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.
|