While on a moon looking for polyferranide deposits to reseal the warp coils, Chakotay sees an ancient symbol. The last time he saw it was on a quest to Earth with his father, who explained it was a blessing to the land left by descendants of the ancient Rubber Tree People. Following a warp signature leads Voyager to a planet which seems to use the weather to prevent their approach. Chakotay goes alone to meet the planet's inhabitants and meets the people worshipped by his ancestors as the 'Sky Spirits'. Meanwhile, aboard the ship, Kes has noticed an appalling lack of compassion in the Doctor's personality. She suggests that if he were ever sick, he would develop more empathy for the sufferings of his patients. He accepts her challenge, but his confidence is shaken by his experience with a 29-hour Livodian flu.
