The Syrranites subject Archer to a potentially lethal mind-meld after learning that information about Surak was placed in his head. Meanwhile, Vulcan officials plot the dissidents' destruction.

Emory Erickson, the inventor of the transporter, boards the Enterprise to test new transporter upgrades. He also enlists Archer's help with a risky experiment resulting in a crew member's death. This forces Emory to reveal the real purpose of his test, searching for and retrieving his lost son.