Captain's log, stardate 50063.2.
We've accepted an invitation from the Nechani to take leave on their world.
We're enjoying learning about their culture.
This sanctuary honours our Ancestral Spirits.
Their presence is very strong here.
Those are brothers of the Nechisti Order.
They've devoted their lives to serving the spirits.
Here's something you might find interesting.
- What do you think this means? - Hard to tell.
- A fertility symbol, maybe? - Or a blessing for good luck or wisdom.
Or happiness... and love.
- Do you hear something? - What?
- That's beautiful! - It looks like a shrine.
- We don't want to be left behind. - I just want to take a quick look.
Kes!
Kes, can you hear me?
Help! Somebody! We need help!
- What happened? - This shrine is protected.
She didn't touch anything!
An energy field knocked her down.
Torres to Voyager. Medical emergency.
Beam Kes and Neelix to sickbay.
This is most unfortunate. I must ask you to leave.
First we have to find out what happened.
Which energy was she exposed to?
I... I have no idea.
Only the monks can truly understand.
Then we'll investigate for ourselves.
That would disrespect the spirits.
One of our crew has been injured.
We won't stand by and do nothing.
She's been punished by the spirits and will die.
If you prevent us from helping Kes,
we will hold you responsible for anything that happens to her.
I will make a report to our captain.
You'll hear from her.
I'll be happy to do what I can to help.
But your presence makes things worse.
Please, leave now.
Her lifesigns are weak but stable.
Her synaptic pathways are in shock
which is disrupting cortical functions.
It is similar to a coma, but without the usual markers.
Can you cure her?
I have to know more about what caused this.
We're not allowed near the area but Kim and Torres are scanning the sanctuary.
They'll report to you. I'm going to talk to the magistrate.
He might be able to cut through the restrictions.
Excuse me, Captain. I'd like to do something to help.
The Nechani must have some kind of data on this energy field.
Go and see what you can find.
I'll be back soon.
Captain, I'm caught in a difficult situation.
I'm not a spiritual leader. I don't know why the spirits do what they do.
I'll talk with the brothers.
I've asked them to speak to you but they consider the matter closed.
They have expressed their sympathies for your loss.
There is no loss at this point. Kes is still alive.
Can't you insist that the monks meet with me?
The Council don't involve themselves with government
and we don't interfere in spiritual matters.
That's always worked well for us.
Can you tell me what happens at the sanctuary?
I'll try.
That shrine is where the monks go to receive the gift of purification.
- It is one of our most holy places. - Monks enter it without being harmed?
They prepare themselves with a sacred ritual, speaking to the Ancestral Spirits.
Then they are able to enter the shrine.
How does the ritual offer protection against the field?
You want explanations for everything. I don't have them.
Only the brothers who have gone through the ritual know what happens.
The energy field that Kes encountered. Can anyone help us analyse it?
We only know that it is a naturally occurring phenomenon.
If you're saying there's nothing you can do to help Kes, I won't accept it.
If I could help you, I would. I swear it.
I blame myself.
If I'd seen that she was approaching the shrine...
There's nothing more to be done now. You have our sympathy.
Have you been given a report?
Yes. A lesson in the challenges of getting scanner readings through rock.
We've established a biogenic field at the site of the accident.
That explains the neuroleptic shock. She was lucky not to die instantly.
The Nechani monks can enter the field without being harmed.
- Really? They wouldn't tell us how? - No, they wouldn't.
She's not responding to treatments. I'm running out of ideas.
Brain activity is so low there may be permanent damage even if I revive her.
The longer she stays like this, the less likely it is she'll recover.
- How is she? - There's been no change.
I've researched everything I could find about the sacred shrine.
I didn't undercover much scientific evidence but there was one story -
it was in a very old text, I'm not sure how reliable -
about a boy who recovered from this condition.
He was a young prince who wandered into the shrine accidentally.
He went into a death sleep. Everyone said it was the will of the spirits.
His father, King Nevad, refused to accept that.
He went through the ritual to seek an audience with the spirits.
He pleaded for his son's life.
The spirits, in their mercy, granted his request.
That was the only trace of hope that I could find.
Maybe it's enough.
You've certainly done your research. I heard that story as a child.
It suggests there's a chance for Kes.
That was a very specific case.
Nevad claimed responsibility for the prince as a father and a king.
That's why the spirits listened to him.
The captain of a starship is responsible for every member of her crew.
She is.
Then on that basis, I'd like to go through the ritual myself.
I haven't heard from the magistrate
but the monks might let me go through the ritual.
Captain, you've never put much trust in religious ceremonies.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I don't expect to speak to the Ancestral Spirits.
But when the monks go through the ritual
something allows them to withstand the biogenic field.
That might provide clues to a treatment.
- Some kind of physiological change? - Yes.
The shamans of the Karis Tribe on Delios VII
practise a ritual that increases the resistance of their skin.
It protects them from plasma discharges.
Something similar must happen.
The Doctor should monitor your physical condition
and you should have a way to call for an emergency beam-out.
We don't know what the ritual entails.
I've been reviewing our cultural database.
Most spirit quest ceremonies involve a physical challenge or endurance test
to prove the mastery of spirit over body.
I think this one will be similar.
A series of ordeals will result in biochemical changes.
Maybe the Ancestral Spirits really do control what happens in the shrine.
To each his own, Commander.
But if we scratched deep enough, we'd find a scientific basis for most doctrines.
When I learned about the science underlying the vision quest,
I was disappointed. The mystery was gone.
Maybe the Nechani choose not to lose the mystery.
Under other circumstances, I'd go along with their choice.
Right now, it's killing one of my crew.
- Bridge to the Captain. - Janeway here.
You have an incoming transmission from the magistrate.
Put it through to Chakotay's office.
I must congratulate you.
Your approach to this problem has fascinated the Council.
- They've approved my request? - Eagerly.
They're honoured that you want to seek the spirits.
The ritual traditionally begins at sunset. A guide will meet you at the sanctuary.
I appreciate your efforts.
I have been greatly troubled by your misfortune.
If you are able to convince the spirits to spare your friend,
no one will be happier than 1.
The subdermal bioprobe will transmit any changes in your biochemistry.
The implant also contains a homing beacon which we'll be able to pick up.
Just tap it like a combadge and we'll transport you.
Thank you both.
I don't think that will be necessary.
It is normal to carry arms on a mission when you don't know what to expect.
This is an information-gathering mission.
I don't want to appear hostile.
Energise.
Do you know anything about chromodynamic lights?
No, not really.
I suppose I could look at it.
You tune them too high, they burn out. You tune them too low, they sputter.
I've told the monks to replace them with neodyne lights. It would save hours.
- What is that? - It's called a tricorder.
- What exactly does a tricorder do? - It's a scanning device.
Interesting. May I?
Oh, atmospheric reading, energy field analysis, technical database...
This is a convenient thing to have.
I didn't mean for you to keep it. I'll need that back.
No, you won't.
- You're my guide. - Guide, advisor, spiritual companion...
Whatever term you prefer is fine.
Why didn't you say something earlier?
Shall we get started?
It's all right, Kathryn.
Would it break any vows of secrecy to tell me what this ritual will involve?
- Why do you think I know? - Haven't you been through this before?
Don't worry. I'll help you find your way.
Have you completely committed yourself to this journey?
Yes.
You'll go through what the monks do to help them find the spirits?
Yes.
So you can send biochemical data back to your ship?
It wasn't magic. Our bioscanners detected the probe under your skin.
- I hope that's not a problem. - Makes no difference.
You are fond of your little devices, aren't you?
- They've always served me well. - I'm sure they have.
Please, come this way.
- Who are you? - I'm Kathryn Janeway.
- Is this where the ritual begins? - Oh, the ritual... yes.
We're waiting. Come. Join us.
- What exactly are you waiting for? - Just waiting.
- How long have you been sitting here? - How long has it been?
- Why ask me? I've lost track. - It's been a while. I know that.
Oh, it's been...
as long as we can remember.
I have to wait a lifetime before I can go through the ritual?
- Did you hear anyone say that? - No.
All we said was that we're waiting.
I'm just trying to understand how this works. The monks I saw were young.
They couldn't have waited such a long time.
- She's right about that. - She's a smart one.
She thinks she is, at any rate.
This is a test, isn't it? To prove my determination.
A test? She thinks we're a test! What is she talking about?
She must like tests. I suppose tests make sense to her.
Has anyone tried to open this door?
How many times do we have to tell you that we are waiting?
My dear, why don't you just sit down and relax?
- You're much too tense. - You're welcome to wait with us.
My friend is depending on me. I have to go through the ritual.
- I wonder if she's always this impatient. - She's just determined.
She wants to get on with it.
She could be friendly and sit for a few minutes.
No, she knows what she wants to do.
She's not the kind to sit around when she has a mission to accomplish.
I told you. I told you it was locked.
Yes?
I mean no disrespect,
but unless there's something I'm supposed to accomplish here,
I'd like to continue with the ritual.
By all means.
I'm not sure how to begin.
- Do you want me to give you orders? - I'll do whatever you ask.
You think this is about doing what you're told?
No. I'm sure there's spiritual significance behind the challenges.
- Challenges? That's what you expect? - I don't know what to expect.
Many ritualistic rites have commonalities.
This one may be different. I'll do whatever is necessary.
I don't doubt that. But do you realise that all of this is meaningless,
that all that matters is finding your connection to the spirits?
I'll make every effort to do that.
But I didn't come here for enlightenment.
I'm trying to save a member of my crew.
That's a worthy cause. I hope the spirits listen to you.
Then let's begin.
The first challenge.
Stand like this.
Hold that.
Now... what do you see in your hands?
I see... a stone.
Keep looking.
Her respiration and pulse are steady
but there's been a build-up of lactic acid in her muscles.
- Is she in danger? - Not at all.
She's probably experiencing the strain you'd expect in an endurance ritual.
Nothing so far suggests a treatment for Kes?
It's too early to tell.
I'm downloading the information from the bioprobe
into a program which is analysing the data.
Even the smallest physiological change may prove significant.
What do you see now?
I still see... a stone.
You're not going to tell me what to draw?
That would be too easy. It's up to you. Draw whatever feels right.
I've never been able to draw. My sister was the artist.
- And you were the scientist. - It's true.
While the other children were playing, I was doing mathematics problems.
Mathematics. I can see why you enjoyed it.
Solve a problem, get an answer. The answer's right or wrong.
- It's very absolute. - I've always found that satisfying.
I'm sure you did.
What did you see?
- I'm not sure. - Describe it.
Uh-huh...
What? What is it? What have you found?
There have been increases in the respiration and neuropeptides.
- Is that bad? - It suggests a gruelling experience.
The saturations of neuropeptides have risen to an abnormal level.
- Is that good or bad? - I can't say for the Captain.
But it's a substantial piece of information.
Neuropeptide levels this high could create a barrier to biogenic energy.
So you have something to help Kes?
Not yet. But it's the first thing that allows me to formulate a hypothesis.
It should be me going through that. I let Kes get hurt.
You're wallowing in useless remorse. I'll have to ask you to stop.
- It's bad for the patient. - It's frustrating to be so helpless.
If it's any consolation, Mr Neelix, I do understand.
I'm exhausted. Oh, thank you.
Your microprobe should be transmitting interesting information to the ship.
- What is that? - It's a nesset.
They're able to travel from this world into the spirit realm.
They serve as gatekeepers.
Gatekeepers? Then I'm ready to enter the spirit realm?
Do you think you're ready?
- Yes, I do. - Then you are.
Go ahead. Put your hand in.
- We can stop right now if you like. - No, I'm not quitting.
- Don't be afraid. - It's burning me! My chest!
Very tight!
Captain.
Kathryn.
- I'm dying. - Everyone dies eventually.
It's three days since she slept. How long can she go through this?
I understand but her vital signs are stable. She's in no immediate danger.
She's been poisoned with an unknown toxin.
It could lie dormant for days then kill her in minutes.
You're implying that I'm not paying attention. I am.
If I thought she was in jeopardy, I'd act.
Is anything preventing her from using the homing signal?
No. She's fully conscious and has motor control. She could signal us.
Are you getting enough information to justify this ordeal?
I am getting some remarkable data.
Her biochemistry is undergoing unique interactions. Look.
This amino acid has been formed by a breakdown of a toxin.
It's affecting the neurotransmitters and has a hallucinogenic effect.
- Is she delusional? - She's on a psychoactive drug.
Is she in no condition to activate the signal?
I don't believe so, and I think this change will give us our answers.
The toxin in her bloodstream may be the key to Kes's treatment.
Commander, the decision is ultimately yours.
However, I believe the captain would wish to complete the ritual.
We'll leave her there for now. But I'm not moving until she gets back.
What is this?
An hallucination?
I'm only here to serve as a voice, an interpreter for the Ancestral Spirits.
I see.
If there are other beings here, could I see them myself?
You mean you want proof that we exist?
- That would be helpful. - It's irrelevant.
I don't want to be disrespectful.
I've gone through every part of the ritual that I've been asked to.
Everything you've gone through is meaningless. You've been told that.
I know.
I just want to bring this to completion, to make my request.
Then, by all means, do so.
I cite the story of King Nevad as precedent.
In the same way he pleaded for his son,
I ask that Kes be restored to health.
Your request is inconsequential. You have what you need to save her.
Welcome back.
- How long? - Does that matter?
I'd like to know.
39 hours. Take care of yourself. Your body is weak.
Our physical conditioning programs didn't quite prepare me for this.
- Has it been worthwhile? - I think so.
I was told that I had what I needed to save Kes.
Then it must be true. The spirits would not deceive you.
Whenever you're ready.
Thank you.
You could use a night's sleep and a solid meal but you're in good shape.
- When can you begin treating Kes? - Right away.
The ritual may have been arduous, but it was worthwhile.
The toxin was the key.
It produces a natural immunity before one enters the biogenic field.
How is that a cure for Kes?
I've created a program to analyse the immune mechanism
and develop a treatment regimen.
Then let's get started.
If you'll excuse me, I'm probably more useful on the bridge.
I'll carry out the treatment in stages to reduce the stress from the changes.
- Is something wrong? - I don't believe so.
Hmm, her electrolyte balance is deviating, but that's not unexpected.
- It isn't? - Hmm...
What?
If you keep pestering me, I can't concentrate on what I'm doing.
Something is wrong!
What is it, Doctor?
Her cardiac functions are being disrupted. I don't understand it.
Lectrazine should counteract the disruptions.
Her biochemical levels are exactly what they need to be. She should be awake.
- Why isn't she? - I can't explain it.
Her vital signs are unstable. I have to discontinue treatment.
I don't understand it.
- Can't we try again? - It's too dangerous.
- Do you have any other options? - No.
I'm sorry, but it appears that everything you went through was meaningless.
You meant it, didn't you? Everything I went through was meaningless.
- Yes. - I did everything you asked of me.
You led me to believe I could help Kes.
I haven't led you anywhere. You've taken me wherever you wanted to go.
This was your ritual. You set these challenges for yourself.
It's true that I came here with certain expectations.
Are you saying that you simply fulfilled my expectations?
You'd have settled for nothing else.
I'm not ready to give up. If there's still a way to save Kes, I want to try.
You've come back to seek the spirits.
I don't know what I'm seeking.
Then I believe you are ready to begin.
Well, look who's come back.
So, your adventure didn't work out the way you'd planned it.
You put yourself through a lot of trouble for nothing, didn't you?
Don't feel bad. You wouldn't believe some of the things people have done
on their way to seek the spirits.
- So there's no real ritual? - "Real" is such a relative term.
Most of the challenges in life are the ones we create for ourselves.
And you are particularly hard on yourself, aren't you?
I've always been driven to succeed.
Stubborn, I'd say.
You didn't consider sitting and waiting with us, did you?
I'm here now and I'm asking for your help.
I want to understand the purpose of waiting in this room.
Isn't it enough to sit and be sociable? We're good company.
That's what I'm supposed to do. Talk to the Ancestral Spirits.
First we were a test, and now we're the Ancestral Spirits.
- Are you? - That would be nice and quantifiable.
If the spirits were something you could see and touch
and scan with your little devices.
If you can explain everything, what's left to believe in?
I know it's an important part of your religion to trust the spirits.
But I wasn't brought up that way. It's hard to accept.
So much for your tolerant, open-minded Starfleet ideals.
There's a difference between respecting beliefs and embracing them.
Fine! Don't embrace a thing. It's all the same to us.
Go back to your ship and play with your molecular microscanner.
You've tried all that already. It didn't work, did it?
- Kes didn't get better. - No, she didn't.
- Why not? - The Doctor couldn't explain it.
So it's inexplicable. A miraculous non-recovery.
- We haven't found the reason yet. - But of course you will.
You'll find all the answers eventually
with enough time and study and the right sort of tools.
- That's what you believe as a scientist? - Be honest.
That's what I've always believed.
Even when her science fails, she still has full confidence in it.
Now there's a leap of faith.
Unconditional trust. Now that's promising.
Al right.
If you're saying that science won't help Kes, what will?
- You won't like it. - I'll do whatever's necessary.
Kill her. She's as good as dead already. Finish the job.
Give her another jolt of that... er, biogenic field.
That would do it.
- It would do what, exactly? - There you go again.
Always looking for a rational explanation. There isn't one.
Your orbital scans and medical research have given you the facts.
And they tell you the biogenic field is lethal.
If you believe the facts.
Let all of that go, Kathryn.
Take Kes back into the shrine and trust the spirits to return her soul.
The ritual I went through is meaningless and Kes has not prepared herself.
How could we be ready to go through the field?
If you believe you are ready, then you are.
There's no more to it than that.
But if you go in with any doubt, with any hesitation,
then you're both dead.
So what are you going to do, Captain?
You know I won't let Kes die if there's anything I can do to save her.
I want to believe it's possible.
I'm going to try.
- Janeway to Chakotay. - We've been worried about you.
I'm all right. I want you to beam Kes down here to the sanctuary.
I'll bring her down myself. Chakotay to sickbay.
Prepare Kes for transport.
The Doctor says she's deteriorating. He didn't want us to move her.
- You've found a way to help? - Yes.
I'm taking her back into the biogenic field.
I hate to question you, Captain, but why?
- I believe it will save her life. - You have new information on the field?
- I can't explain it. - Captain...
- You've been through a lot. - I know what I'm doing.
There are 800 megajoules of biogenic energy running through that shrine.
The thoron radiation levels are off the scale. You'd be going into that.
Take some time to think about this and let us run a few more scans.
No.
Captain, this isn't like you.
You'll always have my gratitude for everything you've done to save Kes.
But we couldn't ask you to risk your own life like this.
- Too many other people need you. - He's right.
I have to keep you safe, for the crew's sake if not for your own.
I'd rather not relieve you of duty, but if your judgment's impaired...
- He can't really do that, can he? - Yes, he can.
I suppose it might be necessary if a captain were mentally impaired.
But you're not crazy, Kathryn. You know that.
These people were willing to let Kes die for disturbing their shrine.
Can you take their word for it that you'll be safe in there?
I can't give you my word on that.
Nobody knows what will happen to them in the shrine until they go in.
I don't know the answers. But you do.
Captain, I don't understand this.
Neither do I. That's the challenge.
Kes...
The tricorder readings of the shrine reveal traces of iridium ions,
which we could have known about sooner.
They're significant?
They caused a dielectric effect in the outer epidermal layers,
neutralising the energy enough to make the captain's biochemistry a defence.
- Then how was I cured? - The metabolic treatment protected you
when the captain took you through.
That exposure functioned like a natural cortical stimulator
and reactivated your synaptic pathways.
That's fascinating, Doctor.
Captain?
If there's something you disagree with...
It's a perfectly sound explanation, Doctor.
Very... scientific.