It could theoretically be the same universe but void of continuity or without the law of non-contradiction in place. Maybe the whole thing is Benny Russell's story and Benny's writing a new story while forgetting or not caring about how it fits in with the rest of the stories. As they've said on star trek plenty of times: "If you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth"
I do not believe that was ever the intent.