“Lieutenant Paris is Catatonic, a state brought on by a disturbing memory mentioned in his talks with Lieutenant-Commander Tuvok. Basically, he’s stuck in his own mind.”

Tuvok interrupted the Doctor, “Judging from the conversation we were having at the time it is likely his mother’s death was the catalyst.”

“And the timing fits,” Janeway murmured to herself.

“Captain?” Tuvok enquired, puzzled.

“Mrs. Paris died eighteen years ago, the anniversary would be about four weeks ago. The question is, how do we get Tom out of his mind, and back into the real world?”

“My people have a ritual that allows us to enter the minds of someone who is in a trance, it should work for someone who is catatonic as well,” Chakotay glanced at Tuvok, “It is both safer and less intrusive than a mind meld, since I won’t be reading his mind, my spirit will be joining his on the spirit plane.”

“And you believe that by going into Tom’s mind,”Janeway prompted

“ I should be able to help him overcome what’s bothering him about his Mom’s death.”

“Very good, get to it commander, bring me back my pilot,”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Laughter, a happy child’s. Chakotay found himself in San Francisco on a sunny summer day. Laughter again. A young blond boy, hair tousled, blue eyes alight with wonder, dragged his laughing mother on some unknown quest.

“Wait up Tommy, The pier’ll still be there when we get there,”

“D’you think they’ll show me how to steer the ships Mommy?”

“Why not? I’m sure you’ll be a ship expert when we get back.”

“Wow! Wouldn’t Father be so impressed?”

“Yes he would, and so would I.”

Tommy Paris smiled brightly at his mother, before dashing ahead, “C’mon mommy! We’re gonna miss the ship.”

Miriam Paris laughed, “Don’t run Tommy!” She called after him.

Suddenly a hover car came barring down at top speed, weaving wildly, the driver was certainly drunk. He was heading toward an oblivious Tommy Paris. Seeing the danger her child was in Miriam screamed his name, but he couldn’t hear her. Frantically she ran toward him and pushed him out of the way. The driver slammed right into her. Tommy Paris scrambled to his feet and saw his mom lying in a bloody mess on the road. He ran to her side.

“Take care of your sisters.” She gasped, “And remember all I’ve taught you, my Tommy Boy.” She died.

Her son stayed at her side sobbing and screaming “Mommy! Mommy!”

They were sitting in a court room. Tom sat silently staring into space. Now was the time. “Tom, what are you doing?”

“Waiting.”

“For?”

“Them to find me guilty.”

“Tom this isn’t real.”

Bitter laughter, “You’re not real. This is.”

“Tom, we’re aboard Voyager.”

“Never heard of it.”

“It’s our ship, you’re our pilot.”

More laughter, “Who’d be crazy enough to let me fly?”

“Captain Janeway.”

“Janeway... Isn’t she one of Father's favorite’s?”

“Listen to me Tom, you’re trapped within your own mind, you can’t stay here.”

“Here they come.” Tom stood up, ignoring Chakotay.

“We find Thomas Eugene Paris to be guilty of treason, His sentence, 5 years in the maximum security facility at New Zealand.”

“C’mon Tommy-boy, Just a little trip to stretch our muscles, no biggie.”

“I don’t know, I’m not really feeling well.”

“C’mon, I’ll bet you’ll fly circles around the rest of us.”.......

Chapter 8