In the first year of the Enterprise-D's mission, a virulent epidemic strikes the populace of Archaria III, endangering the lives of thousands and provoking acts of violence against those believed responsible for the spread of the disease.
Tracking a shuttle's distress signal to the nearly deserted Arbuk System, the USS Voyager crew encounters an unusual weapon a thousand times more powerful than the Starship. Inside the shuttle, the crew discovers an unconscious alien and no more information about the device.
The Hortas of Janus V1 are the greatest miners in the galaxy, capable of burning through solid rock the way humanoids move through air. Recruited to help rebuild Bajor's devastated mining industry, the Hortas could provide new hope for the planet's struggling economy.
Kira and Worf embark on a dangerous undercover mission deep into the heart of the Gamma Quadrant to find the secret of the addictive substance that the Changelings use to control their Jem'Hadar warriors.