Stardate: 48642.5. Harry Kim discovers advanced technology when a race of aliens known as the Sikarans offer shore leave to the crew of Voyager. This would send Voyager 40,000 light years closer to home, however, the Sikarians' "Canon of Laws" forbids them from sharing their technology with anyone.

Stardate: Unknown. An alien woman who requests asylum on board Voyager claims that she was onboard the ship a month ago, and she fell in love with Chakotay.