The story is told from the perspective of Jonathan Archer's pet beagle, Porthos, while he is living on the Enterprise (NX-01). On March 12, 2155, Porthos is brought along when the Caitian Ambassador, Gopalahr, visits the Enterprise and brings his family. This includes his youngest daughter, the shy, stuttering Parenelsa. She ends up overindulging the dog and feeding him too much cheese. Because the dog has lactose intolerance, this becomes a rather sticky situation.