A rare phenomenon, a nebula formed around a neutron star, that the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D is to study circa stardate 45852.1; it is vividly red and includes higher than usual levels of hydrogen, helium and trionium. It also contains an intelligent energy-vortex life form capable of metamorphosis and the first recorded instance of energy strands that create a drag against the ship's shields and prevent creation of a warp field.