She has to start the mating process before that time, and once it starts it's a six-day process of coupling to guarantee conception. He seems intrigued at the prospect, but being a father didn't really fit into his plans. His life, before he became the Voyager ship's cook, had not been conducive to family life, so I can't blame him entirely. Voyager, now firmly stuck in whale territory, finds that it is both the object of interest and repulsion. Several of the creatures latch on to the hull, and a very, very large creature approaches with apparently hostile intent.
Evasive maneuvers begin.
Tuvok appears in the mess hall as a crewman sputters painfully and Neelix apologizes for putting too much pepper on the food. As Tuvok sits to eat, Neelix asks him what parenthood is like. Tuvok, we learn, has three sons and one daughter. Tuvok describes the good and bad of fatherhood, and Neelix begins to rethink his earlier reticence. Next thing we know, Neelix is back in Kes' quarters, eager to begin the process.