Sequel to The Ugliness of Things. Malcolm asks for a leave of absence to get reassessed by Starfleet in San Francisco. On his way there, however, the transport on which he is travelling is attacked and he finds himself stranded on a planet with other survivors. This story is complete in itself but is intricately linked with The Ugliness of Things, to which it often refers.

On a planet for a simple mission, Trip and Malcolm run into trouble, and the usually staunch Security Officer must face the enemy within.

Has Phlox's second wife Feazal really given up on Trip? And what is going on between Hoshi and Malcolm? A humorous coda to the episode "Stigma"

A Security Officer who seems to know things in advance... A delicate diplomatic mission... A species in danger of being enslaved by two fighting races. Mystery and adventure on and off board the Enterprise.