 When the U.S.S. Voyager visits an
outpost of the Mikhal Travellers, they meet a gypsy-like band of
space explorers who are willing to share their knowledge of the
territory the starship is about to enter. As Kes oversees the
transfer of medical supplies to the group, she becomes
infatuated with Zahir, a Mikhal pilot.
In the meantime, the Doctor is
engaged in a new project: adding personality routines of famous
historical figures, like Gandhi and Lord Byron, to his own
program in order to enhance his performance. Torres expresses
concern that the subroutines may interact unpredictably and
offers to review his program.
As Kes grows increasingly fond of Zahir, the Doctor points out
that she is neglecting her duties in Sickbay. Later, the Ocampan
confides in Janeway that Zahir wants Kes to leave Voyager and
travel with him. As she ponders her decision, Zahir is seriously
injured by a mysterious cloaked figure.
The next day, a distraught Kes recounts Zahir's injuries to the
Doctor. They're interrupted by Torres, who has found a potential
problem with his program. Later, Tuvok and Janeway find Torres
collapsed on the floor of Sickbay. The Doctor blames her
condition on something she ate, but after Tuvok and Janeway
leave, it becomes clear that he's the one who caused Torres'
condition. The Doctor unsuccessfully tries to coerce her into
removing his original "bland" personality from his blend of
subroutines, which are rapidly destabilizing.
As Tuvok investigates the attack on Zahir, the Doctor kidnaps
Kes. The discovery of residual holographic signatures near the
attack site alerts the crew that the Doctor is the culprit. As
the Doctor drags Kes along the mountain path where he assaulted
Zahir, he's apprehended by Tuvok and Chakotay. Refusing to give
up, he throws himself and Kes over a cliff. Voyager's
transporter beams them up before they hit bottom, and Torres is
able to delete the dangerous subroutines, which restores the
Doctor to normal. Kes decides to remain on Voyager with her
friends. |
