Protocols Unknown: A Decision of The Stars

Two to Beam Out

Only Tom and B'Elanna lingered.

She watched him in silence.

"Don't be stupid," she said quietly.

He gave her a crooked smile. "I won't. I've got too much waiting for me."

She stepped closer, reached into her pocket, and pressed something into his hand. A tiny object—familiar and worn. He didn't look down. Just held it.

"Come back," she said.

He nodded. "Count on it."

—

Janeway stood outside the door to Samantha and Naomi's quarters, collecting herself.

Then she stepped in.

Samantha Wildman looked up from the viewport, her eyes hollow but alert. A warm mug of something untouched sat in her hands.

"We're readying a mission," Janeway said. "We have a plan."

Samantha's breath caught.

"We don't have them yet," Janeway said gently. "But we have a lead. And we are going to follow it."

Samantha stood slowly, setting the mug aside. "Do you really think they're still alive?"

Janeway stepped closer. "I have no reason to think they otherwise."

Samantha gave a tired smile. "She looks up to you. Naomi I mean"

"Well right now we should all be inspired by her," Janeway said softly. "And I have no intention of coming back without them."

The door chimed again, and Neelix stepped in, his expression anxious but hopeful. He held a container of something warm and fragrant.

"I thought you might need a little something before departure," he said to Janeway, then looked at Samantha. "And maybe someone to sit with, while you wait."

Samantha's eyes welled just slightly, but she nodded.

"Thank you."

Janeway gave Neelix a look—grateful, trusting—and turned back to Samantha.

"I promise, we'll do everything we can."

Samantha touched her arm briefly. "I know you will."

Janeway nodded, then stepped out, leaving the two of them in the quiet, together.

And then she went to finish what she started.

Janeway entered the launch bay, boots echoing against the deck. The Delta Flyer loomed ahead, its hull gleaming under soft lighting. Seven and Icheb were already aboard, running interface diagnostics. Tom stood at the console near the boarding ramp, tapping through flight readiness.

She paused halfway up the ramp, then tapped her comm badge.

"Janeway to Lieutenant Torres. Report to the launch bay immediately."

There was a pause—then B'Elanna's voice crackled back.

"On my way, Captain"

Tom turned. "Change of plans?"

Janeway nodded. "We're going in with two ships. I want you with me, seven, and Icheb on the Flyer. Harry and B'Elanna—take the Sacajawea. Stay close. Monitor from outside. If things go wrong, I want a second a second exit plan."

Tom gave a low whistle. "Smart move."

Janeway met his eyes. "Let's make sure we don't need it."

The launch bay doors opened, and B'Elanna entered at a brisk pace, pulling her engineering jacket closed as she approached.