Tom woke up in a soft bed with the scent of mint heavy in the air. Squinting, he opened his eyes and stared at the smiling, warm face of a woman above him. “Good morning.” She said.

“Is it really morning?”

“Yes.”

“Where am I?”

“You are at Cordinance, the capital of Rythomony, a bright and musical day to you.”

“And to you.” He struggled to sit up, “ Unusual greeting.”

“When you have a colony completely composed of musicians it’s likely to be a little odd.”

“You’re all musicians?

“Everyone of us. I’m Melody Mcknight”

“I’m Lieutenant Tom Paris of Starship Voyager.”

“Welcome Tom, are you a musician?”

“I play the piano.”

“Then you are doubly welcome. And most likely hungry. Come with me and we will correct that.” He got up and they started walking through marble halls.

“What happened to me?”

“What do you remember?”

“Um- well Seska went insane and shot me. That’s it.”

“Well after the female-Seska? Shot you you fell over the edge of the cliff. She threw the weapon over you. Some of our children spotted you and we were able to get a tent out to catch you with in time.”

“I’m grateful, but what I don’t understand is why Seska didn’t kill me, she said she would.”

“We figured that out. The weapon she used on you was set on a very low setting. The one in your belt was set on the highest. We believe she must have set her weapon to kill and then got it mixed up with yours.”

“That explains it.” Tom agreed

Chakotay couldn’t believe Tom had tried to kill Seska. Sure he had betrayed them, but, why attack Seska? It didn’t make any sense. And Chakotay was left with a feeling of disquiet, a feeling that something was definitely not right. Harry turned around, “Captain, we’re being hailed.”

“Put them on screen Ensign Kim.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I am Captain Kathryn Janeway of Starship Voyager. How can I help you?”

“A bright and musical day to you. I am John Mcknight, Leader of the people of Rythomony. And it is I who intend to help you. We have something I believe belongs to you.”

“I don’t recall losing anything lately.”

“Perhaps I should have said someone. Someone by the name of Tom Paris.”

“He’s alive?”

“Very much so. You thought he died?”

“We did.”

“Well then, I am pleased to tell you that you are incorrect. If you come to Cordinance you can collect him.”

“Thank you Leader Mcknight. We appreciate it.”

“When you reach there go to the Capitol building and ask for Melody Mcknight.”The screen went blank. ‘That must be it’ Chakotay thought. ‘That’s what ‘felt’ wrong. He’s not actually dead.’

Seska’s mind was whirling out of control. ‘What was she going to do? What if they believed Paris?’