Aggressive space-dwelling lifeforms attach themselves to the Starship, creating an electrophoretic field. The occurrence 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, Chakotay wonders if it may be necessary for the crew to start having children to provide the next generation of personnel, If it really does take 75 years to reach the Alpha Quadrant.

Cast:

Kate Mulgrew as Captain Kathryn Janeway
Robert Beltran as Chakotay
Roxann Dawson as B'Elanna Torres
Jennifer Lien as Kes
Robert Duncan McNeill as Tom Paris
Ethan Phillips as Neelix
Robert Picardo as The Doctor
Tim Russ as Tuvok
Garrett Wang as Harry Kim

Guest Cast:

Nancy Hower as Samantha Wildman
Gary O'Brien as Crewman
Terry Correll as Crewwoman

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