When a lethal neutronic storm approaches faster than Enterprise can escape, the crew takes shelter in the reinforced but cramped maintenance shafts inside the warp nacelles for eight days. They also provide refuge to three Takret, who aren't exactly honest about themselves. They claim to be stellar cartographers. But, they deserted the Takret Militia due to its corrupt leadership known to seize and plunder alien vessels, killing their crews without provocation. The three have been pursued for weeks by a Takret Militia ship. With the Takret immune to the storm's radiation, the Militia ship's crew attempts to seize Enterprise.

Enterprise visits the planet Dekendi III hosting an Interspecies Medical Exchange conference. Dr. Phlox requests the Vulcan delegation provide him with the latest research on a terminal neurological disease called Pa'nar Syndrome without revealing that T'Pol is infected. Pa'nar Syndrome is a rare illness associated with mind melders, a sect ostracized by Vulcan society. A forced mind meld against her will infected T'Pol in the episode Fusion. She tries to keep her disease a secret while Dr. Phlox researches treatment methods. Meanwhile, one of Phlox's wives, Feezal, visits Enterprise to install a neutron microscope and begins flirting heavily with Trip. He is uneasy that a colleague's wife is making overt sexual advances toward him.