A swarm of aggressive space-dwelling lifeforms attach themselves to Voyager, creating an electrophoretic field. The occurence increases Kes' metabolic activity and accelerates her reproductive process, causing her to prematurely enter the elogium — the time of life when Ocampa bodies become fertile. However, the elogium occurs only once, so if Kes is ever going to have a child, it must be immediately. Before making his decision whether or not he will father Kes' child, a bewildered Neelix seeks the advice of Tuvok. Meanwhile, while considering how long it may take to get the ship home, Janeway wonders if it may be necessary for the crew to start having children to provide the next generation of personnel.

Nancy Hower (Ensign Samantha Wildman)
Gary O'Brien (Crew Member)
Terry Correl (Crew Member)

• Science officer Ensign Wildman is pregnant. This is the first appearance of Ensign Wildman.