stardate 48623.5. While exploring an uncharted asteroid, Chakotay, Kim and B'Elanna stumble upon the burial ground of the alien race Vhnori. After the Vhnori die, their bodies are deposited on the asteroid by subspace vacuoles. During the investigation, Kim is caught up in one of these vacuoles and deposited on the Vhnori's homeworld—to an asteroid belt!

stardate 48642.5. On the world of the Sikarians—a race that loves hearing stories—Voyager finds a technology which can 'fold' space to allow long-distance travel in an instant. Janeway asks to use the technology, but he refuses. She respects their leader's wishes. However, B'Elanna, Tuvok, Seska and Carey goes against Janeway's orders, as they attempt to use the technology.