This episode introduces a new group of semi-regulars: four partially assimilated Borg children, rejected as unworthy drones by the Borg collective. Capturing the Delta Flyer, children Icheb (Manu Intiraymi), Mezoti (Marley S. McClean), Azan (Kurt Wetherill), and Rebi (Cody Wetherill) kidnap Chakotay (
Robert Beltran), Kim (Garrett Wang), Neelix (Ethan Phillips), and Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill), hoping to use them as shields while making their escape. As Janeway (
Kate Mulgrew) negotiates for the release of her crew members, the Doctor (
Robert Picardo) reluctantly considers several measures that will save his colleagues -- but possibly destroy the children. "
Collective" first aired on February 16, 2000. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide