Janeway understands Neelix's bitterness but allows Jetrel aboard when he explains he's searching for victims of metremia, a late-developing disease caused by exposure to metreon radiation. The Captain and then Kes finally convince Neelix to let himself be tested, but the incident only reopens old wounds for Neelix: he confesses to his mate that he wasn't on Talax at the time with their army as he'd claimed -- he was hiding because he was a coward. Kes helps him understand that he is really angry at himself and is blaming Jetrel, who meantime pronounces Neelix afflicted but explains that the ship's transporter may be used for a cure.

Jetrel draws suspicion when he first deactivates the Doctor and then knocks out Neelix. Finally Jetrel reveals that he may be able to regenerate the disassociated remains of Rinax's dead Talaxians, but when the plan fails he admits that he and not Neelix is dying of metremia. In fact, Jetrel draws his last breath after hearing Neelix finally voice his forgiveness.