Author's Note: A big thank you to everyone who has read and especially to those who have taken the time to leave a quick note! I appreciate it!

The next morning, Tom, Harry, and Chakotay stood in the Julan forest awaiting Rafa and Lura one more time. Hoof prints sounded as the couple came around the bend. As Rafa and Lura dismounted, Chakotay walked towards them shouting a morning greeting.

"Good Morning, Rafa. Lura."

Rafa turned and bowed at his approach. "Chakotay. It appears you have had a good night."

Chakotay grinned. "I must thank you, especially you, Lura. Everything you said yesterday was true."

"Then your captain has returned," Lura said.

"She did."

Lura studied him for a moment and then walked to her mate's side. Rafa took her arm and said, "We have the supplies you asked for."

"Thank you," Chakotay said. "Let's complete the final details and then I would like to speak with Lura again if I may."

Rafa's face darkened. "Trade is handled by Rafa, not by Lura."

"Of course, Rafa. I only meant to continue our discussion about Kathryn…"

"There is no need," Lura said. "You said she had returned to you."

"She did, but she did not stay," Chakotay said.

"Then, if she wants to return, she will," Rafa said. "We can offer no further assistance."

"Why not?' Chakotay said.

Rafa stared at him and tightened his grasp on Lura's arm. "We discuss the trade, now." Rafa turned to Lura and said, "You will keep company with the others until I return."

Lura nodded and avoided Chakotay's gaze as she walked away. She recognized the two men, Harry and Tom waiting for her, and returned their greetings as she approached. A beam of light appeared as she walked up revealing the same young woman from yesterday. Her face was not as friendly.

"Enjoy yourself, last night?" Belanna demanded.

"Excuse me?"

Tom walked towards his wife. "Belanna, what are you doing?"

Belanna put her face in Lura's. "What kind of cruel trick did you think you were pulling? Do you and the rest of your people get off playing on his grief and emotions? Was this some kind of twisted counseling experiment to try and ease his pain? Tell me, just what do you get out of hurting people like this?"

"Belanna!" Tom grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "What do you think you are doing?"

"I don't understand," Lura said.

"That makes three of us," Harry said.

"I should knock that head of yours clean off your shoulders for what you've done to him!" Belanna struggled against her husband's grasp. "How could you…why do you…after he fought so hard to recover from her death?"

Lura's eyes widened. "'I do not understand your threat but I will answer it."

"Good. Let me go, Tom!"

Harry ran up to help contain her as Belanna continued her tirade. "How long have you used it? How often do you create something or someone and entertain yourselves?"

Lura's brow wrinkled until realization spread across her face. "Ah, you believe your captain did not return last night. You believe we created her."

Belanna settled down. "You did." She shook her arms from Tom and Harry and crossed them. "What you have done is sick. It's despicable. That man just about gave his own life because he didn't want it without her in it."

Lura crossed her own arms and said, "But she did return."

Belanna leaned forward. "A fake copy of her did. Your technology must be very good. Chakotay told me she had a heartbeat and everything. Nice touch. How ironic. With just one heartless act, you've put him back to square one."

"Is this true?" Tom said.

"No," Lura answered.

Belanna pointed a finger at Lura. "Your deceit is so good even you believe it."

Harry pulled her hand back. "Belanna, stop this. Wait until the Captain…"

"No! She needs to stop it. Undo this with him, Lura. Undo it or I will undo you."

Lura appraised Belanna. "An interesting challenge. I have no doubt you would make a worthy opponent."

"What's going on here?" Chakotay walked up with Rafa who looked with concern at his mate.

"A battle," Lura said. "But one fought entirely in your honor, Chakotay. This one cares very deeply for you."

Chakotay put his hands on his hips and stared hard at Belanna. "Belanna?"

"Chakotay, she's lying! About everything!"

"It's Captain and you will not speak to our hosts like that," Chakotay corrected. Turning to Rafa, he said, "Please accept my apologies for the behavior of my crew."

Rafa put a hand up. "That is not necessary. Lura has riled me up on more than one occasion. She is not easily understood at times."

Lura shot him an angry look as Chakotay took Rafa's hand and said, "I think we should end this now. Rafa, thank you. I consider you and your people our friends."

Rafa gripped his hand and said, "I consider you the same. Friendship is something we do not extend lightly."

"Nor do we," Chakotay said. Slapping his communicator, he said, "Voyager, four to beam up."

"But Captain…" Belanna said.

Lura stepped forward and grabbed Chakotay's hand. "This one loves you. Not the same as Kathryn but just as deep. Belanna is a good soul."

Belanna simmered under Lura's glance as Tom kept close. "Captain, she wasn't real. They have a converter just over the ridge there."

Chakotay stared as Lura squeezed his arm. "Real. No tricks. Our technology which Belanna has detected is not used for such a purpose. It can't be. Occasionally, when our sun and the rains are not given in bounty to us, we must replicate to ease our shortages. We do not wish to since we gave up technology long ago to live a more simple life. But we do not discount it when our basic needs demand it. You may inspect it at your leisure. You will see that it will not create such a sophisticated being as you or I. Its capabilities are limited to small food, seeds, and plant stuffs. Please go look."

Chakotay stared hard at Belanna. "That will not be necessary."

"But Captain, I think we should see…" Belanna stilled under Chakotay's angry glare.

Rafa extended his arm towards her and said, "Come. Please satisfy your curiosity. I will not allow you to leave until you ease your mind."

Chakotay hesitated and finally gave a slight nod to her. "Tom, go with her. Make sure she behaves herself."

Tom smirked. "Aye, Captain."

Rafa waved his arms towards the horses. "Come. You two will ride Lura's steed."

As they walked away, Lura said, "She'll be back, Chakotay. Kathryn will return to you."

"I hope so. But, even if she doesn't, thank you. Thank you for the experience. To hold her one more time was a gift."

Lura smiled. "You will hold her again, Chakotay."

Chakotay's face brightened. "We'll beam Belanna and Tom back as soon as they are finished. Thank you for indulging her curiosity."

Lura bowed. "As you wish. We wish you a fortunate journey, Chakotay, on all of life's paths."

"As do we. Voyager, two to beam up. Energize."

Chakotay and Harry disappeared as Lura looked around and said, "You may appear now."

Q flashed into existence and said, "Well, now that I have your permission, my dear. Here I am!"

"Why did you not take her when she came to him last night? I told you she would come for him."

"Yes, she did, didn't she? Touching, nasty little human display of affection. I knew she couldn't stay away long. I'm impressed she's gone this long."

"Then why not capture her last night as you wished?"

Q winked and said, "Let's just say I am enjoying the game too much to let it end just yet."