*****
Chapter Four

She faced a dark and empty corridor, one she had seen before. A chill passed through her and she shivered slightly, but this time, she knew what to do.

She ran and ran, rounding corners, not knowing if she'd find it, but knowing she had to try.

Hoshi halted when she saw it. The hatch!

This time, without hesitation, she walked up to the hatch. She raised her hand to key in the access code, which she somehow knew. How the numbers popped into her mind, she had no idea, but she was determined to find out.

The hatch made a hissing sound, startling her as it slowly opened.

Immediately she stepped inside and gasped as a bright light engulfed her.

She was standing in her room, or so she thought. There was a plush pink bunny rabbit on the cabinet and a "See Spot Run" book on the floor. Whose room is this?

The sound of a child singing caught her attention and she turned her head, catching sight of a little girl on the bed, swinging her legs as she combed out her doll's hair.

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop When the wind blows, the cradle will rock When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall And down will come baby, cradle and all

The little girl paused and glanced at Hoshi.

"Mommy!"

She jumped off the bed, ran towards Hoshi, and hugged her knees.

Looking down at the girl, Hoshi asked, "What are you doing?"

The girl looked up at Hoshi and giggled. "What's wrong, Mommy? Aren't you gonna give me a hug?"

Speechless and not knowing what else to do, Hoshi crouched down and hugged the girl, feeling small arms around her as well.

When the embrace was over, Hoshi pulled back. "I…I'm your mother?"

The girl giggled again. "Yes! Momma, why are ya bein' so silly?"

Hoshi smiled, confused but still feeling that somehow this was right.

She examined the girl and noticed that she had the same wide almond-shaped eyes as herself. Except the girl's eyes were light brown, as was her hair.

Gently stroking the girl's hair, Hoshi asked herself, "If I'm your mother, who's your father?"

Hoshi's eyes snapped open and closed immediately at the blinding lights.

Groggily, she sat up and realized she was still in sickbay. She blinked a few times for good measure, before her vision cleared.

"Doctor?" she called out.

Nothing.

"Doctor Phlox?"

Then she heard it—whimpering. It was coming from the back room.

Hopping off the bed, she made her way to the room. She felt a little apprehensive since she doubted the doctor would appreciate her invasion of his privacy. Well, it's not like he ever prohibited me before.

"Doctor Phlox?"

She froze.

"Oh my god."

*****