In their continuing search for a source of dilithium crystals that could be used to supplement Voyager's power core, the crew of the starship comes upon a planet that seems replete with the substance. Upon closer examination, they find that the place is really a base for the Vidiians, a strange alien culture that must steal bodily organs to fight the "phage," a disease that eats away at their bodies and destroys their organs. Neelix falls prey to them, and the race is on to save his life.

Cully Fredricksen (Vidiian #1)
Steven Rappaport (Vidiian #2)
Martha Hackett (Ensign Seska)

• The Vidiians transplant one of Kes' lungs into Neelix.