3.23 distant origin

Dr Gegen, a lizard-like Voth scientist, finds remains of a Voyager crewmember on a planet and notes that there are 47 identical genetic markers, enforcing his controversial theory that these inferior mammals are relatives and direct descendants – and that the Voth originated on earth. When his attempts to convince the government fail, he pursues Voyager itself, intent on bringing back proof. With advanced speed and technology, his ship is able to catch Voyager, and, with his assistant, beam on board and, for a time, observe the crew without being observed. But when they are suddenly discovered, Gegen’s assistant is captured, and Gegen takes Chakotay with him back onto his ship.

Back on Voyager, the doctor has also matched up the 47 genetic markers. Janeway and the doctor create a holo-experiment and discover that the Voth are direct descendants of earth’s dinosaurs.

Initially, Gegen treats Chakotay like a specimen, but quickly Chakotay convinces him to treat him as an equal and make first contact again, this time in a civilized way. Gegen agrees, but also insists on taking Chakotay back with him to the city ship as evidence of his theory. Before Chakotay can argue, they are informed that the Voth government has captured Voyager, and will kill them if Gegen does not turn himself in. He does  - and, together, Gegen and Chakotay argue their case. But the advocate has no intention of doing anything except defending the status quo at all costs, and she threatens to detain the crew of Voyager unless Gegen denounces his theory – which he does.

Finally, Chakotay says goodbye, and leaves Gegen with a momento – a hand-size glass globe of earth.

This is another great concept – that dinosaurs indeed did survive – and it also holds a mirror up to how we frown upon and degrade those species whom we consider inferior to us, just as the Voth did to the Voyager crew.