Star Trek Voyager characters are the property of Paramount Pictures.

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

ELISSIA
Part One

Repairs to Engineering had taken just over a week, and Voyager was once more warp capable and soaring through space a thousand times faster than the speed of light. Already Seven had begun intensive scans of the two last solar systems, and within an hour or two, they would know whether one of them contained a ninth planet that was m-class.

The sleeping baby boy in Chakotay's arms, however, was oblivious to all that was going on around him, and just moved his mouth or crinkled his nose every now and again. Silvia was still on a ventilator, but Silvesta was able to breathe on his own now. The feelings Chakotay had felt when the Doctor first placed the tiny being in his arms were overwhelming, and they were no less powerful now.

Stevie at last woke up and moved his arm, spreading out his tiny little fingers. Chakotay kissed them, and put his own little finger into the child's hand. The baby gripped it tight.

"Some grip there," B'Elanna said, gazing at the baby in adoration. "I think he's going to be every bit as strong as his daddy."

"Though not quite so tall," the Doctor said, approaching them. "My projection gives him a height of five foot eleven, compared to the Commander's six feet."

"A good size," B'Elanna smiled. "Not too tall and not too small."

The Doctor looked at Stevie fondly. "It seems a shame to disturb him, he looks so contented. But he really should go back into his incubator. He's still very vulnerable."

Chakotay kissed Stevie's head, freed his finger, and then passed his son to the Doctor. As he did so, the baby began to cry.

"Missing his daddy already," B'Elanna smiled. "But there sure is nothing wrong with those lungs. He could compete with Miral any day." She then got to her feet. "Tom and I are meeting in the mess hall for lunch in about ten minutes, want to join us, Chakotay?"

"No, thank you," he answered. "I want to go and see how Seven is getting on in astrometrics."

B'Elanna looked at him sadly. "I want to believe as much as you do that this Elissia exists, Chakotay, but it's so unlikely. Arlei should never have told you about it. It isn't fair to give you false hopes. It's cruel even."

"Then what should she have done? Kept silent? Let us cast Kathryn's body into space and then, if we happen to come across Elissia, tell us about it when it's too late?"

"B'Elanna's right," the Doctor said, leaving the incubator and addressing Chakotay. "You're not accepting that the Captain has gone. You're not grieving. Instead, you're holding on to a dream that this Elissia, this place of miracles, will revive her."

"It may be only a dream to you, Doctor," Chakotay replied, "but it isn't to me. And it isn't to Arlei. Miracles happened there."

"Arlei's no more coping with the captain's death than you are," the Doctor continued. "She's riddled with guilt, and that guilt is blinding her to reason. She wants this legend of Elissia to be true because she doesn't want to accept that the captain has gone either."

"Miracles happened there. And there's a chance it still exists."

"The captain suffered extensive injury to the brain. Do you really think that water and light can mend such damage? That they can breathe life into her lungs and make her heart beat?"

"Yes," Chakotay cried. "Who knows what is in that place! There are many things in the universe beyond our understanding, and I'm not arrogant enough to think that we have all the answers. My mind isn't big enough to comprehend all the mysteries of our existence. And there are intelligences beyond ours. There are species more advanced. Something was going on in Elissia all those years ago. What, I don't know. But I do know that we've got to try and find it, even if it means going down to a planet and searching every inch of a mountain by foot. We owe it to Kathryn." He paused. "And don't forget, Doctor. You're made of light. Yet you can heal."

Without another word, he left sickbay.


Alone in his quarters, Chakotay wept. It had been almost two weeks now since the explosion, and for all that time, he had been living in this cold and empty world. He was lost without Kathryn. A soul trapped in a black abyss. When he thought about things rationally, a place of water and light that could revive the dead, did seem to be nothing but a hollow fantasy. But he had to believe in Elissia. He had to believe there was hope.

His eyes wandered around the room and he saw Petal lying on the floor, her head on her paws, her ears flopped. She was missing Kathryn profoundly and had stopped eating too. Nothing could stimulate her attention, not even Naomi, and all that was keeping her alive was nutrient injections the Doctor gave her twice a day. It was as though she knew Kathryn wasn't coming back and, in giving up her hope, had given up on life.

Chakotay was just about to pick the dog up, when Seven's voice sounded over the comm.

"Seven of Nine to Commander Chakotay."

It was a moment before he was able to respond. If she told him scans were complete and there was no ninth m-class planet in either system...

He took a deep breath and summoned all his courage. "Chakotay here."

"Intensive scans of both solar systems are complete. One contains an inhabited m-class planet in fourth position from the sun, and the other contains three, all uninhabited, in third, fifth, and ninth position."

A ninth planet that was m-class. Chakotay could hardly breath.

Seven continued. "I'm performing a full planetary analysis of the ninth planet."

Again it was a moment before Chakotay could respond. "I'll be right there."


A planet that very much resembled Earth rotated slowly on the screen in astrometrics. Chakotay looked up at it, along with Arlei, B'Elanna, and Seven.

"Forty percent of the planet's surface is covered with water," Seven said, "and many lifeforms have been detected, but no humanoids or mammals of any kind."

Chakotay questioned. "Are there any mountains?"

"There are several, all above 10,000 feet."

"Any containing a pool?"

"Our scanners are unable to penetrate the rock to determine what is within."

"Then we'll just have to explore those mountains on foot. Elissia has to be in one of them."

"It would take us weeks," B'Elanna cried.

"I don't care how long it takes. We'll..."

Arlei interrupted. "The highest mountain. I'm sure according to legend it was located in the heart of the highest mountain."

Seven worked her console and isolated a section of the planet on the viewscreen and then magnified it. "That would be this mountain. It's over 15,000 feet tall and five miles in diameter."

Chakotay questioned again. "How long until we're in transporter range?"

"Approximately 4 hours. But it will be dark in that region of the planet at that time. Dawn will not break there for another eight hours, which will make it middle of the night here."

"Time doesn't matter," Chakotay answered. "As soon as light hits that mountain, we'll start to explore it."

B'Elanna looked at him incredulously. "We're talking about miles and miles of mountain! Even if this Elissia is inside it somewhere, how are we going to find it?"

"If people went there to be healed, there has to be some point of entry. A cave, perhaps, a tunnel. We'll find it. Even if we have to search every inch of that mountain."

Seven pulled up another image on the screen. "A search may not be necessary. Scans of the mountain reveal a cave or cavity of undeterminable depth, 2,000 feet above sea level. It's the only one of it's kind on the mountain."

"Then we'll explore that first," Chakotay said firmly. He then turned to Arlei. "You and I will transport to the mountain as soon as dawn breaks on it."


Protective gear would be necessary to entire the cave, so Chakotay replicated some in his quarters. He couldn't bear to use the ready room. It was Kathryn's room, where she belonged. Neither could he bear to sit in her seat on the bridge, or have any one address him as Captain. And he was glad that, so far, no one had. He also replicated a backpack so he could carry water, food, and a supply of oxygen just incase the air was thin or he and Arlei got trapped inside the mountain.

The door chime sounded and Chakotay turned to the door as he called out. "Come in."

Tuvok came in.

Chakotay looked at him coldly. Ever since he had learnt that it was probably the Voril who had planted the virus, the idea that Tuvok was to blame for Kathryn's death, had plagued his mind. If Tuvok hadn't done what he did, the Voril would never have had the chance to infect their computer with the virus, and the explosion that took Kathryn's life would never have happened.

"What do you want?"

"I believe that you and Arlei are going to investigate a possible passage way into the mountain at first light. It would be wise to have at least another crew member accompany you. I volunteer. My superior strength and psychic abilities may prove of value."

"We don't need your help," Chakotay said harshly. "You can't be trusted."

Chakotay's tone and manner took Tuvok by surprise. "Commander?"

"It's your fault, Tuvok. It's your fault the captain died. If you hadn't tried to send Roxa and Vixi back, the Voril would never have had the chance to put that virus in our system!"

Tuvok answered calmly. "There is no evidence that the Voril planted the virus."

"Maybe not, but it's damn obvious!"

"Assumption does not equal truth."

Chakotay clenched his fist, the anger of grief surfacing. "It must be so damn easy living in that Vulcan mind of yours! All is a box. Box upon box, all fitting perfectly into the other. Black and white. No variation. Tell yourself assumption does not equal truth if that helps you to sleep at night. But I know it was your fault. You killed her, Tuvok. You killed her!"

Tuvok was still for a long moment, his dark eyes indecipherable. Then he turned slowly, almost painfully, and left the room.

When he was gone, Chakotay leant against the back of a chair and tried to catch his breath, tried to fight the tears.


A bitterly cold wind blew across a barren mountain. Chakotay and Arlei looked around as they materialized, and saw a narrow opening in the rocks to their left. Struggling against the wind, they made their way into the cave. The light inside was poor, so the lights on their helmet automatically came on. Chakotay cast his eyes around, taking in all the details. Beneath their feet was black gritty soil, and the walls of the cave were black jagged rock. They seemed to stretch forward into a narrow tunnel of black infinity.

Chakotay pulled out his tricorder and tried to get readings, but the tricorder was unable to provide any information on what lay ahead, only on what was around them. Arlei found hers did the same. Chakotay put his tricorder away and pulled out his torch.

"We're going to have to do it like they did in the old days, rely only on light, knowledge, and instinct."

He began to walk down the tunnel, and Arlei followed. The sunlight from the entrance fell away as they walked deeper into the passage, and the air became colder.

After a while, they came to a winding corner. As they turned it, both torch and helmet light went out. They were lost in absolute darkness.

"Chakotay?"

Arlei's voice was fearful.

"I'm here," he said, reaching blindly for her.

As Arlei felt his arm against her body, she held on to it.

"There must be some kind of electromagnetic field interfering with our equipment," he said. "We'll have to go back and get torches of fire, like they used in the middle ages of the last millennium. Those'll help us see our way."


An hour later, Chakotay and Arlei were back in the tunnel, both of them carrying a torch of fire, and enough matches to keep it lighted for weeks. The light the torches cast was poor, but good enough for them to see their footing through the black passage.

"It seems to me that we're walking in a circle," Chakotay said as they turned more winding corners. "Like a maze, slowly getting to the center."

"If that's the case," Arlei replied, "it may take us days to reach the center."

"Part of the deal, perhaps. A way to separate the chaff from the wheat. Only the serious will make such a journey."

"But we don't have enough supplies to last days. We'll have to go back to the ship again and get some."

"Let's just see how far we get within the next couple of hours," he said, breaking away cobwebs that brushed against him. "The path may just be zig zag."

They walked on through the darkness, carefully making their way through the unknown territory, both eager to find something other than more tunnel ahead. But the tunnel just wound on and on and on.

And then it stopped.

There was no more tunnel. All that lay before them was a small cave of solid rock.

For a long moment, they both stared at it in complete dismay.

"No," Arlei said at last. "No, this can't be..."

Chakotay circled the wall of rock around them with his torch, desperately searching for a way to continue. But there was nothing. They had reached a dead end.

"Elissia has to be here," Arlei said tearfully. "It has to..."

"There must be another way in," Chakotay concluded. "Like I said. It's a maze. A puzzle. We have to find the right path."

"But Seven said this was the only point of entry..."

"Then she must be wrong." He turned around and began to walk the way they had come. "We need to get back to the ship. Perform further scans."


"I have scanned every inch of the mountain," Seven said as Chakotay questioned her in astrometrics. "There is no other point of entry into the mountain."

"But there has to be. Are you sure you're not missing something?"

"Positive. There are no other points of entry. This is the only one."

"Then it has to be the way to Elissia," Chakotay continued. "We must have missed something." He turned to Arlei who was standing beside B'Elanna. "We're going back. Somewhere along the way we must have missed a tunnel divergence."

B'Elanna stepped forward now. "You can't do this to yourself, Chakotay. You have to stop." Tears welled in her eyes as she said what she had dreaded having to say since he had first told them of the legend. "There is no Elissia. You have to accept it."

"No I don't," he cried. "There's something there, I just know it. There has to be. Why would there be a tunnel otherwise? Why would our technology fail?"

"I don't know. All kinds of reasons. Maybe other people have been here in search of Elissia too. Maybe gravity is crazy there which effects our technology. You have to let this go, Chakotay. You have to accept that you've done all you could..."

"I won't when it's not enough. I'm going back, and I'm searching every inch of those tunnels..."

B'Elanna raised her hand to her brow. It had been a long day, a long night, and she just knew that trying to reason with Chakotay about this would be pointless. He was blind to all sense. The only thing that would convince him that Elissia was just a myth, would be to realize it himself.

"Alright. But I think it would be best if we sent a team down with you. That way the job will get done faster."


Back in the mountain, Chakotay scrutinised the section of tunnel he had been assigned, hoping to find a narrow passage he and Arlei had missed, but there was nothing. Nothing but solid black rock.

"There's nothing here," B'Elanna said, slowly approaching him. "Everyone's going back to the ship."

Chakotay turned to her, his eyes wet with tears. "No. We can't give up. It's here. I know it's here."

"It's all solid rock, Chakotay. There's nothing."

"No, it's here. I know it's here. It has to be..."

"I wish it was," she said, a lump gathering in her throat. "I really wish it was. But it's nothing but a mountain, Chakotay. There's no Elissia. No place of miracles..."

Chakotay began to weep and turned to lean against a rock. B'Elanna went over to him and lay her hand on his back, caressing him softly.

"I really am sorry, Chakotay. So sorry."

Running footsteps suddenly echoed all around and Arlei appeared. "You'd better come, Commander. Tuvok's picking up something."

Without a word, Chakotay broke away from B'Elanna and followed Arlei back down the tunnel.

In minutes he reached Tuvok. The Vulcan was alone, his hands pressed firmly against a rock, his eyes closed.

Chakotay questioned. "What is it? What are you picking up?"

"Water," Tuvok answered. "I hear water. It's flowing. Can see it. Shining. Like crystal. I see a light. It's blinding. Descending from high. Merging with the water. They flow together. Falling."

Chakotay swallowed, hope once more filling his desperate heart. "Where is this?"

"Close. Yet far away. There's a hole. It leads to the waters. A black hole. A tunnel. It's dark. Can't see."

Chakotay looked around. "It's here somewhere," he said. "Elissia's here somewhere..."

He cast his torch around, straining his eyes to see something, anything, that would show them the way.

"The blackness is long," Tuvok continued. "Cold. I see rocks. A division. Dark and light."

Chakotay swung in the direction of the dead end. "It was sealed," he said, everything suddenly clear. "The entrance to Elissia was sealed so the Juva wouldn't find it. We've got to break through the rock."

He began to hurry down the tunnel, hurry to the dead end, and B'Elanna, Arlei, and Tuvok followed.

"The passage has to continue beyond this wall," Chakotay said, when they reached the cave." He turned to Tuvok. "Is this the division?"

Tuvok reached out and touched the wall of rock, concentrating hard. "The water is louder. The light brighter. But this is not the way. Ahead is only blackness."

He moved slowly along the wall in an anti clockwise direction. "Closer now. Warm. Warmer." He then suddenly stopped. "Here. The wall is hollow. Another side. Darkness. Then light. Blinding."

Chakotay shared a tearful glance with Arlei, who was now almost laughing from joy, and then he turned to B'Elanna. "We'll bring some explosives, just enough to break down this wall."

"It will have to be dynamite," B'Elanna said, her voice not quite her own, her tone bewildered as she tried to make sense of what was happening. " Dynamite, fuse, and a flame. I can't think of anything else that will work in here."


Chakotay and Arlei sat side by side beneath a great rock, sheltering from the wind, while B'Elanna took charge of creating a controlled explosion.

At last, she and her team emerged from the cave, and Chakotay stood up as she approached. "All ready?"

B'Elanna nodded. "If the tunnel is blocked, hopefully the explosion will clear away enough rock. But we don't know how much is there. We may have to do another explosion."

"As many as it takes," Chakotay answered.

Ayala reached them. "Everyone's out, Lieutenant."

B'Elanna turned to him. "Then ignite."

Ayala gave a nod, and hurried back into the cave. A few minutes later, he emerged and returned to them. Just as he reached them, there was a rumble in the distance.

B'Elanna smiled. "No need to ask if mission was accomplished."

Chakotay picked up his backpack. "How long until we can go into the tunnel?"

"I'd say a few hours," B'Elanna replied. "Just to be safe. We have no way of monitoring the tunnel, no way of knowing how stable it is. We don't want anyone to get trapped in there." She paused. "In fact, I think we should wait until tomorrow. It'll be dark here soon and it's been quite a day. We all need something to eat, some rest."

Chakotay hesitated, but then nodded. B'Elanna was right. As much as he wanted to find Elissia, he had to be practical. They were all tired, hungry, and there could still be a lot of exploring ahead of them.

"We'll come back down at first light," he said.


Chakotay lay in a soapy bath and washed himself slowly with a sponge and musk soap. He closed his eyes as the fragrance filled the air. It smelt like Kathryn, felt as though she was near...

The door chime sounded and Chakotay regretfully climbed out of the bath. He dried himself with a towel, and then put on his robe.

As he walked into the living room, the door chime sounded again. He called out.

"Come in."

B'Elanna came in. She carried a tray in her hands, several covered silver dishes on it.

"Tom's already eaten," she said, "so I thought you and I could have dinner together. Or lunch rather, seeing as it's not even midday yet. Then I'm going to hit the sack for a few hours. It's been a long night."

She put the tray down on the dining table and began to remove the dishes.

"Ouch! I didn't think they'd be so hot."

Chakotay watched as she took off the covers.

"Roast potatoes, peas, carrots, sweetcorn, nutroast and mint sauce. All suitable for vegetarians."

"You didn't have to, B'Elanna..." he said quietly.

"I know I didn't, but I wanted too. Besides, it didn't take five minutes with the replicator. We've a busy day tomorrow, or prehaps I should say tonight. You need good food inside you." B'Elanna noticed Chakotay's wet hair. "But it looks like you need to dry off first. You go and do that and I'll get everything ready. Alright if I use the replicator for drinks?"

Chakotay forced a smile. "Go right ahead."

With that, he disappeared into the bedroom and B'Elanna prepared the table.

Minutes later, Chakotay returned, dressed in black trousers and t-shirt, his hair now perfectly dry. He made his way over to the table and sat down.

"Smells wonderful."

B'Elanna smiled and sat opposite him.

Chakotay began to tuck into his food, and, while B'Elanna picked up her knife and fork, her attention was more on her friend than on her meal. She was worried about him. She still wasn't convinced that Elissia was what he believed it to be, and was worried how he would cope with the devastating disappointment.

"We made good progress today," she said cautiously, "and I have to admit I was surprised, but even if Tuvok's right and there is water and light inside this mountain, that doesn't mean they can heal."

Chakotay's hands stilled and then he looked up at her. "Everything about the legend so far seems to be true. There's every hope the rest of it will be too."

"Hope, yes," B'Elanna said. "But no certainty. There could just be some kind of natural wonder in there, a water fall perhaps, or a crevice through which sunlight falls."

"There's no other opening in the mountain. Seven scanned every inch of it."

"No opening that we could get into. But light could fall through a crack only centimeters wide. And if it falls on water, it could indeed look spectacular. But that doesn't mean it's a place of miracles. And who knows? Someone may just have written a fantasy novel around the place, a novel that over time has been mistaken for historical truth."

Tears welled in Chakotay's eyes. "Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Your best to convince me that Elissia doesn't exist. It's like you don't want it too."

"I do, Chakotay. I want it to exist. Of course I do. But I just find it hard to believe that it does, and I'm afraid of what it will do to you if it doesn't. You've been through enough already. I can't help be concerned at how much faith you're putting into this, how much hope and energy." She reached out and put her hand over his. "If Elissia does heal, and does bring the captain back to us, then it would be ... it would be more than words could describe. But there's a chance, a very strong likelihood, that it's no more than a fantasy. I just want you to keep that in mind. Okay?"

Chakotay was about to protest, but there was so much concern in her kind eyes, that all he could do was nod.


All was still in the tunnel. Chakotay, B'Elanna, Tuvok and Arlei, made their way through it slowly, all of them wearing protective gear and a helmet. When they reached the cave that had been a dead end, broken rock cluttered the floor, and they had to move carefully through it. Chakotay held his torch high, straining his eyes to see ahead. There appeared to be a hole. A jagged black hole in the rocks that lead to more tunnel.

"I think it's cleared the passage," he said. "I think I can see more tunnel ahead."

He stepped through the hole and looked around.

"Definitely more tunnel. The same as what we've just come through."

He took a few steps down it and B'Elanna, Tuvok, and Arlei followed.

"It's impossible to tell from here how far it goes on," he said, looking into a black infinity. "We'll just have to take it one step at a time." He turned to B'Elanna. "Are you going to continue with us for a while, or go back to the ship?"

"I think it's best that I go back to the ship," she said, "let them know what's happening." She put her hand on Chakotay's arm and was a moment with her next words. "How long do you want us to give you before we ... before we come in search?"

"Well," Chakotay answered, "between us we've got enough supplies to last ten days, so I guess if we haven't returned by then, come and look for us."

B'Elanna squeezed his arm. "Are you really sure about this, Chakotay? It may only be a mountain, but no technology works here, our scanners can't penetrate the rocks. It's ... dangerous. And don't forget you have the babies to think of ...They can't lose you too..."

"We'll be alright," Chakotay replied. "The tunnels seem solid. If we find the passage gets too dangerous and the air too thin on oxygen, then we'll turn back."

"Promise me," B'Elanna said.

Chakotay took her hand in his and squeezed it. "I promise."


The tunnel wound on, twisting like a snake. The air was cold, but Chakotay noticed that it was gradually getting warmer. Then he heard a noise in the distance. A gushing sound. Like falling water. He stopped and turned to his companions.

"Do you hear that?"

"Sounds like water," Arlei said.

"To me too. It must mean we're getting close."

He quickened his pace, and Arlei and Tuvok quickened theirs in return.

The sound of falling water grew louder and louder, until it sounded very near. They followed the sound, followed the winding tunnel, and then, suddenly, rays of light streamed through the darkness and a dazzling white light blinded them as they walked into it.

It was a moment before Chakotay's eyes adjusted to the light, and when they did, he looked around in amazement. They were no longer in a narrow, winding, tunnel, but standing in an enormous, magnificent, cavern. Glittering water crashed down black rocks, gathering in a pool at their feet, and a curtain of white light seemed to descend from infinity, shining like a spotlight on the pool. Only yards away, the crystal clear water lapped the ground, turning the black soil silver.

"Elissia," Arlei said, looking up and around in amazement. "I knew it had to be true."

She handed her torch to Tuvok, pulled off her backpack, and then began to remove her protective body suit, revealing white leggings and a black t-shirt.

Chakotay turned to her. "What are you doing?"

"I'm going in. Three years ago, I was dying from a disease that killed my entire family. I recovered, but as a result of the disease, I was told I could never bear a child. If Elissia heals me, then no one can doubt any more."

Chakotay's Starfleet training kicked in now, rising his concern. "It's not right that you should go in first. We don't know anything about this place or how deep the water is. Let me go in. If the water heals my leg..."

"No," Arlei said, taking off her helmet. "Remember, a person can only go in once. You'll need to take the captain in." She picked up her backpack, opened it, and pulled out a small capped tube.

"What's that?"

"To get a sample of the water while I'm in it."

"I really don't think that we should..."

"It would be wise, Commander," Tuvok interrupted, "should the effects of the water be other than what is anticipated."

"Alright," Chakotay said reluctantly. "But just the one. If this place does belong to a god, we don't want to be disrespectful."

He turned to look at the pool again.

"Are you sure you don't want me to go in first?"

"Absolutely."

Chakotay put a kind hand on her shoulder. "Just be careful."

She nodded, and then walked towards the waters edge. Slowly, she waded into the water, and then disappeared as she walked into the curtain of light.

It seemed an eternity before she returned, and Chakotay breathed in relief when he saw her walk out of the light, and out of the water. He gasped in astonishment when he realized that she was perfectly dry.

"It was amazing," she said, her eyes sparkling. "As soon as I stepped into the light, a warmth crept through my body and I felt such a feeling of peace. I closed my eyes and just lay in the water. I didn't want to leave." She paused. "I'm healed, Commander. I know that I am."

Chakotay gazed at her, her certainty taking away any last doubt in his mind, and he smiled, tears welling in his eyes.

Tuvok questioned. "Did you get a water sample?"

Arlei held up the tube. "Yes I..." She stopped when she saw that it was empty. Then she realized that she was dry. "And neither am I wet..."

"Somethings are beyond explanation," Chakotay said quietly. He then put his hand on her shoulder again. "Let's get back to Voyager."


"I don't believe it," the Doctor said, examining Arlei with his tricorder as Chakotay, Seven and B'Elanna watched. "There's no trace of the damage the disease you suffered from inflicted on your body. Your ovaries are perfectly healthy and functioning just as they should."

Arlei smiled, tears in her eyes. "I knew Elissia could heal. I just knew it."

Chakotay was trembling, too many emotions consuming him. "Let's not waste any more time," he said, trying to keep in command of them. "Let's take the captain there."

"Wait a moment," B'Elanna said, catching his arm. "I admit all this looks hopeful, and so far everything about the legend appears to be true, but healing someone who is alive, is very different to bringing someone back from the dead." She paused. "I don't think you should go with the captain. That way, if it doesn't work, you'll at least be spared some pain."

"I appreciate the sentiment," he answered. "But it should be me who takes her in."

"But..."

"I'm not debating this. I'm taking her, end of discussion."

B'Elanna gave in. "Then I'm coming with you."

"So am I," Seven said. "You will need help to carry the captain through the mountain, and I have superior strength."

"I can carry her myself," Chakotay said, turning to her. "And your implants may fail. None of our technology works down there."

"Your leg was not disabled," Seven answered. "That means either bio technology is not affected by whatever causes other technology to fail, or the natural electrical impulses of the body neutralize their effects."

"Seven's right," B'Elanna said, "You'll need help to carry the Captain. You can't..."

"I'm carrying her," Chakotay replied. "End of discussion!"

B'Elanna once more relented. "Alright. You, me Seven and Arlei will take her. Everyone else will stay onboard." The reasoning part of her mind still doubted that Elissia would revive the captain, and she didn't want a crowd of people to be watching as Chakotay took her in. It would be too cruel. And if he did he tire of carrying the captain, they could take over.

"Arlei's going no where," the Doctor intervened. "I want to keep her here for observation."

"But, Doctor," Arlei cried.

"No buts, Madam. Doctor's orders." He then went over to a draw and pulled out some tiny metal chips. "I want to put one of these under your skin, Commander. It might be disabled, but if it works, it will record all biochemical changes that take place when you go into the pool."

"No way," Chakotay said. "Miracles are not to be questioned. And I'm not jeopardizing the captain's chances of recovery by wearing one of those things."

"It wouldn't make any difference to her chances, Commander. It would simply record what happens to your body. That would give us an idea about what properties are in this Elissia that made it heal Arlei."

"And if the healing is controlled by a supernatural deity who heals by faith? Those little devices are disrespectful and show a lack of faith. I'm not wearing one, Doctor, and I'm not arguing about this." He turned to B'Elanna and Seven. "Let's get going. We're wasting valuable time here."


The wind was still blowing strong when Chakotay, B'Elanna, and Seven materialized on the mountain. Chakotay had disregarded his protective clothing now, and wore only his uniform and a helmet. Seven was carrying his backpack, which, amongst other things, contained Kathryn's uniform and a helmet he had replicated for her, and in her hand she held a torch. B'Elanna also carried a torch, and she and Seven went into the cave to light them, while Chakotay waited for Kathryn to be transported from Voyager.

At last, the blue rays of the transporter beam shone before him, and Kathryn materialized on the ground. She was lying just as she had lay in the morgue, dressed in a white gown, her arms over her waist. Her long hair blew in the wind, the only movement that came from her still body. As Chakotay picked her up, the rose he had given her fell from her hands and blew into oblivion.


Chakotay carefully carried Kathryn through the long winding tunnel that lead to Elissia, and the more he walked, the heavier she weighed in his arms. But he didn't stop. Not for a moment did he stop. All he could think about was reaching the healing waters and taking Kathryn in.

At last, the air began to warm up and he heard the sound of falling water. He followed B'Elanna and Seven through the final winding corner where rays of light streamed through blackness, and then closed his eyes as white light blinded him.

When his eyes adjusted to the light, he found that everything was the same as it had been before, the same as it had been for thousands of years.

Without a word, he carried Kathryn to the pool, and B'Elanna and Seven could only watch in wonder as he took her in, and disappeared into the dazzling light.

END OF PART ONE