"Captain's log, stardate 54058.6. Our request to enter the Delta Flyer into the Rally has been accepted. I'm meeting with the race co-ordinator, Ambassador O'Zaal, to work out the details." Janeway shows O'Zaal into her Ready Room and they sit at the window together. O'Zaal: "We have teams that have travelled quite a distance, Captain, but none as far as the Alpha Quadrant." Janeway: "We're always willing to go that extra light-year for a good cause." O'Zaal: "Well, your entrance petition seems to be in order. The Delta Flyer meets our guidelines."

They are interrupted by a transmission from O'Zaal's assistant who tells him that the Aksani are threatening to withdraw unless they are allowed to host the post-race ceremony but it was already promised to another species. O'Zaal tells him to arrange another meeting so that O'Zaal can find some way of appeasing them. Janeway and Chakotay, in the background, overhear the conversation.

After the transmission, O'Zaal to Janeway and Chakotay: "Well, I hope the race you've just entered doesn't end before it begins." Janeway: "It's that serious?" O'Zaal: "The peace is still very fragile. Every decision I make, no matter how trivial, is looked upon as symbolic." Chakotay: "So every time you make a concession to one participant-" O'Zaal: "Another is offended, yes." Janeway: "Maybe we can help." O'Zaal: "That would be wonderful, but how?" Janeway: "By providing neutral ground for the pre- and post-race activities. Since we've never taken sides in your conflict you couldn't be accused of showing favouritism." O'Zaal: "If your racing skills are as sharp as your diplomatic instincts the other teams won't have a chance."

	The pre-race reception, held in Voyager's Messhall. The Rally's competiting crews converse socialise amongst themselves and various members of Voyager's crew.
	Neelix has done Voyager proud, preparing lots of interesting and enticing food dishes presented as a beautifully displayed buffet. In this picture Neelix stands at the buffet table with his back to us.
	Irina, indicating a guest standing alone in the corner looking out of the window: "There's someone to watch out for." Paris: "What's his story?" Irina: "His name is Assan. He was a fighter pilot, one of the most ruthless." Kim to Paris: "Er, where are you going?" Paris: "A little personal reconnaissance."
	Paris extends a hand to Assan but is ignored. Lieutenant Tom Paris, welcome aboard." Assan continues to ignore him. "Could I get you something, a drink, something to eat, tour of the ship?" Assan, without looking at Paris: "Were you assigned to serve me?" Paris: "Erm, not exactly." Assan: "Are we friends?" Paris: "I guess not." Assan: "Then you must be one of those pilots who believes in the fellowship of combat." Paris: "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought this was a friendly race, not a battle. Assan: "If you believe that, then you've already lost." (Assan's co-pilot, however, is participating socially in the gathering. He can be seen holding a drink and talking to someone above.)

Joxum enters. He is Irina's co-pilot. As they greet each other warmly and hug each other, Kim believes his chances of any romantic involvement with Irina are in vain.

Torres enters Astrometrics. Torres: "Seven, I need you to run a diagnostic on the lateral sensor array." Seven: "As soon as I'm finished." Torres: "With what?" Seven: "Finding the most efficient course for the first segment of the Rally." Torres: "Seems like the entire crew has come down with race fever." Seven: "Perhaps you could persuade the Doctor to develop a vaccine."

Torres: "I'm surprised you're putting time into this."
Seven: "Initially I did find this activity irrelevant, but then I realised that it is important for the crew's morale and for my relationship with Lieutenant Paris."
Torres: "Your relationship with Lieutenant Paris?"
Seven: "I was speaking professionally. I often work with him on navigational problems. He can be an erratic individual. He's also a very competent officer and clearly a skilled pilot."
Torres: "It's the erratic individual that takes getting used to."
Seven: "No doubt, but I've learned that if I embrace some of his interests, support him in his personal goals, we're able to function more efficiently as crewmates."
Seven's words give Torres something to think about, about her own relationship with Paris.

The Rally competitors begin lining up at the starting line. The picture shows Irina's ship flying over the top of Voyager to take up position.