Parallax: Part One.

AN: Copywrite. Star Trek Voyager belongs to Paramount. I am just writing this so please don't throw me in jail. Thank you.

Sources: The Voyager Transcripts-Parallax

For the past few days I have been trying to write this chapter. I think it is only fair to warn everyone who reads this story that I won't be able to publish the next chapter for a while. School is less than a week away and my parents are cutting down the amount of time I can be on the computer. Also, this chapter isn't very different from Parralax since I am uncreative this week so sorry about that.

Not to mention I think a see writer's block running towards me from a distance.

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Chapter 6: Parralax: Part One.

(One week after Caretaker.)

Bini Filters POV

-----

I ran down the corridor of deck six. I carefully pinned on my Lieutenant rank pips as I attempted to keep steady as my pace quicken. A week ago, Captain Janeway made me a Lieutenant. Second in command of security thanks to Tuvok's "glowing" review of my services aboard the Maquis ship.

I was happy with the title and job. The downside is the fact that I have to snap to attention every time someone screws up. There have been at least five fights. One for almost every day of the week since we got out here because the "Fleets" and Maquis can't settle their differences like mature grownups.

It wasn't even lunch yet and already I had to report to sickbay because B'Elanna lost it and punched Carey.

I ran into sickbay a sweaty mess. I rushed over to Tuvok as the EMH worked on resetting Carey's nose. He had blood streaming out of his nose.

"She's not just out of control, she's out of her mind." Carey snapped. Great. So I got here late. He started without me. Again.

"If you will explain what happened, Lieutenant-" Tuvok started.

"She hit me is what happened!" Carey interrupted as he shot up from the biobed. The EMH gave him an irritated glance.

"Your nose is broken in three places. I'll need to reset the ethmoid fossa. Try not to move." He insisted as he carefully shoved him back down to the biobed.

"We were disagreeing the power grid. She wanted to realign the lateral plasma conduit. I told her that would cause an overload. As usual, she wouldn't listen. So I told her to step aside and let me handle it. She pushed me away from the console. I pushed back. Next thing I knew, I was lying on the deck with blood pouring down my face." Carey explained. Commander Chakotay walked in and stopped next to me. He must have heard about the incident...most of the ship probably has at this point.

"Then what happened?" Chakotay asked.

"She said, 'Sorry. Maybe you should go to Sickbay." He spat out.

"At least she gave you some good advice." I muttered.

"What was that, Maquis criminal?!" Carey yelled at me. He shot up and gave me a hostile look.

"I don't think you want to fight me right now." I growled. The EMH slammed Carey back down. He cried out in pain.

"Hold still!" The Doctor ordered. Chakotay padded Tuvok and me on the shoulder

"Don't worry, Lieutenants. I'll take care of this."

"You keep that woman out of my engine room and everything will be fine!" He yelled as the EMH held him down. Chakotay left sickbay. We followed closely behind him as we entered the corridor.

"Where is Miss. Torres?" Tuvok asked.

"I've confined her to quarters." Chakotay replied.

"I would like her moved to the brig until formal charges can be filed." Tuvok suggested. I did a classic eyebrow raise towards him.

"Formal charges? Geez, Tuvok. We are seventy-five light years away from the nearest federation court. Are we going to keep her in confinement that long?" I demanded.

"The Captain has the authority to try Miss Torres here on the ship, considering the extenuating circumstances."

"Oh, Well that makes me feel sooo much better." I replied in sarcasm.

" Well, I'd like to settle this on my own without filing charges and without involving the Captain." Chakotay said as he ignored me.

"She struck a fellow officer. That is a court-martial offence."

I sighed in irritation as I listened to their conversation.

"She's a Maquis, and in the Maquis, sometimes you have to push people out of your way to get things done." Chakotay explained.

Man, don't I know it. I had been pushed out of the way.

"Miss Torres is no longer a member of the Maquis, and with all due respect, Commander, neither are you. Allowing Miss Torres to get away with a clear violation of regulations sets a bad example for the rest of the crew. It makes it appear as though you were showing favouritism toward the Maquis." Tuvok explained. Man, Tuvok going in for the kill.

"Look, Lieutenants, I don't have to explain myself to you two. I'll deal with B'Elanna personally, and then I'll inform the Captain. You're to drop this matter. That's an order." He increased his pace. I jogged forward and started to walk beside him.

"I used to be a Maquis. So, I will respectfully decline your orders and go with you to see B'Elanna...sir."

He mumbled something under his breathe.

"Hurry up Sarah!"

Micheal and Sarah ran down the corridor and weaved past us.

"Hey! HEY! No running!" I yelled at them. Sarah stopped and turned to me as Micheal kept running down the corridor.

"Mollie ran off. We are trying to find her. Mommy will be angry if she finds out!" Sarah panicked and ran off again after her brother.

"Nevermind, Chakotay. I have a dog to find. I will stand by your orders." I barked as I ripped out my tricorder and called out after them as I scanned for life signs. I started to speed walk away from them as I scanned the deck.

-----

Commander Chakotay's POV

"I will yield my authority in this case to you. However, I will make a full report in my security log." Tuvok pointed out as we watched Bini speed her way down the corridor after the Captain's children. I haven't met them but I have found that after the most recent days, Bini seems close to them.

I entered the nearest turbo lift. The betrayal of Tuvok was still fresh in my mind even after a week. I don't let go of betrayals very well.

"You do that. Deck Nine." I snapped. The turbo lift closed on Tuvok and speed towards its next destination.

I got off at deck nine. Seska and Jarvin ran up to me. Seska was smirking as Jarvin nervously followed us.

"Sir, we heard what happened. What are they going to do with B'Elanna?" He asked.

"I don't know yet but I'll handle it." I replied.

"We heard that Captain Janeway's going to put her in the brig for two months, and that all the Maquis are going to be restricted to quarters when they're not on duty." Seska pitched in.

"Not true." I snapped.

"We just want you to know that if things do get our of hand, we're ready to back you." She pushed.

"What does that mean?"

"In case you want to take control of the ship, you have our full support." Jarvin said.

"If I ever hear you talk that way again, I'll personally throw you in the brig for mutiny." I snapped. I left them in the corridor as I stormed away. I was still close enough to hear what they were saying as I left.

"He is following that idiotic Fleet Captain. We won't get anywhere with him."

"We could try Bini."

"The runt? Why?"

Well, she is second in command of security."

I ignored them as I went out of earshot. I have bigger problems to deal with right now.

-----

B'Elanna Torres POV

I paced my quarters like a caged tiger. I wanted...no...needed to hit, throw, destroy something. The doorbell chimed. I raged and threw a bowl at it. It opened to just barely miss Chakotay. He walked through the door, glaring at me. He held out a padd towards me.

"Here."

I snatched the padd from his hand and looked it over quickly. I looked back at him.

"The medical report on Lieutenant Carey."

I slammed the pad down on the nearest table. Refusing to even glance at it.

"Lieutenant Carey is an idiot! When I tell you what happened-"

"I don't want to hear it! You might be interested to know that the impact fractures along his cranium were pretty severe. If you'd hit him just a little harder, you could have driven some of those bones into his cerebellum." Chakotay explained.

"I didn't even come close to hitting him that hard."

"So on the one side, I'm facing a Vulcan who wants court-martial you. And on the other, I'm facing all the Maquis who are ready to seize this ship over this. You've turned this into one lousy day for me, Torres."

"How long do I have to stay here?" I snapped.

"Rest of the trip. Seventy-five years." He joked. I rolled my eyes and continued to pace. His stupid attempt at humour was lacking. Clearly.

"I've never found your twisted sense of humour very funny, Chakotay."

"Or I could send you back to work with the understanding that you'll apologise to-"

"Apologise? He was the one who-"

"Not just a simple apology. A personal one, over a hot cup of pejuta. Bond with the man."

Bond? HA! Now I know Chakotay was insane. Starfleet has corrupted him in little than a week. If only Bini listened to me and we wouldn't- Who am I kidding? Bini wasn't much better.

"I am not going to bond with him." I snapped.

"You are going to need the support of people like Carey when you become chief engineer."

I scoffed at the idea and rolled my eyes again.

"Sure." I replied in sarcasm.

"This is not another example of my twisted sense of humour."

"But Carey is next in line." I argued.

"You're a better engineer than he is."

"What does the Captain have to say about this?"

"She hasn't said a word, because I haven't told her yet."

-----

Chakotay's POV

"Engine efficiency's down another fourteen percent. If we don't get more power to the warp drive, we're all going to have to get out and push." Tom said as we sat around the briefing table, reviewing ship systems.

"What about alternative energy sources? Ensign Kim, have you had any luck getting power from the holodeck reactors?" Janeway suggested as she glanced towards Harry for an answer.

"Not yet. We tried hooking them to the power grid and we ended up blowing out half the relays. The holodeck's energy matrix, it just isn't compatible with the other power systems." Harry said with a disappointed look. Well, we could shut off power to deck nine?

"Captain, if we relocate all security personnel to deck seven, we can shut down power on deck nine and reroute it to propulsion." I said.

"That would be inconvenient, but acceptable." Tuvok said with a raise of his eyebrow.

"Fine. Now let's move on to the personnel situation. We still have-" Janeway started but was interrupted as Neelix and Kes stumbled in.

"Sorry we're late, but I wasn't informed there was a meeting this morning. Oh, there don't seem to be enough chairs." Neelix pointed out as he became aware of the room. Janeway looked a little annoyed but she hid it well.

"Neelix, this is a briefing for the senior officers." Janeway explained.

"I see. Well, I, I am the senior Talaxian on board. Kes is the senior Ocampa. And I do know more about this region of space than any other member of the crew." Neelix pointed out.

"We have some excellent suggestions, Captain." Kes added with a bright smile.

"Very well. You're welcome to join us, this time." Janeway agreed. The couple smiled and Tom Paris gave up his chair for her. Kes smiled at him and sat down, meanwhile Neelix glared at him. Jealous Neelix.

"To be honest, we could use some excellent suggestions right now." Janeway admitted. I thought mine was pretty good.

"I've been thinking that you might be able to convert one of your lower decks into a hydroponics bay to grow your food. I understand that the replicators are down and that the emergency rations won't hold out much longer." Kes said.

"What about Cargo Bay two? It was designed for organic storage and it already has adjustable environmental controls." Harry pointed out.

"When can you start?" Janeway asked Kes. Kes gave her a shocked look.

"M-me?"

"It's your idea. It's your project." I said.

"Um. Right away!" She insisted.

"I can do some wonderful things with vegetables, Captain. My feragoit goulash is known across twelve star systems." Neelix said. I don't think that one is true.

"Okay. The personnel situation. We've managed to find a replacement for the Transporter Chief, but we still need an Astrogation plotter, a Chief Engineer, medical support personnel." Janeway said, moving on from the other situation.

"I've made a list of several Maquis crew members who would make good officers." I said and handed Janeway a padd full of my suggestions.

She quickly read through it then looked up at me, concern written on her face.

"B'Elanna Torres? She was the one involved in that incident with Mister Carey."

"That's right."

"Just what job do you think she's suited for?"

"Chief Engineer."

"You're serious?" Her eyes narrowed.

"Very." I replied.

Janeway sighed and glanced at the padd again.

"Regarding Sickbay, we still need a Chief Medical Officer." She pointed out.

"What about that electronic man down in Sickbay?" Neelix asked.

"It is an Emergency Medical Hologram and its abilities are limited. It can only operate within the confines of Sickbay." Tuvok pointed out.

"Not to mention, it's lousy bedside manner." Paris mumbled under his breath.

"Perhaps we should assign somebody to train with the hologram as a field medic." I suggested.

"Good idea. Lieutenant, I understand you studied biochemistry at the Academy." Janeway agreed with a twist of her head towards Tom, bring his attention back as he stood up a little straighter.

"Er, only two semesters." Tom said with his face written with concern.

"Close enough. You just volunteered to become a field medic. Report to Sickbay as soon as we're finished here." Janeway ordered.

Tom took a step forward in protest.

"But Captain-"

The ship jolted forward.

-----

Harry Kim POV

We all rushed onto the bridge as the ship bolted again.

"Report!" Janeway barked as she grabbed the railing.

Tuvok rushed to his station as Seska took the engineering console.

"We're running into some kind of spatial distortion." Seska reported as she looked at my sensor data going to her console.

"Mister Tuvok!" Janeway said as she turned for Tuvok to more answers.

"The distortions are emanating from a highly localized disturbance in the space-time continuum. Distance, twenty thousand kilometres off the port bow." Tuvok reported.

"All stop. On screen. Gravimetric flux density is over two thousand percent. If I'm not mistaken, we're looking at a type four quantum singularity." Janeway ordered. Tom pressed in the commands to stop the ship. The ship slowed as the spatial distortion appeared on screen.

"Captain, I am receiving an audio transmission from within the singularity." Tuvok reported.

"On speakers." Janeway ordered as she sat down in her command chair next to Chakotay. A garbled voice entered the speakers and cut through the air.

"I think I've found the source of the transmission." I reported as I glanced at the info on my console. A small ship appeared in the distance.

"Um, does that look like any ship we should know?" Tom asked as he turned towards the rest of us in this chair.

"Um, nothing I recognise. But, it is hard to make out." Neelix answered.

"Well, that's helpful." Seska muttered as her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"They may be trapped in the event horizon. Open a channel. This is Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Starship Voyager to the vessel near the quantum singularity. Do you need help?" Janeway said.

"Event horizon?" Kes asked.

"A singularity is a star that's collapsed in on itself. The event horizon is a very powerful energy field surrounding it. Why, er, once on a particularly dangerous trade mission to the twin stars of Keloda, I was almost trapped inside-" Neelix started to explain but was interrupted by Tuvok.

"No response to our hail, Captain."

"Can we tractor the vessel out?" Janeway asked.

"No. The subspace interference is too heavy." I reported.

"Captain, we're less than three light-years from Ilidaria. They have sophisticated technology. They might be able to help and they're quite friendly, most of the time." Neelix said with a chuckle.

"No. It looks like it's being pulled in toward the singularity. We have to get it out of the event horizon."

" Bridge to Torres. We need a way to get that ship out of there. Any ideas?" Chakotay said while tapping his combadge. The Captain glared at Chakotay as he did his best to avoid eye contact as Seska smirked in victory. Great. The Maquis have all teamed up against Fleet's.

-----

Lieutenant Carey's POV

"Bridge to Torres. We need a way to get that ship out of there. Any ideas?" Commander Chakotay said to Torres! Not the engineering chief but to B'Elanna Torres. I have a feeling that Captain Janeway didn't approve this.

Torres's head shot up towards me. Her eyes flashed with confusion but were quickly pushed aside for the task at hand. She tapped her combadge.

"The subspace interference. It might be enough to cut through the event horizon." she said and glanced down at her console again.

The engineering crew all stopped what they were doing and started to become aware of the situation. This is one thing that the Maquis and us "Fleets" can bond over. The confusion of what just happened. It was clear that Chakotay still favoured the Maquis over Fleets. He didn't "Sell out for the hot Captain." as everyone has said.

For once, I was happy that Torres was here. A horrible rumour put to rest.

The room had grown quiet. Everyone listening to the events unfolds.

-----

Bini Filters POV

I stood at my current security post in engineering with three members of security (in case we were boarded) and watched as the room had grown quiet in confusion. I had given up trying to get Mollie for the kids and simply just handed them a tricorder.

I entered a couple of minutes ago for my shift. Everyone is still confused.

That's very understandable.

I am very confused myself. Who wouldn't be?

Carry looked a little relieved as Torres only made eye contact with the console in front of her, beside Carey.

"A subspace tractor beam?" Chakotay asked. His voice cut through the silent room.

"Um, exactly." Torres replied.

"When can you have it ready?"

"Two, maybe three hours?"

"Get right on it. Use as many people as you need." Chakotay said.

Carey looked a thousand miles away. Who wouldn't be? He is probably still wondering if he is the chief engineer. Chakotay certainly thinks B'Elanna is. I bet the Captain is in fury right now. That would be fun to see.

OK, that's strange. Why would I want to see that?

Because I am boring.

Yep. That's it.

OK, I need to stop talking to myself.

"Mister Carey, what do you think?" Janeway's voice rang through the quiet, and confused engine room. Pulling me out of my own, rather sad, thoughts.

"With the right field modulation it might work, but we'll need more power to the emitter array." Carey replied.

"Very well. You're in charge, Mister Carey. Report to me when the tractor beam is ready." Janeway ordered and with that, closed the channel between the bridge and engineering. B'Elanna's fists closed tight together as she struggled to control her temper.

"That T'Pok! Stupid perfect "fleet" Captain." B'Elanna muttered as she typed in commands as Carey started to order everyone around and the tension returned as everyone became aware of who was maquis and a "Fleets." They all muttered to each other and glared at the enemy as they set out to follow orders.

-----

Random Crew member's POV

I held my breath as I crossed the bridge and glanced at the command team in front of me as I passed. Janeway had closed her eyes and held her fists so tight that her knuckles were white, while Chakotay pretended that what he just pulled was normal!

"Mister Paris? Hold our position here." Janeway snapped.

"Aye, Captain." Tom replied as he slowly brought that ship to a stop.

She leaned over to Chakotay.

"I would like to see you in the ready room." She growled and walked towards her ready room, ordering Tuvok to take over. Chakotay rolled his eyes, ROLLED HIS EYES!? Chakotay rolled his eyes and followed after her. Great. Just great.

If their problems with each other keep up, we won't last next four months out here.

-----

Bini Filters POV

(Ten minutes later.)

I let out a big yawn as I lead against the engineering wall near the entrance. I held up a padd and began to write down my report. How do I phrase it? The crew became connected because you and the Commander pulled a confusion argument into the mix. Ta-da?

Nope. That won't work. How can I make if sound professional...?

"Bini..." Sarah walked into sickbay. She had dried up tear tracks as she limped over to me.

"Sarah? You aren't allowed in engineering! Why couldn't you have just called me on the combadge?" I asked as the staff cast strange looks towards us.

"I scraped my knee. Can you take me to sickbay? Micheal said to ask you. Then he went to keep looking for Mollie." She asked.

"*Sigh.* Fine." I replied. I looked towards my security officers as I stepped away from the wall. Sarah smiled as my officers straightened their posture.

"Keep engineering safe. If any of the security teams report something wrong. Tell me. Not Tuvok. Understand?" I ordered.

"Aye, Lieutenant!" They all barked at the same time.

I nodded and walked out of sickbay with Sarah. I held her hand.

---Ten minutes later---

We entered sickbay. Sarah kept complaining about her brother dumping her in their quarters and Mollie being too big to catch. How the entire situation was either Mollie or Micheal's felt.

The EMH was puttering around his office. Mumbling to himself as he organized his medical equipment.

We stood in the middle of sickbay.

"Um, Doctor?" I called out.

He raised an eyebrow in my direction. He quickly grabbed the medical tricorder.

"What seems to be the medical emergency?" He snapped as he scanned us. I waved the small device away and pointed towards Sarah.

"Sarah skinned her knee." I replied.

"Not surprising."

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Lieutenant." He snapped. He grabbed a dermal regenerator and guided Sarah to the biobed. I shrugged it off and headed towards the exit.

"Wait! Bini! Don't go!" Sarah cried from the biobed. I hesitantly spun around and faced them again.

"Sarah, I have a job. Like the way your mother has a job too-"

"You captain the ship too?"

"Ah...no. I am second in command of security. I must be there to do my job, like your mother leading the ship. I have to go DO my job." I insisted. I almost tripped over myself as I headed towards the exit again.

"Lieutenant! I am a Doctor, not a Babysitter!" The Doctor called out. I didn't turn around this time and quickly left as fast as I could. No way I was stopping for anyone again. I ran into the corridor and broke about I am sure ten rule, I kept running down the corridor. Past Kes who opened her mouth to speak to me but honestly I don't have time.

-----

Kes's POV

I watched as Lieutenant Filters burst out of sickbay and started to sprint down the corridor. Neelix's request from earlier suddenly came to mind. I opened my mouth to speak as she got closer.

"Sorry! I am late! NO TIME!" She exclaimed and picked up her speed past me and left me standing in the corridor alone. I can understand that. I suppose it has all been a very trying week for everyone on board from what I have heard. I only wish I could do more to help.

I continued on my mission into sickbay. I saw the EMH fixing young Sarah Janeway's injury. He glanced at me then fixed up the rest of her injuries. He gestured her off the bed and pointed towards the door.

"Like I told the lieutenant, I am not a babysitter. Go to the holodecks...or something..." He insisted and gave the girl and slight shove. She gave him a bright smile.

"Thank you!" She chirped. He gave her a small smile as she ran out of the room and onto wherever else she was headed. I heard Mollie went missing. Maybe she is going to help her brother.

"Hello, Doctor!" I beamed. He merely grunted in my direction as he placed the dermal regenerator away and entered his office.

"What can I do for you?" He asked. Looking hopeful for something.

"I'm creating a hydroponics bay. I was told you could provide me with some nitrogenated soil samples." I replied. His face dropped in disappointment.

"That's it?"

"I'm sorry if-"

"So it begins. The trivia of medicine is my domain now. Every runny nose, stubbed toe, pimple on a cheek becomes my responsibility.

"You are the only doctor we have." I argued.

"I am not just a doctor. I've been designed with the information from two thousand medical reference sources and the experience of forty-seven individual medical officers. I am the embodiment of modern medicine. How much dirt do you need?" He asked.

"Um, four samples, please." I replied. He replicated some samples and brought them over to a shelf and began to make sure they were able to support life.

"Now I know how Hippocrates felt when the king needed him to trim a hangnail." He muttered under his breath.

"You're very sensitive, aren't you?" I commented.

"As a medical practitioner, I require a certain sensitivity to properly address a patient." He snapped. He finished the sample testing and handed them towards me.

"I'm talking about you as a person," I said. "Thank you." I clutched them tightly.

"I am merely a hologram." He argued as he cleaned up on the shelf. Wait...he was smaller then he was a few moments ago. I think.

"Doctor, has your programme altered your appearance since I came to Sickbay?" I asked as I took a closer look at his height.

"No. Why?" He asked with a confused glance towards me.

"When I first came in, your head was at the same height as this shelf level. But now you look at least ten centimetres shorter." I said as I pointed towards the shelf.

"I am even shorter than you!" He noticed and rushed towards his desk. I will admit. That stung a little. I never liked it when people commented on my height. Always bothered me a bit. He switched on his computer and gave a few moments gave me a sad look.

"I've just run a diagnostic on my imaging processor. It shows that I've been reduced in height by ten-point four centimetres. Sickbay to Operations." He said as he tapped his combadge.

"This is Kim." Harry replied from his station as Ops on the bridge.

"The holographic projector in here is malfunctioning. Would you send a repair crew down right away?" He asked.

"We're a little busy right now. We'll get to it as soon as we can." Harry assured him.

"It's just that I-"

"Kim out." and with that. Harry closed the channel.

The Doctor looked up at me with sad eyes.

"I supposed Ops is busy at the moment is busy." he reasoned. I nodded.

"I'm sorry I bothered you with this." I apologized.

"No trouble at all. Just turn off the programme before you leave." He said and turned back towards his computer. I wonder what his name is...I should ask sometime later. I shouldn't take up any more time.

"What's your name?" The Doctor asked.

"Kes." I replied. He smiled at me.

"Kes. I'm glad I could help you today." He said with a genuine smile. I smiled back.

"Computer, end programme." I ordered and watched him shimmer away. I smiled to myself and left sickbay with the samples. I hope they fix his program soon.

-----

Harry Kim's POV

(Ten minutes later.)

"Carey to Bridge. The subspace tractor beam is online and ready to go, Captain." Carey said on the open channel. The Captain stood up from her chair and stood in the middle of the bridge.

Commander Chakotay glared at her for a moment before looking back at the screen.

"Acknowledged. Mister Tuvok, lock onto that ship." She ordered. Tuvok's hands danced across his security console.

"Engaging the tractor beam. It's working. The beam is penetrating the event horizon." He reported. So far so good. Now-

Instant beeping went off on my console. Something was going wrong. I managed to find the problem quickly as Janeway looked towards me in concern.

"Engineering, check your power levels. I'm showing massive fluctuations!" I said over the channel as more readings came in.

"Damn it! The new relays on the power grid aren't holding." Torres yelled at Carey over the channel.

The ship started to violently shake as some people were thrown to the floor or lost their balance. The Captain quickly sat back in her chair as Tom grunted as he struggled to control the ship.

"We're being pulled toward the singularity." Tom exclaimed.

"Power to the tractor beam is down eighty percent. The gravimetric force of the singularity is pulling us in!" I yelled over the chaos as the sensor data became clear to me.

"Impulse engines, full reverse! Disengage the tractor beam." Janeway ordered.

Torres grunted over the channel as explosions flared across engineering heard over the channel.

"I can't shut it down. The emitter relays are locked." Torres replied.

"I'm picking up hull stress all over the ship. If we keep engines at full reverse while the tractor beam's engaged, it'll pull the ship apart." I said.

"Cut the engines."

"We're moving forward again."

"Engineering, get the tractor beam offline!" Janeway yelled over the channel as sparks flew and the shaking became more violent.

"Captain, I can shut it down but I'll have to get in there and physically cut the main power feed.

"Do it!"

The shaking lasted for a few more seconds before it came to a halt.

Everyone...almost everyone let out a sigh of relief. We aren't going to die today.

"Tractor Bean disengaged." Tuvok reported.

"Move us to a safe distance, Mister Paris."

"Are we abandoning the rescue attempt?" Chakotay asked. The first thing he had said to her since the incident. She refused to look at him as she straightened her posture. What happened in the ready room?

"No, but we are going to need some help. Lay in a course for the Ilidaria system, full impulse. Have Mister Neelix report to the Bridge. It looks like we're going to follow his suggestion after all."

-----

Captain Kathryn Janeway's POV

(Twenty minutes later.)

I sat at my ready room desk. Carefully looking over data. I considered multiple times to call my children and see if they were alright. If they were injured I am sure the Doctor would have reported it by now.

I want my kids to grow up independent. I feel like I am too over protective. I sighed and continued to at least attempt to pay attention to my data on the computer and the padd I was holding. I took a swift gulp of coffee.

"Sickbay to Captain Janeway." The Doctor said over the com line. Maybe I was wrong. I hestantly tapped my badge. Afraid to hear the worst.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"May I request you activate monitor input forty-seven, your Emergency Medical Holograph channel?"

"Of course." I switched my computer screen. The Doctor looked much...smaller and wide than before. This must be some sort of malfunction. "I'm getting a distorted transmission."

"No. That is how I appear at present. I'm shrinking."

"Shrinking?"

"There appears to be a malfunction in my imaging system. It's been reducing my height by five centimetres every hour. I've been waiting all day for repairs. That is not, however, what I'm calling about. Over the past three hours, nine crew members have reported unusual symptoms, severe headaches, muscle spasms and sudden waves of dizziness, some even passing out for long periods. I still have a few unconscious. Micheal came in for dizziness. I sent him back to your quarters. He had been running around the ship all day looking for your dog."

"Micheal? well, who is with him now?" I asked. This could be related to the quantum singularity sending out spatial distortions. Yes! How did I not think of the effect it would have on the crew. Well, the important thing is that we are heading away from it. At least right now.

"I have allowed Lieutenant Filters to keep him company with Sarah." All right then. She doesn't seem all that needed in engineering right now. I will find out more about this Mollie situation later.

"Thank you. All of this could be related to the quantum singularity. The closer we get to it the worse the effects could get" I suggested.

"Quantum singularity?" The Doctor said. "You know, Captain, if we were in the vicinity of a quantum singularity I should have been informed."

"You're right. I'll look into linking your programme into the ship's data-"

The ship shook with great force. I held onto my desk as it settled down again. I rushed from my ready room to the bridge in a flash.

"Report!" I barked as soon as I entered the bridge. Everyone had already jumped to attention. Good.

"It looks like we're running into more spatial distortions." Chakotay reported.

"I'm picking up a highly localized disturbance off the port bow." Harry added.

"On screen. Mister Tuvok?"

"It is another type four quantum singularity. Physical and temporal dimensions are identical to the one we encountered earlier."

"Captain, according to these readings, we've returned to our previous co-ordinates. This isn't another singularity. It's the same one. " Tom said as he turned from his position and looked up at me from conn.

"Check the navigational logs. Confirm our position."

"Well, they show we've travelled one point four light-years away from the anomaly, but I've confirmed our position against the star chart. We're back where we started. Doesn't make sense." Harry said as he organized the data on his screen, struggling to make sense of it all.

"They can't both be right. We're either still at the singularity or we're not." Tom argued as the ship shook again.

"Well, we can see the singularity so I tend to believe that the external sensors are correct." I argued as I looked at the viewscreen. Showing the singularity.

"That would imply there was something wrong with the warp drive and the navigational logs." Tuvok added. I nodded in agreement towards him.

"Mister Paris lay in a course away from the singularity. This time at maximum warp. Ensign Kim, I want you to keep a sensor lock on the singularity. Verify that we're moving away from it. Engage."

"Distance from the singularity is ten million kilometres and increasing."

"Warp engines holding steady. All systems report normal."

"Eleven million. Twelve million." Harry said just as insistent beeping went off on his console. "I don't get it. Tom, have we altered course?"

"No. We're still steady on three one zero mark two one five."

"Then something's wrong here. It's ahead of us again."

"Confirmed. We're back at the same co-ordinates." Seska said from the engineering station.

"All stop. Ensign Kim, transfer all the data on spatial distortions we encountered to my ready room. I'm going to begin my analysis. Commander, have all departments run complete system diagnostics. I'll expect a full report from all senior officers in three hours." I explained as I started to move towards my ready room. Chakotay shot up from his chair.

"Who will represent Engineering?" He demanded. I know what he is doing, He is pushing his luck.

"Lieutenant Carey."

"You should invite B'Elanna Torres as well, unless you've removed her from consideration."

I clenched my jaw as irritation set in. The rest of the bridge crew also tensed up and nervously looked at us. Darting their eyes back and forth.

"Fine." I snapped and headed into the ready room.

-----

Lieutenant Bini Filters POV

(30 minutes later. Dinner.)

I munched on my grilled cheese sandwich as Micheal and Sarah practically inhaled their chicken soup and coca-cola. Meals that I had only given them five minutes ago.

"You guys are going to choke if you keep eating that way. I don't want to have to go to sickbay for the third time today because you two somehow keep injuring yourselves." I said. They looked up at me with their puppy dog eyes and slowly put down their forks. Acting all innocent as the crewmembers around us gazed at them with the longing of their own family. This was freaking me out.

Micheal suddenly jumped forward and scooped up the last bite of his dinner and then relaxed back against the chair with a satisfied smirk. I swear that was a Tom Paris move.

"Done!" He chirped. I simply nodded and continued with my meal as Sarah nervously picked up her spoon again and took a slow bite.

"Are you trying to get on my nerves?" I demanded at her. She tilted her head in confusion as she "slowly" swallowed her food.

"What do you mean?" She asked in a small five-year-old "I am adorable" voice.

"Nevermind. Continue."

She shoved her mouth in food again. I took another chomp out of my meal and a very delightful sip of Hot Chocolate. I heard a loud sigh. I looked up to see Micheal staring at me with one raised eyebrow.

"What?" I asked as I shoved the taste of my meal onto my mouth.

"Why can't we go to the holodeck with you anymore. We had to go with Neelix yesterday. He wouldn't let me shot a deer. Then when I told Kes, she looked horrified and said I was too young to hunt. I don't think so. I want to hunt! Mommy is always too busy to hang out with us. Please, can you take me and Sarah." He begged.

"Micheal. You blow up the entire holo grid! I got in trouble for that. This is why we can't have nice things!"

He slumped in his chair.

"That's unfair."

"So is life, yet here we are."

B'Elanna stormed into the messhall. Followed closely by, ugh, Seska. How they were friends, I still don't know. B'Elanna started ranting about engineering and Captain Janeway.

They didn't seem to notice us as they sat beside us.

"I can't believe this. The entire situation wants to jump ship and throw all of the stupid little twats in engineering out of the airlock!"

Micheal and Sarah looked at each other. Their faces paled as they lowered their bodies in the chair. Trying to disappear.

Then Lieutenant Carey walked in. B'Elanna gritted her teeth as Seska gave him a powerful glare. The one that even made Cardassian soldiers back off.

Then again she gave that glare to everyone who was part of Starfleet, including myself. Carey made the mistake of turning around and heading towards their table. He stopped behind Seska. Ignoring her.

"The Captain says she wants you to attend the staff meeting this afternoon." He said in a hostile tone.

"Oh. Well, I'll give you a full report on what happens." B'Elanna replied.

"I'll be there too. Just remember, Torres, I'm the senior officer and I speak for Engineering. Try not to say anything unless someone asks you a question. Fifteen hundred hours, deck one. Don't be late." He snapped and spun around then quickly left the area. Probably feeling the glare of all the maquis glaring at him as he left.

Seska leaned forward, towards B'Elanna.

"You should have broken more than just his nose."

-----

Tom Paris's POV

I watched as the EMH...The doctor gave us each an irritated glance as I struggled to contain my amusement as the tiny little doctor stood up, on his chair to see the screen.

"Twenty-seven other crew members have now reported the symptoms. And yet, when I examined each of them, I couldn't find anything wrong. I have no diagnosis, no prognosis, no recommended treatment. I'll contact you when I have something more to contribute. And by the way, I am now sixty-eight centimetres shorter. I'd appreciated it if someone would repair my holographic projectors before I have trouble reaching my patients." He said.

"Looks like you already have that problem, Doc." I teased. He glared at me for a moment then ended the transmission. I moved my chair back to the briefing room table.

We all looked towards Captain Janeway.

"I finished my study of the spatial distortions coming from the singularity. I can give you a long, boring analysis. Suffice it to say, I don't know what's going on. The readings are confused, the data is contradictory. None of it makes any sense. Does anyone have anything more constructive? " She finished.

"Ship-wide diagnostics have revealed nothing out of the ordinary." Tuvok said.

"I tried sending out a tachyon signal to scan the singularity but all I got back was static." Carey said.

"B'Elanna, do you think you can work with Mister Carey to clean up that signal?" Chakotay asked.

"Yes."

"Good."

"But it won't work. I mean, it was a good idea to try it but it won't work."

"You have another idea?" Janeway asked B'Elanna. Chakotay had a small smile appear on his face as he glanced towards Janeway. There was something in his eyes. Something I have only seen once-

No. No, I must be seeing things.

"I was just thinking about the problem with the Doctor's holographic projectors. It seems like the spatial distortions might be interfering with the projectors phase alignment."

"That was my guess too."

"If that's the case, I could screen out those distortions by setting up a localized dampening field around the projectors." B'Elanna suggested.

"Is our priority here really the Medical Holograph system?" Carey snapped beside her.

"My point is, that if the spatial distortions are also interfering with the transmission we received from the other ship-"

"We could set up a similar field around our external sensors and communicate with them." Janeway finished. I sensed they were about to start bouncing ideas off each other.

"Exactly. And they may know more about what's going on than we do."

"Let's give it a try. Dismissed."

Janeway and Torres rushed out of the room. Leaving the rest of us behind. Most of us in a state of confusion. Wondering what just happened.

I leaned against the table.

"Can someone explain to me what just happened?" I asked. Harry shrugged as Carey went pale. Chakotay and Tuvok left the room as Carey took a big gulp of air.

"I think I just lost my job." He muttered. Harry and I gave him a pity look as we got up from our seats. I patted Carey on the shoulder in sympathy.

"Good luck." I said as we exited.

-----End of Chapter Six-----

AN: So I was going to make this episode one chapter but I think I have to make it two because I am already at 7350 words. I want to get this out and I am very impatient. So look forward to the end of this chapter. I don't think it will be as long as this one was though. The transcript I am using is almost done.

I apologize for all the mistakes in the last chapter. I was rushing towards the end and didn't do my usual editing thing. Which does take forever. Again sorry. Hopefully, this is a better chapter.

Sidenote: Grammarly is giving me a lot of incorrect mistakes. I think it is buggy right now.