Several heated arguments with the crew prompt Crichton to take his module for a cruise. While away from the ship, a problem with Moya causes her to Starburst without warning, leaving Crichton stranded. While separated from the others, he discovers a forgotten colony with an appalling secret- a secret that their religious leaders have gone to great lengths to conceal.

When a Starburst goes badly wrong, Moya collides with a Nebari ship. On board is Durka, Rygel's former torturer, who has been mind cleansed and now serves the Nebari. Chiana, an attractive young rebel faces the same fate. Rygel takes it upon himself to take revenge on Durka and ends up undoing the cleansing and restoring him to his former, tyrannic incarnation.