Troi becomes mysteriously pregnant and Dr. Pulaski joins the crew.
The second season opens with a new crew member, Dr. Katherine Pulaski, and with the strange pregnancy of Counselor Troi, who is impregnated by a mysterious energy being. The child grows at an incredible rate, and the crew is unsure how to handle the pregnancy. At the same time, the Enterprise transports a dangerous and highly contagious substance.
This is the first appearance of Guinan, the mysterious bartender of Ten Forward, who becomes a beloved recurring presence and a friend to Picard. The episode also marks the start of a new season with a changed cast. It is a gentle story that tries to be a thoughtful exploration of birth, parenthood and loss, and it gives Troi a rare moment of personal drama.