<P> The marooning of Voyager in the Delta Quadrant provided Paris with a new beginning . Janeway gave Paris a field commission as a Starfleet lieutenant and made him chief helmsman of Voyager . He had a rough start, however, as Starfleet and Maquis alike viewed Paris with suspicion . Paris worked hard to earn his crewmates' respect . During this time, he became best friends with Ensign Harry Kim, a young officer on his first mission who defied his crewmates to befriend Paris . Eventually, Paris was accepted by the crew and became one of Janeway's valued officers . </P> <P> Paris' duties were not limited to piloting Voyager . On Janeway's orders, he trained as a field medic and assisted The Doctor until the Doctor recruited Kes as his primary assistant . Following Kes's departure ("The Gift") Paris once again served regular duty shifts in sickbay . </P> <P> In the episode "Thirty Days", while disobeying direct orders in order to do what he felt was morally right, he was reduced to ensign and thrown in Voyager's brig for a period of 30 days . About a year later, after working diligently at his duties, he regained his former rank . This occurred just before the events of "Unimatrix Zero", during which it is revealed that he is fourth in the chain of command . </P> <P> While serving on Voyager, Paris nurtured a long - hidden talent for holo - programming, devising several programs for the entertainment of his fellow crewmembers . His most popular programs included a re-creation of Sandrine's bar, an Irish town called Fair Haven, and a 1930s - era sci - fi movie serial entitled Captain Proton . </P>

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