Circle (Star Trek: Voyager story)

Fanfiction
Title:	Circle
Author(s):	Peg Robinson
Date(s):	written in 1995, posted to alt.startrek.creative in January 1996
Length:
Genre:
Fandom:	Star Trek: VOY
External Links:	at Archive of Our Own
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Circle is a Star Trek: Voyager story by Peg Robinson.

It is the second story in the Talking Stick Series.

Author's Comments

From its first posting on alt.startrek.creative:

Disclaimers: Voyager belongs to Paramount; "Talking Stick" belongs to Macedon. "Circle" belongs to me, and I have only myself to blame.

If you haven't read "Talking Stick" I recommend you go over to the archives and do so right away. (Or read the repost, which god willing is up now.) Not only will this story make a lot more sense if you have, but "Talking Stick" is too good to miss.

Macedon's given Chakotay a voice, and some real complexity of thought, and a strength, and cultural identity that don't always show up very well on the show. All I can say is I've tried to do a little of the same for Janeway. If you're looking for hot romance...this ain't it. Just a quiet little transition piece, as I try to work my way to what I'd like to see Janeway become. In another portion of reality I'm on record as claiming this thing is a "first step in a process" story. If I'm lucky, some of you will like it. If I'm really lucky, the gods of hapless writers will smile on me, and I'll be able to take Janeway a few more steps along the way before I wander off to other projects.

Oh, and yes: if you're worried that I leeched off of Macedon's excellent story, I did have the good manners to *ask* about it...and I must say I've never been treated more graciously. (Macedon, I'll flatter you all day if you like...it's too much *fun* not to! And every word true!)

And like many a soul before me, I do follow the great dictum: If you're gonna steal, steal from the best.

The Series

• Talking Stick by Macedon
• Circle by Peg Robinson
• A Cherished Alienation by Macedon
• The Red Queen's Repose by Peg Robinson
• Walking Across Egypt by Macedon
• Raisins and Almonds by Peg Robinson
• Otterskin by Macedon and Peg Robinson
• The Rose and the Yew Tree by Peg Robinson and Macedon

See fan comments about the entire series.

Fan Comments

1996

Would have to give the blue ribbon to Peg Robinson for "Circle," one of the best VOY stories--and hands-down *the* best observation of the dynamic between Janeway and Chakotay--that I've seen on the board. Wonderful flow in the first-person narrative (probably the most easily mishandled point-of-view there is). Terrific reading of the supporting characters, particularly of Paris, and of the gradual change in Janeway's attitude that parallels the fundamental changes in her approach to command she's had to undergo in the face of _Voyager_'s unique isolation. Not often that one comes across a piece that manages to both shake up the status quo and elucidate it, so that what was once familiar is now presented in an entirely new light. Thank you! and by all means, keep writing!

Circle, by Peg Robinson -- a rare perspective on Captain Janeway's inner life, and her thoughts, insights, and questions about the various members of her crew, especially Chakotay, Tuvok and Paris; and a real sense of hope for the future.

2013

I first read this series years ago and it remains to this day my favorite Star Trek stories of all time. ( and I have read thousands of stories as I started in the fandom back when the only thing available was Zines. ) I am thrilled beyond belief to find these once again! :)

2016

In case the authors ever come back to this page and see this, I just wanted to say how amazingly well written this was. I wasn't sure what to expect of something written in first person, but quickly enough it just felt so natural to read. Despite the small bits that don't fit into canon this is a great read, and I'm so glad it ended up here. You can really feel Janeway's isolation and loneliness. I loved reading her introspection done in the style of her own voice. All around there was a really solid grasp of each character and their dynamics, which is all the more impressive when considering that only what, one, two seasons had aired by the time this was written? So yeah, to the authors, wherever they may be, thanks.

2017

This. This is the Harry Kim we all really needed.

Okay, so you've officially made both Harry Kim *and* Tom Paris actual living, breathing, rounded characters better than the show ever did and I'm freaking out at how amazing this is.

2018

I really love what you both are doing in this series, and first person POV is the perfect way to tell their own stories. It’s especially compelling to hear the captain’s inner voice, as hers is one of the most constrained by protocol. I like the glimpse we get here of her vulnerability and loneliness, as well as her changing perceptions of Chakotay and others in her crew. I really, reallly like thinking of Chakotay as a bit of a puzzle to her, a bit of a thorn in her side, someone who goes against the (her) grain but is all the more appealing to her because of it.

And then — her perceptions of Tom, his innocence versus Harry’s — god, I love how complex you are making these characters, far more complex than the show was able to provide!

Good for Kathryn for showing up at the circle at last, and for not hiding herself in mousy clothes. I can just imagine her in that green dress, and wonder if Chakotay’s eyes just about bulged out of his head when he saw her there!

Peg - this is fabulous. I'm so grateful for Macedon's work, that you took inspiration from it, and that I get to read these pieces now, over 20 years later (thank you Internet! and archives!). Thank you both very much.

2019

Gosh, this is wonderful. Tom is my least favourite Voyager character, and I can't believe you made me interested in reading about him, and made me feel for him! This series is so special, I'm really excited to have found it, however belatedly.

2020

Janeway's voice in this is superb, so human, deep and relatable. I love your insight on her relationship with her first officer. Thank you for a wonderful story.