2.7 maneuvers

Voyager investigates a signal from a Federation beacon, hoping it is a probe sent from the Alpha quadrant, but it is a trap set by the Kaizon Nistra sect – with the help of their new technical advisor, Seska (who deserted to the Kaizon a few episodes ago). With a clever attack the Kaizon steal transporter technology. Chakotay feels responsible and steals a shuttlecraft to go on a solo kamikaze mission to recapture the technology. He does, but is captured – his automated beacon telling Voyager not to rescue him almost convinces Janeway, but a couple of passionate speeches by Torres change her mind. Unable to beam Chakotay out, Janeway instead beams the leaders of the various Kaizon sects in, and holds them hostage until Chakotay is returned. Chakotay is put on report, and hopes his problems with Seska are over, until, in the final scene, an automated message from Seska informs Chakotay that she stole some of his DNA while he was a captive, and she has now impregnated herself and is carrying his baby. Good episode, although Chakotay’s reasons for so obviously defying orders seems out of character with all of his other behavior, including his very strident attitude toward any subordinates who have attempted to do the same thing.