Janeway and Chakotay are stranded on a planet and forced to spend time together.
Janeway and Chakotay are infected by a virus during an away mission, and the Doctor finds that they can survive only on the planet where they were infected. With no cure available, they are left behind while Voyager, under Tuvok's command, continues toward home.
On the planet, Janeway at first works tirelessly to find a cure while Chakotay builds them a home, and the two gradually grow closer. Aboard Voyager, Kes and much of the crew press Tuvok to seek help from the Vidiians, who may have a treatment. Tuvok eventually agrees, and despite a Vidiian ambush the crew obtains the cure and returns to collect the captain and first officer.