When Voyager is trapped in "chaotic space," an area where the laws of physics are in a state of flux, Chakotay begins hearing and seeing things. The telepathic aliens living inside the space are trying to contact the ship. However, prolonged communication may leave him insane or braindead. In their first attempt, Chakotay was boxing on the holodeck. The aliens induced further hallucinations of him boxing as "The Maquis Mauler," fighting Delta Quadrant's champion "Kid Chaos." Ultimately, the aliens help Voyager safely leave "chaotic space."

Voyager encounters a damaged and adrift Malon freighter in danger of releasing deadly theta radiation into that sector of space and rescues two crew members. Captain Janeway sends a repair crew to try and contain the radiation spread. Before they embark on the mission, the two crewmen warn them about the "Angel of Decay" that wreaks havoc aboard the ship.