The U.S.S. Voyager encounters an adrift Hirogen ship with a critically wounded Hirogen hunter on board. Janeway orders that the alien be beamed into the U.S.S. Voyager's sickbay, despite Seven of Nine's warnings that the formidable Hirogen would regard the crew as no more than prey to be hunted and killed. Janeway disavows her concern and brings the Hirogen on board. His presence brings even greater danger when the creature that he has been hunting across space — Species 8472, lethal even to the Borg — boards Voyager.

Clint Carmichael (Hirogen Hunter)
Tiny Ron (Alpha-Hirogen)

• Species 8472 were first seen in "Scorpion, Part I".
  
• Seven of Nine refit some of the phaser rifles to fire Borg nanoprobes to incapacitate the creature.
  
• The Doctor begins giving Seven lessons in improving her social skills.
  
• When Seven disobeys the Captain's orders, she restricts her access to non-primary systems.