Armed conflict erupts when aliens from the Fifth Dimension mistake Ensign Paris' "Captain Proton" holographic novel for reality. The aliens consider the novel's main character, the evil Dr. Chaotica, to be a threat so they knock the U.S.S. Voyager's controls off-line. Janeway is forced to assume the role of the story's powerful Arachnia, Queen of the Spider People, and infiltrate Chaotica's Fortress of Doom. Meanwhile, The Doctor takes on the role of the novel's President of Earth to help the aliens defeat Chaotica.

Martin Rayner (Dr. Chaotica)
Nicholas Worth (Lonzak)
Jim Krestalude (Alien #1)
Tarik Ergin (Satan's Robot)

• The aliens from "the fifth dimension" are phontonic beings. To them, the Holodeck appears real, but the "biochemical carbon-based" lifeforms do not.
  
• Neelix actually tells Janeway that there only four working lavatories for a ship of 150 people, and only three working showers. He also mentions that the Bolians on board are uncomfortable because of this...either they go to the bathroom a lot or they need to take a lot of showers???
  
• The Paramount press release mistakenly referred to "Lieutenant Paris 'Captain Proton' holographic novel" in the first sentence of the synopsis. At this point, he is an Ensign.
  
• This episode was filmed while the bridge set was being rebuilt after the fire damage.
  
• Tarik Ergin (Satan's Robot) is usually seen playing background bridge officer Lt. Ayala.