During a shuttle mission to replenish Voyager's food supplies, Neelix and Lt. Paris discover an embryonic pod and become caretakers of the hatchling infant.

On an away team looking for needed resources, Chakotay is reminded of his youth when he disappointed his father by not embracing his tribe's cultural heritage. He finds a familiar cultural symbol drawn in the ground used by his ancestors to "heal the land." Chakotay then tries to contact the beings his tribe calls the "Sky Spirits." Meanwhile, the Doctor continues to monitor Ensign Samantha Wildman's pregnancy.