Originally
from the Ocampan Homeworld, Kes joins the Voyager crew in 2371 eager to
investigate the universe. Though she possesses the intellect and
appearance of an adult woman, Kes is only a year old. Kes’ first job
as a new Voyager crew member is tending to the Airponics Garden.
Kes soon
surprises herself and Voyager’s crew by exhibiting paranormal
abilities and, via an astonishing capacity to absorb knowledge, learns
to be the Doctor’s medical assistant. Kes’ personal life is upset,
though, when she unexpectedly appears to enter a once-in-a-lifetime
fertility phase.
By 2372
Kes is becoming independent: learning mental discipline and piloting
from Tom Paris. Neelix’s jealousies both surprise and hurt. In an
important role reversal, Kes mentors the Doctor , improving his bedside
manner and encouraging self-expression. Kes briefly discontinues her
telekinetic experiments after a rogue Ocampan pushes her too far and she
nearly kills Tuvok.
In 2373
Kes’ body becomes the vessel for the mind of a vicious tyrant with no
qualms about using Ocampan powers to overpower others. Though Kes is
later restored, the experience gives her a new perspective and she
breaks up with Neelix. Not long afterwards Kes, now three years old,
almost leaves Voyager with an appealing traveler named Zahir.
Kes knows
she’s ready for a change, but no one predicts that a chance connection
with Species 8472 will initiate a chain reaction that, by the beginning
of 2374, sees Kes experiencing uncontrolled cellular flux and powerful
psychokinetic outbursts that imperil the ship. As she leaves Voyager,
encouraged by Janeway to find her new destiny, Kes uses her powers to
send the ship past Borg space and 9,500 light-years closer to Earth.
Unfortunately,
the next few years are terrible for Kes, who cannot find a place to call
home. Her difficulties and loneliness turn to hatred. In 2376 Kes
returns to Voyager with plans to re-visit 2371 and rescue her past self
from Janeway’s ‘corrupting’ influence. But the Captain
short-circuits Kes’ resentment and helps her make the decision to
return to her people.
