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Title: Illusion
Author: Chele
Rating: PG-13
Category: Mystery, Alternate Universe, CiaC--Hades, Throaty, Communicator
Code: S, M/S, Tu/S, P, T, R, A
Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.
Acknowledgments: A big "THANK YOU!" to my wonderful betas--Ozchick, Taryn Eve, Mara, Deb, Schee, Mareel, and Smurf.
Summary: Hoshi faces a deep mystery. And no, just because there are two pairings does not mean this is another love triangle fic. This is more Hoshi-centered than it is shippy.
Author's Notes: I wasn't planning on writing any more fic but this plot idea popped into my head and I wanted to get it down. Basically, this fic is set on an alternate universe, so the characters won't act the way they normally do on the show. This fic was also inspired by the [i]Twilight Zone[/i].

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Chapter One

She faced a dark and empty corridor, one she had never seen before. A chill passed through her and she shivered slightly, bringing her arms around herself in a means of warmth and comfort. She paused, sensing something odd, as she stroked the material clinging to her arms. Looking down at herself, she stared in shock. This isn't my uniform.

Spreading her arms, she took in the sight and then started to pat and explore the newfound clothing, which was very different from the uniform she normally wore. Her uniform, a gray-colored and form-fitting jumpsuit, was now replaced with a bluish-purple colored and loose-fitting jumpsuit.

Touching her neck, where her v-neck scoop should have been, instead, she found a turtleneck underneath the uniform, covering her thoroughly. Then slowly, she brushed her fingertips over the unique stripes that decorated the uniform on the shoulder. How odd.

Although her entire uniform had completely changed, one thing remained that was similar to the one she usually wore--the stripes. On both uniforms, the stripes were the same color--blue. Despite finding herself wearing a strange uniform, somehow, she felt fond of it, as if it were a connection to something. Something...

She was so engulfed in her musings that she was taken aback when she heard them--whispers calling to her. "Who's there?" she asked, scanning the corridor.

"Hoshi." The voice was barely a sound.

"Who are you?" She spun around, thinking the voice was behind her.

"Hoshi." The voice rose higher.

"I asked: Who are you?!" She was becoming agitated and spun around again, but soon realized that with every turn she made, she still faced the same corridor. Whoever was calling wasn't going to scare her.

"Hoshi."

She froze. The voice was directly behind her, according to her sensitive ears. Slowly, she turned and as she faced her caller, she gasped, but still held her ground. The being that stood in front of her was covered in a hooded dark-blue cloak.

"Hoshi," it repeated.

Hoshi found her voice. "Yes. That's my name. You've been calling to me. Who ARE you?"

The figure turned to leave and Hoshi called out. "Oh, no you don't! You're what keeps me restless at night. You're what keeps calling to me. And YOU are what will give me answers."

Turning to face her, the being merely said, "Hoshi."

Hoshi was becoming frustrated. "Stop it! You've already established knowing my name." Then softly, she asked, "Do you know me?"

The figure stood silent. Hoshi closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

The figure spoke. "Follow me."

Instantly, Hoshi opened her eyes in time to see the figure dash through the corridor.

"Wait!" Hoshi raced after it.

She ran and ran, turning through corners, trying hard to keep up with the other. She lost her breath as she continued in a seemingly never-ending chase. This is just like... Her thought, as well as her body, halted, as she spotted the figure, waiting for her, in front of a hatch.

Breathlessly, she asked, "What are we doing here?"

"Open it," was the only curt reply.

Hesitantly, Hoshi walked up to the hatch. She raised her finger to key in the access code, which she was sure of knowing. How the numbers had popped into her mind, she had no idea. But before keying in the numbers, she turned to the figure next to her, seeking assurance this wasn't a trick.

When she did, all feelings of uneasiness were replaced with shock. Hoshi found herself staring up into a pair of light-blue eyes. "I know you," she whispered, mesmerized.

"Hoshi, sweetheart. Wake up."

Hoshi felt a light shake and she woke with a start. Over her shoulder, she saw the concerned expression of her husband. "Oh," she groaned and put the palm of her hand to her forehead. She was no longer in her dream, but in her bed, with her husband hovering over her.

"Is everything all right?"

Not wanting to turn around to face him, Hoshi said softly, "Yeah." She then clutched her pillow to ease her tension.

"Why did you wake me up?" she asked coldly.

"You were having a nightmare and you started talking in your sleep." A slight pause. "I was worried about you."

"I wasn't having a nightmare. I was dreaming."

"Are you mad at me, Hoshi?"

Hoshi could hear the feeling of hurt in that question. Sighing, she answered, "No, Travis. I'm not mad at you."

"Okay. Well, I have to go to the bridge now." Travis' dark hand gently stroked the side of Hoshi's arm and he planted a soft kiss on her cheek. "Don't forget about that appointment with Phlox at 1000."

"Of course," Hoshi mumbled and she heard the hatch doors open and close with a hiss.

Hoshi stared at the wall as she lay on her side. "I know you," she whispered to herself, "and I'm going to find out how."

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