Because most of the starship's systems contained nitrium in varying quantities, the parasite had ample food sources. In the process of metabolizing the nitrium, the parasite seriously endangered the functions of critical ship's systems including inertial dampers, life support, and the dilithium chamber. When the presence of the parasite was finally detected, in part due to its luminescent photonic trail, the Enterprise made its way to the Pelloris field, a dense asteroid belt with high concentrations of nitrium. Once there, a particle beam rich in nitrium was directed toward an asteroid, providing a trail for the parasite to follow off the ship to another food source. Damage from the infestation was shortly repaired. (TNG: "Cost of Living" )