Protocols Unknown: A Decision of The Stars

Echo Drift

Janeway's laugh was sharp, incredulous. "That's absurd." But even as the words left her mouth, a flicker of something cracked through—an ache she didn't recognize, a hollow space she didn't want to name.

Chakotay's voice was measured. "Kathryn, listen to him."

She shook her head, pacing now, arms crossing tighter. "I wouldn't have done that. I couldn't have done that. It goes against every regulation in the book."

Tuvok remained impassive. "And yet, you did."

She stopped short, spinning to face him. "Then where is she?"

"She is currently in astrometrics, under the care of Seven of Nine."

The room felt too small. The edges of her vision blurred for half a second before she forced herself to breathe.

This wasn't real. It couldn't be.

She pressed a hand to her temple. "No. If this were true, I would remember. I would."

Chakotay's voice softened. "The Quarren tampered with your memory engrams. But the block... wasn't theirs."

Janeway stared at him, not understanding.

Tuvok's voice was calm. Too calm. "You asked the Doctor to partition certain memories. To protect her."

Her breath caught. "Astrea?"

Neither of them answered.

Janeway felt the blood drain from her face.

"You're telling me," she said slowly, voice barely above a whisper, "that I erased my own memories? That I chose to forget—?"

She broke off, blinking hard, as if sheer will could rewind the conversation.

"That doesn't sound like me," she said, forcing steadiness into her tone. "I wouldn't do that. I wouldn't just—"

Her hands trembled. "Unless I thought it was the only way."

The silence that followed said everything.

Janeway exhaled shakily, trying to ground herself. "I need proof."

Tuvok nodded once. "Then we should go to Sickbay."

Janeway's hands trembled at her sides, but she forced them still.

"Fine," she bit out. "Let's go."

Corridor – En Route to Sickbay

They didn't speak.

Janeway walked ahead of them, spine rigid, boots striking the floor with sharp, even steps. She didn't slow. She didn't ask questions. But Chakotay could see it in the set of her shoulders—the weight was already pressing down.

Tuvok kept pace silently beside him.

"She's unraveling it already," Chakotay said, low.

Tuvok didn't look over.

"She is Kathryn Janeway."

Sickbay

The doors opened on a room too quiet for mid-shift. The Doctor looked up from his console and straightened, smoothing his uniform like it might help brace for impact.

Janeway stepped in, eyes sharp. "I'm here. I want answers. And I want the truth."

The Doctor nodded once. "Of course."

"Start with why everyone thinks I have a daughter."

She didn't sound angry—not quite. But she was bracing for something, and it showed.