When a crew member is murdered, Tuvok's investigation leads to another crewman, Ensign Suder, who finally admits he is the perpetrator. Vulcan instincts prohibit Tuvok from determining a logical motive for committing such a crime, so he attempts to understand the violent impulses of a criminal by performing a mind-meld on Suder. When Tuvok removes himself from duty, the Doctor must initiate treatment which removes Tuvok's emotional suppression abilities. Meanwhile, Chakotay puts Paris on report for running an illegal gambling operation and Neelix embraces his role as the ship's Morale Officer.

Brad Dourif (Ensign Lon Suder)
Simon Billig (Lieutenant Hogan)
Angela Dohrman (Ricky)

• Suder killed Crewman Frank Darwin.
  
• Suder is a Betazoid, but he has no telepathic or empathic abilities. He is even unable to sense his self.
  
• This episode sets up Tom Paris' apparent troubles, which are resolved in "Investigations".
  
• Suder will make another appearance in "Basics, Part I".