Rescued from the singularity, the twenty-three survivors are a diverse group of aliens with a story to tell. Labeled as "The Scum" on a nearby world that was once cosmopolitan and welcoming, their home had a severe regime shift toward a xenophobic policy. At first, they were rounded up and imprisoned, and eventually expelled. Persecution followed these, "Trans-Sentients," into space where paramilitary and "death squad" groups have ventured out to eliminate them.
The Scum practice unfettered experimentation with their mental, emotional, and biological potential. Their culture is unregulated, collective, and anarchistic. They combine elements of technology, controlled chemistry, and latent psychic talent to break down the walls of inhibition, perception, and privacy. The Scum invite the crew of the Ulysses to try their mind and emotion-expanding practices. These "Ecstatics" are respectful of Starfleet's regimen, but they do not deny curious individuals.
The Scum were heading toward a conclave they understand to be safe and secure- they request the Ulysses help them. In return, they will trade what they know about local stellar cartography. Though their presence is disruptive to routine, the Scum aren't trying to cause troubles. But, a group of paramilitary ships move to intercept the Ulysses.