The U.S.S. Voyager rescues two crewmen from an abandoned, out of control Malon freighter that's about to unleash a theta radiation blast into the sector. Soon, Lieutenant Torres leads an away team to board the freighter and contain the poison - despite warnings from its crewman, Fesek and Pelk, about the Angel of Decay that wreaks havoc aboard the cargo ship.

Seven of Nine gets lessons from The Doctor on socializing and dating rituals to broaden her knowledge of human behavior,When they enter a holodeck simulation in Sandrine's nightclub, Seven not only learns the art of small talk, but how to slow dance and sing a song. She makes a date with Lieutenant Lansing but it's The Doctor who falls in love with Seven.