Seven enters the Messhall in search of Neelix. Seven: The Doctor asked me to run a haemotological scan." Neelix: "Why?" Seven: "To regulate the dose of nanoprobes for your next injection." Neelix: "Go ahead. How much longer will I be needing these injections?" Seven: "Until your damaged cells can function on their own." Neelix: "I don't really like the idea of Borg technology swimming round inside me." Seven: "That is irrelevant. You need the nanoprobes to live." Neelix: "Live? Oh, Is that what I am doing right now, living? I'm beginning to wonder." Seven: "By most definitions you are alive." Neelix: "Well part of me isn't alive." Seven: "Which part are you referring to?" Neelix: "I don't know, but part of me is missing. I don't feel like Neelix any more. Maybe Neelix is gone. Maybe he died and I'm all that's left." Seven: "Stop moving and allow me to complete the scan." Neelix: "I didn't ask to be brought back!" Seven: "You were dead at the time." Neelix: "Well, what right did you have to violate me! You Borg think you can fix everything, but you didn't fix me!" Seven: "There was no alternative." Neelix: "Get out. Leave me alone. I said, get out!" Seven: "I would be negligent in my duties if I did that." Neelix: "I don't care about your duties! I don't care-" Suddenly he is taken violently ill. Seven scans him. Neelix: "What's, what's happening to me?" Seven: "Your cells are reverting to a necrotic state. We must get you to Sickbay."

In Sickbay the Doctor reports to Janeway that Neelix's body had rejected the Borg nanoprobes, but Seven reports that they have modified the nanoprobes - Neelix is stable, for now. The Doctor has given him a monitor to wear to warn of possible future necrosis. He warns that Neelix may have to live with the condition for the rest of his life.

Neelix: "Commander, you said if I ever wanted anything: you once told me your people have technology that can induce a deep meditation, alter the state of consciousness." Chakotay: "The akoonah." Neelix: "This device allows you to look inside yourself, ask questions that you might otherwise be afraid to ask." Chakotay: "That's right." Neelix: "That's what I need. I need to look inside myself, figure out what's happening to me. I need answers. Will you help me, Commander?" Chakotay: "Alright, but I want you to understand the vision quest isn't a quick fix. It'll take time to interpret the images, and there's no guarantee you'll find what you're looking for." Chakotay tells Neelix that to prepare he will need medicine bundle should contain things that define him.

In Chakotay's quarters, Chakotay prepares Neelix for his vision quest. For his medicine bundle, Neelix has brought his dead sister Alixia's necklace (she made it during an expedition to the Dunes of Talmouth), a flower from Kes' garden and a replica from his quarters of the Guiding Tree. To start the vision quest Chakotay tells Neelix to put his hand on the akoonah.

Neelix visits Seven in Astrometric Lab. Neelix: "I, I want to apologise for my outburst the other day, in the Messhall." Seven: "No apology is necessary." Neelix: "No, no, please, my behavious was uncalled for. I didn't mean the things I said. I wasn't myself. But I feel much better now. Commander Chakotay has helped me to understand a few things. I want you to know that I don't blame you for bringing me back, to life, I mean. In fact, what you did was very thoughtful." Seven: "I'd have done the same for any member of this crew." Neelix: "Yes, I'm sure you would. " Seven: "Is there something else?" Neelix: "No. Yes. Seven, I think you've made a wonderful addition to this crew. I know it's been difficult for you making the transition, from Borg back to human, or half-human or whatever it is you've become, actually you're just plain Seven to me." Seven: "Your point, Mr Neelix?" Neelix: "I guess I just want to say you're surrounded by people who care about you, and that whether you know it or not Voyager is going to be a very good home to you. It certainly was to me." Seven: "'Was'. You intend to leave?" Neelix: "Me? No, I'll be around. Well, goodbye." Seven: "Goodbye."

Chakotay enquires why Neelix did not turn up to the scheduled session in Chakotay's quarters. Neelix pretends that the vision quest showed him his family and he is more content with himself. Chakotay orders him to turn up for the next session in his quarters.

In the transporter room, Neelix prepares to commit suicide by beaming into the nebula.

Suddenly Ensign Wildman tries to contact Neelix by combadge. When he does not reply, she enters having had the computer track him down. She says Naomi cannot get to sleep - there are monsters in the replicator. Chakotay: "That little girl needs you, Neelix. Monsters in the replicator - who else on this ship can handle that?"

Neelix realises that he is needed and that Voyager's crew are his family now. He goes to leave the transporter room for the Wildman's quarters. Neelix: "Duty calls."

Neelix sorts out the monsters in the replicator and orders all the monsters in the room to go away. He tucks Naomi up in bed. She then dreams that she is sitting happily underneath the branches of the Guiding Tree.