Briefing Room. Torres: "I've gone over and over the transporter logs. There's no question that if we try to transport ourselves through that wormhole we'll end up 20 years in the past."

Kim: "Then let's do it. It's better than spending the next 70 years trying to get back."

Paris: "How can we do that? We'd be going back to a time when you were only 2 years old."

Janeway: "I know you're disappointed, Harry. We all are. It seemed we were so close. But clearly we can't go back. It would pollute the timeline to such an extent that the consequences would be unimaginable."

Janeway to the Talvath captain: "I'm afraid we'll have to send you back alone and ask that you not reveal anything that has happened here."

Talvath captain: "I can assure you, Captain, that I would not do anything that might contaminate the future and thus harm the Romulan Empire. In 20 years I could alert Starfleet not to launch the mission which sent you here."

Chakotay: "I'm afraid that's not possible either. We've already had a huge impact on this Quadrant. People and events here would be drastically affected."

Janeway: "I'm afraid we're left with our original request. In 20 years, would you relay our personal messages to Starfleet?" Talvath captain: "Of course. At the proper time I will transmit them. If you should find your way back during my lifetime I'd be an old man, but I would welcome a message from you. I am Telek R'Mor, of the Romulan Astrophysics Academy."

Janeway: "I promise you'll hear from us, because we will get back."

Transporter room. Tuvok: "These are our messages."

R'Mor: "I wish you luck on your journey."

Janeway: "And I thank you for your help."

When R'mor is in position on the transporter pad, she orders: "Energise." Torres: "The signal's in the pattern buffer. Transferring to the emitter array." Kim: "Phase variance out of sync. again."

Torres: "Compensating. Transport complete, Captain. He made it."

Janeway: "I'll tell the crew. They can have the satisfaction of knowing their messages have reached their families."

Tuvok: "Captain, I did not want to mention this until after our guest had left. I checked the computer databanks for a Romulan scientist named Telek R'Mor."

Janeway: "And?" Tuvok: "I'm sorry to report Dr R'Mor died in 2367." Kim slumps. Torres puts a consoling hand on his shoulder.

Janeway: "That was four years ago."

Tuvok: "That is correct, before he would've sent our messages."

As Janeway thinks hard, Torres: "Maybe he left a will telling someone else to transmit the messages. Or he could've given our computer chip to the Romulan government."

Tuvok: "It is possible. Unfortunately, there is no way to know." Janeway: "Then let's move on. We've got a long way to go."

They leave the transporter room. The transporter duty officer takes over from Torres when she leaves.

In Sickbay the Doctor is using a medical tricorder to scan and diagnose Baxter's latest exercise injury.

Baxter to Kes: "I tried a new hamstring exercise. Maybe I overdid it. But my workouts are all that stand between me and a severe case of cabin fever."

With increased confidence after his conversation with the Captain, the Doctor decides to upbraid Baxter.

Doctor: "Lieutenant, I am the Chief Medical Officer of this ship. If you have something to say to me, please direct the statement to me."

Baxter: "Well, you see, I need the workout." Doctor: "I'm not telling you not to work out. I'm suggesting you use a modicum of common sense when you do it. If I see you in here again for an exercise-related injury I'll have to discuss the matter with your superior officer."

Baxter: "Yes, sir." Doctor: "You're fine now." Baxter: "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Kes: "I don't think he'll make the mistake of ignoring you again." Doctor: "Captain Janeway has made me realise that I must function as more than an emergency medical replacement. I must think of myself as a member of the crew." Kes: "You're absolutely right."

Doctor: "I've prepared a list of things I'd like to see added to Sickbay." He gives a PADD to Kes. "Perhaps you could present it to the Captain?" Kes: "I'd be happy to."

Doctor: "There's one more request, something of a personal nature. I would like a name."