Neelix is having a busy day. He is in great demand.

Messhall. Neelix pours coffee for a female crewmember and for Kim. Neelix: "Oh, you look like a man who could use more coffee." Kim: "Keep it coming. I'm working on my monthly Ops report. So much has happened in the last few weeks on this ship, I'm going to be up all night." Neelix: "This firenut blend should keep you eyes open." Kim agrees:"Potent stuff! Thanks."

Chakotay informs Neelix that Voyager has detected a class 1 nebula with traces of proto-matter inside. Neelix replies that it is one of best energy sources in the Quadrant and one of the most sought after commodities. As he has the experience Chakotay invites him along on an away mission to collect a sample of proto-matter. Neelix: "When I was making my living as a trader. Protomatter's one of the most sought-after commodities, the best energy source in the quadrant." Chakotay: "We could use your expertise in collecting a sample. We're leaving at 1400 hours. See you in the Shuttlebay?" Neelix: "I'll be there, sir."

Seven, holding a plate of food: "These nutritional supplements are unacceptable." Neelix: "What's wrong?" Seven: "They are pungent." Neelix: "That's the whole idea. I've been adding Talaxian spices to broaden your palate." Seven: "My palate is sufficiently broad." Neelix: "Why settle for sufficient? The Doctor tells me you have a full complement of taste buds. You've hardly begun to use them. Come by the Messhall Thursday night. It's the first day of Prixin. We'll have an impressive array of exotic cuisine."

Seven: "Prixin?"
Neelix: "The Talaxian celebration of family. We observe it every year on Voyager. Now that you're part of the family you're welcome too."
Seven: "What must I do to prepare?"
Neelix: "Nothing. It's not a mission, Seven, it's a party!"
Wildman, via comms.: "Ensign Wildman to Neelix."
Neelix, via comms.: "Neelix here." WILDMAN [OC]: I hate to bother you, but Naomi's having trouble getting to sleep again. Would you mind?"
Neelix: "No bother at all. I'm on my way." To Seven: "If you'll excuse me, duty calls."
Seven: "Naomi? I don't recall that designation on the Crew Manifest."
Neelix: "That's because she's not a member of the crew. Naomi was the first child born on Voyager. I'm her godfather and the only one who can get her to sleep lately. Bon appetit." He leaves.

In Cargo Bay 2, Neelix searches for his favourite storage container in which to capture the proto-matter. He notes Seven watching him because he is talking aloud to the container as he hunts for it. Seven: "You are a peculiar creature, Neelix." Neelix: "Thank you. I think."

Neelix says he nearly lost the container to the Kazon. Seven replies that the Borg encountered a Kazon colony in the Gand sector, grid 6920: "Their biological and technological distinctiveness was unremarkable. They were unworthy of assimilation." Neelix: "I didn't realise the Borg were so discriminating." Seven: "Why assimilate a species that would detract from perfection?" Neelix: "Good point."

Chakotay, Paris and Neelix enter the nebula in a shuttlecraft to collect a sample of proto-matter. Paris wants Neelix to make pizza once a week, saying it is made only of bread, cheese and tomato. Neelix says the cheese may be difficult to replicate but since it means so much to him he will try.

The nebula sends out random energy discharges. One strikes Neelix, and kills him!

Chakotay tells Paris to set the cortical stimulator to an autonomic bypass so they can get Neelix's vitals going but Paris says that it is too late. Despite the loss, Chakotay calls Paris back to the pilot's seat - they urgently need to escape the nebula.