1
00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:13,831
Sir.
2
00:00:14,000 --> 00:00:16,560
We... We're just...
3
00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:19,359
Yes, I can see that.
4
00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:28,829
- What was that all about?
- Indiscreet shipboard fraternisation.
5
00:00:29,000 --> 00:00:31,070
Really? Sorry I missed it.
6
00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:33,629
Deck 6.
7
00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:39,909
- Thanks for your help.
- See you later.
8
00:00:40,080 --> 00:00:42,036
Right.
9
00:00:44,600 --> 00:00:46,955
Here's the cabbage you asked for.
10
00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:49,236
Is something wrong?
11
00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:56,389
- What's this?
- A spawn beetle.
12
00:00:56,560 --> 00:00:59,199
They cross-pollinate
the Oblissian cabbage.
13
00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:03,273
Have you ever seen
such fascinating striations?
14
00:01:04,760 --> 00:01:06,716
Isn't it beautiful?
15
00:01:06,880 --> 00:01:10,873
I doubt the captain would think so
if she found it in her salad.
16
00:01:13,360 --> 00:01:16,511
There is something wrong. What is it?
17
00:01:16,680 --> 00:01:19,513
No, nothing. I'm just very busy.
18
00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:26,512
So, you're seeing Tom Paris later?
19
00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:30,070
What? No, not that I know of.
20
00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:36,516
He said, "See you later."
You said, "Right."
21
00:01:36,680 --> 00:01:39,319
He's helping you
in the airponics bay now?
22
00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:42,472
He was just helping me carry these.
23
00:01:42,640 --> 00:01:45,108
- How thoughtful.
- This is ridiculous.
24
00:01:45,280 --> 00:01:48,989
- You're imagining things.
- You're such an innocent!
25
00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:56,118
I see the way he looks at you. I used to
look at women that way. I understand it.
26
00:01:56,280 --> 00:02:00,068
Janeway to the senior staff.
Please report to the bridge.
27
00:02:02,040 --> 00:02:04,156
Take care.
28
00:02:11,120 --> 00:02:15,830
Thank you for bringing the cabbage.
I can handle this from here. Thank you.
29
00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:27,197
We've detected
a strange energy configuration.
30
00:02:27,360 --> 00:02:31,194
- Any idea what it is?
- Some sort of magnetic disturbance.
31
00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:34,193
We're going to take a closer look.
32
00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:39,795
You seem a little preoccupied.
33
00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:43,191
I interrupted a couple
kissing in the turbolift.
34
00:02:43,360 --> 00:02:49,993
I've been wondering if we should have
a policy regarding fraternisation.
35
00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:52,230
Well...
36
00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:56,272
The couple might be urged
to be more discreet,
37
00:02:56,440 --> 00:03:00,911
but Starfleet is reluctant
to regulate people's personal lives.
38
00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,548
Of course.
But we're in a unique situation.
39
00:03:03,720 --> 00:03:06,757
The development
of intimate relationships
40
00:03:06,920 --> 00:03:09,115
might cause us unusual problems.
41
00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:12,955
I understand what you're saying, but...
42
00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:15,429
We're a long way from home.
43
00:03:15,600 --> 00:03:18,910
Everyone is lonely,
and all we have is each other.
44
00:03:19,080 --> 00:03:22,356
I think eventually
people will begin to pair off.
45
00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:24,431
Including you?
46
00:03:27,560 --> 00:03:30,677
As captain, that's a luxury I don't have.
47
00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:37,393
Besides, I intend for us to be home
before Mark gives me up for dead.
48
00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:41,030
- We're in visual range.
- On screen.
49
00:03:48,280 --> 00:03:50,748
Looks like
some type of energetic vapour.
50
00:03:50,920 --> 00:03:53,195
Magnify.
51
00:03:55,520 --> 00:03:58,876
- Space-dwelling life-forms.
- Full sensor scan.
52
00:03:59,040 --> 00:04:02,828
They have discrete organic processes.
53
00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:05,594
I'd like to study them at close range.
54
00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:07,716
So would I, Commander.
55
00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:11,270
But let's not get too close.
We'd disturb their behaviour.
56
00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:14,557
Half impulse.
Take us into bio-scanner range.
57
00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:16,836
Aye, Captain.
58
00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:52,199
The swarm isn't particularly dense.
There are fewer than 2,000.
59
00:06:52,360 --> 00:06:54,555
They're really moving.
60
00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:58,759
They've accelerated
to 1,000 kilometres per second.
61
00:06:58,920 --> 00:07:01,309
Are we frightening them?
62
00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:04,836
Keep us within scanner range,
but avoid rapid acceleration.
63
00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:06,956
Take a look at this.
64
00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:11,753
See the way they propel themselves?
65
00:07:13,000 --> 00:07:16,117
They seem to flagellate,
almost like protozoa.
66
00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:19,716
Exactly. But they're
achieving incredible speeds.
67
00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:22,189
Over 3,000 kilometres per second.
68
00:07:22,360 --> 00:07:25,318
Ensign, scan the field
for repeating patterns.
69
00:07:25,480 --> 00:07:28,119
Maybe they're capable
of communication.
70
00:07:28,280 --> 00:07:30,111
Their internal anatomy is unusual -
71
00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:35,115
they don't have a digestive system,
but they have a porous outer covering.
72
00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:38,670
I guess they absorb nutrients
directly from space.
73
00:07:38,840 --> 00:07:44,119
A space-dwelling life-form capable
of metabolising inorganic matter.
74
00:07:44,280 --> 00:07:49,718
Particle density here isn't very high.
Maybe that's why they move so fast.
75
00:07:49,880 --> 00:07:52,599
Feeding at 3,000 kilometres
per second.
76
00:07:52,760 --> 00:07:55,957
Not exactly leisurely dining, is it?
77
00:08:15,760 --> 00:08:17,591
Come in.
78
00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:26,433
- For you, sweeting.
- Thank you.
79
00:08:28,400 --> 00:08:30,994
- What's the occasion?
- No occasion.
80
00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:36,994
- I just wanted to apologise.
- Apologise?
81
00:08:37,160 --> 00:08:40,516
For the way I acted in the mess hall.
82
00:08:41,560 --> 00:08:44,552
- I was jealous.
- I know.
83
00:08:44,720 --> 00:08:47,280
I just wish you could trust me.
84
00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:51,479
It has nothing to do with trusting you.
It's him I don't trust.
85
00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:55,679
I've seen his kind before.
They're all over the quadrant.
86
00:08:55,840 --> 00:08:59,958
They prey on naive,
sheltered young women like you.
87
00:09:00,120 --> 00:09:02,190
- What are you looking for?
- A vase.
88
00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:04,351
Don't!
89
00:09:04,520 --> 00:09:07,637
- What's this?
- Nothing, just a snack.
90
00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:12,998
A Terran delicacy.
Ensign Wildman told me about it.
91
00:09:13,160 --> 00:09:17,073
Mashed potatoes with butter.
It's delicious.
92
00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:20,038
Would you like to try it?
93
00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,468
Awful! How can you eat it?
94
00:09:26,640 --> 00:09:29,632
I can't stop eating it. I've had six bowls.
95
00:09:29,800 --> 00:09:34,954
And the reason it tastes so strange...
I've put a container of soil in it.
96
00:09:35,120 --> 00:09:37,998
Dirt? You're eating dirt?
97
00:09:38,160 --> 00:09:42,870
- Why?
- I don't know. But this morning...
98
00:09:43,040 --> 00:09:44,758
What?
99
00:09:46,040 --> 00:09:48,235
You remember the spawn beetles?
100
00:09:49,920 --> 00:09:51,876
You didn't.
101
00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:58,039
Neelix to sickbay. Prepare
to receive an emergency patient.
102
00:09:58,200 --> 00:10:01,397
I'm not sick. I feel fine.
103
00:10:02,400 --> 00:10:05,073
I just can't stop eating.
104
00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:07,913
We are going to get
to the bottom of this.
105
00:10:08,080 --> 00:10:11,231
- No! I'm not going!
- We are going to sickbay.
106
00:10:11,400 --> 00:10:14,597
I'll call security
unless you come with me.
107
00:10:14,760 --> 00:10:16,751
Come on!
108
00:10:18,240 --> 00:10:23,633
They're changing course again, and
accelerating. Should I follow them?
109
00:10:23,800 --> 00:10:28,555
Maybe we're disturbing them. Let's
drop back a bit, give them more room.
110
00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:33,795
Captain, we're accelerating.
111
00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:36,076
Mr Paris?
112
00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:38,470
I'm trying to slow down, Captain.
113
00:10:38,640 --> 00:10:43,395
Our velocity doesn't correspond
to impulse reactor output.
114
00:10:43,560 --> 00:10:46,791
They seem to be
pulling us toward them.
115
00:10:46,960 --> 00:10:49,394
Sensors indicate an EM resonance field.
116
00:10:49,560 --> 00:10:52,199
The creatures
are creating a magnetic wake.
117
00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:55,272
- That is pulling the ship.
- We're getting closer.
118
00:10:55,440 --> 00:10:57,829
Mr Paris, reverse thrusters.
119
00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:01,709
- Helm controls aren't responding.
- Mr Tuvok, raise shields.
120
00:11:03,040 --> 00:11:06,237
- Non-functional, Captain.
- They're pulling us in.
121
00:11:18,760 --> 00:11:22,230
- Damage report.
- Life-support is functioning,
122
00:11:22,400 --> 00:11:27,110
but a fluctuation in the EPS grids
is wreaking havoc with the engines.
123
00:11:27,280 --> 00:11:30,556
Warp drive is still on-line.
One burst and we'd be out of here.
124
00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:32,790
But that could harm the creatures.
125
00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:37,590
Janeway to Torres. Can we get out of
this swarm without engaging warp?
126
00:11:37,760 --> 00:11:42,993
- We might try a <i>targ</i> scoop.
- Can you enlighten us, Lieutenant?
127
00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:45,833
Klingons put them on assault vehicles.
128
00:11:46,000 --> 00:11:49,879
They emit a high-frequency tone
that disperses <i>targ</i> herds.
129
00:11:50,040 --> 00:11:54,352
I can modify the main deflector
to create an inverted magnetic pulse.
130
00:11:54,520 --> 00:11:56,590
Project it toward the swarm.
131
00:11:56,760 --> 00:12:00,150
It might nudge the creatures
out of the way.
132
00:12:00,320 --> 00:12:02,993
Good idea, Lieutenant. Proceed.
133
00:12:03,160 --> 00:12:07,233
You're sure the beetles
weren't poisonous? Or the flowers?
134
00:12:07,400 --> 00:12:09,834
There are no toxins in her system.
135
00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:14,710
Doctor, why is she eating all these
strange things? What's wrong with her?
136
00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:18,475
I am conducting an examination
to determine that.
137
00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:20,631
But don't you have any ideas?
138
00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:24,270
It may merely indicate
a nutrient deficiency.
139
00:12:24,440 --> 00:12:29,798
Humanoids can crave foods rich in the
vitamins and minerals their bodies lack.
140
00:12:29,960 --> 00:12:33,111
You can't mean my body lacks dirt?
141
00:12:35,840 --> 00:12:39,913
- Body temperature is up 3.9 degrees.
- She's burning up!
142
00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:43,516
And I'm detecting elevated levels
of electrophoretic activity.
143
00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:45,477
Bring them down!
144
00:12:45,640 --> 00:12:49,519
There's increased electrophoretic
activity in the ship's atmosphere,
145
00:12:49,680 --> 00:12:52,035
created by the creatures
we're studying.
146
00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:55,078
There's a connection
between Kes and those creatures?
147
00:12:55,240 --> 00:12:57,435
You have to do something about it!
148
00:12:57,600 --> 00:13:02,310
You are making it impossible for me
to treat my patient. You must leave.
149
00:13:02,480 --> 00:13:06,075
- I won't. Kes needs me.
- Leave now or I will call security.
150
00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:08,435
You can't talk to me that way.
151
00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:13,276
This is my sickbay, and I will decide
what goes on here. Get out!
152
00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:16,950
I'll be back. Don't worry about a thing.
153
00:13:32,520 --> 00:13:35,398
May I speak with you? It's urgent.
154
00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:38,074
What is it, Neelix?
155
00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:41,038
I have been thrown out of sickbay.
156
00:13:42,120 --> 00:13:45,317
I'm just wondering
if you feel it's appropriate
157
00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:48,631
for a hologram to banish
a flesh-and-blood person
158
00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:52,429
who should be beside
his extremely ill loved one.
159
00:13:52,600 --> 00:13:55,068
Kes is extremely ill?
160
00:13:55,240 --> 00:13:59,995
The hologram thinks her illness
may be linked with these creatures.
161
00:14:00,160 --> 00:14:04,995
But he still won't let me offer comfort
to the woman I love.
162
00:14:07,800 --> 00:14:10,837
Just how is Kes being affected
by the swarm?
163
00:14:11,000 --> 00:14:15,471
That's what I wanted to know. But I got
no answers and was dismissed!
164
00:14:15,640 --> 00:14:17,596
- Sickbay to bridge.
- Janeway here.
165
00:14:17,760 --> 00:14:21,230
You'd better come down here.
There's a problem.
166
00:14:21,400 --> 00:14:26,713
I'm on my way. Commander,
notify me of any change in our status.
167
00:14:28,680 --> 00:14:32,070
I was conducting tests.
She was none too cooperative.
168
00:14:32,240 --> 00:14:34,674
She screeched
and shoved me out of the way,
169
00:14:34,840 --> 00:14:37,991
went into my office
and erected a force field.
170
00:14:38,160 --> 00:14:42,631
I can't lower it.
She's keeping me out of my own office.
171
00:14:42,800 --> 00:14:45,314
Sweeting.
172
00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:48,153
What's wrong? Please come out.
173
00:14:49,360 --> 00:14:53,512
I was able to complete several tests
before she became delirious.
174
00:14:53,680 --> 00:14:57,116
Her pulse and blood pressure
are dangerously high.
175
00:14:57,280 --> 00:14:59,271
What's causing these symptoms?
176
00:14:59,440 --> 00:15:03,115
I suspect the electrophoretic levels
being created by the swarm.
177
00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:05,236
We should leave.
178
00:15:05,400 --> 00:15:09,473
That's not an option at the moment,
but we're working on it.
179
00:15:09,640 --> 00:15:13,792
There's one more thing. I discovered
a strange growth on her back.
180
00:15:13,960 --> 00:15:16,952
It's unlike any other
tumorous substance I've seen.
181
00:15:17,120 --> 00:15:21,272
And it was not there
the last time I examined her.
182
00:15:23,120 --> 00:15:25,190
I'll try to talk to her.
183
00:15:28,520 --> 00:15:32,479
Kes, please come out.
You can eat anything you want.
184
00:15:34,560 --> 00:15:36,357
Captain...
185
00:15:36,520 --> 00:15:38,909
Why don't you let me try?
186
00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:46,478
Kes, please listen to me.
187
00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:51,550
We think you're being affected
by a swarm of life-forms.
188
00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:53,995
We're trying to get away from them.
189
00:15:54,160 --> 00:15:57,516
When we do,
you'll probably start feeling better.
190
00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:02,192
Are you saying
that's not what's wrong with you?
191
00:16:07,480 --> 00:16:10,916
Kes, please let me come in.
192
00:16:11,080 --> 00:16:15,278
Tell me what it is. Maybe I can help.
193
00:16:40,080 --> 00:16:42,469
It's going to be all right.
194
00:16:46,400 --> 00:16:52,236
Now, tell me.
What is happening to you?
195
00:16:53,600 --> 00:16:57,354
Did the Doctor tell you he found
something growing on my back?
196
00:16:57,520 --> 00:16:59,954
Yes, a growth of some kind.
197
00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:05,877
It's the mitral sac.
It's where my child would grow.
198
00:17:06,040 --> 00:17:09,794
I'm going through the <i>elogium,</i>
the time of change...
199
00:17:09,960 --> 00:17:13,953
when my body prepares for fertilisation.
200
00:17:17,320 --> 00:17:20,710
Humans go through
the same kind of process.
201
00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:26,350
- It's called puberty.
- But I'm too young. Much too young.
202
00:17:26,520 --> 00:17:31,071
It usually happens
between the ages of four and five.
203
00:17:32,480 --> 00:17:35,358
I'm not even two yet.
204
00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:40,799
Listen to me. All your body's
metabolic activity has increased.
205
00:17:40,960 --> 00:17:45,431
It's possible your reproductive
processes are being accelerated.
206
00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:49,149
- I'm not ready.
- We're going to get you through this.
207
00:17:49,320 --> 00:17:51,629
The Doctor will monitor you constantly.
208
00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:56,476
You don't understand.
The <i>elogium</i> occurs only once.
209
00:17:56,640 --> 00:18:00,235
If I am ever going to have a child,
it has to be now!
210
00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:09,512
No change. We're still being
pulled along with the swarm.
211
00:18:10,360 --> 00:18:14,831
Heading 121, mark 7. Speed now
6,000 kilometres per second.
212
00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:17,753
All systems are functioning normally.
213
00:18:17,920 --> 00:18:20,434
How is Torres coming
with the modifications?
214
00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:23,512
They should be finished in half an hour.
215
00:18:23,680 --> 00:18:27,992
Let me know as soon as she's ready.
Join me, Commander?
216
00:18:31,200 --> 00:18:34,875
Kes is frightened.
She's had no time to prepare.
217
00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:39,556
And the decision has to be made
in the next 40 or 50 hours.
218
00:18:39,720 --> 00:18:43,030
She's going to discuss it
with Neelix, but...
219
00:18:44,600 --> 00:18:47,194
There are so many unknowns.
220
00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:50,352
There might be risks
in procreating this early.
221
00:18:50,520 --> 00:18:53,990
There's no guarantee
they're genetically compatible,
222
00:18:54,160 --> 00:18:58,073
or that Neelix has any interest
in becoming a father.
223
00:18:58,240 --> 00:19:02,836
It seems your concerns
about fraternisation were prophetic.
224
00:19:04,040 --> 00:19:07,112
I wasn't even thinking
about procreation.
225
00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:11,955
But I suppose
it's the inevitable outcome.
226
00:19:14,240 --> 00:19:17,915
It might be necessary
for the crew to have children.
227
00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:21,470
It might take us a long time to get home.
228
00:19:21,680 --> 00:19:23,636
If it does take 75 years,
229
00:19:23,800 --> 00:19:27,918
we'll need a replacement crew
in about half that time.
230
00:19:29,440 --> 00:19:32,273
Who'd have thought
we'd be considering this
231
00:19:32,440 --> 00:19:35,750
when we were ordered
on a three-week mission?
232
00:19:35,920 --> 00:19:37,956
But it's a problem we have to face now.
233
00:19:40,120 --> 00:19:42,714
What would that mean for the children?
234
00:19:43,840 --> 00:19:46,400
What kind of life
would we be giving them,
235
00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:51,475
aboard a starship travelling through
a potentially hostile part of space?
236
00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:57,356
Are we equipped to provide for them?
Child care, educational facilities.
237
00:19:57,520 --> 00:20:00,956
We'd be building an entire community
on board this ship.
238
00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:03,076
That's a massive commitment.
239
00:20:03,240 --> 00:20:08,360
- Tell them they can't have children.
- I can't do that.
240
00:20:10,880 --> 00:20:15,431
I've made it clear to Kes that it's her
choice whether to have a child or not.
241
00:20:16,760 --> 00:20:20,275
There aren't any easy answers here.
242
00:20:20,440 --> 00:20:22,635
For any of us.
243
00:20:25,320 --> 00:20:29,279
Are you saying
that unless you conceive now,
244
00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:32,113
you'll never be able to?
245
00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:37,115
Yes. And I need you to help me decide.
I would want you to mate with me.
246
00:20:42,960 --> 00:20:46,077
I'm... honoured.
247
00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:49,630
But are you entirely certain
it would be safe?
248
00:20:49,800 --> 00:20:51,756
Safe?
249
00:20:53,000 --> 00:20:54,956
You're so young.
250
00:20:55,120 --> 00:20:59,113
Is it dangerous for you
to conceive a child at your age?
251
00:20:59,280 --> 00:21:04,559
I don't know. I've never known anyone
as young as I am who had a baby.
252
00:21:08,480 --> 00:21:13,395
If you never had a child,
would you be terribly unhappy?
253
00:21:13,560 --> 00:21:17,951
Yes... I mean, I think so.
254
00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:22,070
I don't know.
255
00:21:23,680 --> 00:21:29,949
I always assumed I'd be a mother
some day. Just not so soon.
256
00:21:31,680 --> 00:21:34,513
Didn't you think you'd be a father?
257
00:21:34,680 --> 00:21:41,119
Well, to be honest,
I've never given it much thought.
258
00:21:42,480 --> 00:21:46,758
Until now, my life has been so itinerant.
259
00:21:46,920 --> 00:21:51,789
There's no way I could have provided
the stability a child would need.
260
00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:53,996
But now it's different, isn't it?
261
00:21:55,240 --> 00:21:57,879
Well, yes.
262
00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:03,791
But raising a child on a starship?
263
00:22:03,960 --> 00:22:07,111
That's hardly the ideal environment.
264
00:22:08,560 --> 00:22:12,030
- You don't want a child, do you?
- That's not it.
265
00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:16,079
I'm just trying to look at
all sides of the issue.
266
00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:22,789
Bringing a child into the world...
It's a huge responsibility.
267
00:22:22,960 --> 00:22:26,669
I know you'd want to be sure
we're both up to the task.
268
00:22:27,640 --> 00:22:31,633
Somebody would have to keep
an eye on the little guy all the time
269
00:22:31,800 --> 00:22:34,678
or he'd stick his finger
into an EM conduit
270
00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:38,276
or play with the plasma injectors.
271
00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:40,396
That's called being a parent.
272
00:22:43,280 --> 00:22:47,319
You wouldn't be able to continue
your studies if you had a child.
273
00:22:47,480 --> 00:22:51,029
Of course I would!
You're just making excuses.
274
00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:56,149
You're just thinking about yourself, how
much trouble a child would be for you.
275
00:22:56,320 --> 00:22:59,357
- Look!
- What's that?
276
00:22:59,520 --> 00:23:01,476
The <i>ipasaphor.</i>
277
00:23:01,640 --> 00:23:04,757
- It makes the mating bond possible.
- It does?
278
00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:08,469
If we begin,
we must stay bonded for six days.
279
00:23:08,640 --> 00:23:12,792
- Six days?
- In order to ensure conception.
280
00:23:12,960 --> 00:23:18,478
After the <i>ipasaphor</i> appears, we only
have 50 hours to begin the process.
281
00:23:19,680 --> 00:23:22,148
So I need to know your answer.
282
00:23:24,480 --> 00:23:28,917
50 hours? That's... good.
283
00:23:31,720 --> 00:23:33,676
That's good.
284
00:23:36,000 --> 00:23:37,956
We can sleep on it.
285
00:23:39,680 --> 00:23:41,955
I'll get back to you.
286
00:23:57,960 --> 00:24:01,475
Sorry. I swear I heard you say,
"Lots of pepper sauce."
287
00:24:05,000 --> 00:24:07,355
What is the lunch special today?
288
00:24:08,360 --> 00:24:11,989
Actually, I didn't get around
to making a lunch special.
289
00:24:12,160 --> 00:24:16,597
But we have some lovely
<i>gabosti</i> stew left over from last
night.
290
00:24:16,760 --> 00:24:19,069
Very well. It will do.
291
00:24:20,560 --> 00:24:25,918
I've had quite a run on it, as a matter
of fact. It seems very popular.
292
00:24:26,080 --> 00:24:29,197
If it is all you are serving,
that would stand to reason.
293
00:24:29,360 --> 00:24:33,638
- With or without pepper sauce?
- Without.
294
00:24:58,800 --> 00:25:02,873
Mr Tuvok, I was wondering.
295
00:25:03,040 --> 00:25:06,032
You have children, don't you?
296
00:25:06,200 --> 00:25:08,714
- I have four.
- Four!
297
00:25:08,880 --> 00:25:12,111
My, that's certainly quite a family.
298
00:25:13,880 --> 00:25:19,432
Tell me... what's it like being a father?
299
00:25:19,600 --> 00:25:23,229
The question is so broad,
it is difficult to respond.
300
00:25:23,400 --> 00:25:27,598
Well, I mean,
it's a lot of responsibility, isn't it?
301
00:25:27,760 --> 00:25:34,074
Watching them, caring for them, keeping
them safe, giving them an education.
302
00:25:34,240 --> 00:25:36,800
That is certainly true.
303
00:25:36,960 --> 00:25:40,270
Sounds like it's a lot more trouble
than it's worth.
304
00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:43,432
Mr Neelix, I am aware of your situation.
305
00:25:43,600 --> 00:25:47,832
It appears you are in some doubt
as to the wisdom of becoming a parent.
306
00:25:48,000 --> 00:25:53,438
It's just all happening so fast.
I don't know what to think.
307
00:25:53,600 --> 00:25:56,876
If you have doubts about fatherhood,
308
00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:59,952
it would not be wise
to enter into the process.
309
00:26:00,120 --> 00:26:02,588
It is more overwhelming
than one expects.
310
00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:06,753
I believe only the most committed
should become parents.
311
00:26:08,840 --> 00:26:10,796
That's what I thought.
312
00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:14,839
However, I must point out that,
as illogical as it seems,
313
00:26:15,000 --> 00:26:17,878
being a father can have infinite rewards.
314
00:26:18,040 --> 00:26:20,429
Far more than would seem possible.
315
00:26:20,600 --> 00:26:26,550
My children occupy a significant portion
of my thoughts. Now more than ever.
316
00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:32,716
I've heard it said that children
can bring a lot of joy into one's life.
317
00:26:32,880 --> 00:26:39,228
I experience neither joy nor sorrow.
But I do believe it is possible.
318
00:26:40,360 --> 00:26:45,992
Now that I think about it, it might be fun
to have a little guy around.
319
00:26:46,160 --> 00:26:48,913
We could do a lot together.
320
00:26:49,080 --> 00:26:52,675
I've got quite a bit
I could teach a boy, you know.
321
00:26:54,200 --> 00:27:01,151
Survival methods,
piloting skills, romantic techniques.
322
00:27:01,320 --> 00:27:03,675
If you say so.
323
00:27:03,840 --> 00:27:07,594
But there is an equal chance
that you would have a daughter.
324
00:27:07,760 --> 00:27:12,311
A daughter? I don't have anything
to teach a daughter.
325
00:27:12,480 --> 00:27:16,792
Why would it be any different
from what you would teach a son?
326
00:27:16,960 --> 00:27:20,919
It just would.
She'd learn more from her mother.
327
00:27:21,080 --> 00:27:24,117
I have three sons and one daughter.
328
00:27:24,280 --> 00:27:29,991
I can assure you she benefits as much
from my presence as my sons do.
329
00:27:30,160 --> 00:27:35,280
It is unfortunate that I must be
so far removed from all of them now.
330
00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:39,510
I understand.
331
00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:44,356
We'll get there, Mr Vulcan. I'm sure of it.
332
00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:50,676
Thank you.
You've given me a lot to think about.
333
00:27:57,000 --> 00:28:01,391
We're ready to generate
the magnetic pulse.
334
00:28:02,520 --> 00:28:05,080
Initiating the field.
335
00:28:07,800 --> 00:28:09,756
It's working.
336
00:28:09,920 --> 00:28:13,708
- Are the creatures all right?
- Yes, they seem to be fine.
337
00:28:13,880 --> 00:28:18,476
Thrusters at 200 kph, Mr Paris.
Ease us out of here.
338
00:28:23,880 --> 00:28:26,678
- What are they doing?
- Hard to know.
339
00:28:26,840 --> 00:28:29,912
Maybe they think
we're making a hostile move.
340
00:28:30,080 --> 00:28:33,390
- Report.
- I'm reading a massive energy drain.
341
00:28:33,560 --> 00:28:35,516
Impulse engines are losing power.
342
00:28:35,680 --> 00:28:38,319
Some life-forms are attached to the ship.
343
00:28:38,480 --> 00:28:41,040
Many systems are failing.
344
00:28:41,200 --> 00:28:45,591
- How soon will we clear the swarm?
- In a few seconds. We're almost out.
345
00:28:45,760 --> 00:28:50,038
A substantial magnetic mass
is moving rapidly toward the port bow.
346
00:29:02,640 --> 00:29:06,792
It's physiologically similar
to the smaller creatures, just bigger.
347
00:29:06,960 --> 00:29:10,430
- Perhaps it is the parent.
- Or a different gender.
348
00:29:10,600 --> 00:29:13,353
We need further observation.
349
00:29:13,520 --> 00:29:16,512
Haven't we done enough observing?
350
00:29:16,680 --> 00:29:19,240
These creatures
have attacked the ship.
351
00:29:19,400 --> 00:29:21,516
Maybe they were setting us up.
352
00:29:21,680 --> 00:29:24,240
It's possible.
Mr Paris, let's keep moving.
353
00:29:24,400 --> 00:29:30,191
If we can leave, maybe the ones
on our nacelles will drop off.
354
00:29:30,360 --> 00:29:32,351
200 kph.
355
00:29:38,280 --> 00:29:41,238
The larger creature is moving with us.
356
00:29:42,320 --> 00:29:44,276
Now what?
357
00:29:44,440 --> 00:29:47,079
The creature has emitted
a plasma stream.
358
00:29:47,240 --> 00:29:52,633
- All stop. Damage report.
- No significant damage, Captain.
359
00:29:52,800 --> 00:29:56,793
A plasma blast is a hostile move.
Shouldn't we respond?
360
00:29:58,000 --> 00:30:02,073
If the creature threatens serious
damage, I'll consider it an enemy.
361
00:30:02,240 --> 00:30:06,631
Until then, they will be treated as
indigenous life-forms behaving normally.
362
00:30:06,800 --> 00:30:10,190
- We're the intruders here.
- Captain, look at this.
363
00:30:13,720 --> 00:30:17,030
They're attaching themselves
to the large creature.
364
00:30:17,200 --> 00:30:22,513
It's because its plasma stream has the
same signature as our warp nacelles.
365
00:30:23,680 --> 00:30:26,752
The smaller creatures
are attracted to our emissions.
366
00:30:26,920 --> 00:30:29,753
Just as some species
are attracted to pheromones.
367
00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:35,552
Pheromones?
You think it's a sexual attraction?
368
00:30:35,720 --> 00:30:40,191
Colour change and provocative
movement can be mating rituals.
369
00:30:40,360 --> 00:30:43,636
Then these guys think
we're one of them?
370
00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:49,511
It's possible they've
mistaken us for a potential mate.
371
00:30:53,960 --> 00:30:55,916
Yes?
372
00:30:56,080 --> 00:30:59,959
Order the diapers.
We're about to become parents.
373
00:31:00,120 --> 00:31:03,908
- You mean you want to mate with me?
- More than anything.
374
00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:07,117
But I didn't think
you wanted to be a father.
375
00:31:07,280 --> 00:31:09,919
I just hadn't thought it through.
376
00:31:10,080 --> 00:31:13,277
Now that I have, I want to do this.
377
00:31:13,440 --> 00:31:17,274
And I'll be the best
possible father to our child.
378
00:31:20,440 --> 00:31:26,754
- I know you will.
- So... what comes next?
379
00:31:26,920 --> 00:31:29,354
Before we begin the mating process,
380
00:31:29,520 --> 00:31:33,069
I have to go through
a ritual called the <i>rolisisin.</i>
381
00:31:33,240 --> 00:31:35,196
What does that involve?
382
00:31:35,360 --> 00:31:39,478
One of my parents has to massage
my feet until my tongue begins to swell.
383
00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:45,676
Where do you plan to find a parent?
384
00:31:45,840 --> 00:31:48,957
Captain Janeway's too busy
but the Doctor would do it.
385
00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:52,908
Will that work,
since he's not a real person?
386
00:31:53,080 --> 00:31:55,036
The Doctor is very real to me.
387
00:31:55,200 --> 00:31:58,909
I don't know how I feel
about him massaging your feet.
388
00:31:59,080 --> 00:32:02,311
It's a ritual. Someone has to do it.
389
00:32:02,480 --> 00:32:05,756
OK, fine. And how long will that take?
390
00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:08,796
About an hour.
391
00:32:10,040 --> 00:32:11,996
Then I'll be back.
392
00:32:29,680 --> 00:32:32,911
Fascinating. The stimulation
to the sympathetic nerves
393
00:32:33,080 --> 00:32:37,756
sets off a hormonal reaction, activating
glandular activity in the tongue.
394
00:32:37,920 --> 00:32:39,876
I've not seen this before.
395
00:32:40,040 --> 00:32:43,510
Although in the Gree,
stimulating follicles on the proboscis
396
00:32:43,680 --> 00:32:46,274
results in a swelling
of the auricular canal.
397
00:32:46,440 --> 00:32:48,829
- Doctor?
- Yes?
398
00:32:49,000 --> 00:32:53,312
- Am I doing the right thing?
- You'll have to tell me.
399
00:32:53,480 --> 00:32:55,516
I know nothing of this ritual.
400
00:32:55,680 --> 00:32:59,275
I mean am I doing the right thing
by conceiving?
401
00:33:00,800 --> 00:33:05,351
If I were at home, my father would
be performing the <i>rolisisin</i> with
me.
402
00:33:07,680 --> 00:33:11,389
Parent and child move
into a new kind of relationship.
403
00:33:11,560 --> 00:33:14,597
As the child has her own child,
404
00:33:14,760 --> 00:33:17,558
the parent must acknowledge
her adulthood.
405
00:33:18,400 --> 00:33:22,996
- I see.
- My father and I were very close.
406
00:33:23,160 --> 00:33:25,799
He was such a wise man. I miss him.
407
00:33:26,920 --> 00:33:29,309
Sometimes I hear his voice in my head,
408
00:33:29,480 --> 00:33:32,950
as though he were here,
helping to guide me.
409
00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:41,073
I'm sorry.
I must be feeling lonely for home.
410
00:33:41,240 --> 00:33:44,869
It's probably a result of the <i>elogium.</i>
411
00:33:47,240 --> 00:33:53,031
But I really would appreciate
your advice, your help.
412
00:33:55,480 --> 00:33:57,596
I need someone's guidance.
413
00:34:00,680 --> 00:34:06,516
I can discuss delivery methods
or paediatric situations.
414
00:34:06,680 --> 00:34:11,356
I'm afraid I don't have much perspective
to offer about becoming a parent.
415
00:34:13,360 --> 00:34:15,476
Neither do I.
416
00:34:17,200 --> 00:34:20,192
As long as Neelix
was opposed to the idea,
417
00:34:20,360 --> 00:34:23,238
I was certain
that I wanted to have a child.
418
00:34:23,400 --> 00:34:27,029
But when he said that he wanted one,
I was very frightened.
419
00:34:31,840 --> 00:34:35,753
Perhaps a statistical survey
will offer a context.
420
00:34:35,920 --> 00:34:40,311
Among the Breen, pregnancy
at a young age is a common event.
421
00:34:40,480 --> 00:34:43,995
The Breen is
one the most warlike of species.
422
00:34:44,160 --> 00:34:46,116
And then there are the Scathos.
423
00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:50,193
Any woman who conceives a child
before her fourth decade is executed.
424
00:34:50,360 --> 00:34:53,955
Maybe I just felt I should have a child
because I could.
425
00:34:54,120 --> 00:34:59,638
There is a powerful biological drive,
at times almost impossible to resist.
426
00:34:59,800 --> 00:35:02,997
Species are driven by these urges
in order to survive.
427
00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:05,116
But isn't that why we have minds?
428
00:35:05,280 --> 00:35:10,673
To look beyond biological urges,
to consider their consequences.
429
00:35:10,840 --> 00:35:13,798
If I'm to ask myself
to look at the consequences,
430
00:35:13,960 --> 00:35:15,916
I have to ask myself some questions.
431
00:35:17,080 --> 00:35:19,719
Am I really ready to have a child?
432
00:35:21,760 --> 00:35:26,390
Am I prepared to give that child
the attention and devotion it deserves?
433
00:35:26,560 --> 00:35:30,599
Am I capable of taking on
such a huge responsibility?
434
00:35:30,760 --> 00:35:32,830
There's so much I haven't done.
435
00:35:33,000 --> 00:35:36,117
There's so much
I want to study and learn.
436
00:35:36,280 --> 00:35:40,831
I'm not sure I'm finished growing.
How can I help a child grow?
437
00:35:47,280 --> 00:35:50,511
If the smaller creatures
are sexually attracted to our emissions,
438
00:35:50,680 --> 00:35:52,671
the large one may think we're a rival.
439
00:35:52,840 --> 00:35:55,798
That plasma burst
might have been aggressive.
440
00:35:55,960 --> 00:35:58,554
You'd think it would want us to leave.
441
00:35:58,720 --> 00:36:03,589
Could we generate a short burst
of impulse to get away from the swarm?
442
00:36:03,760 --> 00:36:07,435
I could release power
into the driver coils.
443
00:36:07,600 --> 00:36:10,068
- Do it.
- All right.
444
00:36:10,240 --> 00:36:12,993
I've accessed the capacitance cells.
445
00:36:13,160 --> 00:36:17,392
I can give you enough for a short burst
of impulse. We've got one shot.
446
00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:20,916
You heard her, Mr Paris.
Make the best of it.
447
00:36:21,080 --> 00:36:24,675
Initiating impulse burst... now.
448
00:36:26,000 --> 00:36:30,312
The creature is approaching rapidly
on a collision course.
449
00:36:30,480 --> 00:36:32,994
- Evasive manoeuvres.
- We can't.
450
00:36:33,160 --> 00:36:36,630
- The creature is accelerating.
- Can't shake him.
451
00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:39,109
All hands brace for impact.
452
00:36:54,200 --> 00:36:56,395
Structural integrity down to 86%.
453
00:36:56,560 --> 00:37:00,678
I share Lieutenant Torres' views.
Retaliation may become necessary.
454
00:37:00,840 --> 00:37:03,593
It's not my intention
to harm the creature.
455
00:37:03,760 --> 00:37:06,593
The feeling definitely isn't mutual.
456
00:37:06,760 --> 00:37:08,716
Launch a class-4 probe
457
00:37:08,880 --> 00:37:12,316
to distract the creature
long enough for us to get away.
458
00:37:12,480 --> 00:37:14,516
Probe launched.
459
00:37:14,680 --> 00:37:18,195
Another plasma burst.
Shields are down to 64%.
460
00:37:18,360 --> 00:37:21,591
- The probe made him angry.
- He's aggressive.
461
00:37:21,760 --> 00:37:24,149
He'll only respond
to an aggressive stance.
462
00:37:24,320 --> 00:37:28,438
Treating the creature as it is treating us
might be appropriate.
463
00:37:28,600 --> 00:37:30,716
- We ram him.
- Precisely.
464
00:37:30,880 --> 00:37:33,394
It's probably the response he expects.
465
00:37:35,280 --> 00:37:38,636
Any more of this
and the hull will start to buckle.
466
00:37:38,800 --> 00:37:42,110
Use manoeuvring thrusters.
Set a course toward the creature.
467
00:37:42,280 --> 00:37:46,956
- Give him a bump to get his attention.
- Engaging thrusters.
468
00:37:51,880 --> 00:37:54,792
The creature is not retreating, Captain.
469
00:37:56,280 --> 00:37:59,113
- He's hitting us back harder!
- Let's try this.
470
00:37:59,280 --> 00:38:04,673
Detonate a field of photon charges.
That will let him know we mean business.
471
00:38:04,840 --> 00:38:07,957
Captain, maybe
we're going about this backwards.
472
00:38:08,120 --> 00:38:10,076
Yes, Commander?
473
00:38:10,240 --> 00:38:13,550
Every aggressive move
results in a more aggressive move.
474
00:38:13,720 --> 00:38:18,555
If we're not prepared to destroy him,
we need to rethink our actions.
475
00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:22,076
If the creature
is responding to us as a sexual rival,
476
00:38:22,240 --> 00:38:25,550
behaving in a submissive way
may appease him -
477
00:38:25,720 --> 00:38:28,234
he's dominant
and we're no match for him.
478
00:38:28,400 --> 00:38:31,995
How? We tried to move away slowly.
He wouldn't let us.
479
00:38:32,160 --> 00:38:34,674
Maybe we need to mimic
the smaller creatures.
480
00:38:34,840 --> 00:38:37,434
They rolled over and changed colour.
481
00:38:37,600 --> 00:38:41,149
Venting plasma residue
might make us look blue.
482
00:38:41,320 --> 00:38:45,598
Do we have enough power
to take Voyager into a roll?
483
00:38:45,760 --> 00:38:49,799
- I think so.
- All right. Let's give this a try.
484
00:38:49,960 --> 00:38:55,432
Mr Kim, start venting plasma residue.
Mr Paris, roll the ship.
485
00:38:56,760 --> 00:38:59,957
Full power to inertial dampers.
486
00:39:10,560 --> 00:39:13,313
He's not responding. It's not working.
487
00:39:13,480 --> 00:39:18,679
Wait a minute. A small creature
is detaching from the starboard nacelle.
488
00:39:19,720 --> 00:39:22,996
And another one. They're all letting go.
489
00:39:24,480 --> 00:39:28,075
It appears we have lost our sex appeal.
490
00:39:28,880 --> 00:39:33,032
Good piloting, Lieutenant.
Now let's see if we can move away.
491
00:39:33,200 --> 00:39:37,273
I can give you enough thruster power
to sustain a speed of 100 kph.
492
00:39:37,440 --> 00:39:38,839
Acknowledged.
493
00:39:39,000 --> 00:39:41,275
Good work, Commander.
494
00:39:41,440 --> 00:39:46,275
If I have any questions about
mating behaviour, I'll know where to go.
495
00:40:15,520 --> 00:40:20,230
- Can I help?
- No. Thanks.
496
00:40:22,240 --> 00:40:25,949
- Is something wrong?
- No, nothing.
497
00:40:27,120 --> 00:40:30,954
You've been very quiet
ever since I decided not to conceive.
498
00:40:32,160 --> 00:40:35,709
It was your choice. I respect that.
499
00:40:36,840 --> 00:40:40,310
Neelix, I think you're disappointed.
500
00:40:44,520 --> 00:40:50,311
I think,
once I decided to become a father...
501
00:40:50,480 --> 00:40:53,040
I was looking forward to it.
502
00:40:54,520 --> 00:40:58,035
- But I'll get over it.
- Maybe you won't have to get over it.
503
00:40:58,200 --> 00:41:03,832
- Just wait a little longer.
- But I thought this was the only time.
504
00:41:04,000 --> 00:41:06,912
The Doctor believes
the <i>elogium</i> was false,
505
00:41:07,080 --> 00:41:12,677
brought on by the electrophoretic field
that those life-forms created.
506
00:41:12,840 --> 00:41:17,311
So I might be able
to go through it again at the right age.
507
00:41:17,480 --> 00:41:20,278
We might still be able
to have a daughter?
508
00:41:20,440 --> 00:41:23,637
- Or a son.
- No. I've thought about it.
509
00:41:23,800 --> 00:41:28,078
A daughter, definitely.
One who looks just like you.
510
00:41:39,160 --> 00:41:42,948
Captain's log, stardate 48921.3.
511
00:41:43,120 --> 00:41:46,556
I continue to wonder
about the issue of procreation.
512
00:41:46,720 --> 00:41:50,474
It's wrong to interfere
with the private lives of the crew,
513
00:41:50,640 --> 00:41:54,952
yet I remain concerned about
the environment for a child born here.
514
00:42:00,640 --> 00:42:02,710
Come in.
515
00:42:02,880 --> 00:42:05,599
Yes, Ensign. What can I do for you?
516
00:42:05,760 --> 00:42:08,877
I'm sorry to disturb you, but I thought...
517
00:42:09,880 --> 00:42:15,000
I thought I should inform you
of my physical condition.
518
00:42:15,160 --> 00:42:18,038
Your physical condition?
519
00:42:18,200 --> 00:42:20,873
We'd been trying for months.
520
00:42:21,040 --> 00:42:23,873
I wasn't even sure until a few days ago.
521
00:42:24,040 --> 00:42:28,238
My husband is still at Deep Space 9.
He doesn't even know.
522
00:42:28,400 --> 00:42:30,914
We were only supposed to be out
three weeks.
523
00:42:31,080 --> 00:42:34,436
Wildman, are you pregnant?
524
00:42:40,080 --> 00:42:44,392
I know this isn't the best place
to have a baby, but...
525
00:42:44,560 --> 00:42:49,429
it's all I have left... of my husband.
526
00:42:51,040 --> 00:42:55,318
Well... Congratulations, Ensign.
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