Crazael
Rehydrated Demon King
- Location
- Lost to the vagaries of time.
I think it's the Delta Flyer, the shuttle he designed in the show to act as a longer ranged and more generally capable shuttle.
The Voyage Without
- Thread starter Hiver
- Start date
68
I followed Paris into the Captain's ready room and moved to sit down as the door closed behind me.
"Alright, what's this about?" Captain Janeway asked with a smile as she looked between us.
"I have no idea," I admitted and motioned towards a very serious looking Paris with a forepaw, "This is his show, he wanted me as a witness for some reason."
Janeway nodded and looked at him, "Very well, Tom. What's going on."
"There is something I need to tell you," he said and sighed, "And I wanted Lieutenant Zephyr here for it for security."
Her eyebrow went up, "Security?"
"Yours, Captain. What I will tell you, will make you uncomfortable," Paris said and moved to sit down on the couch on the other side of the room, "With good reason. I was born second of May, 2347. I was born with a birth defect that had been missed. Have you heard of GGSA?"
Janeway nodded with a small frown, "Gelidus Gene Sequence Anomaly. It's caused by being subjected to radiation during the gestation process without it being discovered. It causes brain damage."
Paris nodded, "Correct."
"But it can be cured with gene therapy," she continued.
Paris shook his head, leaning back against the couch, arms resting along it, "Cured. Yeah, it can be cured," he said dryly, "For a version of cured. I went from never being able to learn to tie my shoelaces, to being able to do basic mathematics."
I studied him, my wings shifting slightly.
He smiled a bit, "Big guy gets it."
Janeway looked at me and I just nodded and kept my eyes on Paris, waiting for him to continue.
"It was not good enough for my father," he continued, his voice a bit quieter, "He wanted me to follow in his footsteps into Starfleet, be an exemplary specimen of the Paris family line. Instead he got me."
He took a breath and let it out, "So he fixed the problem. Genetic engineering got me to stop drooling, a little more to get me up to a normal level surely wouldn't be too bad."
Janeway didn't say anything, so I did.
"And what would be a little extra hurt," I said, "Nobody would notice if you got a little extra edge, right?"
Paris snapped his fingers and pointed at me, "Enhanced memory, enhanced reflexes, enhanced hand-eye coordination, perfect balance and spatial sense" he confirmed, "All 'technically' within human limits."
I snorted, "Camouflage? You expect me to believe that you were a screwup all your life to hide?"
He shook his head, "No," he said and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "Don't need genetic enhancement to be a fuckup. It just makes me better at that too."
Janeway regarded him for several long seconds before she asked, "So why tell us now? After all this long?"
"Because I'm tired of hiding it. I'm tired of being afraid of saying the wrong thing, accidentally revealing I remember something I shouldn't," he said quietly, looking at the floor, "Move too fast to catch something falling. I had a talk with Zephyr a few months ago, asking what he had against me, why he seems to dislike me so much. He said some very forceful and... true things about my character. When I was stuck in that cave, I... I couldn't keep thinking that if I was out in the open, maybe I could have kept someone from getting hurt."
He raised his head and shook it, "No, I didn't slow down to keep hidden and let someone get hurt," he clarified, "But... I don't know, I kept thinking that if they knew, maybe I could have gone first or been in a position to tackle both of them out of the way and not just Harry."
"Observe, the scary augment in his natural habitat; self loathing," I said dryly, "Behold, the ubermensch in all his glory."
That got a reaction and he got to his feet, glaring at me, "What the hell is your problem!?"
"Oh woe is me, I'm slightly better at playing Memory and Darts than the rest of the monkeys, whatever shall I do, how will I possibly go on," I snorted, "It's my daddy's fault I'm no longer completely inferior in ability to a random Vulcan."
He stared at me and then collapsed back into the couch again, rubbing his face with the palms of his hands for a second, "You truly do not care."
"Not even slightly," I said, "So you're genetically enhanced to be the perfect fuckup. Is that meant to be impressive?"
Janeway got up from her chair and rounded the desk, walking to sit down on the couch, shooting me a look on the way before she turned to Paris, "If this came out at home, Admiral Paris would be ruined. Prison time would be likely," she said.
Paris nodded, "I figure he'll be long dead by the time we get back anyway," he said and then shrugged a bit, "And quite frankly, I no longer care. I want to do better, be better than I have been, Captain. And I can't do that while trying to hide."
She just nodded in turn, "If you are going to be open about it, there may be members of the crew that have problems with it," she told him.
"You're not putting me in the brig then?"
That got a smile from Janeway, "And be rid of my best pilot? I don't think so. Besides, the only crime of yours was hiding it when signing up to Starfleet. Being the one modified, you are the victim, not the one breaking the law."
Paris took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm done hiding," he said "I just wanted to let you know first, Captain. I'll tell everyone else during tomorrow's senior staff meeting."
"Hopefully with less melodramatics," I commented.
Seriously, why am I even here? I have actual work to do.
"Before then," Janeway said, "I want you to go to sickbay and let the doctor do a full battery of tests. Including testing your enhanced abilities."
Paris nodded, "Of course, Captain. And I'm going to stop sandbagging. From now on, You'll get my full abilities."
I regarded him for a second, "How good is your memory?"
"Fully photographic," he said and shrugged, "I remember everything I see, hear, read, everything. It's really easy for me to pick up new skills. I still need to practice to get good at them however."
"Good," I said with a nod, "Memorize the ship's technical manual. That might be useful in case all computers go down to have somebody else that knows it inside and out."
"I already have," he sighed and crossed his arms, looking at Janeway, "so what now, Captain?"
"Now, you have a sickbay appointment," she said, "And I'm glad you finally decided to tell us."
"You're not disappointed?"
"Surprised, that's all," she said, "But none of what was done to you was your choice. And I always knew you could do better than you were. Just know that I expect you to do so from now on."
That got a smile from him and he nodded, "Yes, Captain. I will."
"I still don't like you," I told him, "I still think you're a problem waiting to happen and lack anything approaching a spine. This is proof of nothing, one datapoint does not make a trend."
He just nodded to me once, "I know. I'll show you that I can be better than I have been. Thank you for coming with me, Lieutenant," he said before he got up, "Captain," he said and then left the ready room.
I remained, looking towards the door before I snorted and shook my head, "Yes, I'm sure I was necessary for this. I'm sure you were terrified of the scary augment, Captain."
Janeway stood up and walked up to me, "What he just did was very difficult, Lieutenant," she told me with a disapproving frown.
"It was," I confirmed, "Brave, even. But like I said, one datapoint does not make a trend. Until he's proven he can be trusted not to fold to pressure and get us all killed, I don't trust him. Me lying to him about it helps nobody, let alone him," I said and then looked at her, "Will this cause issues, Captain?"
She shook her head, "I'm not sure," she admitted, "Everyone knows Tom at least somewhat by now, that will help. But some people still have strong feelings about augments."
I just snorted.
Humans.
Even this far in the future, everyone is accepted other than this specific group because they're scary and different.
"Yes, of course. Because when I see Paris I think 'he reminds me of Khan Noonien Singh'," I said, "The likeness of them is uncanny, they could be twins. Mind if I get going? I need to get back to engineering."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant."
"Alright, what's this about?" Captain Janeway asked with a smile as she looked between us.
"I have no idea," I admitted and motioned towards a very serious looking Paris with a forepaw, "This is his show, he wanted me as a witness for some reason."
Janeway nodded and looked at him, "Very well, Tom. What's going on."
"There is something I need to tell you," he said and sighed, "And I wanted Lieutenant Zephyr here for it for security."
Her eyebrow went up, "Security?"
"Yours, Captain. What I will tell you, will make you uncomfortable," Paris said and moved to sit down on the couch on the other side of the room, "With good reason. I was born second of May, 2347. I was born with a birth defect that had been missed. Have you heard of GGSA?"
Janeway nodded with a small frown, "Gelidus Gene Sequence Anomaly. It's caused by being subjected to radiation during the gestation process without it being discovered. It causes brain damage."
Paris nodded, "Correct."
"But it can be cured with gene therapy," she continued.
Paris shook his head, leaning back against the couch, arms resting along it, "Cured. Yeah, it can be cured," he said dryly, "For a version of cured. I went from never being able to learn to tie my shoelaces, to being able to do basic mathematics."
I studied him, my wings shifting slightly.
He smiled a bit, "Big guy gets it."
Janeway looked at me and I just nodded and kept my eyes on Paris, waiting for him to continue.
"It was not good enough for my father," he continued, his voice a bit quieter, "He wanted me to follow in his footsteps into Starfleet, be an exemplary specimen of the Paris family line. Instead he got me."
He took a breath and let it out, "So he fixed the problem. Genetic engineering got me to stop drooling, a little more to get me up to a normal level surely wouldn't be too bad."
Janeway didn't say anything, so I did.
"And what would be a little extra hurt," I said, "Nobody would notice if you got a little extra edge, right?"
Paris snapped his fingers and pointed at me, "Enhanced memory, enhanced reflexes, enhanced hand-eye coordination, perfect balance and spatial sense" he confirmed, "All 'technically' within human limits."
I snorted, "Camouflage? You expect me to believe that you were a screwup all your life to hide?"
He shook his head, "No," he said and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "Don't need genetic enhancement to be a fuckup. It just makes me better at that too."
Janeway regarded him for several long seconds before she asked, "So why tell us now? After all this long?"
"Because I'm tired of hiding it. I'm tired of being afraid of saying the wrong thing, accidentally revealing I remember something I shouldn't," he said quietly, looking at the floor, "Move too fast to catch something falling. I had a talk with Zephyr a few months ago, asking what he had against me, why he seems to dislike me so much. He said some very forceful and... true things about my character. When I was stuck in that cave, I... I couldn't keep thinking that if I was out in the open, maybe I could have kept someone from getting hurt."
He raised his head and shook it, "No, I didn't slow down to keep hidden and let someone get hurt," he clarified, "But... I don't know, I kept thinking that if they knew, maybe I could have gone first or been in a position to tackle both of them out of the way and not just Harry."
"Observe, the scary augment in his natural habitat; self loathing," I said dryly, "Behold, the ubermensch in all his glory."
That got a reaction and he got to his feet, glaring at me, "What the hell is your problem!?"
"Oh woe is me, I'm slightly better at playing Memory and Darts than the rest of the monkeys, whatever shall I do, how will I possibly go on," I snorted, "It's my daddy's fault I'm no longer completely inferior in ability to a random Vulcan."
He stared at me and then collapsed back into the couch again, rubbing his face with the palms of his hands for a second, "You truly do not care."
"Not even slightly," I said, "So you're genetically enhanced to be the perfect fuckup. Is that meant to be impressive?"
Janeway got up from her chair and rounded the desk, walking to sit down on the couch, shooting me a look on the way before she turned to Paris, "If this came out at home, Admiral Paris would be ruined. Prison time would be likely," she said.
Paris nodded, "I figure he'll be long dead by the time we get back anyway," he said and then shrugged a bit, "And quite frankly, I no longer care. I want to do better, be better than I have been, Captain. And I can't do that while trying to hide."
She just nodded in turn, "If you are going to be open about it, there may be members of the crew that have problems with it," she told him.
"You're not putting me in the brig then?"
That got a smile from Janeway, "And be rid of my best pilot? I don't think so. Besides, the only crime of yours was hiding it when signing up to Starfleet. Being the one modified, you are the victim, not the one breaking the law."
Paris took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm done hiding," he said "I just wanted to let you know first, Captain. I'll tell everyone else during tomorrow's senior staff meeting."
"Hopefully with less melodramatics," I commented.
Seriously, why am I even here? I have actual work to do.
"Before then," Janeway said, "I want you to go to sickbay and let the doctor do a full battery of tests. Including testing your enhanced abilities."
Paris nodded, "Of course, Captain. And I'm going to stop sandbagging. From now on, You'll get my full abilities."
I regarded him for a second, "How good is your memory?"
"Fully photographic," he said and shrugged, "I remember everything I see, hear, read, everything. It's really easy for me to pick up new skills. I still need to practice to get good at them however."
"Good," I said with a nod, "Memorize the ship's technical manual. That might be useful in case all computers go down to have somebody else that knows it inside and out."
"I already have," he sighed and crossed his arms, looking at Janeway, "so what now, Captain?"
"Now, you have a sickbay appointment," she said, "And I'm glad you finally decided to tell us."
"You're not disappointed?"
"Surprised, that's all," she said, "But none of what was done to you was your choice. And I always knew you could do better than you were. Just know that I expect you to do so from now on."
That got a smile from him and he nodded, "Yes, Captain. I will."
"I still don't like you," I told him, "I still think you're a problem waiting to happen and lack anything approaching a spine. This is proof of nothing, one datapoint does not make a trend."
He just nodded to me once, "I know. I'll show you that I can be better than I have been. Thank you for coming with me, Lieutenant," he said before he got up, "Captain," he said and then left the ready room.
I remained, looking towards the door before I snorted and shook my head, "Yes, I'm sure I was necessary for this. I'm sure you were terrified of the scary augment, Captain."
Janeway stood up and walked up to me, "What he just did was very difficult, Lieutenant," she told me with a disapproving frown.
"It was," I confirmed, "Brave, even. But like I said, one datapoint does not make a trend. Until he's proven he can be trusted not to fold to pressure and get us all killed, I don't trust him. Me lying to him about it helps nobody, let alone him," I said and then looked at her, "Will this cause issues, Captain?"
She shook her head, "I'm not sure," she admitted, "Everyone knows Tom at least somewhat by now, that will help. But some people still have strong feelings about augments."
I just snorted.
Humans.
Even this far in the future, everyone is accepted other than this specific group because they're scary and different.
"Yes, of course. Because when I see Paris I think 'he reminds me of Khan Noonien Singh'," I said, "The likeness of them is uncanny, they could be twins. Mind if I get going? I need to get back to engineering."
"Go ahead, Lieutenant."
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- Location
- Omniverse #1345
Yeah; Zephyr is both not human and lacks federation humanity's hangups with genetic engineering. To him it's "why the hell would I care?"
And given his species appears to use tech augments of... considerable power and complexity that's probably actually in line with their culture, even though he's never met another.
And given his species appears to use tech augments of... considerable power and complexity that's probably actually in line with their culture, even though he's never met another.
Well that is certainly AU, probably the biggest change I've noticed besides the whole no transporters.
The only other thing I remember is Janeway not being the original captain and rather the head of science.
Can anyone remember anything else AU that hasn't been caused by Zephyrs actions and the whole no transporter thing.
Edit: and isn't something that couldn't have been in the background
The only other thing I remember is Janeway not being the original captain and rather the head of science.
Can anyone remember anything else AU that hasn't been caused by Zephyrs actions and the whole no transporter thing.
Edit: and isn't something that couldn't have been in the background
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- Location
- Elsewhere
Not sure if I really care for transplanting Julian Bashir's backstory onto Tom Paris. He's got plenty going on already without making him an augment.
I can definitely buy Owen Paris being an overbearing father demanding perfection from his son, though. Tom was always driven to excel, because being a good member of Starfleet wasn't good enough for dear old dad; he had to be the best. That's why he initially covered up his involvement with that business with the shuttle accident; he knew his father wouldn't accept a black mark on the Paris record. However, his conscience got the better of him, and for doing the right thing and owning up to his mistake he was rewarded with being kicked out of Starfleet entirely. But now, he's stuck on Voyager, stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and trying to make the most of this unexpected second chance.
I can definitely buy Owen Paris being an overbearing father demanding perfection from his son, though. Tom was always driven to excel, because being a good member of Starfleet wasn't good enough for dear old dad; he had to be the best. That's why he initially covered up his involvement with that business with the shuttle accident; he knew his father wouldn't accept a black mark on the Paris record. However, his conscience got the better of him, and for doing the right thing and owning up to his mistake he was rewarded with being kicked out of Starfleet entirely. But now, he's stuck on Voyager, stranded in the Delta Quadrant, and trying to make the most of this unexpected second chance.
Hmm, wait: 'the no transporter' thing, is it universal or do groups like the Borg have it still?
Mega advanced races could have it, however the only race to be shown to have it was the caretaker when they took the crew from voyager and the Maquis ship. Other advanced could have it though, probably a top tier tech way beyond what 99.9% have
- Location
- Observable Universe
I believe it's still a thing but only for super advanced cultures like the ones who made the caretakers, but not the borg
Damn, ninja'd
Doesn't sound like his father's in good graces. Don't forget he still has the lifespan of a human and probably won't want to stay on the ship most of his life.
KillerFish
Grumpy Owl, Bird Lawyer
Well, I was wondering why Paris could seemingly do everything. I think I even made a comment about it.
Well played, sir.
Well played, sir.
- Location
- Australia
I wonder how being an augment would have worked with the quarter Klingon babies in the original time line? Then again, given we get half breeds between human and Vulcan, with an absolutely different entire blood basis, slightly improved human modifications probably don't even weigh in.
Ace Dreamer
Verified Reality User
- Location
- Between The Unknown & The Known
Probably Tom Paris's enhancement isn't germ-line, so wouldn't be inherited.
Odds are that would have been a further step. His basic 'fix' (for fetal radiation damage) didn't need to be germ-line. And, finding someone willing to do germ-line augmentation (i.e. make a new 'race' of augments) in the Federation... sounds a bit tricky. Might start a new 'witch hunt'?
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- Location
- Montana
I don't think it works that way. Assuming fetal genetic damage, they would need to adjust every part of Paris's body, including the reproductive organs. If the augment changes were not meant to be inheritable, his reproductive organs would require a separate genetic update to correct the damage without including the augments. This difference in genetic elements would be easily noticed with Star Trek technology and would raise some very pointed questions from the first doctor who noticed this irregularity.
Ace Dreamer
Verified Reality User
- Location
- Between The Unknown & The Known
Most likely depends on the gene tech in use?
Odds are that the radiation damage caused development issues. Human bodies can handle a certain level of environmental radiation, and the damaged cells tend to suicide or be killed by the immune system. Enough radiation to thoroughly wreck the germ-cell (sperm) creation system, which effectively includes error checking - odds are that'd have been fatal. Caused a miscarriage. Probably.
Gene tech that changes somatic cells, existing body cells, fixing development issues, or enhancing things, need not affect the germ-cell creation system. In general, it's considered unwise to mess with that. Unless, you're very, very, sure what you're doing. And (for IRL gene tech), it's a somewhat different sort of gene tech than messing with existing cells, even stem cells.
Also, seems unlikely doctors would be doing genetic tests on sperm, or the sperm creation system, unless some medical issue directs them there. Mostly, they're going to be looking for problems, and, Paris said that, in theory, all his enhancements were things found in 'normal' humans. Just, generally, not all in one person, and in such a useful combo.
So. As always. Past a certain point, up to the author what Trek-tech actually does.
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- Location
- Montana
They are working in space. Radiation is a major issue in space. Checking for genetic damage in sperm is a thing astronauts already have to cope with, and we don't have advanced sensors and computers that can do a full body scan with a wave of the hand. This is one of those situations where not doing it would be stupid and/or medical malpractice.
And I do not argue that the modifications are minor, just that modifying everything but his reproductive system would be wildly suspicious. I also doubt that anyone willing to break the law to make such a modification cares much about the risk to Tom's kids.
Ace Dreamer
Verified Reality User
- Location
- Between The Unknown & The Known
Yes, but they seem pretty good at handling the issue, their ships have shields, and unless you're an EVA specialist, or are unlucky on an away mission, might we expect very few issues?
True, the lack of transporters may well increase risk.
On the ground, I recommend against basement-living in areas with a lot of granite around, particularly if the property is built of the stuff. Radon gas is nasty. There's places you can live, on a M-type planet, where the odd sweep with a radiation detector would be wise...
Hmm. Do you think Zephyr's going to develop direct radiation senses?
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- Location
- Montana
I think it's more like how the cell phone and ubiquitous personal comms changed how we wrote stories.
In the ST future, they have been shown to be so skilled at genetic engineering that if you get to sickbay and give the doctors 10 minutes to work, they can fix you. Even if you are transformed into an unthinking animal, they have the skills to revert you and save your memories. Genetic Engineering and radiation are solved issues in their world and there are no boring technical issues to explore, unless a negitive space wedgy shows up.
Because of this its safer to avoid looking into the tech details for drama and instead focus on the personal (he fucked up and we need to deal with it), social (historical trauma), or civilization level ( You don't Genetically Engineer your children? YOU MONSTERS!).
bobnik
Memetic Warfare Specialist.
It wouldn't surprise me to learn that detecting genetic damage quickly can be sort of foolred. I bet the quick detection is highly automated, with the computer running an algorithm to make sure that the reproductive system is outputting genetic material in line with the rest of the body. If Tom hadn't had his germ lline updated, it might be more obvious to Federation systems. Besides, Admiral Paris would probably want his perfect boy to give him perfect grandkids.
Ace Dreamer
Verified Reality User
- Location
- Between The Unknown & The Known
Not sure I understand you... Changed the assumptions about how info might be acquired, exchanged, yes, privacy issues, changed the story-writing process???
Fraid I must disagree... Trek-tech is shown to be very good at treating certain (for example medical) issues. It's (wisely) mostly unclear how those issues are treated.
Many STrek stories are about the limits of the tech. Tech limits are a fundamental part of many science fiction stories - unlimited tech tends to make for boring stories. Borg drones needing to regenerate might be a good example of a tech limit. STrek has many clever bits like this.
Some of the things done in 'Voyager' were... very dodgy from a tech PoV. The 'transformed into an unthinking animal', then restored, smacks of the "Oh? The shrink ray? I just pressed the 'reverse' button" logic, parodied in the Simpsons ('dembigulator'). Where were the memories stored which allowed fixing that? ('Subspace', you might say, but, that has immense implications.)
Figuring-out how the stories presented might have a consistent tech basis is half the fun for some people!
Really very difficult, in many cases. But, look at the history of Real World science - many discoveries are very, very, weird. Until they're common sense. And people are laughed at (unwisely, IMO) for not 'understanding the obvious'.
ST:TOS was described as, more than once, as 'the closest thing to science fiction on television'. A bit unfair, as some (IMO poor) science fiction made it look 'hard science' in comparison.
Again, and again, it comes back to, "Can you tell interesting stories in this setting?". And, IMO this author can, and is doing so.
Among other things, dropping the dumpster-fire that's transporter tech was a wise decision.
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Silverias
Seeing is Believing
- Location
- Squiddy Places
DS9 did something like this with "Neural Energy" which could be stored in a holodeck.
I'm afraid that you have that completely backwards
Article: In 2372, a transporter accident forced the Deep Space 9 computer to preserve Benjamin Sisko, Jadzia Dax, Kira Nerys, Miles O'Brien, and Worf's neural energy. However, Michael Eddington discovered that there was insufficient memory on the entire station to store the neural energy of all the officers. Faced with the prospect of losing them, he ordered the computer to wipe all data necessary in order to save the energy signatures before the buffer lost coherence. He found the physical patterns in the holosuite, but it could only handle the physical pattern, not the neural energy. (DS9: "Our Man Bashir")