Despite B'Elanna's romantic plans, Tom Paris convinces the Captain to let him enter the Delta Flyer into a politically-charged Interstellar race against once-warring nations. Although the course is incredibly demanding and potentially fatal, Paris finds that negotiating lethal obstacles at breakneck speeds is only one of his worries.

A young Starfleet officer is discovered beaten and comatose in a holodeck. When more officers are similarly attacked, it becomes clear that former Maquis troops are being hunted and disabled by an unknown assailant. Leading the investigation, Commander Tuvok delves into the personal records of the crew, and makes a disturbing discovery.