ro, we both know that as hard as Tom will try, he’s never going to be the constant in her life. He’ll mean well, but if something comes along that’s a little more fun, he’ll be there over the needs of his daughter.’

‘He’s such a fool for not wanting to be a part of this. If I were blessed to have you as my wife, and Miral as my daughter, I sure as hell wouldn’t be out every night. I’d be by your side, always and forever.’

B’Elanna caressed Ro’s cheek with her hand then settled down into strong arms while Miral finished her dinner.

Three weeks later Ro was headed towards the bridge when a very angry Tom Paris stopped her. ‘Ro, I want to talk to you,’ Tom spat.

‘What do you want Tom?’

‘It’s because of you, I haven’t been able to see my daughter.’

‘What?’

‘You’ve moved in with my family. You’re there morning, noon and night.’

‘Which is more than when you were with her. At least I care to be around. Nobody’s keeping you from your daughter, you’re free to see her anytime you want. Look Tom, don’t use me as an excuse not to see your daughter. If you couldn’t be there for B’Elanna, at least be there for your daughter. You’re the only daddy she’s ever going to have.’ With that Ro calmly walk off leaving Tom to think about what the security officer had said.

Ro was right, he was using her as an excuse not to see Miral. There had been plenty of opportunities for him to go see his daughter. B’Elanna had invited him over on a number of occasions, but he’d always had something more important to do. And as usual he was quick to blame someone else for a problem that he had caused. That had been the story of his life. He’d never stepped up to the plate before. He’d always taken the easy way out. Realizing he had to make things right with his daughter, Tom had an idea and was hoping he could get Neelix to help.

The young Lieutenant entered the galley looking for Neelix. He found the kindly man, humming as he was preparing the evening meal.

‘Mister Paris,’ he said with a smile on his face. ‘Are you in need of a late lunch?’

‘No, I’m fine Neelix, thank you. I do need your help with something.’

‘Of course my friend, anything?’

Ro had just gotten off her shift and was headed to her quarters, the quarters she now shared with B’Elanna. Once they had professed their love for one another it hadn’t taken the two women long before B’Elanna asked Ro to move in with her and Miral. Without hesitation Ro had accepted. For the first time in her life, she felt as though she had a home and a family who loved her.

Ro entered her new quarters and found B’Elanna sitting on the couch holding a fussy Miral.

‘Hi,’ B’Elanna said softly as Ro went over and kissed her soundly on the lips.

‘Hi honey. How did everything go today?’

‘Our little friend here was fussy for a good part of the day. I finally got her quieted down a little while ago.’

‘I’m home now, so go get some rest.’

‘You’ve worked all day, you’re not going to come home and start taking care of the baby.’

‘B’Elanna, I know that I’m not her mother, but I feel every much her mother as you do.’

Ro sat down next to her love, who by now had tears flowing freely from her eyes. ‘Oh Laren, you don’t have any idea how much I love you. You truly are a gift.’

Ro took B’Elanna’s hand in hers. ‘No, B’Elanna, you are the gift. Everyday when I wake up I can’t believe how lucky I am that you love me and want to be with me.’

Without hesitation Ro took B’Elanna in her arms and started kissing her. They brought out of their reverie by the door chime.

‘Argh!’ B’Elanna said. ‘Enter!’ she barked.

The door opened to reveal a smiling Tom Paris. ‘Ladies.’ Tom said as he entered the quarters.

B’Elanna sat up straight in the couch. ‘Tom, what are you doing here?’

‘I am giving you and Ro a break for the night.’

‘You’re what?’ B’Elanna asked, not sure that she had heard him correctly.

‘I’m here to take my daughter for the evening so you and Ro can have some time together,’ Tom said grinning.

B’Elanna stood up and handed Miral to Ro. ‘Can you please change her while I speak to Tom?’

‘Of course.’ Ro quietly left with Miral to change her.

B’Elanna sat back down and motioned for Tom do to the same.

‘I know you’re shocked, B’Elanna.’

‘To put it mildly,’ the Klingon laughed. ‘Why the sudden change?’

Tom looked down at the floor and smiled. He was embarrassed by his actions of late. ‘Ro set me straight this afternoon.’

B’Elanna looked at Tom and scowled.

‘Before you get mad B’Elanna hear me out. I was pretty mad at Ro because she was keeping me from Miral.’

B’Elanna started to get angry but Tom spoke, ‘please, hear me out. I was so sure that Ro was keeping me from Miral, by being here all the time. It was my excuse not to come around. But she actually told me not to use her as an excuse. That I had always been welcome here to see Miral. And you know what? She’s right. There was always something better that came along, a card game with Harry, or a night with the Delaney’s. It was easier to blame someone other then myself. When actually, I am the one to blame. No one was keeping me from my daughter except me.’

‘You know Tom, there might be hope for you yet.’

‘I really want to be here for Miral, I really do, and sometimes it may take a kick in the pants for me to do it. B’Elanna, I really am happy for you and Ro, I can see how much you love one another. You two have something that we never shared. But I wouldn’t trade our daughter for anything.’

B’Elanna stood up, followed by Tom. Not knowing what to say or do, she drew the father of her daughter into her arms and gave him a tight hug. ‘Thank you Tom, this all means a lot to me.’

Tom was overcome with emotion and couldn’t speak. In part because he knew what he had given up because of his selfishness.

Ro appeared with a gurgling Miral. ‘Go to your daddy,’ she said softly as she handed Miral to Tom.

Tom looked down at his tiny daughter and grinned. ‘Hi beautiful, I’m your daddy, and while I may not be the best guy in the world, I’m going to try damn hard to be a good daddy.’

The three adults all found it very difficult to keep their emotions in check. B’Elanna broke the moment by clearing her throat. ‘You said that you’re giving us a break tonight?’

‘I am. I am taking my daughter to my quarters and spend the evening getting to know her.’

‘Tom, are you sure?’ B’Elanna asked hesitantly.

‘Positive.’

‘But what changing her?’

‘I have reinforcements,’ he smiled.

‘The Delaney’s?’ B’Elanna asked icily?

‘Nope, Neelix. He and I spent the afternoon getting a little nursery set up. Please B’Elanna, let me take her for a few hours. If I run into trouble I promise I’ll call.’

Ro put her hands on B’Elanna’s shoulder and drew her in close. ‘B’Elanna, it’s not like Tom is taking her to a different planet, she’s only a turbo ride away.’ B’Elanna visibly relaxed in her lover’s arms.

‘Okay, but the least little thing, you call me!’

‘I promise I will.’

Ten minutes later Tom was laden down with baby supplies and Miral. B’Elanna hoped she was doing the right thing by letting her daughter go off with Tom. Ro was right, she had to trust Tom with her daughter, after all, he was her father, and he had rights too.

B’Elanna realized that Ro was missing and went in search of her love. She found the young woman in the shower. With a wicked grin, B’Elanna began removing her own clothes, ready to join Ro in the shower. Since the two women had become a couple, they hadn’t been intimate. B’Elanna had needed time to heal, but she had healed and was ready to show her partner just how she loved her.

Ro had decided to take an actual water shower. Voyager had been outfitted with two types of showers, sonic and water. Luckily the real thing wasn’t a drag on the ships systems or resources. Most people took sonic showers because they were faster and less messy. But Ro still liked an old-fashioned water shower.

She stood under the nozzle letting the water cascade all over her body. Lost in thought she didn’t hear the door to the shower open. Suddenly warm arms found there way around her back. Turning around she came face to face with a smiling B’Elanna.

‘Thought you might need your back washed,’ B’Elanna said in a husky voice.

‘I don’t know about my back, but my mind needs a good washing,’ Ro joked.

‘Huh?’

‘Right now, I’m having very dirty thoughts about you, B’Elanna Torres.’

B’Elanna laughed as she took her soon to be lover into her arms. ‘Laren, I love you so much. I can’t imagine my life without you. You bring me such joy and happiness.’

Ro felt a tear trickle down her cheek as she listened to her heart, her love, her life. Gently she reached around B’Elanna and shut off the water.

‘What are you doing?’

‘Taking this to the bedroom, where I can make love to you, and show you just how much I love you, how much you mean to me.’

Without a word, Ro reached down and picked up B’Elanna. She carried her love into the bedroom and lay her down on the bed. Without further prompting, she took her love into her arms and showed her just how much she loved her.

The End?

I don’t know, that’s up to you. If you would like to see this story continue on, please write me and let me know.

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