Stardate 3087.6: While in orbit above a barren planet, a strange phenomenon causes the planet to "wink out" and attain zero gravity, a state of non-existence, the effects of which are felt throughout the galaxy. Starfleet evacuates the area around the center of the effect and orders the Enterprise to investigate, fearing that what they are experiencing may be a prelude to an invasion from an alternate universe. Kirk, Spock, and a security team beam down to the planet after discovering a life form on the previously uninhabited world. The being they discover is Lazarus, a chaotic almost deranged, man who claims that the effect is being caused by his arch enemy who he is pursuing in a time traveling machine. Upon investigation, most of the wild claims appear to be lies, and Kirk becomes frustrated by Lazaurs. Adding to the confusion, Lazarus begins alternating from rage to calm, frantic insanity to complete control, while a wound on his head disappears and reappears. Lazarus learns of the ship's dilithium crystals and tells the captain that he needs the crystals so that he can find his enemy. Kirk refuses, but Lazarus steals the crystals anyway and then disappears. Kirk beams down to find Lazarus and accidentally transports to an alternate universe where he discovers that Lazarus is, in fact, two identical beings. Lazarus-A is a madman from Kirk's universe while Lazarus-B is a rational man from an alternate, anti-matter universe who has been shifting back and forth between both universes, trading places with Lazarus-A. Both beings cannot coexist in the same universe or both universes will be destroyed, yet this is precisely what Lazarus-A is trying to accomplish. Kirk decides to help Lazarus-B trap Lazarus-A inside a corridor between the two universes where both will exist until time itself is at an end. The plan succeeds, and both universes are saved. Kirk, however, can't help but wonder about the sacrifice made by Lazarus-B and what it would be like to fight a madman forever.