When a plague in the densely populated Rachelis System races out of control, help from the U.S.S. Enterprise is enlisted in the medical emergency. But while preparing to transport samples of a deadly plasma plague from a Federation research station to a site where a suitable antidote can be developed, the crew is stunned by an unexpected announcement: Counselor Troi is pregnant. According to Troi, a glowing white light impregnated her while she was asleep. Dr. Kate Pulaski, the ship's new Chief Medical Officer, confirms Troi's prognosis and reports that the fetus will reach full term within 36 hours. Not knowing the true origins or intent of this mysterious child, Picard puts the crew on security alert. But when Troi gives birth to a boy named Ian, he appears to be completely harmless - although he amazes his mother and the crew when he grows from an infant to an eight-year-old in one day.
