TIME AND AGAIN

As Voyager travels at warp speed to the Alpha Quadrant, Lt Tom Paris informs a fellow officer of their current heading and route. Lt Paris informs the officer that their current heading is three-five-one mark one-zero and traveling at warp seven. He tells the officer that they'll be approaching a red dwarf system and he can't tell if there are any M-Class planets nearby.

After that, Lt Tom Paris goes to Operations where Ensign Kim is busy at work, as the conn officer takes over Lt Paris. Tom tells Harry lets do this, but the ensign is having second thoughts as he says that he needs to run a transtator assembly diagnostic. Tom pleads with Harry that he can't do this alone and that he's making a big mistake. Paris reminds the young ensign that they're the only humans in the Delta Quadrant and people are gonna start pairing off soon. If they don't get to the Delaney sisters from Stella Cartography soon, someone else will. And he would rather that be them than someone else. Harry reminds the young lieutenant that he's got a girl back home. Paris laughs at him and says that he's got five. Harry says that he plans on seeing her again.

Tom teases Harry and asks him if he thinks that she'll wait for him for that long. Harry is optimisitc about his chances, but Paris paints a rather pessimistic view. He tells him to let her go, have a husband and a good life, while they have the Delaney sisters. Harry tells Tom that he needs to run the diagnostic, but Tom says that he should run a self-diagnostic, as he tries hard to convince him. He tells them that they come as a pair and that it's a double-date or no date. Tom pushes further and says that he told them all about Harry. A concerned Harry asks Tom what did he tell them about him. Tom says for one, how he broke the single pilot record at the Academy. A stunned Harry tells Tom that he never broke any record. Tom reminds Harry who are they gonna check it with.

Before Ensign Kim can protest further, the ship is struck by an unknown force. Captain Janeway and Neelix enter the Bridge from the Captain's Ready Room and yells out, "Report!" Lt Tuvok reports that they are at the leading edge of a shockwave... In her quarters, Kes wakes up to the reaction of the shockwave and its aftermath... At Operations, Ensign Kim reports that there has been a minor hull breach on Deck Three but it's been contained. Their shields are holding. Soon, Lt B'Elanna Torres contacts the Bridge and informs the captain that engineering systems aren't affected; all systems are operational.

As Lt Paris returns to his station, Captain Janeway asks him if he can identify the source of the shockwave. As Paris takes his reading, he informs the captain that the shockwave originated at a red dwarf system that they're approaching on a Class-M planet. Tuvok further informs the captain that the debris field consists of differentially charged polaric ions. As Janeway receives this information, she tells the crew that that would suggest that there must've been a massive explosion. Janeway asks Neelix if he is familiar with any civilization in this area. Near the Tactical Station, Neelix tells Janeway that he's less than familiar with this region, actually, considerably less than familiar with this region. He looks embarrassingly at Tuvok. Janeway orders Paris to set a course for the planet.

As Voyager approaches the planet, Kes comes onto the Bridge and surprising Neelix. In the background, Paris tells Janeway that they're approaching the planet and their bearing is zero-one-zero mark four-zero. Neelix wonders what Kes is doing on the Bridge, and Kes answers that she had to know. Neelix wonders know what and before she can answer, we continue the crew's standard operation procedure. Ensign Kim reports that all vegetation on the planet has been destroyed. When Janeway asks for any signs of life, Kes responds for her by saying, "none," which leaves Neelix perplexed when Kim concurs. Paris reminds them that the polaric radiation may be interfering with their sensor scans.

From Tactical, Tuvok reports that there are no satellites in orbit or any evidence of a vessel. Soon, Commander Chakotay reports that the density pattern on the planet shows artificial waterways and a large aqueduct systems. He says there is a civilization down there. Or there was one, Janeway concludes. Janeway soon asks what the surface conditions of the planet are like. Tuvok reports that the planet has a breathable atmosphere and the radiation level is within tolerable levels. Janeway soon orders Paris, Tuvok and Lt Torres to the Transporter Room and leaves Commander Chakotay in charge. As they head for the Transporter Room, Janeway notices Kes on the Bridge.

An Away-Team consisting of Janeway, Paris, Tuvok and B'Elanna beam down to a devastated complex. As they look around, the crew react with awe at the destruction of the compound...

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The Away-Team continues to scan the devastated planet. B'Elanna informs the Away-Team that it looks like the entire surface of the planet has been literally seared. Janeway informs the team that she can detect a chain reaction of subspace fractures in the entire compound, possibly caused by the explosion of one or more polaric ion detonation. Paris says that if that's true, this civilization never had a chance. All organic matter would have been obliterated. B'Elanna reminds Paris that this planet's population never had a chance and they're gone. Janeway tells them that it at least happened quickly. She tells them that the polaric ion detonation would've swept through this city within seconds. Tuvok soon tells his team-mates that they recall the incident on Chaltok IV. Chaltok IV, asks B'Elanna. Tuvok explains that Chaltok IV was a Romulan research colony that was destroyed in a polaric ion explosion which led to the signing of the polaric test ban treaty.

B'Elanna soon guesses that they are looking at the end of a war. Paris wonders who won. Janeway tells them that she's not so sure there was a war. Janeway tells B'Elanna to take a look at these readings, as she's bending over a conduit with her tricorder. As B'Elanna is scanning, she tells Janeway that the polaric ion concentration is much higher here. She can't get an accurate reading. Janeway tells them the conduits looked like the source of the explosion. B'Elanna is stunned and asks Janeway if this planet's power source is polaric ion. Janeway says that's what it looks like. An entire city with a time bomb in every street, running into every home.

Back on Voyager, Neelix is consoling Kes about her recent experiences. Kes tells Neelix that she saw them and cries uncontrollably. Neelix wonders what Kes is talking about and asks her what does she mean, saw them. Kes tells Neelix that she saw them burning as if where they stood. As Kes continues to cry, Neelix continues to deny Kes as he tells her that she felt the shockwave in her sleep. This could all be part of her imagination. Kes says that she doesn't think so. Neelix says what else could it be. Kes tells Neelix that she felt as if it was almost telepathic. Neelix tells Kes that telepathy are messages, voices. What she's describing is almost like Drakian forest dwellers. When Kes asks who, Neelix answers that they were people with paranormal abilities who could walk through walls. Kes interrupts Neelix and tells him that her ancestors were thought to possess amazing mental abilities. When Neelix says that no one believes those stories, Kes says she does.

Back on the surface of the planet, Captain Janeway and the Away-Team continue to investigate the devastated planet. Soon, Lt Tom Paris discovers an interesting object in a shop window. When Paris picks up the object, the object reads 401'22'84. As Paris takes out the object, he tells his crew that this must be some kind of a timepiece, as it stopped the moment of the explosion. When Paris puts the timepiece back, the scene changes suddenly, as he sees people in the courtyard playing and laughing. As he turns around, he is suddenly thrown back to the deserted planet. Paris wonders if anyone else heard that. Tuvok asks him, "hear what, lieutenant?" Paris informs them that he heard children playing and people laughing. He says that it was close to him as, and when he takes a step forward, he is thrown back to the bustling courtyard again...

...as Paris continues to look around the lively planet, the inhabitants on the planet are unaware of his presence. Paris is confused as he continues to look around. When he sees the shop window intact, a hand reaches his shoulder. When he turns around, he is back to the devastated world. Paris says that he doesn't understand it. He tells his perplexed crew that he was here, but he saw people and children playing. There was no sign of an explosion. When Janeway says that he was standing here the whole time, both B'Elanna and Tuvok take out their tricorders. When Paris is adamant that he was here before the explosion, B'Elanna tells Janeway that Paris's central nervous system is showing temporal flux, but it's slowly returning to normal. Tuvok soon reports that the chain reaction has caused subspace fractures.

Captain Janeway soon orders everyone to stand still. She says that if Tuvok's right, there could subspace fractures floating like icebergs across the planet. Captain Janeway soon contacts Voyager and when Chakotay answers, Janeway orders him to beam them up...

Before Voyager can beam them up, Captain Janeway and Lt Tom Paris are thrown back in time. When Janeway tries to contact the others, there is a scream from a little boy, which draws the attention of the others. Soon, a crowd gathers toward the boy as Janeway and Paris approach him. A shop guard soon approaches the young boy and asks him what's wrong. The boy tells the crowd that he saw Janeway and Paris appear out of thin air, like some kind of demons. The shop guard tells him that there is no such things as demons and tells him to run along now. The boy is adamant that he saw them, but the guard won't have any more. He tells the boy to go have a confection bar and tells him that he's been reading too many of those Darkstorm tales.

When the boy runs along, the shop guard tells the crowd to disperse, as there's nothing more to see. As the crowd departs, the guard apologizes to the pair and says who knows what gets into their heads. Paris says no problems, as Janeway suggests that maybe the uniforms scared him, as they are not from around here. The guard asks them if they came in on the continental transport and Janeway says that they have, this morning. The guard wonders if that's what they're wearing in Kalto-province these days. Paris says that this is actually a little more formal than most. Janeway tells the guard that they were actually looking for a clothing shop nearby. The guard says that there's a shop nearby and points to it. He hopes that their stay here will be more pleasant. As he heads off, Paris wishes he could say the same for them.

After the guard leaves, Paris soon spots the same shop window as he did in the devastated world. He soon sees the same timepiece he saw earlier, but this time it reads, 371'22'04. Soon, a shopkeeper approaches Paris and asks him if he needs a timepiece. Paris tells the shopkeeper that he's from Kalto province and that he's not familiar with their timepieces. As the shopkeeper takes out the timepiece from the shop window, he tells Paris that Kaltan timepieces aren't much different than theirs. Paris asks him what do the numbers means. The shopkeeper explains that the numbers mean, rotations, intervals and fractions, as he points out the different set of numbers. The shopkeeper says that the timepiece costs fourteen kelodas and Paris says that's a fair price. He says that he'll stop by later, if he has time. As the shopkeeper returns the timepiece, Paris rejoins the captain and tells her that if he's not mistaken, this world's going to be destroyed some time tomorrow. Janeway reacts as Paris relays this news...

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As Voyager continues to orbit the devastated planet, Commander Chakotay's log indicate that there's no sign of Captain Janeway or Lt Paris since they were lost in a subspace fracture.

In Voyager's Briefing Room, Ensign Kim is showing B'Elanna Torres, Lt Tuvok and Commander Chakotay the subspace fracture that Captain Janeway and Lt Paris disappeared into on an LCARS display screen. Ensign Kim explains to his comrades that this is the subspace fracture that they detected on the surface of the planet using a magneton scanner. Ensign Kim then points to an area that reads 401'22'84 and explains that this is the point of the explosion, the opening of the fracture. He then explains that as the shockwave dissipates, the fracture becomes more narrower. Ensign Kim believes that Captain Janeway and Lt Paris are trapped at the narrower end. B'Elanna says that shockwaves from explosions generally dissipate into the future, but due to the subspace fracture, these dissipate in the past based in part on what Paris told them before. Kim confirms that is consistent with the subspace damage they've observed.

Chakotay surmises that Captain Janeway and Lt Paris might be existing in a time, hours or minutes before the explosion. B'Elanna then says that they have no idea how far back these fractures go. Tuvok soon asks B'Elanna and Harry, why haven't they been able to return like Lt Paris did the first time. B'Elanna explains that the reason for this is because he wasn't inside the subspace fracture all the way. They could still see him, when he was on the other side. Chakotay asks them how do they get them out. Tuvok guesses that Captain Janeway would activate her subspace beacon on her communicate to help them locate them.

Ensign Kim says that they're counting on it. Once Captain Janeway has activated her subspace beacon, they have to microscan the surface for subspace fractures. B'Elanna says that once they've located where and when the captain and Lt Paris are, they have to widen the fracture enough for them to get through at that specific place. When Tuvok asks them how do they do that, Ensign Kim says that they haven't figured that out yet.

Meanwhile, in Sickbay, the Emergency Holographic Doctor is scanning Kes's brain, while Neelix looks on. As the Doctor is scanning, he makes two noises. Neelix asks the Doctor if there is something wrong. The Doctor says terribly wrong, as Kes's brain isn't on file. He says that their government failed to transmit the standard fifteen, five-oh-one crew personnel report or somebody at Starfleet Medical fouled up. Kes tells the Doctor that they're not part of Starfleet. Neelix adds that they came aboard mid-expedition. The Doctor wonders if no one bothered to ask for their medical history when they came aboard. When they shake their heads, the Doctor says of course not, as it is the ship's medical officer's job for that information, his job. He then says that he is the last person on this ship to know anything.

He then asks them just how many new arrivals there are. When Neelix answers just them, Kes corrects him and adds that the Maquis ship also boarded. Another crew, the Doctor asks stunned. Soon, the Doctor contacts Captain Janeway on the ship, however, when Neelix tells him that she is missing on the surface of the planet that they're investigating, an exasperated Doctor says that he's found himself on the voyage of the damned. He soon contacts the next in command, who is not missing, to see him at the earliest convenience. The Doctor then says that they can shut off his program now. When Neelix says that he hasn't told them about her condition, the Doctor simply says that she is a healthy species. The only species he has ever seen. He says that she has a lovely brain and will make a fine addition to the file.

When Kes reacts to the Doctor's brusqueness, the Doctor simply says that she shouldn't worry. He says that if her species has unique mental abilities, then this may simply be a way of flexing those muscles. He adds that living in space requires the body to adjust to the environments of space. He tells them to go home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Fluids, asks Kes. The Doctor says that everyone should drink plenty of fluids. He reminds them to turn him off before they leave. As Kes orders the computer to end program, the Doctor says that they should see him in the morning, before he disappears.

Back on the surface of the planet, Captain Janeway and Lt Paris have changed their Starfleet uniform into native clothes. As they adjust to their new clothes, Captain Janeway tells the lieutenant that she assumes that Voyager will be looking for them and will set her commbadge to emit a subspace beacon. Soon, Lt Paris sighs, knowing full well what's in store for these people. Janeway says that she knows and when Paris says that maybe there's some way to warn these people, Janeway tells him not to think about it, because the Prime Directive is very clear. She tells him that the Prime Directive forbids them to interfere in a planet's natural cause of events. Tom Paris asks even if the natural cause of events is annihilation. Janeway agrees. Tom Paris says that his father used to talk at lengths about the Prime Directive, like a holiday sermon. Captain Janeway says that his father considered it the guiding principles of space exploration. When Lt Paris says that he tuned out most of his sermons, Janeway tells him to tune back in this one.

She tells him that he has no idea of the consequences of what will happen to these people once he gets them involved. Lt Paris says that the consequences would have to be better than mass destruction. Janeway sternly tells him that he is not to tell these people and that's an order. Before Paris can protest further, Janeway sees the boy seen earlier hiding behind them. When she spots him, she sighs and tells Paris to move along. The boy tells the pair that he knows that they're lying. Captain Janeway tells the boy blocking them, that they have a very important business trip and they are from Kalto-Province. The boy says that he spoke with the transport attendant this morning. He says that the attendant told him that two people got off the transport this morning and both of them had a child with them and were a lot older than they were. Janeway tells the boy that he was mistaken and that the two people were them.

The boy then asks them where's the child. Lt Paris, getting tired of the little boy, tells him that they ate him, because they are demons and he hasn't had his supper yet. As Tom moves toward the boy, the boy runs off scared. Janeway looks at Paris bewilderly and Paris apologizes, saying that it was the quickest way. Janeway ignores Paris and says that they should look for a way out of here. Paris soon detects the same polaric ion conduit as before, but this time, much intact. Lt Paris tells Janeway that the same subspace fracture that brought them here might still be around. If the subspace fracture was caused by a polaric explosion, he asks her if they can use polaric power to get them back. As Janeway bends down to look at the conduit, she tells Paris that if they had access to a polaric ion generator, they could modify their tricorder to emit a polaric field. At the very least, it could help them locate a subspace fracture. Paris soon wonders where these conduits get their power from.

Meanwhile, at a power plant, there is a protest of some sorts with the guards trying to keep the protesters at bay. One of the protesters tells the guard that this is a lawful demonstration, while another say that they have a right to be here. The guards ignore them and keeps pushing them back. Around the corner, Captain Janeway and Lt Paris are about to walk into the protesters. Tom tells Janeway that under normal circumstances, they should come back later. From the distance, the young boy watches them. As Janeway and Paris gets closer to the crowd, one of the guards start firing his gun into the air. As there is a skirmish, Janeway gets hit in the head by one of the guards as Paris defends her by knocking the guard down. Soon, one of the protesters assist Janeway and Paris in escape, as the young boy run away also.

Back on Voyager, in Engineering, Ensign Kim and Lt B'Elanna Torres are explaining to Lt Tuvok and Commander Chakotay their method of bringing back the captain and Paris. As Ensign Kim activates a device and a green light emits, B'Elanna explains to Chakotay and Tuvok that this device emits a polaric energy as the same one that destroyed the planet. Ensign Kim says that at the necessary intensity, it can open up a subspace fracture. Chakotay asks if the subspace fracture will be wide enough for the captain and Lt Paris to get through. B'Elanna explains that once they've located the subspace beacon from their communicators, this device will be capable of bringing them back. Tuvok soon suggests that the logical place to begin would be where the captain and Lt Paris disappeared.

As he says this, the device soon gives out. Ensign Kim soon explains that at the necessary intensity, the polaric generator will short out thirty seconds at best. Chakotay wonders if they can't reinitialize the device. B'Elanna explains not at the same location. She says that once they try at a given location, the damage to subspace would make it impossible for a second attempt. Chakotay soon asks how do they prevent any of them from being trapped in the subspace fracture. B'Elanna says that they've modified the tricorders to detect the subspace fracture and have constructed a device that puts out an anti-polaric field, holds up the device and explains that it should repel the fracture within three meters from them. Chakotay tells them they've done a good job and heads for the exit.

As he heads for the exit, he is met by Neelix and Kes. Neelix asks the commander if they are returning to the planet. Chakotay tells him that they're getting ready to leave now. Kes says that she has to go with them, but Chakotay reminds her that there's nothing to see down there. Neelix says that he told her the same thing. Kes tells the commander that she already seen it and has to go, which piques the commander.

Back on the planet, Captain Janeway is being tended to her wound by Lt Paris. Soon, the two men we saw earlier comes down the stairs and apologizes to Janeway and Paris for involving them in this. He soon introduces himself as Pe'Nar Makull and his colleague as Ny Terla. Terla soon tells them that apparently they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Paris concurs with him and soon Makull wonders what were they doing at the plant. Janeway informs them that they are from Kalto-province and they were there to tour their power facility and compare to it their own. Terla says that he's never seen a Kaltan with her color hair before. Janeway says that now he has.

Makull soon tells them that Terla believes that they were sent here to infiltrate them. Infiltrate them, asks Paris. He soon tells them that they were there when Janeway got the wound. Terla believes that they were told to put on a good show for them. Paris wonders why would anyone want to infiltrate them. Terla says that that's hard to believe, as there are protests all over Kalto against polaric energy. Janeway emphatically denies being a spy. Makull asks them when was the last time they were in a polaric energy power plant. Janeway answers not since they left home. Makull thinks that they're not telling them the truth and thus they have a safety monitor to register polaric energy, which Terla takes out and begins using.

Terla tells the pair that when they were brought here, they registered polaric energy five times the normal. This means that they were in the plant yesterday or, Terla and his colleague take out a weapon from their bags and aim them at Janeway and Paris. Terla finishes by saying that they were at a site of a polaric disaster worst than any in the history of the planet.

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Back on the planet, Commander Chakotay, Lt Tuvok, Lt Torres, Ensign Kim and Kes begin their search for Captain Janeway and Lt Paris. As the others rush to find their missing crewmembers, Chakotay goes up to Kes, who is looking around the place with awe. He asks her what is it and Kes slowly tells the commander that she can almost sense the people that were here. Chakotay acknowledges, saying that it feels as though they are walking in a graveyard. Kes says no, it's more than that. She elaborates by saying that it's almost as if she can touch the people that were here. Chakotay becomes more worried about Kes's superstitious behavior, as he moves toward B'Elanna and Tuvok.

Chakotay asks B'Elanna and Tuvok what have they found. Tuvok tells the commander that he can not detect any subspace fractures in the area now. B'Elanna explains that that would mean that the damage to subspace is beginning to dissipate, which will make it harder to locate the captain and Tom Paris. Soon, Ensign Kim tells his crewmates that he's picking up a comm signal. Chakotay asks him if it's from the subspace beacon, but Kim says that he's detecting the comm signal here and now. When Kim tries to contact the captain or Lt Paris, he doesn't get an answer. Chakotay asks Ensign Kim if he can locate the comm signal. When Kim acknowledges, he leads the team toward the comm signal.

Back on the planet and in the past, Captain Janeway is being grilled by Makull, while one of his colleages keep a watchful eye on Lt Paris. Makull asks Janeway what her name is and Janeway answers. Makull tells her that it's an unusual name, but Janeway says not where she's from. Makull wonders what part of Kalto-province was that, but Janeway says there's no point to any of that. Makull says that it has and it all depends on whether or not they can keep their schedule and asks her if they can. Janeway tells him that she doesn't know. Makull asks Janeway if they know their plan, but Janeway answers that she doesn't know. Soon, a burst from the door and Terla brings in the child we saw earlier, trying to keep his mouth shut as the boy shouts to Terla to let him go. Terla tells Makull look what he found sneaking outside their office.

Back in the future, the Away-Team continues to look for their missing comrades, as Lt Tuvok tells the commander that he still can't detect any lifesigns... Back in the past, Captain Janeway tells Makull that the boy has nothing to do with any of this. Makull asks Janeway if the boy is theirs, but Janeway denies this and says that it's someone they met here when they arrived. The boy tells Makull that she's lying and that they lied about coming here on the continental transport. He says that he spoke to the attendant himself and tells them to let him go. Paris thanks the boy, as Terla tries to keep the boy's mouth shut. He asks Makull what they should do with him as they can't let him go. Makull orders Terla to put the boy next to Paris and as he does, the boy becomes frightened, due to Paris's earlier story of how he eats children for breakfast.

Back in the future, Ensign Kim soon locates the damaged remains of two commbadges on the floor. As he picks them up, he tells the team that the commbadges were designed to self-activate when the casings destroyed. This allows them to help them locate the victims. B'Elanna soon suggests that they were caught up in the explosion. Tuvok gives a much optimistic view of the situation, as he says that only the commbadges may have been caught in the explosion. Other speculation proves no purpose and that they must search for other tangible evidence. As the crew continue to look around, Kes goes to the spot where the commbadges were.

Back in the past, Makull tells Janeway that none of them have seen devices like these before, referring to the tricorders and phasers laid out in front of him. He says that Terla believes that they're spy equipment. Janeway tells Makull that they're surveying equipment. She's been wanting to buy some property here. Terla, who doesn't buy the lies, wonders how they work and wonders if Janeway would care to show him. Janeway immediately goes for the phaser, but Makull is quick and stops her. He tells her that one of them might be a weapon and he wouldn't want her to show him how that works would he.

Meanwhile, Paris tells the kid that he was lying about one thing. He doesn't eat children. The boy says that Paris doesn't frighten him. His father works for the Media Bureau and when he finds out about this... Paris interrupts him and asks, what is he, some kind of journalist. The boy says yes and that so is he. Paris says that, is that right. The boy says that he writes for the school journal and that's where he'll right everything about Paris and Janeway. Paris asks the boy for his name and the boy replies that his name is Latika. Paris soon tells Latika that he's sorry for him. A confused Latika asks him, what for. Paris doesn't answer him, but just simply says that he is.

Back with Janeway and Makull, Makull simply tells Janeway that this must all seem strange to her as he is just a patriot. A patriot, asks Janeway. Makull tells Janeway that he sincerely believes that polaric energy has the potential to cause a major disaster. Janeway believes that few people in the government agree with him. Makull says that they have more support now since the accident at Markov and that they've increased security at all major plants. Makull says that that is not enough to stop them. He soon gets up and moves toward Terla. He tells Terla that he knows that they're not telling them the truth and he adds that they can assume that the government sent them. Paris reacts to this. Makull soon says that they have to move up the schedule and tells Terla to tell everyone they start at oh-four hundred tomorrow morning. As he continues toward the door, Captain Janeway chases after him, saying "wait a minute."

In the future, Kes makes telepathic contact with the captain as she says, "captain"... In the past, Kes's telepathic voice can be heard by the others as Janeway responds to Kes. This spooks Makull, Terla and the others. Makull asks Janeway if she has anything to say, if this is her real name. Janeway says it is and tells Makull her full name and adds that she's from the Starship Voyager... In the future, Kes tells Chakotay and the Away-Team that she can feel the captain's presence. A skeptical Tuvok asks Kes to elaborate, as how can she feel their presence. Kes says that she doesn't know and can't explain it, but she knows that they've been in this room. Soon, Commander Chakotay asks Tuvok if he can read any sign of a subspace fracture anywhere in the room. When Tuvok confirms the reading, Chakotay orders his Away-Team to set-up the equipment, and goes to comfort Kes.

Back in the past, Captain Janeway continues to tell Makull of their arrival in the past. Janeway tells Makull that they came from the future, exactly one day from the future. Latika, still frightened, asks Paris if he was right about them lying. Paris tells Latika that he wasn't allowed to tell, at least he thought he wasn't. Janeway tells Makull that in a few hours from now, there will be a terrible explosion on this planet caused by a polaric detonation. She adds that they came aboard an interstellar ship to investigate the explosion.

Back in the future, Lt Tuvok says that he has detected a subspace fracture at co-ordinates one-four-one by twenty-one by fourteen, with a five percent drift and a range of four meters. Ensign Kim says he's initiating the generator, while B'Elanna is initiating a microscan of the subspace fracture... Back in the past, Captain Janeway tells Makull that whatever they're planning, might be responsible for the tragedy. Makull simply asks the captain if they came back in time to warn them. Janeway says that the explosion had an after effect that created fractures in subspace. They fell threw one of those fractures which sent them to the past. Makull doesn't believe Janeway's story, as he simply states, "interstellar ships, fractures in time." He then asks Janeway if she honestly believes that he'll believe her story.

Back in the future, Lt B'Elanna Torres says that she's found them. She says that the scanners are picking up the subspace beacon. She is also adjusting penetration co-ordinates to match. When she activates the generator, the same green pulse seen before emanates. Commander Chakotay soon taps his communicator and tries to contact the captain... In the past, Terla hears the message from Chakotay and immediately goes and removes the captain's commbadge, as he says, "eavesdropping devices." Janeway says no, but they are used for communications. She tells them that her crew is trying to rescue them. From the future of course, says Terla and goes ahead to remove the communicator from Paris.

Makull orders Terla to get the particle injector, which he does from a cabinet near Paris. He then orders the guard to bring them with them, including the boy. He believes he knows how to use them to their advantage. As they leave, Terla tosses the commbadges on the desk and afterward, the green subspace beam can be seen, with Chakotay's voice penetrating it from within. The beam closes soon after.

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Back on the planet, Captain Janeway and Lt Tom Paris are being escorted by Makull and the others to the power plant. The others keep watch over Latika. As they are being escorted to the plant, Lt Tom Paris tells the captain that he's confused. He soon clarifies that confusion as the captain ordered him not to tell these people of their impending doom because of the Prime Directive. Now, the captain is telling them everything. Janeway tells the young lieutenant that she told them the truth because she realized that they've already violated the Prime Directive in the worst possible manner. Paris asks her how did they do that. Janeway says that it is because they were here. Janeway further says that if they hadn't gotten involved, the planet might not have been destroyed.

A puzzled Paris asks her, "what?" Janeway tells him to think about it. She further explains that they know that these people were planning to sabotage the plant, which caused the planet's destruction. Because of their involvement in their plans, they were forced to change their schedules. They also know that the explosion occurs sometime after four-hundred rotations today. Janeway says they know that the planet will be destroyed after four-hundred and one today. 401'22'84, Paris says. Paris soon says that the explosion didn't occur before they arrived and wonders if they are still involved. Janeway says that they arrived back in time before the explosion, so yes, they are invovled.

Paris soon asks the captain that if they hadn't gotten involved, couldn't the explosion occur next week instead of today. Captain Janeway says who knows what could've happened between now and then. The protestors could've been arrested. The conditions at the plant could've worsened. She says that they are here now and it's their problem. They have got to find a way to solve it.

Back on Voyager, the senior staff are gathered in the Ready Room to explore their current situation. Ensign Kim tells the crew that they're running out of time. More and more subspace fractures are closing and they've only got seventy percent to work with at the moment. B'Elanna soon suggests that they try to go back to the planet and concentration their search at the flashpoint of the explosion. Lt Tuvok asks them what they will accomplish by doing that. Ensign Kim tells Tuvok that the captain and Lt Paris might try to go to the origin of the explosion and prevent the explosion from there. Lt Tuvok says that is highly unlikely as it will be a direct violation of the Prime Directive and doubts the captain would try.

Chakotay tells Tuvok that if it were up to him, he would've tried. Tuvok reminds Chakotay that the issue is whether or not he would try, but the captain. Chakotay ignores Tuvok and asks B'Elanna if they've found the flashpoint. A hesitant B'Elanna answers that they already have. Chakotay ignores Tuvok's objections and tells the team to proceed. Tuvok has no choice but to follow.

Back on the planet, Captain Janeway and the group begin their approach to the power plant. Makull tells Janeway that she is to get them past the guards. She will tell them that she is a government representative that were sent here to negotiate a settlement over a dispute of the power plant company. Janeway says that she cannot and will not follow Makull's order. Makull cautions her to think before she refuses him. He says that he's ordered Terla to have the weapon trained on Latika. If shooting begins, Latika will be the first victim. As Janeway turns around, Terla takes out his weapon and hides it under his arm, ready to shoot.

As they approach the gate of the power plant, a guard approaches the group and asks them how he can help. Makull tells the guard that Janeway is a government representative on an important mission. The guard looks at Janeway quizzically. As she approaches the guard, she tells him that she is a hostage and that these men are here to break into the plant. The guard suddenly reacts with shock and advances back toward his station, while Makull looks on anxiously. As the guard decides to make a break for it, Makull takes out his gun and shoots the guard. Latika becomes frightened and tries to make a run for it. Terla aims his gun at Latika, but Paris steps in front of Latika, taking the bullet for the boy. Terla shoots down the other guard inside the station.

Janeway rushes to Paris's side, as Makull operates the controls to the gate. As he steps inside, he tells Janeway that their lives are on her conscious. Makull and the others rush into the plant. Latika tells the wounded Paris that he saved his life. Janeway tends to the wounded Paris, while he tells her not to waste time with him, she has to catch Makull and the others. Janeway asks Latika if he will stay with Paris until help arrives. The boy nods and Paris says of course he will, he and the boy are friends now, aren't they, asks Paris. Latika concurs. Janeway tells Paris that she'll be back for him and heads off. Paris tells her that they'll be here and asks Latika, won't they and he agrees. Makull and the others have reached the power plant and are running inside the corridor to a power conduit. Once they reach the conduit, Terla and his friend begin work on it, while Makull watches guard. Captain Janeway, meanwhile, has also entered the power plant, carrying a weapon. She slowly moves toward Makull and the others, being cautious not to get caught...

In the meantime, in the future, Chakotay, B'Elanna, Tuvok, Harry Kim and Kes beam down to the same location as the captain and the others, in the power plant, to continue their search. After they beam down, the Away-Team immediately takes out their tricorders and begin scanning. Ensign Kim reports that the polaric levels are higher here than any other place they've been so far. B'Elanna tells the team that this was undoubtedly the flashpoint of the accident. Whatever went wrong, happened here. Chakotay soon asks them if there are any subspace fractures to work with here. Tuvok says affirmative and adds that the subspace fractures remain quite numerous in this area. Chakotay orders them to set up the equipment.

Back in the past, Captain Janeway continues to creep toward the conduit that Terla and his friend is working on. She is careful not to attract the attention of Makull, who is watching guard from behind. Janeway continues to eye the bag on the floor near Makull, which contains her phaser and tricorder. When Janeway reaches a pillar, she crouches down on the floor. Soon, Terla tells Makull that he needs the injector. When Makull goes to retrieve it from the bag, Janeway suddenly emerges and tells them not to move, pointing her weapon at them. She tells everyone to stay where they are.

In the future, Tuvok tells his team that the subspace fractures are at co-ordinates four-one by three-one-zero, two percent drift, range six meters, mark. Ensign Kim initiates the generator, while B'Elanna Torres initiates a microscan of the subspace beacon. After scanning, B'Elanna gets no response from the generator. She tells the crew that it looks like they didn't come here after all. Tuvok reminds the team that it would seem highly unlikely that the captain would come here, due to the Prime Directive. Kes interrupts Tuvok and tells them that the captain did come. She tells them that this is where she died. The crew reacts to Kes's premonitions.

Back in the past, Captain Janeway still has her weapon trained on Makull and the others. Janeway tells Makull that they will all die if they go through with their plans. When Terla and his comrade try to advance on her, she trains her weapons on them, that stops them in their tracks. Makull asks Janeway what she thinks they're planning to do. Janeway says that Makull and his men are going to sabotage the plant by detonating some kind of device here. Makull says that they're not stupid enough to blow up anything here. Janeway says that that may be true, but something will go wrong. Makull reminds her that nothing will go wrong, unless Janeway accidentally fire her weapon at a polaric conduit. He suggests that for everyone's safety, she should put down the weapon. Janeway tells Makull to give her the bag, but Makull holds the bag closer to his chest. Terla and his friend stay put. Janeway says, all right then, they'll wait.

Back in the future, Chakotay asks his team that if what Kes is saying is true, couldn't they open a fracture a few minutes before the detonation. Ensign Kim asks B'Elanna that if the widest point of the fracture represents the time of the explosion, couldn't they open the fracture at the widest point. B'Elanna cautions that they won't be able to pinpoint the exact time of the explosion, but they could make an educated guess. Tuvok soon points that it is logical to assume that what Kes is experiencing could be true. Since he has no alternative course of action to recommend, however, he tells them to proceed. B'Elanna asks the commander for the go ahead, and the commander gives his approval with a simple nod. The team soon activates the generator, which emits the polaric energy beam.

In the past, Captain Janeway asks Makull what time is it. Terla takes out a timepiece and tells her that it is four-oh-one rotations plus twenty-one. Janeway says that they will wait until twenty-three. Makull asks Janeway what's the importance of twenty-three. Makull answers for her and says that it is the alleged time of their annihilation. Makull humors Janeway and says that they'll wait and see. He also hopes to go through with this unscathed, but he can finish, he is interrupted by the polaric energy beam from the future. A frightened Terla asks what's going on. Janeway answers that they are cutting through subspace. Makull soon realizes that if the beam is going to intersect with the conduit wall, it will cause an explosion. Janeway realizes that it is their own rescue attempt that causes the disaster.

Janeway tells Makull that that her weapon may be their only hope. Having no choice, Makull allows Janeway to take her phaser. Once she has her phaser, Janeway fires it at the polaric energy beam. Makull and the others watch with fright... In the future, B'Elanna notices that they are getting nadion particle resistance from the other side. Ensign Kim increases the generator output to maximum. B'Elanna doesn't understand it, as they are still not penetrating the subspace fracture... In the past, Janeway continues to fire her phaser at the polaric energy beam, until, at 401'22'84, there is a great big burst of energy that sends Janeway and her crew back to the present time, minus time elapsed...

Back in the past, Lt Tom Paris is once again telling Ensign Kim if his girlfriend is going to wait for her. Ensign Kim tells him once again that he hopes so. Paris tells him to let her go, let her have a husband and a good life, while they have the Delaney sisters. Ensign Kim says that he has to run a transtator diagnostic. Paris says that he has to run a self-diagnostic and says that they come as a pair. It's a double date or no date. Tom Paris soon says that he told them all about Harry. A stunned Harry wonders what Tom told them about him. Paris says well for one, how he broke the single pilot record at the Academy. A stunned Harry says that he never broke any record. Paris reminds him who are they gonna check it with.

As Tom and Harry argue in the background, Chakotay notices something on his monitor and contacts the captain. Captain Janeway and Neelix exit from the Captain's Ready-Room and enter the Bridge. As the captain approach Chakotay, Chakotay tells her that they've identified an M-Class planet in the red dwarf system that they're approaching and wonders if the captain would like to change course to investigate. Janeway asks Neelix if he's familiar with any lifeforms in this system. From the Tactical station, Neelix tells the captain that he's most unfamiliar with the lifeforms in this system, in fact, considerably less than familiar.

Soon, Kes walks onto the Bridge and Neelix goes to her and asks her what's wrong. Kes says that she had to know and when Neelix asks her what, Kes says that everyone on the planet was destroyed by a terrible explosion. Janeway soon asks Tuvok if he's detecting any trouble on the planet. Tuvok says negative. Janeway asks Tuvok if the planet is inhabited. Tuvok says that he's reading several lifeforms on the planet. There are no satellites in orbit and no spacecraft within the vicinity. He believes the planet is a pre-warp civilization. Janeway reminds Kes that it is their policy not to interfere with a developing world. Neelix tells the captain that that is a most enlightening philosophy and tries to steer Kes away from the Bridge.

Kes nudges Neelix out of the way and asks the captain that if it is possible to see the planet on the viewscreen. Janeway nods to Tuvok who puts the planet on the viewscreen. Janeway tells Kes there it is. Kes thanks the captain and heads for the Turbolift. At Operations, Tom Paris escorts a reluctant Ensign Kim to their first date. Captain Janeway orders Chakotay to note the planet into the database and to maintain their current course at Warp Six. Chakotay acquiesces, as Voyager heads back to the Alpha Quadrant...