Legal: Ditto the last two stories
"Well, Thomas it's been a long time." Owen Paris said to his son.
"Yes, it has." Tom said. He motioned to his daughter, "I guess Kathryn needs no introduction."
"Of course not. How many granddaughters that I've never met come waltzing through my door?"
"Just one." Kathryn piped up. She walked over to stand by her father. "Just out of curiosity, how long did it take you to notice I was gone?"
"About ten minutes after I got off duty. Kathryn, how many times have I told you-"
"Not to leave without telling anyone!" She finished for him. "I did! I told Captain Janeway. So," she looked him right in the eye, "I followed the rules, and according to your rules I did nothing wrong."
"My, my I've heard this before." Her grandfather spoke up, "remember Thomas?"
"Except that I used a hover craft or my feet, and Kathryn used a transporter." He laughed, "But I remember those days."
Kathryn muffled a smile, 'now this is more like it.' When she got herself under control she said, "Well, I suppose you two have a lot to talk about. I think I'm going to look around outside." Her father and grandfather both opened their mouths to protest. Obviously, afraid to be alone together. Kathryn held up her hand, "I won't go far. I've never been to Earth before." She left the room before they could protest.
Father and son both stared at the door as if Kathryn would reappear. They new that something should be said about what happened last time they spoke, but neither of them wanted to.
"Kathryn seems to be a stupendous young girl." Owen ventured.
Tom nodded, "she is, and so are the other two." He sighed, "Okay Dad. We both know that something needs to be said about the accident."
"Yes, something does." He sighed, "Tom the things I said were out of frustration. Maybe at you, maybe at myself, I don't know."
"I understand." Tom gave a weak smile, which disappeared quickly, "I know I didn't then, but now that I have my own kids I do." He sighed, "you worked all your life to raise me right, and when I made a big mistake it hurt you inside as much as me. I'm sorry Dad."
"I'm as sorry as you are, son." He replied. "I should have never said some of the things I said to you. I was just........just...." He couldn't find the right words, "just so mad at myself! I put all the blame on me inside, and put all my frustration on you. The truth is I'm proud of you and I love you. When Voyager was lost I was devastated. Your mother didn't take it much better. But when I heard how much Voyager changed you," he grinned, "parental pride took over. I am very proud of how far you've come. Please, accept my apology."
"I forgave you along time ago dad." Tom knew that was a lie. He knew that if Kathryn hadn't forced him to come he never would have seen his father again. But, it sounded nice.
Even though neither were hugging types, they hugged, in a rather uncomfortable way. Owen Paris smiled at his son. "What are you and your family doing for dinner?" He asked.
Tom shrugged, "Eating on Voyager."
"Well, I know your mother would like to see you and meet your wife and daughters. Why don't you come for dinner?" Owen said.
"We'll be there," Tom grinned, "and I'll make sure the girls wear different outfits so they don't confuse you like they do everyone else."
Owen laughed, "Do they really look that much alike?"
Tom rolled his eyes, "If they switched beds when they were sleeping, I wouldn't even be able to tell the difference. Well, at least with Elizabeth and Kathryn, but if it weren't for Felicity's haircut they could fool anyone they wanted." He smiled at the thought, "Well, I'd better be going. See you tonight."
Owen nodded, "I'll tell your mother to expect five hungary dinner guest."
Tom grinned, "Bye Dad." He walked out of the office.
Kathryn was waiting outside. She looked up as her father walked out, and pushed her long, dark braid behind her head. He beckoned her to follow him and she trotted to his side. "So, how'd it go?"
"Holodecks are off-limits for you for a week." He grunted. "That's just standard punishment. You have to learn not to wander off by yourself." He sighed, "But, you did bring my father and I back together. You've got a big heart Kathryn." He sighed again, "I just hope it doesn't lead you into big trouble some day."
"Daddy, I'll try not to do that again, but I'm not promising anything." Kathryn said, trying to be serious.
"Well, I hope you like home cooking."
"Why?" She asked confused.
"Because, you, me, your sisters, and mother are going to your grandparents house for dinner." His face broke into a grin, as Kathryn's lighted up.
"Really?" She gave him her biggest grin, "I can't wait."
"More potatoes Elizabe-- I mean, Kathryn?" Kathryn's grandmother offered.
Kathryn held her hand up, as if to fight the food off. "No, thanks Mrs--" She hesitated after remembering that she insisted on Kathryn calling her Grandma. "Grandma. I won't be able to eat for a week."
"This was all very good, Grandma." Elizabeth said, pushing back a piece of hair that fell in her eyes.
"Yes, it was, and I'm sorry we didn't leave you any left-overs." B'Elanna said, smiling.
"Well, thank you B'Elanna. It's good to cook for a crowd, Owen and I normally eat on our own," she leaned closer and lowered her voice, "and I'm not sure what he's been eating that's making him gain weight."
That comment made a wave of laughter hit the table. Owen Paris just smiled, "I heard that Marie."
"Well, then do something about it." Marie smiled at her husband.
Felicity leaned over to Elizabeth and Kathryn, "We should give a toast."
"That's a great idea!" Kathryn agreed.
"But what?" Elizabeth asked.
The three discussed it for a little while, until their father noticed something was up. "What are you three conspiring about?" He asked.
The triplets exchanged a look, then all three stood up at the same time. "We'd like to purpose a toast." Felicity said running her hand through her short hair, and raising her glass. "To Voyager."
Elizabeth raised her glass, and blushed slightly, she never liked public speaking, "and Voyager's slip-stream drive."
Kathryn nodded and raised her glass as well, "That brought us back home, and reunited our family."
B'Elanna smiled and raised her glass in support, "Here here."
Everyone else did the same, "Here here." They all clanked glasses, and took a sip.
Kathryn smiled, 'this is home.' She thought. 'This is my second home and family, but Voyager will always be my first.'
The End!!!!!!
Note--Sorry it took so long!! I finished on Thanksgiving, so........
Happy Turkey Day!!!!!
I'm not sure about Tom's mother's name, so I just guessed. If you know the real name, please e-mail me and tell me! I would like to hear your opinions (good or bad) so e-mail me at: