1 00:00:11,720 --> 00:00:13,552 Sir. 2 00:00:13,720 --> 00:00:16,280 We... We're just... 3 00:00:16,440 --> 00:00:19,080 Yes, I can see that. 4 00:00:23,680 --> 00:00:28,550 - What was that all about? - Indiscreet shipboard fraternisation. 5 00:00:28,720 --> 00:00:30,791 Really? Sorry I missed it. 6 00:00:30,960 --> 00:00:33,349 Deck 6. 7 00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:39,630 - Thanks for your help. - See you later. 8 00:00:39,800 --> 00:00:41,757 Right. 9 00:00:44,320 --> 00:00:46,675 Here's the cabbage you asked for. 10 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:48,956 Is something wrong? 11 00:00:52,400 --> 00:00:56,109 - What's this? - A spawn beetle. 12 00:00:56,280 --> 00:00:58,920 They cross-pollinate the Oblissian cabbage. 13 00:00:59,080 --> 00:01:02,994 Have you ever seen such fascinating striations? 14 00:01:04,480 --> 00:01:06,437 Isn't it beautiful? 15 00:01:06,600 --> 00:01:10,594 I doubt the captain would think so if she found it in her salad. 16 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,232 There is something wrong. What is it? 17 00:01:16,400 --> 00:01:19,233 No, nothing. I'm just very busy. 18 00:01:21,920 --> 00:01:26,232 So, you're seeing Tom Paris later? 19 00:01:26,400 --> 00:01:29,791 What? No, not that I know of. 20 00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:36,237 He said, "See you later." You said, "Right." 21 00:01:36,400 --> 00:01:39,040 He's helping you in the airponics bay now? 22 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:42,192 He was just helping me carry these. 23 00:01:42,360 --> 00:01:44,829 - How thoughtful. - This is ridiculous. 24 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:48,709 - You're imagining things. - You're such an innocent! 25 00:01:50,320 --> 00:01:55,838 I see the way he looks at you. I used to look at women that way. I understand it. 26 00:01:56,000 --> 00:01:59,789 Janeway to the senior staff. Please report to the bridge. 27 00:02:01,760 --> 00:02:03,876 Take care. 28 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:15,550 Thank you for bringing the cabbage. I can handle this from here. Thank you. 29 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:26,918 We've detected a strange energy configuration. 30 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:30,914 - Any idea what it is? - Some sort of magnetic disturbance. 31 00:02:31,080 --> 00:02:33,913 We're going to take a closer look. 32 00:02:37,160 --> 00:02:39,515 You seem a little preoccupied. 33 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:42,911 I interrupted a couple kissing in the turbolift. 34 00:02:43,080 --> 00:02:49,713 I've been wondering if we should have a policy regarding fraternisation. 35 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:51,951 Well... 36 00:02:53,000 --> 00:02:55,992 The couple might be urged to be more discreet, 37 00:02:56,160 --> 00:03:00,631 but Starfleet is reluctant to regulate people's personal lives. 38 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:03,269 Of course. But we're in a unique situation. 39 00:03:03,440 --> 00:03:06,478 The development of intimate relationships 40 00:03:06,640 --> 00:03:08,836 might cause us unusual problems. 41 00:03:09,000 --> 00:03:12,675 I understand what you're saying, but... 42 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:15,150 We're a long way from home. 43 00:03:15,320 --> 00:03:18,631 Everyone is lonely, and all we have is each other. 44 00:03:18,800 --> 00:03:22,077 I think eventually people will begin to pair off. 45 00:03:22,240 --> 00:03:24,151 Including you? 46 00:03:27,280 --> 00:03:30,398 As captain, that's a luxury I don't have. 47 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:37,114 Besides, I intend for us to be home before Mark gives me up for dead. 48 00:03:37,280 --> 00:03:40,750 - We're in visual range. - On screen. 49 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:50,469 Looks like some type of energetic vapour. 50 00:03:50,640 --> 00:03:52,916 Magnify. 51 00:03:55,240 --> 00:03:58,596 - Space-dwelling life-forms. - Full sensor scan. 52 00:03:58,760 --> 00:04:02,549 They have discrete organic processes. 53 00:04:02,720 --> 00:04:05,314 I'd like to study them at close range. 54 00:04:05,480 --> 00:04:07,437 So would I, Commander. 55 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:10,991 But let's not get too close. We'd disturb their behaviour. 56 00:04:11,160 --> 00:04:14,278 Half impulse. Take us into bio-scanner range. 57 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:16,556 Aye, Captain. 58 00:06:47,960 --> 00:06:51,919 The swarm isn't particularly dense. There are fewer than 2,000. 59 00:06:52,080 --> 00:06:54,276 They're really moving. 60 00:06:54,440 --> 00:06:58,479 They've accelerated to 1,000 kilometres per second. 61 00:06:58,640 --> 00:07:01,029 Are we frightening them? 62 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:04,556 Keep us within scanner range, but avoid rapid acceleration. 63 00:07:04,720 --> 00:07:06,677 Take a look at this. 64 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:11,474 See the way they propel themselves? 65 00:07:12,720 --> 00:07:15,838 They seem to flagellate, almost like protozoa. 66 00:07:16,000 --> 00:07:19,436 Exactly. But they're achieving incredible speeds. 67 00:07:19,600 --> 00:07:21,910 Over 3,000 kilometres per second. 68 00:07:22,080 --> 00:07:25,038 Ensign, scan the field for repeating patterns. 69 00:07:25,200 --> 00:07:27,840 Maybe they're capable of communication. 70 00:07:28,000 --> 00:07:29,832 Their internal anatomy is unusual - 71 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:34,836 they don't have a digestive system, but they have a porous outer covering. 72 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:38,391 I guess they absorb nutrients directly from space. 73 00:07:38,560 --> 00:07:43,839 A space-dwelling life-form capable of metabolising inorganic matter. 74 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:49,439 Particle density here isn't very high. Maybe that's why they move so fast. 75 00:07:49,600 --> 00:07:52,319 Feeding at 3,000 kilometres per second. 76 00:07:52,480 --> 00:07:55,677 Not exactly leisurely dining, is it? 77 00:08:15,480 --> 00:08:17,312 Come in. 78 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:26,153 - For you, sweeting. - Thank you. 79 00:08:28,120 --> 00:08:30,714 - What's the occasion? - No occasion. 80 00:08:32,960 --> 00:08:36,715 - I just wanted to apologise. - Apologise? 81 00:08:36,880 --> 00:08:40,236 For the way I acted in the mess hall. 82 00:08:41,280 --> 00:08:44,272 - I was jealous. - I know. 83 00:08:44,440 --> 00:08:47,000 I just wish you could trust me. 84 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:51,199 It has nothing to do with trusting you. It's him I don't trust. 85 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:55,399 I've seen his kind before. They're all over the quadrant. 86 00:08:55,560 --> 00:08:59,679 They prey on naive, sheltered young women like you. 87 00:08:59,840 --> 00:09:01,911 - What are you looking for? - A vase. 88 00:09:02,080 --> 00:09:04,071 Don't! 89 00:09:04,240 --> 00:09:07,358 - What's this? - Nothing, just a snack. 90 00:09:08,520 --> 00:09:12,718 A Terran delicacy. Ensign Wildman told me about it. 91 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:16,794 Mashed potatoes with butter. It's delicious. 92 00:09:16,960 --> 00:09:19,759 Would you like to try it? 93 00:09:23,720 --> 00:09:26,189 Awful! How can you eat it? 94 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:29,352 I can't stop eating it. I've had six bowls. 95 00:09:29,520 --> 00:09:34,674 And the reason it tastes so strange... I've put a container of soil in it. 96 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,719 Dirt? You're eating dirt? 97 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:42,590 - Why? - I don't know. But this morning... 98 00:09:42,760 --> 00:09:44,478 What? 99 00:09:45,760 --> 00:09:47,956 You remember the spawn beetles? 100 00:09:49,640 --> 00:09:51,597 You didn't. 101 00:09:53,800 --> 00:09:57,759 Neelix to sickbay. Prepare to receive an emergency patient. 102 00:09:57,920 --> 00:10:01,117 I'm not sick. I feel fine. 103 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:04,794 I just can't stop eating. 104 00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:07,634 We are going to get to the bottom of this. 105 00:10:07,800 --> 00:10:10,952 - No! I'm not going! - We are going to sickbay. 106 00:10:11,120 --> 00:10:14,317 I'll call security unless you come with me. 107 00:10:14,480 --> 00:10:16,471 Come on! 108 00:10:17,960 --> 00:10:23,353 They're changing course again, and accelerating. Should I follow them? 109 00:10:23,520 --> 00:10:28,276 Maybe we're disturbing them. Let's drop back a bit, give them more room. 110 00:10:31,320 --> 00:10:33,516 Captain, we're accelerating. 111 00:10:33,680 --> 00:10:35,796 Mr Paris? 112 00:10:35,960 --> 00:10:38,190 I'm trying to slow down, Captain. 113 00:10:38,360 --> 00:10:43,116 Our velocity doesn't correspond to impulse reactor output. 114 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:46,511 They seem to be pulling us toward them. 115 00:10:46,680 --> 00:10:49,115 Sensors indicate an EM resonance field. 116 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:51,920 The creatures are creating a magnetic wake. 117 00:10:52,080 --> 00:10:54,993 - That is pulling the ship. - We're getting closer. 118 00:10:55,160 --> 00:10:57,549 Mr Paris, reverse thrusters. 119 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:01,429 - Helm controls aren't responding. - Mr Tuvok, raise shields. 120 00:11:02,760 --> 00:11:05,957 - Non-functional, Captain. - They're pulling us in. 121 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:21,950 - Damage report. - Life-support is functioning, 122 00:11:22,120 --> 00:11:26,830 but a fluctuation in the EPS grids is wreaking havoc with the engines. 123 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,277 Warp drive is still on-line. One burst and we'd be out of here. 124 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:32,511 But that could harm the creatures. 125 00:11:32,680 --> 00:11:37,311 Janeway to Torres. Can we get out of this swarm without engaging warp? 126 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:42,714 - We might try a targ scoop. - Can you enlighten us, Lieutenant? 127 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:45,554 Klingons put them on assault vehicles. 128 00:11:45,720 --> 00:11:49,600 They emit a high-frequency tone that disperses targ herds. 129 00:11:49,760 --> 00:11:54,072 I can modify the main deflector to create an inverted magnetic pulse. 130 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:56,311 Project it toward the swarm. 131 00:11:56,480 --> 00:11:59,871 It might nudge the creatures out of the way. 132 00:12:00,040 --> 00:12:02,714 Good idea, Lieutenant. Proceed. 133 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:06,953 You're sure the beetles weren't poisonous? Or the flowers? 134 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:09,555 There are no toxins in her system. 135 00:12:09,720 --> 00:12:14,430 Doctor, why is she eating all these strange things? What's wrong with her? 136 00:12:14,600 --> 00:12:18,195 I am conducting an examination to determine that. 137 00:12:18,360 --> 00:12:20,351 But don't you have any ideas? 138 00:12:20,520 --> 00:12:23,990 It may merely indicate a nutrient deficiency. 139 00:12:24,160 --> 00:12:29,519 Humanoids can crave foods rich in the vitamins and minerals their bodies lack. 140 00:12:29,680 --> 00:12:32,832 You can't mean my body lacks dirt? 141 00:12:35,560 --> 00:12:39,633 - Body temperature is up 3.9 degrees. - She's burning up! 142 00:12:39,800 --> 00:12:43,236 And I'm detecting elevated levels of electrophoretic activity. 143 00:12:43,400 --> 00:12:45,198 Bring them down! 144 00:12:45,360 --> 00:12:49,240 There's increased electrophoretic activity in the ship's atmosphere, 145 00:12:49,400 --> 00:12:51,755 created by the creatures we're studying. 146 00:12:51,920 --> 00:12:54,799 There's a connection between Kes and those creatures? 147 00:12:54,960 --> 00:12:57,156 You have to do something about it! 148 00:12:57,320 --> 00:13:02,030 You are making it impossible for me to treat my patient. You must leave. 149 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:05,795 - I won't. Kes needs me. - Leave now or I will call security. 150 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:08,156 You can't talk to me that way. 151 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:12,996 This is my sickbay, and I will decide what goes on here. Get out! 152 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:16,670 I'll be back. Don't worry about a thing. 153 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:35,119 May I speak with you? It's urgent. 154 00:13:35,280 --> 00:13:37,794 What is it, Neelix? 155 00:13:37,960 --> 00:13:40,759 I have been thrown out of sickbay. 156 00:13:41,840 --> 00:13:45,037 I'm just wondering if you feel it's appropriate 157 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:48,352 for a hologram to banish a flesh-and-blood person 158 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:52,150 who should be beside his extremely ill loved one. 159 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:54,789 Kes is extremely ill? 160 00:13:54,960 --> 00:13:59,716 The hologram thinks her illness may be linked with these creatures. 161 00:13:59,880 --> 00:14:04,716 But he still won't let me offer comfort to the woman I love. 162 00:14:07,520 --> 00:14:10,558 Just how is Kes being affected by the swarm? 163 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:15,191 That's what I wanted to know. But I got no answers and was dismissed! 164 00:14:15,360 --> 00:14:17,317 - Sickbay to bridge. - Janeway here. 165 00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:20,950 You'd better come down here. There's a problem. 166 00:14:21,120 --> 00:14:26,433 I'm on my way. Commander, notify me of any change in our status. 167 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:31,791 I was conducting tests. She was none too cooperative. 168 00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:34,395 She screeched and shoved me out of the way, 169 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,712 went into my office and erected a force field. 170 00:14:37,880 --> 00:14:42,351 I can't lower it. She's keeping me out of my own office. 171 00:14:42,520 --> 00:14:45,034 Sweeting. 172 00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:47,874 What's wrong? Please come out. 173 00:14:49,080 --> 00:14:53,233 I was able to complete several tests before she became delirious. 174 00:14:53,400 --> 00:14:56,836 Her pulse and blood pressure are dangerously high. 175 00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:58,991 What's causing these symptoms? 176 00:14:59,160 --> 00:15:02,835 I suspect the electrophoretic levels being created by the swarm. 177 00:15:03,000 --> 00:15:04,957 We should leave. 178 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:09,193 That's not an option at the moment, but we're working on it. 179 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:13,513 There's one more thing. I discovered a strange growth on her back. 180 00:15:13,680 --> 00:15:16,672 It's unlike any other tumorous substance I've seen. 181 00:15:16,840 --> 00:15:20,993 And it was not there the last time I examined her. 182 00:15:22,840 --> 00:15:24,911 I'll try to talk to her. 183 00:15:28,240 --> 00:15:32,199 Kes, please come out. You can eat anything you want. 184 00:15:34,280 --> 00:15:36,078 Captain... 185 00:15:36,240 --> 00:15:38,629 Why don't you let me try? 186 00:15:43,320 --> 00:15:46,199 Kes, please listen to me. 187 00:15:47,960 --> 00:15:51,271 We think you're being affected by a swarm of life-forms. 188 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:53,716 We're trying to get away from them. 189 00:15:53,880 --> 00:15:57,236 When we do, you'll probably start feeling better. 190 00:15:58,840 --> 00:16:01,912 Are you saying that's not what's wrong with you? 191 00:16:07,200 --> 00:16:10,636 Kes, please let me come in. 192 00:16:10,800 --> 00:16:14,998 Tell me what it is. Maybe I can help. 193 00:16:39,800 --> 00:16:42,189 It's going to be all right. 194 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:51,957 Now, tell me. What is happening to you? 195 00:16:53,320 --> 00:16:57,075 Did the Doctor tell you he found something growing on my back? 196 00:16:57,240 --> 00:16:59,675 Yes, a growth of some kind. 197 00:16:59,840 --> 00:17:05,597 It's the mitral sac. It's where my child would grow. 198 00:17:05,760 --> 00:17:09,515 I'm going through the elogium, the time of change... 199 00:17:09,680 --> 00:17:13,674 when my body prepares for fertilisation. 200 00:17:17,040 --> 00:17:20,431 Humans go through the same kind of process. 201 00:17:21,360 --> 00:17:26,070 - It's called puberty. - But I'm too young. Much too young. 202 00:17:26,240 --> 00:17:30,791 It usually happens between the ages of four and five. 203 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:35,079 I'm not even two yet. 204 00:17:35,240 --> 00:17:40,519 Listen to me. All your body's metabolic activity has increased. 205 00:17:40,680 --> 00:17:45,151 It's possible your reproductive processes are being accelerated. 206 00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:48,870 - I'm not ready. - We're going to get you through this. 207 00:17:49,040 --> 00:17:51,350 The Doctor will monitor you constantly. 208 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:56,196 You don't understand. The elogium occurs only once. 209 00:17:56,360 --> 00:17:59,955 If I am ever going to have a child, it has to be now! 210 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:09,233 No change. We're still being pulled along with the swarm. 211 00:18:10,080 --> 00:18:14,551 Heading 121, mark 7. Speed now 6,000 kilometres per second. 212 00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:17,473 All systems are functioning normally. 213 00:18:17,640 --> 00:18:20,154 How is Torres coming with the modifications? 214 00:18:20,320 --> 00:18:23,233 They should be finished in half an hour. 215 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:27,712 Let me know as soon as she's ready. Join me, Commander? 216 00:18:30,920 --> 00:18:34,595 Kes is frightened. She's had no time to prepare. 217 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:39,277 And the decision has to be made in the next 40 or 50 hours. 218 00:18:39,440 --> 00:18:42,751 She's going to discuss it with Neelix, but... 219 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:46,914 There are so many unknowns. 220 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:50,072 There might be risks in procreating this early. 221 00:18:50,240 --> 00:18:53,710 There's no guarantee they're genetically compatible, 222 00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:57,794 or that Neelix has any interest in becoming a father. 223 00:18:57,960 --> 00:19:02,557 It seems your concerns about fraternisation were prophetic. 224 00:19:03,760 --> 00:19:06,832 I wasn't even thinking about procreation. 225 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:11,675 But I suppose it's the inevitable outcome. 226 00:19:13,960 --> 00:19:17,635 It might be necessary for the crew to have children. 227 00:19:17,800 --> 00:19:21,191 It might take us a long time to get home. 228 00:19:21,400 --> 00:19:23,357 If it does take 75 years, 229 00:19:23,520 --> 00:19:27,639 we'll need a replacement crew in about half that time. 230 00:19:29,160 --> 00:19:31,993 Who'd have thought we'd be considering this 231 00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:35,471 when we were ordered on a three-week mission? 232 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:37,677 But it's a problem we have to face now. 233 00:19:39,840 --> 00:19:42,434 What would that mean for the children? 234 00:19:43,560 --> 00:19:46,120 What kind of life would we be giving them, 235 00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:51,195 aboard a starship travelling through a potentially hostile part of space? 236 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:57,076 Are we equipped to provide for them? Child care, educational facilities. 237 00:19:57,240 --> 00:20:00,676 We'd be building an entire community on board this ship. 238 00:20:00,840 --> 00:20:02,797 That's a massive commitment. 239 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:08,080 - Tell them they can't have children. - I can't do that. 240 00:20:10,600 --> 00:20:15,151 I've made it clear to Kes that it's her choice whether to have a child or not. 241 00:20:16,480 --> 00:20:19,996 There aren't any easy answers here. 242 00:20:20,160 --> 00:20:22,356 For any of us. 243 00:20:25,040 --> 00:20:28,999 Are you saying that unless you conceive now, 244 00:20:29,160 --> 00:20:31,834 you'll never be able to? 245 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:36,836 Yes. And I need you to help me decide. I would want you to mate with me. 246 00:20:42,680 --> 00:20:45,798 I'm... honoured. 247 00:20:45,960 --> 00:20:49,351 But are you entirely certain it would be safe? 248 00:20:49,520 --> 00:20:51,477 Safe? 249 00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:54,677 You're so young. 250 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:58,834 Is it dangerous for you to conceive a child at your age? 251 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:04,279 I don't know. I've never known anyone as young as I am who had a baby. 252 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:13,115 If you never had a child, would you be terribly unhappy? 253 00:21:13,280 --> 00:21:17,672 Yes... I mean, I think so. 254 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:21,790 I don't know. 255 00:21:23,400 --> 00:21:29,669 I always assumed I'd be a mother some day. Just not so soon. 256 00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:34,233 Didn't you think you'd be a father? 257 00:21:34,400 --> 00:21:40,840 Well, to be honest, I've never given it much thought. 258 00:21:42,200 --> 00:21:46,478 Until now, my life has been so itinerant. 259 00:21:46,640 --> 00:21:51,510 There's no way I could have provided the stability a child would need. 260 00:21:51,680 --> 00:21:53,717 But now it's different, isn't it? 261 00:21:54,960 --> 00:21:57,600 Well, yes. 262 00:21:58,960 --> 00:22:03,511 But raising a child on a starship? 263 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:06,832 That's hardly the ideal environment. 264 00:22:08,280 --> 00:22:11,750 - You don't want a child, do you? - That's not it. 265 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:15,800 I'm just trying to look at all sides of the issue. 266 00:22:17,560 --> 00:22:22,509 Bringing a child into the world... It's a huge responsibility. 267 00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:26,389 I know you'd want to be sure we're both up to the task. 268 00:22:27,360 --> 00:22:31,354 Somebody would have to keep an eye on the little guy all the time 269 00:22:31,520 --> 00:22:34,399 or he'd stick his finger into an EM conduit 270 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:37,996 or play with the plasma injectors. 271 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:40,117 That's called being a parent. 272 00:22:43,000 --> 00:22:47,039 You wouldn't be able to continue your studies if you had a child. 273 00:22:47,200 --> 00:22:50,750 Of course I would! You're just making excuses. 274 00:22:50,920 --> 00:22:55,869 You're just thinking about yourself, how much trouble a child would be for you. 275 00:22:56,040 --> 00:22:59,078 - Look! - What's that? 276 00:22:59,240 --> 00:23:01,197 The ipasaphor. 277 00:23:01,360 --> 00:23:04,478 - It makes the mating bond possible. - It does? 278 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:08,190 If we begin, we must stay bonded for six days. 279 00:23:08,360 --> 00:23:12,513 - Six days? - In order to ensure conception. 280 00:23:12,680 --> 00:23:18,198 After the ipasaphor appears, we only have 50 hours to begin the process. 281 00:23:19,400 --> 00:23:21,869 So I need to know your answer. 282 00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:28,637 50 hours? That's... good. 283 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:33,397 That's good. 284 00:23:35,720 --> 00:23:37,677 We can sleep on it. 285 00:23:39,400 --> 00:23:41,676 I'll get back to you. 286 00:23:57,680 --> 00:24:01,196 Sorry. I swear I heard you say, "Lots of pepper sauce." 287 00:24:04,720 --> 00:24:07,075 What is the lunch special today? 288 00:24:08,080 --> 00:24:11,710 Actually, I didn't get around to making a lunch special. 289 00:24:11,880 --> 00:24:16,317 But we have some lovely gabosti stew left over from last night. 290 00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:18,790 Very well. It will do. 291 00:24:20,280 --> 00:24:25,639 I've had quite a run on it, as a matter of fact. It seems very popular. 292 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:28,918 If it is all you are serving, that would stand to reason. 293 00:24:29,080 --> 00:24:33,358 - With or without pepper sauce? - Without. 294 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:02,593 Mr Tuvok, I was wondering. 295 00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:05,752 You have children, don't you? 296 00:25:05,920 --> 00:25:08,434 - I have four. - Four! 297 00:25:08,600 --> 00:25:11,831 My, that's certainly quite a family. 298 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:19,152 Tell me... what's it like being a father? 299 00:25:19,320 --> 00:25:22,950 The question is so broad, it is difficult to respond. 300 00:25:23,120 --> 00:25:27,318 Well, I mean, it's a lot of responsibility, isn't it? 301 00:25:27,480 --> 00:25:33,795 Watching them, caring for them, keeping them safe, giving them an education. 302 00:25:33,960 --> 00:25:36,520 That is certainly true. 303 00:25:36,680 --> 00:25:39,991 Sounds like it's a lot more trouble than it's worth. 304 00:25:40,160 --> 00:25:43,152 Mr Neelix, I am aware of your situation. 305 00:25:43,320 --> 00:25:47,553 It appears you are in some doubt as to the wisdom of becoming a parent. 306 00:25:47,720 --> 00:25:53,159 It's just all happening so fast. I don't know what to think. 307 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:56,597 If you have doubts about fatherhood, 308 00:25:56,760 --> 00:25:59,673 it would not be wise to enter into the process. 309 00:25:59,840 --> 00:26:02,309 It is more overwhelming than one expects. 310 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:06,474 I believe only the most committed should become parents. 311 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:10,517 That's what I thought. 312 00:26:10,680 --> 00:26:14,560 However, I must point out that, as illogical as it seems, 313 00:26:14,720 --> 00:26:17,599 being a father can have infinite rewards. 314 00:26:17,760 --> 00:26:20,149 Far more than would seem possible. 315 00:26:20,320 --> 00:26:26,271 My children occupy a significant portion of my thoughts. Now more than ever. 316 00:26:26,440 --> 00:26:32,436 I've heard it said that children can bring a lot of joy into one's life. 317 00:26:32,600 --> 00:26:38,949 I experience neither joy nor sorrow. But I do believe it is possible. 318 00:26:40,080 --> 00:26:45,712 Now that I think about it, it might be fun to have a little guy around. 319 00:26:45,880 --> 00:26:48,633 We could do a lot together. 320 00:26:48,800 --> 00:26:52,395 I've got quite a bit I could teach a boy, you know. 321 00:26:53,920 --> 00:27:00,872 Survival methods, piloting skills, romantic techniques. 322 00:27:01,040 --> 00:27:03,395 If you say so. 323 00:27:03,560 --> 00:27:07,315 But there is an equal chance that you would have a daughter. 324 00:27:07,480 --> 00:27:12,031 A daughter? I don't have anything to teach a daughter. 325 00:27:12,200 --> 00:27:16,512 Why would it be any different from what you would teach a son? 326 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:20,639 It just would. She'd learn more from her mother. 327 00:27:20,800 --> 00:27:23,838 I have three sons and one daughter. 328 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:29,712 I can assure you she benefits as much from my presence as my sons do. 329 00:27:29,880 --> 00:27:35,000 It is unfortunate that I must be so far removed from all of them now. 330 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:39,231 I understand. 331 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:44,076 We'll get there, Mr Vulcan. I'm sure of it. 332 00:27:45,720 --> 00:27:50,396 Thank you. You've given me a lot to think about. 333 00:27:56,720 --> 00:28:01,112 We're ready to generate the magnetic pulse. 334 00:28:02,240 --> 00:28:04,800 Initiating the field. 335 00:28:07,520 --> 00:28:09,477 It's working. 336 00:28:09,640 --> 00:28:13,429 - Are the creatures all right? - Yes, they seem to be fine. 337 00:28:13,600 --> 00:28:18,197 Thrusters at 200 kph, Mr Paris. Ease us out of here. 338 00:28:23,600 --> 00:28:26,399 - What are they doing? - Hard to know. 339 00:28:26,560 --> 00:28:29,632 Maybe they think we're making a hostile move. 340 00:28:29,800 --> 00:28:33,111 - Report. - I'm reading a massive energy drain. 341 00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:35,237 Impulse engines are losing power. 342 00:28:35,400 --> 00:28:38,040 Some life-forms are attached to the ship. 343 00:28:38,200 --> 00:28:40,760 Many systems are failing. 344 00:28:40,920 --> 00:28:45,312 - How soon will we clear the swarm? - In a few seconds. We're almost out. 345 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:49,758 A substantial magnetic mass is moving rapidly toward the port bow. 346 00:29:02,360 --> 00:29:06,513 It's physiologically similar to the smaller creatures, just bigger. 347 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:10,150 - Perhaps it is the parent. - Or a different gender. 348 00:29:10,320 --> 00:29:13,073 We need further observation. 349 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,232 Haven't we done enough observing? 350 00:29:16,400 --> 00:29:18,960 These creatures have attacked the ship. 351 00:29:19,120 --> 00:29:21,236 Maybe they were setting us up. 352 00:29:21,400 --> 00:29:23,960 It's possible. Mr Paris, let's keep moving. 353 00:29:24,120 --> 00:29:29,911 If we can leave, maybe the ones on our nacelles will drop off. 354 00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:32,071 200 kph. 355 00:29:38,000 --> 00:29:40,958 The larger creature is moving with us. 356 00:29:42,040 --> 00:29:43,997 Now what? 357 00:29:44,160 --> 00:29:46,800 The creature has emitted a plasma stream. 358 00:29:46,960 --> 00:29:52,353 - All stop. Damage report. - No significant damage, Captain. 359 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:56,514 A plasma blast is a hostile move. Shouldn't we respond? 360 00:29:57,720 --> 00:30:01,793 If the creature threatens serious damage, I'll consider it an enemy. 361 00:30:01,960 --> 00:30:06,352 Until then, they will be treated as indigenous life-forms behaving normally. 362 00:30:06,520 --> 00:30:09,911 - We're the intruders here. - Captain, look at this. 363 00:30:13,440 --> 00:30:16,751 They're attaching themselves to the large creature. 364 00:30:16,920 --> 00:30:22,233 It's because its plasma stream has the same signature as our warp nacelles. 365 00:30:23,400 --> 00:30:26,472 The smaller creatures are attracted to our emissions. 366 00:30:26,640 --> 00:30:29,473 Just as some species are attracted to pheromones. 367 00:30:29,640 --> 00:30:35,272 Pheromones? You think it's a sexual attraction? 368 00:30:35,440 --> 00:30:39,911 Colour change and provocative movement can be mating rituals. 369 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:43,357 Then these guys think we're one of them? 370 00:30:43,520 --> 00:30:49,232 It's possible they've mistaken us for a potential mate. 371 00:30:53,680 --> 00:30:55,637 Yes? 372 00:30:55,800 --> 00:30:59,680 Order the diapers. We're about to become parents. 373 00:30:59,840 --> 00:31:03,629 - You mean you want to mate with me? - More than anything. 374 00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:06,838 But I didn't think you wanted to be a father. 375 00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:09,640 I just hadn't thought it through. 376 00:31:09,800 --> 00:31:12,997 Now that I have, I want to do this. 377 00:31:13,160 --> 00:31:16,994 And I'll be the best possible father to our child. 378 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:26,475 - I know you will. - So... what comes next? 379 00:31:26,640 --> 00:31:29,075 Before we begin the mating process, 380 00:31:29,240 --> 00:31:32,790 I have to go through a ritual called the rolisisin. 381 00:31:32,960 --> 00:31:34,917 What does that involve? 382 00:31:35,080 --> 00:31:39,199 One of my parents has to massage my feet until my tongue begins to swell. 383 00:31:43,440 --> 00:31:45,397 Where do you plan to find a parent? 384 00:31:45,560 --> 00:31:48,678 Captain Janeway's too busy but the Doctor would do it. 385 00:31:48,840 --> 00:31:52,629 Will that work, since he's not a real person? 386 00:31:52,800 --> 00:31:54,757 The Doctor is very real to me. 387 00:31:54,920 --> 00:31:58,629 I don't know how I feel about him massaging your feet. 388 00:31:58,800 --> 00:32:02,031 It's a ritual. Someone has to do it. 389 00:32:02,200 --> 00:32:05,477 OK, fine. And how long will that take? 390 00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:08,517 About an hour. 391 00:32:09,760 --> 00:32:11,717 Then I'll be back. 392 00:32:29,400 --> 00:32:32,631 Fascinating. The stimulation to the sympathetic nerves 393 00:32:32,800 --> 00:32:37,476 sets off a hormonal reaction, activating glandular activity in the tongue. 394 00:32:37,640 --> 00:32:39,597 I've not seen this before. 395 00:32:39,760 --> 00:32:43,230 Although in the Gree, stimulating follicles on the proboscis 396 00:32:43,400 --> 00:32:45,994 results in a swelling of the auricular canal. 397 00:32:46,160 --> 00:32:48,549 - Doctor? - Yes? 398 00:32:48,720 --> 00:32:53,032 - Am I doing the right thing? - You'll have to tell me. 399 00:32:53,200 --> 00:32:55,237 I know nothing of this ritual. 400 00:32:55,400 --> 00:32:58,995 I mean am I doing the right thing by conceiving? 401 00:33:00,520 --> 00:33:05,071 If I were at home, my father would be performing the rolisisin with me. 402 00:33:07,400 --> 00:33:11,109 Parent and child move into a new kind of relationship. 403 00:33:11,280 --> 00:33:14,318 As the child has her own child, 404 00:33:14,480 --> 00:33:17,279 the parent must acknowledge her adulthood. 405 00:33:18,120 --> 00:33:22,717 - I see. - My father and I were very close. 406 00:33:22,880 --> 00:33:25,520 He was such a wise man. I miss him. 407 00:33:26,640 --> 00:33:29,029 Sometimes I hear his voice in my head, 408 00:33:29,200 --> 00:33:32,670 as though he were here, helping to guide me. 409 00:33:34,320 --> 00:33:40,794 I'm sorry. I must be feeling lonely for home. 410 00:33:40,960 --> 00:33:44,590 It's probably a result of the elogium. 411 00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:52,751 But I really would appreciate your advice, your help. 412 00:33:55,200 --> 00:33:57,316 I need someone's guidance. 413 00:34:00,400 --> 00:34:06,237 I can discuss delivery methods or paediatric situations. 414 00:34:06,400 --> 00:34:11,076 I'm afraid I don't have much perspective to offer about becoming a parent. 415 00:34:13,080 --> 00:34:15,196 Neither do I. 416 00:34:16,920 --> 00:34:19,912 As long as Neelix was opposed to the idea, 417 00:34:20,080 --> 00:34:22,959 I was certain that I wanted to have a child. 418 00:34:23,120 --> 00:34:26,750 But when he said that he wanted one, I was very frightened. 419 00:34:31,560 --> 00:34:35,474 Perhaps a statistical survey will offer a context. 420 00:34:35,640 --> 00:34:40,032 Among the Breen, pregnancy at a young age is a common event. 421 00:34:40,200 --> 00:34:43,716 The Breen is one the most warlike of species. 422 00:34:43,880 --> 00:34:45,837 And then there are the Scathos. 423 00:34:46,000 --> 00:34:49,914 Any woman who conceives a child before her fourth decade is executed. 424 00:34:50,080 --> 00:34:53,675 Maybe I just felt I should have a child because I could. 425 00:34:53,840 --> 00:34:59,358 There is a powerful biological drive, at times almost impossible to resist. 426 00:34:59,520 --> 00:35:02,717 Species are driven by these urges in order to survive. 427 00:35:02,880 --> 00:35:04,837 But isn't that why we have minds? 428 00:35:05,000 --> 00:35:10,393 To look beyond biological urges, to consider their consequences. 429 00:35:10,560 --> 00:35:13,518 If I'm to ask myself to look at the consequences, 430 00:35:13,680 --> 00:35:15,637 I have to ask myself some questions. 431 00:35:16,800 --> 00:35:19,440 Am I really ready to have a child? 432 00:35:21,480 --> 00:35:26,111 Am I prepared to give that child the attention and devotion it deserves? 433 00:35:26,280 --> 00:35:30,319 Am I capable of taking on such a huge responsibility? 434 00:35:30,480 --> 00:35:32,551 There's so much I haven't done. 435 00:35:32,720 --> 00:35:35,838 There's so much I want to study and learn. 436 00:35:36,000 --> 00:35:40,551 I'm not sure I'm finished growing. How can I help a child grow? 437 00:35:47,000 --> 00:35:50,231 If the smaller creatures are sexually attracted to our emissions, 438 00:35:50,400 --> 00:35:52,391 the large one may think we're a rival. 439 00:35:52,560 --> 00:35:55,518 That plasma burst might have been aggressive. 440 00:35:55,680 --> 00:35:58,274 You'd think it would want us to leave. 441 00:35:58,440 --> 00:36:03,310 Could we generate a short burst of impulse to get away from the swarm? 442 00:36:03,480 --> 00:36:07,155 I could release power into the driver coils. 443 00:36:07,320 --> 00:36:09,789 - Do it. - All right. 444 00:36:09,960 --> 00:36:12,713 I've accessed the capacitance cells. 445 00:36:12,880 --> 00:36:17,113 I can give you enough for a short burst of impulse. We've got one shot. 446 00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:20,636 You heard her, Mr Paris. Make the best of it. 447 00:36:20,800 --> 00:36:24,395 Initiating impulse burst... now. 448 00:36:25,720 --> 00:36:30,032 The creature is approaching rapidly on a collision course. 449 00:36:30,200 --> 00:36:32,714 - Evasive manoeuvres. - We can't. 450 00:36:32,880 --> 00:36:36,350 - The creature is accelerating. - Can't shake him. 451 00:36:36,520 --> 00:36:38,830 All hands brace for impact. 452 00:36:53,920 --> 00:36:56,116 Structural integrity down to 86%. 453 00:36:56,280 --> 00:37:00,399 I share Lieutenant Torres' views. Retaliation may become necessary. 454 00:37:00,560 --> 00:37:03,313 It's not my intention to harm the creature. 455 00:37:03,480 --> 00:37:06,313 The feeling definitely isn't mutual. 456 00:37:06,480 --> 00:37:08,437 Launch a class-4 probe 457 00:37:08,600 --> 00:37:12,036 to distract the creature long enough for us to get away. 458 00:37:12,200 --> 00:37:14,237 Probe launched. 459 00:37:14,400 --> 00:37:17,916 Another plasma burst. Shields are down to 64%. 460 00:37:18,080 --> 00:37:21,311 - The probe made him angry. - He's aggressive. 461 00:37:21,480 --> 00:37:23,869 He'll only respond to an aggressive stance. 462 00:37:24,040 --> 00:37:28,159 Treating the creature as it is treating us might be appropriate. 463 00:37:28,320 --> 00:37:30,436 - We ram him. - Precisely. 464 00:37:30,600 --> 00:37:33,114 It's probably the response he expects. 465 00:37:35,000 --> 00:37:38,356 Any more of this and the hull will start to buckle. 466 00:37:38,520 --> 00:37:41,831 Use manoeuvring thrusters. Set a course toward the creature. 467 00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:46,676 - Give him a bump to get his attention. - Engaging thrusters. 468 00:37:51,600 --> 00:37:54,513 The creature is not retreating, Captain. 469 00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:58,833 - He's hitting us back harder! - Let's try this. 470 00:37:59,000 --> 00:38:04,393 Detonate a field of photon charges. That will let him know we mean business. 471 00:38:04,560 --> 00:38:07,678 Captain, maybe we're going about this backwards. 472 00:38:07,840 --> 00:38:09,797 Yes, Commander? 473 00:38:09,960 --> 00:38:13,271 Every aggressive move results in a more aggressive move. 474 00:38:13,440 --> 00:38:18,276 If we're not prepared to destroy him, we need to rethink our actions. 475 00:38:18,440 --> 00:38:21,796 If the creature is responding to us as a sexual rival, 476 00:38:21,960 --> 00:38:25,271 behaving in a submissive way may appease him - 477 00:38:25,440 --> 00:38:27,954 he's dominant and we're no match for him. 478 00:38:28,120 --> 00:38:31,715 How? We tried to move away slowly. He wouldn't let us. 479 00:38:31,880 --> 00:38:34,394 Maybe we need to mimic the smaller creatures. 480 00:38:34,560 --> 00:38:37,154 They rolled over and changed colour. 481 00:38:37,320 --> 00:38:40,870 Venting plasma residue might make us look blue. 482 00:38:41,040 --> 00:38:45,318 Do we have enough power to take Voyager into a roll? 483 00:38:45,480 --> 00:38:49,519 - I think so. - All right. Let's give this a try. 484 00:38:49,680 --> 00:38:55,153 Mr Kim, start venting plasma residue. Mr Paris, roll the ship. 485 00:38:56,480 --> 00:38:59,677 Full power to inertial dampers. 486 00:39:10,280 --> 00:39:13,033 He's not responding. It's not working. 487 00:39:13,200 --> 00:39:18,400 Wait a minute. A small creature is detaching from the starboard nacelle. 488 00:39:19,440 --> 00:39:22,717 And another one. They're all letting go. 489 00:39:24,200 --> 00:39:27,795 It appears we have lost our sex appeal. 490 00:39:28,600 --> 00:39:32,753 Good piloting, Lieutenant. Now let's see if we can move away. 491 00:39:32,920 --> 00:39:36,993 I can give you enough thruster power to sustain a speed of 100 kph. 492 00:39:37,160 --> 00:39:38,559 Acknowledged. 493 00:39:38,720 --> 00:39:40,996 Good work, Commander. 494 00:39:41,160 --> 00:39:45,996 If I have any questions about mating behaviour, I'll know where to go. 495 00:40:15,240 --> 00:40:19,950 - Can I help? - No. Thanks. 496 00:40:21,960 --> 00:40:25,669 - Is something wrong? - No, nothing. 497 00:40:26,840 --> 00:40:30,674 You've been very quiet ever since I decided not to conceive. 498 00:40:31,880 --> 00:40:35,430 It was your choice. I respect that. 499 00:40:36,560 --> 00:40:40,030 Neelix, I think you're disappointed. 500 00:40:44,240 --> 00:40:50,031 I think, once I decided to become a father... 501 00:40:50,200 --> 00:40:52,760 I was looking forward to it. 502 00:40:54,240 --> 00:40:57,756 - But I'll get over it. - Maybe you won't have to get over it. 503 00:40:57,920 --> 00:41:03,552 - Just wait a little longer. - But I thought this was the only time. 504 00:41:03,720 --> 00:41:06,633 The Doctor believes the elogium was false, 505 00:41:06,800 --> 00:41:12,398 brought on by the electrophoretic field that those life-forms created. 506 00:41:12,560 --> 00:41:17,031 So I might be able to go through it again at the right age. 507 00:41:17,200 --> 00:41:19,999 We might still be able to have a daughter? 508 00:41:20,160 --> 00:41:23,357 - Or a son. - No. I've thought about it. 509 00:41:23,520 --> 00:41:27,798 A daughter, definitely. One who looks just like you. 510 00:41:38,880 --> 00:41:42,669 Captain's log, stardate 48921.3. 511 00:41:42,840 --> 00:41:46,276 I continue to wonder about the issue of procreation. 512 00:41:46,440 --> 00:41:50,195 It's wrong to interfere with the private lives of the crew, 513 00:41:50,360 --> 00:41:54,672 yet I remain concerned about the environment for a child born here. 514 00:42:00,360 --> 00:42:02,431 Come in. 515 00:42:02,600 --> 00:42:05,319 Yes, Ensign. What can I do for you? 516 00:42:05,480 --> 00:42:08,598 I'm sorry to disturb you, but I thought... 517 00:42:09,600 --> 00:42:14,720 I thought I should inform you of my physical condition. 518 00:42:14,880 --> 00:42:17,759 Your physical condition? 519 00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:20,594 We'd been trying for months. 520 00:42:20,760 --> 00:42:23,593 I wasn't even sure until a few days ago. 521 00:42:23,760 --> 00:42:27,958 My husband is still at Deep Space 9. He doesn't even know. 522 00:42:28,120 --> 00:42:30,634 We were only supposed to be out three weeks. 523 00:42:30,800 --> 00:42:34,156 Wildman, are you pregnant? 524 00:42:39,800 --> 00:42:44,112 I know this isn't the best place to have a baby, but... 525 00:42:44,280 --> 00:42:49,150 it's all I have left... of my husband. 526 00:42:50,760 --> 00:42:55,038 Well... Congratulations, Ensign.