Where truth ends and the lies begin.

This is the prequel to my story Dark Angel. It is unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

The prequel has been written for my husband who wanted to know how Tom became the Dark Angel.

This fanfiction ignores all of the voyager books - which I haven't read – so any similarities to the novels – or any other fanfiction stories for that matter - are merely coincidental. However, if you see something that you think should be referenced, please let me know in a PM and I'll fix it.

2340 Trojan Horse tactics

"Please Allie, you have to help me!" Alicia bit her lip in indecision as she stared at her best friend, Julia. "I don't know. It's so risky. Owen would be so furious."

"Couldn't you at least ask him, Allie? Please! You know mummy and daddy would never forgive me if Simon dumped me a week before the wedding. Especially, if it was because of this. Please, Allie. I thought you were my friend. A real friend wouldn't even think twice. You know that my whole future will be ruined if anyone finds out."

Alicia blew out a breath in frustration. One hand rose to rub the sore spot that was forming above her eyes. "Can't you just tell the real father. Surely, if he loves you enough to get you pregnant, he'll stand by you."

Julia shrieked loudly in response. "Allieeee how can you even suggest that. I told you. He's a bridge officer. If anyone finds out, both our careers will be over. And anyway," Julia hesitated, and looked away before covering her face with her hands and crying out a succession of heart wrenching sobs, shoulders quaking with emotion."

Allicia groaned and guiltily put her arm around her friend. "Go on," she encouraged softly. "It can't be that bad."

"Oh, Allie. You don't understand. He's. He's already married."

"Married? Julia! What were you thinking?"

"Don't be mad, Allie. I… I love him." Julia stared defiantly at her best friend. "And, he loves me. He does. He really does. He just can't leave his wife."

"So, what? You're just going to keep seeing him? Behind his wife's back? Behind Simon's back?"

Julia began to cry even louder and threw herself onto her friend's shoulder. "Oh, Allie! It's all such a mess. What am I going to do?"

"You could stop seeing this mystery man, and appreciate the wonderful man that you're about to marry, instead. Simon's crazy about you. And you told me that you love him."

Julia hiccupped softly. Holding back her tears, Julia's big brown eyes stared soulfully at Alicia. "I do love Simon. But I love … this other man too. He's amazing Allie. You'd understand if you knew who I was talking about."

"So, tell me already."

"I can't Allie. Please, don't ask me. Please!"

Julia moved restlessly and jumped to her feet. She needed Allie's support or everything would be ruined. Looking out into the distance, she played her trump card. She had hoped that she wouldn't have to resort to it, but she really didn't have any other choice. She knew that her soft-hearted best friend would never forgive herself if she ignored this cry for help. Especially given Alicia's recent miscarriage - the fifth one in three years. Bowing her head, in mock despair, she pretended to capitulate. In a trembling voice, she uttered her ultimatum. "You're right Allie. It's not your problem. I shouldn't have asked it of you. I've got some gold pressed latinum that I've been saving for a rainy day. I'll go to a private doctor tomorrow, and get rid of it. No baby. No problem."