“Nemesis” is episode four of season four of Star Trek: Voyager.
The episode opens in some woods at night and armed people, who cannot be seen clearly but there’s a definite feeling they are using projectile weapons, are tracking someone through the woods. They corner the person, who turns out to be Chakotay.
Chakotay is taken back to a group of soldiers – the locals have an odd way of speaking – and their leader, Brone, is told he was found in the trunks. He had no arms and his colours are not those of the Kradin, but they aren’t Vori – Chakotay’s captors – either. Brone states that Chakotay is no Nemesis and they war on none but the Nemesis, so Chakotay should be set free. A bit of a confusing conversation.
Chakotay is freed and Brone introduces himself as the team leader of the Fourth Vori Defense Contingent. Chakotay introduces himself in return. Brone apologises for his defenders, saying they are new to the Clash and the Nemesis is all around. Chakotay flew a little too close to the planet after detecting omicron radiation and was attacked. He had to do an emergency transport to the surface. Brone explains that the Kradin, their Nemesis, fire on any craft that lacks Kradin colours. Chakotay’s communicator isn’t working and he’s told that comms are suppressed in the clash zone. Brine is meeting with another contingent in two days; Chakotay can send a signal then. Chakotay doesn’t want to wait that long and wants to try and find his shuttle. Brone convinces him to wait until the next day.
Another Vori, Rafin, introduces himself. He wants to know if Chakotay saw any of the Kradin beasts. Rafin, it seems, is new and Namon, the one who led those who caught Chakotay, tells him he needs to turn his trembles to rages, or he will be nullified by the Nemesis. Chakotay asks about the Kradin; they are horrid beasts. When Chakotay wishes to head back to his shuttle, Namon volunteers to take him.
On the trip, Namon wants to know if Chakotay has ever nullified another. Chakotay says it is the worst thing. Namon thinks whoever Chakotay nullified was not half so beastly as the Kradin. Chakotay suggests peaceful solutions to conflict – given that he used to be a Maquis, who sought the exact opposite, either hypocrisy or a massive change of heart. They stumble across part of the shuttle, then two Kradin appear and Namon is killed, killing a Kradin at the same time. Chakotay tries to get the other to surrender, but the rest of the Vori appear and shoot it dead.
Chakotay is given Namon’s coverings, because he needs to walk with the Vori to the next cluster mark, and his red and black uniform is not exactly inconspicuous in a forest. He’s also given a gun, even though he doesn’t want one, as it’s not his war, but Brone tells him that if they greet the Nemesis, Chakotay will fight with the rest. If he’s with them, he will follow Brone’s orders. Rafin teaches Chakotay how to shoot the gun; Rafin thinks it’s his fault Namon is dead as Rafin was too afraid to accompany Chakotay. During the training, Chakotay mentions those he fought against, the Cardassians; he says they weren’t very friendly. Chakotay always felt fear, even though he believed in what he was doing.
During the night, the contingent stumble across someone from the Seventh staked to the ground, face up. Apparently, Vori should be face down and upfaced is desecration. The Seventh are not answering their signal and scouts are sent ahead. The Seventh are all dead, and all upturned. Brone wants to know if Chakotay understands now. Then the Fourth are themselves attacked.
Most of the episode focuses on Chakotay, as he gradually becomes convinced that the Kradin are beasts and need killing. It might help that they look like their appearance was inspired by the Predator. Voyager, meanwhile, is speaking to an ambassador, who is warning them about the Nemesis they face. Something does seem a little off, though.