03x21 - The Cloud Minders

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Captain's log, stardate 5818.4.

A botanical plague
is devastating a planet

in the quadrant of the galaxy where
the Enterprise is operating at present.

It threatens to destroy the vegetation
on the entire planet,

leaving it uninhabitable.

Per Federation orders,
we are proceeding at top warp speed

to the planet Ardana,

where the only known source
of zenite exists.

It is the one substance
that can halt the plague.

Captain, the high adviser of Ardana
is ready to receive you on Stratos, sir.

On Stratos? That's their cloud city,
isn't it, Mr. Spock?

- It is, captain.
- Well, there must be some mistake.

Do you have the coordinates
to the mine entrance available?

They have already been provided
to the transport officer.

Along with those of the council
chamber of the high adviser.

- Kirk to Transporter Room.
- Ready to transport, captain.

Mr. Scott, are you locked in
on the mine entrance

or on their cloud city, Stratos?

The mine entrance.
That's what you ordered, captain.

Fine. Uhura, tell the high adviser

that we request to dispense
with the welcoming ceremonies

due to the emergency, that we're
beaming directly down to the mine entrance

in order to ensure the fastest possible
delivery of the zenite.

- The need is urgent.
- Aye, sir.

Mr. Spock, come with me.

Oh, and tell them
that we appreciate the honour

and that we look forward
to some visit in the future.

Aye, sir.

Stratos, captain,
a city actually floating in the sky.

Looks as tranquil
as its reputation, doesn't it?

It is one of the most interesting
metropolises in the galaxy.

Have you ever visited here, captain?

Once. I didn't have time
to look around.

I've never had the opportunity.

However, I hear its art forms
are incomparable.

Yes, art is the population's
chief occupation.

It is a totally intellectual society.

All forms of v*olence
have been eliminated.

There's the mine entrance.

The zenite consignment
should have been there.

I don't understand it.
Those Troglyte miners

were supposed to have made
delivery when we beamed down.

Perhaps there is
another entrance, captain.

It would seem the Troglytes have
changed their minds about delivery.

Space, the final frontier.

These are the voyages
of the starship Enterprise.

Its five-year mission:
To explore strange new worlds,

to seek out new life
and new civilisations,

to boldly go where no man
has gone before.

Who are you?
What's the meaning of this att*ck?

Interference breeds att*ck, captain.
Come on.

We're here by permission of your
government council on an emergency mission.

Move on, captain.

Troglytes, halt!

Surrender or we'll fire!

- Are you harmed, gentlemen?
- No, just a little shaken up.

I am Plasus,
high advisor of the planet council.

Captain Kirk, Enterprise.
My first officer, Mr. Spock.

- Greetings, Mr. Advisor.
- My regrets for the unpleasantness

- of your welcome to Ardana.
- It was rather warm.

Unfortunately, v*olence is habitual
with the Troglytes.

But I assure you,
this insult will not go unpunished.

Well, I'm more concerned
with the zenite consignment.

Why wasn't it
in its specified location?

Apparently the Disrupters have
confiscated it, just as I knew they would.

The Disruptors? Who are they?

A small group
of Troglyte malcontents.

All the other Troglytes
are completely dominated by them.

It's the Disruptors who are responsible

for their refusal
to continue mining for zenite.

They agreed to the delivery.
Your council assured us.

They agreed, obviously,
as a ruse to get valuable hostages.

Hostages? For what purpose?

To force the council
to meet their demands.

Organise a search party immediately
and find the zenite consignment.

Meanwhile, captain,

I would suggest that you
and First Officer Spock

be our guests on Stratos.

Very well. I do hope the search
will be brief, Mr. Advisor.

We'll do everything possible
to make it so. Come, gentlemen.

Remarkable.

The finest example of sustained
anti-gravity elevation I've ever seen.

The sentinel told me
of our honoured guests, my father.

- I came to extend greetings.
- A most gracious act.

Gentlemen, one of our planet's
most incomparable works of art.

My daughter Droxine.
Captain James Kirk.

- A pleasure, madam.
- Indeed, yes, captain.

And First Officer Spock.

I have never before met a Vulcan, sir.

Nor I a work of art, madam.

Come, gentlemen,
there is much to see in our city.

This is our council gallery.
It is open to all city dwellers.

We have some of the finest of our
various art forms assembled here for the

viewing and contemplation
of every...

- Disruptors again!
- How dreadful.

They're despoiling the whole city.

Despoil? For what purpose?

By keeping us in constant turmoil,

they hope to force the council
to accede to their demands.

- What are their demands?
- Completely unreasonable, captain.

- But nothing you need be concerned with.
- I must concern myself with it

if it should interfere with the delivery
of zenite to Merak II.

Mr. Advisor, the plant life is the source
of oxygen on that planet.

Obviously, if all plant life is destroyed,
the humanoid life will follow.

I assure you, gentlemen,
you will get what you came for.

I hope so.
Ardana is a member of the Federation.

And it is your council's responsibility
that nothing interferes

with its obligation
to another member of the Federation.

Of course,
and we accept the responsibility.

But why do they destroy art forms?
That is a loss to everyone.

Art means nothing to the Disruptors.
This is the only form they understand.

The disturbances accompanying
your arrival have been most wearying.

No doubt you would like to rest.

That would be most welcome,
Mr. Advisor.

Chambers have been
prepared for you.

A sentinel will guide you to them.

I'm sorry they were so poorly treated
on their first visit to our planet.

It's fortunate
they were not seriously hurt.

Oh, yeas,
that would have been dreadful.

Further v*olence
could create grave difficulties

between Ardana and the Federation.

The Disruptors must be mad to att*ck
two such charming strangers.

They grow more daring
and determined every day.

Now they seek
to find allies in the galaxy.

Do you think that Captain Kirk
and his very attractive officer

will feel that we're responsible
for their injuries?

All this time I thought you were worried
about our diplomatic relations.

Apologies, Mr. Advisor.

But this Troglyte was apprehended
leaving the city.

He is without a transport card,
so we thought you would want

- to question him.
- Remove his shields.

What is your business
in Stratos, Troglyte?

- Speak! I command you.
- My business is to repair.

- Repair what?
- There are damaged entrance panels.

Indeed. Then you must have
a repair permit. Where is it?

- It was forgotten.
- Did you also forget

your transport card?

It was lost
when your sentinels att*cked me.

And where was
your cavern implement lost?

- Could this perhaps be it?
- I came to make repairs.

And you shall make them, by giving us
the names of the Disruptors.

I know nothing.

I would advise you to
increase your knowledge.

That is not possible for a Troglyte.

The Stratos city dwellers have said it.

Secure him to the rostrum.

How unfortunate.

How unfortunate.

This troubled planet is a place
of the most violent contrasts.

Those who receive the rewards
are totally separated

from those
who shoulder the burdens.

It is not a wise leadership.

Here on Stratos, everything is
incomparably beautiful and pleasant.

The high advisor's
charming daughter, Droxine,

particularly so.

The name Droxine
seems appropriate for her.

I wonder, can she retain such purity
and sweetness of mind

and be aware of the life of the people
on the surface of the planet?

There, the harsh life in the mines

is instilling the people
with a bitter hatred.

The young girl who led the att*ck
against us when we beamed down

was filled with the v*olence
of desperation.

If the lovely Droxine
knew of the young miners' misery,

I wonder how the knowledge
would affect her.

Mr. Spock,

I thought you had accompanied
Captain Kirk to the rest chamber.

- Your movements awakened me.
- My apologies.

I did not realise
they would disturb you.

Only Vulcan ears
would find the noise discernible.

It seems that Vulcans
are fascinatingly different,

in many ways.

The same may be said
of Stratos' inhabitants.

Vulcan eyes are very discerning too.

I hear that, intellectually,

Vulcans are as highly evolved

as Stratos city dwellers.

We do pride ourselves on our logic.

You again!

You sleep lightly, captain.

Yes, duty is a good teacher.

I see you've changed
your dressmaker.

Release me.

So you can att*ck me again?
That would be foolish.

Call the guards
if you're afraid, captain.

I'm not afraid.

In fact, I find this rather enjoyable.

I do not!

All right, I'll make a deal with you.

You answer some questions
and I'll let you up.

What questions?

Your word first.

I will answer.

You only take a mate
once every seven years?

The seven-year cycle

is biologically inherent in all Vulcans.

At that time, the mating drive
outweighs all other motivations.

And is there nothing
that can disturb that cycle,

Mr. Spock?

Extreme feminine beauty...

...is always...

...disturbing, madam.

Spock?

I did not come here
to k*ll you, captain.

Then why this?

To take you hostage.

Am I intruding, captain?

- Vanna.
- Droxine.

Why have you come here?

To welcome our honoured guests

as I was taught to do when I served
in your father's household.

- Has she injured you, captain?
- No, not at all.

In fact, her visit
was quite enlightening.

- Oh?
- Yes, it seems

the Troglytes are under
the impression that the

Enterprise is here to intimidate them.

Send a sentinel
to the rest chamber immediately.

It is not impression, captain.
It is the truth.

We're here to get zenite consignment
and that's it.

Starships do not transport cargo.

In times of emergency,
they do anything.

And believe me, this botanical plague
is an emergency.

Lies will not keep the Troglytes
in the caverns

and neither will your starship.

You talk like a Disruptor, Vanna.

I speak for my people.

They have as much right to the clouds
as the Stratos dwellers.

The Stratos is for advisors
and studiers.

What would Troglytes do here?

Live. In the sunlight and warmth,
as everyone should.

The caverns are warm and your eyes
are not accustomed to light.

Just as your minds
are not accustomed to logic.

Unaccustomed to light and warmth?

That's necessary to all humanoids.

Surely you don't deny it
to the Troglytes.

The Troglytes are workers, captain.
Oh surely you must be aware of that.

They mine zenite for shipment,
till the soil.

Those things cannot be done here.

In other words,
they perform all the physical toil

necessary to maintain Stratos.

That is their function in our society.

But they are not allowed to share
its advantages.

How can they share
what they do not understand?

They can be taught to understand,

especially in a society
that prides itself in enlightenment.

The complete separation
of toil and leisure

has given Ardana this perfectly
balanced social system, captain.

Why should we change it?

The surface of the planet
is almost unendurable.

To restrict a segment of the population
to such hardship

is unthinkable in an evolved culture.

The surface is marred by v*olence.

Like the Troglytes.

Here on Stratos, we have
completely eliminated v*olence.

You still refuse to disclose
the names of the other Disruptors?

There are no Disruptors.

Very well. If you prefer the rays.

Troglyte is an abbreviation
of an ancient Earth term, captain.

Its technical translation
is cave dweller.

Yes. I should have realised...

Mr. Advisor!

You said you were going to
question Vanna, not t*rture her.

She is stubborn and as you yourself
pointed out, captain,

the search for your
zenite consignment must be short.

Surely there are better methods
than this.

Physical discomfort
is extremely persuasive, captain.

Yes, but I won't stand by
while someone is tortured.

Is it preferable to spare Vanna

and allow an entire planet
to be destroyed?

v*olence in reality is quite different
from theory, is it not, madam?

But what else
can they understand, Mr. Spock?

All the little things
you and I understand

and expect from life,

such as equality, kindness, justice.

Troglytes are not like
Stratos dwellers, Mr. Spock.

They're a conglomerate
of inferior species.

The abstract concepts
of an intellectual society

are beyond their comprehension.

The abstract concepts
of loyalty and leadership

seem perfectly clear to Vanna.

A few Troglytes are brought here
as retainers.

Vanna was one of them,
as are the sentinels.

They've received more training
than the others.

But obviously no more consideration.

I fail to see the purpose
of this continued criticism.

The only way you'll use
that device again is on one of us.

An imposing display
of primitive gallantry, gentlemen.

You realise, of course, that
the sentinels could remove you?

Of course, but Starfleet Command
won't take kindly to having either rays

or physical force used against one of
its command personnel, Mr. Advisor.

Why are you so concerned
with this Disruptor's well-being?

Beyond plain humanitarianism,
my orders are to get that zenite.

Then stop interfering
and I'll get it for you.

You won't get it through t*rture!

We will get it for you,
and in our own way.

Remove the prisoner
to confinement quarters.

You will return to your ship at once

or I shall contact
your Starfleet Command myself

and report your interference
with this planet's government.

- Kirk to Enterprise.
- Enterprise, captain.

- Mr. Scott, we're ready to beam up.
- Aye, sir.

If Captain Kirk appears again,

k*ll him.

Captain's log, stardate 5819.0.

More than eight hours have passed since

the consignment of
zenite disappeared

and we have still found no trace of it.

We've received word from Merak II

that the botanical plague
is spreading rapidly.

Delivery of the zenite is imperative
within 12 hours

or all life on the planet
will be annihilated.

Lt. Uhura,
advise Starfleet Command

that the zenite
has not been delivered.

In my opinion, Plasus' method
of accomplishing delivery

will not succeed.

If the zenite is not delivered shortly,

I shall have to violate
Plasus' order of non-interference

and win the confidence
of the Troglyte leader

with the use of reason.

It may not be easy, Jim.

Medical analysis indicates
the Troglytes are mentally inferior.

That's impossible, Bones.

The Troglytes have accepted
personal sacrifice, a common cause.

Mentally inferior beings
aren't capable of that.

Look, I've checked
my findings thoroughly.

Their intellect ratings
are almost 20% below average.

But they're all the same species.

Those who live on Stratos
and those who live below

all originated on the planet.

Their physical and mental evolution
must be similar.

That is basic biological law.

That's true, Spock,

but obviously the ancestors
of those who live on Stratos

removed themselves
from the environment of the mines.

Therefore, they avoided the effects
of certain natural growths.

Natural growths? What kind?

Well, I had this zenite sample sent up
from the surface.

Now, unsealed, it would have had
detrimental effects on everybody here.

Incredible. Zenite is shipped
all over the galaxy

wherever there is danger
of plant bacteria.

- No side effects have ever been reported.
- There are none after it's refined.

But in its raw state,
it emits a odourless, invisible gas

that retards the intellectual
functioning of the mind

and heightens the emotion.

Therefore,
it releases a violent reaction.

And the mines are full of that gas.

That's right. And the Troglytes
are constantly exposed to it.

Bones, the Disruptors,
Vanna. It seems impossible.

They've outwitted a highly-organised
scientific culture for months.

As part of the staff of Stratos,

Vanna was removed from exposure
for a long period.

It is likely that without such exposure,
the effect slowly wears off.

That's right, Spock.

The other Disruptors were probably
removed from the exposure too.

- Does the brain return to normal?
- According to findings, it should.

Can you neutralise the gas?

No, but a filter mask
should remove the exposure.

Find one. Meet us in
the Transporter Room.

This mask automatically eliminates
all substance injurious to humanoid life

chemical as well as bacterial.

We have used
these filter masks frequently on...

Do you really expect me
to believe that that mask

can achieve intellectual equality
for the Troglytes?

There's every indication
that the effect of the gas

is temporary,
even after repeated exposure.

How can a mere filter accomplish

what centuries of evolution
have failed to do?

Dr. McCoy has analysed
the zenite thoroughly.

We've checked his findings
through the computer,

and they're absolutely valid.

And do your computers explain

how my ancestors,
who also dwelt in caverns,

evolved sufficiently to erect Stratos,

while the Troglytes did not?

Unequal evolution did not begin

until after your ancestors
removed themselves

from constant exposure to the gas,
Mr. Advisor.

Preposterous.

There's no time to argue
about the findings now.

I simply propose to tell
Vanna all about them.

I doubt whether even Vanna
will believe such nonsense.

This nonsense might mean
a great deal to the Troglytes.

I would like to offer them
a supply of these filter masks

in exchange
for the zenite consignment.

I'm sorry, captain.

Such an offer could only cause
more unrest among them.

I cannot allow it until our scientists
have checked the findings.

- But that could take days.
- Are you afraid the filter masks will work?

Is that why you don't want
the Troglytes to try them?

You are here to complete an
emergency mission, not conduct tests, captain.

I'm here to get that zenite.

If these will help me get them,
then I'll use them.

And I forbid it.

Your Federation orders do not entitle
you to defy local governments.

This communication has ended.

My diplomacy
is somewhat inadequate.

Well, it's pretty hard
to overcome prejudice.

- Doesn't give us much choice, does it?
- Nor much time.

We have ten hours and 40 minutes
to deliver that consignment to Merak II.

Beam me down to Vanna's
confinement quarters.

You mean you're going back to Stratos
against government orders?

If Vanna doesn't have something
definite to gain for her people,

she'll die rather than turn over
that zenite consignment.

This is the only thing that might convince her.

Captain, if you are apprehended

deliberately violating
the high advisor's orders,

he will be within his rights
to have you ex*cuted if he chooses.

If you're about to suggest
that you contact Vanna,

the answer's negative, Spock.
That goes for you, too, Bones.

Allow me to point out
that a first officer is more expendable

than either a doctor or a captain.

Officially yes, but this mission
is strictly unofficial.

Nobody's to have any part in it,
any responsibility for it, but myself.

That's an order, Spock.

You have the Conn.

Stand by till I contact you.

Vanna.

I've brought you a gift.

There's a dangerous gas
in the mines

that affects the development
of the Troglytes

exposed to it for a period of time.

This mask will prevent
any further damage.

- Gas from zenite?
- Yes.

It's hard to believe that something
which is neither seen nor felt

can do so much harm.

That's true, but an idea
can't be seen or felt.

That's what's kept the Troglytes
in the mines all these centuries.

A mistaken idea.

Would all the Troglytes
wear these masks?

Yes. I'll see to it that the Federation
engineers construct them.

Suppose Plasus does not agree?

Plasus is not the whole government.

That is true, but the city council

will not listen to Troglytes.

As soon as the zenite is delivered
to Merak II, I'll come back.

I'll request permission to mediate
for the Troglytes. Vanna.

You must trust me.

I give you my word.

Centuries ago,
Stratos was built by leaders

that gave their word
that all inhabitants would live there.

The Troglytes are still waiting.

The zenite can be delivered
in a few hours.

- You won't have long to wait now.
- Hours can be centuries.

Just as words can be lies.

Vanna.

You must trust me.

If you don't, millions of people
will die. A whole planet.

This zenite is all that can save them.

This filter mask is all
that can save the Troglytes.

Trust me.

Please.

Very well, captain. I will trust you.

The consignment lies
deep in the mines

in a place known only to Troglytes.

I cannot direct you.
I must take you there.

You asked for my trust, captain.
Are you unwilling to give yours?

It's the sentinel with my refreshment.

Wait. We'll need a transport pass
to leave the city.

- Midro.
- Vanna.

- Anka.
- You have returned.

And I've brought with me a hostage.
Seize him!

We had a bargain.
Why did you break it?

Did you really think
I would trust you, captain?

- I'm not such a fool.
- I trusted you.

You thought you would trick me
with your talk of your filter

and your unseen gas.

I don't believe you
any more than Plasus does.

Then you are a fool. These masks
will free you, just as I said.

Our weapons are our freedom

and you've just furnished me
with two very valuable ones.

Yourself and this.

Holding me won't help you.
My men will still come for that zenite consignment.

Without your communicator,
you will be hard to locate.

- They'll still come.
- Perhaps.

In the meantime,
a taste of our existence, captain.

Dig as the Troglytes do.
As the Troglytes do.

Without that mask, I haven't...

With your bare hands, captain.

Captain's log supplemental,
stardate 5819.3.

First Officer Spock reporting.

Captain Kirk beamed down
to Stratos

to attempt to win the confidence
of the rebel Troglytes.

Unless he has made his escape
from Stratos to the mines,

his life is in danger
from the high advisor.

The captain has not informed us
of his progress.

For our part,
we must maintain silence.

We can be of no help to him
without jeopardising his life.

You dig well, captain.

The unseen gas doesn't seem
to be harming you.

It takes a while
for its effects to be noticed.

Nevertheless,
you won't be needing this.

Anka, deposit this
on the transport platform,

so Plasus will know
we have something

more valuable to bargain with
than our mortaes and thongs.

You are clever, Vanna, very clever.

Searchers will
be coming soon, Midro.

Go to the other mines
and tell the Troglytes to post watchers.

- What of him?
- I will see that he doesn't escape.

If we k*ll him,
there will be no need to see.

A dead hostage is of no value,
Midro.

- Only the Troglytes will know.
- I brought him here.

And I will say what is to be done.

You are not the only Disruptor.
I, too, can say.

Can you do nothing but argue?
The searchers will be here soon.

When Anka returns, we will all say.

Is that what you Disruptors
are bargaining for?

The right to k*ll everyone?

- Midro is a child.
- The masks can change that.

Return to the digging, captain.

How long do you plan
on keeping me here?

Providing Midro doesn't k*ll me,
of course.

Until we have help in the mines
and our homes are in the clouds.

That's quite a while.
Longer than I expected.

- We're sealed in.
- Completely.

But soon the atmosphere will go.
We'll die.

Die from something
that can't be seen?

You astound me, Vanna.

Kirk to Enterprise.
Enterprise, come in.

Kirk to Enterprise.
Enterprise, come in.

- Kirk to Enterprise.
- Spock here.

We've been trying to make contact,
captain. Is anything wrong?

Nothing, Mr. Spock.
Are you locked in on me?

Locked in, and ready
to beam up consignment.

Circumstances dictate
a slight variation, Spock.

Standing by for instructions.

Hold on these coordinates.

Locate the high advisor and beam him
to these coordinates immediately.

Without advance communication.
Repeat.

Without advance communication.
Have you got that, Spock?

Instructions clear. I shall carry
them out immediately. Spock out.

You would seal Plasus here also?

For what purpose?

I'm preparing a demonstration.

On the effects of unbelieved gas.

Beam the high advisor down
without warning, did he say?

That's not an exact quote, Mr. Scott.
However, it does express the thought.

- I'd like to see the advisor's face.
- You will have that opportunity.

The captain did say immediately,
did he not?

Now, that is an exact quote,

Mr. Scott, and I suggest
you handle the Transporter yourself.

This could be very delicate
as a problem in transporting for us

- and in diplomacy for the captain.
- Aye.

- Something's upsetting you, Droxine.
- No, Father.

- What is it? Tell me.
- No, really, I'm not upset.

I was just standing here
looking into space

and wondering whether or not
he would return.

He will never return.
I have seen to that.

But the zenite is so important to him.
We must have it.

It will be delivered.

If we have to k*ll every Troglyte below,
it will be delivered.

By that time, it may be too late.
Perhaps he does have a method...

He knows nothing, except how to
destroy our power and our society.

I forbid you ever to speak
of Captain Kirk, even to think of him.

- Transporter Room to Mr. Spock.
- Spock here.

I've locked into the coordinates
of the cloud city council gallery.

Ready to transport the high advisor.

- You'll have to delay.
- What's wrong?

I'm picking up two life-forms
in the gallery.

They are inseparably close
to one another.

We cannot transport one
without the other.

Did you say the word "immediately"

was an exact quote
of the captain's order?

- Precisely, Mr. Scott.
- Well,

are we going to do anything
about it?

Until the high advisor is alone

or can be isolated,
the captain will have to wait.

Unless you have an alternative.

I'll give it further thought.

No, I wasn't thinking of Captain Kirk.

It's the one with
those exquisitely-shaped ears.

His name is Spock.
He's the one I was thinking about.

Did you know that he has the most
incredibly sensitive hearing?

Why, I almost believe that
if I stood here and called out to him,

he would hear my invitation
to come and visit with us

for a little while longer.

Oh, he's no better than his friend.

Shall we try?

What is it?

The Disruptor Vanna
has disappeared.

Her guard was found
half-unconscious.

- He'd been att*cked by Captain Kirk.
- Where is Captain Kirk?

He did not know, sir. He did not regain
his senses until I came to his aid.

This is the kind of reason
they use to persuade us.

- They are desperate.
- I will hear no more defence of them.

I'm sure Mr. Spock
would not behave so.

Leave here at once.
Go to your music.

Father, are we
so sure of our methods

that we never question what we do?

- Spock to Transporter Room.
- Scott here.

- Lock in on council gallery coordinates.
- Locked in, sir.

- Energize.
- Aye, sir.

Energizing.

- How are you doing, Mr. Scott?
- Fine, Mr. Spock.

The high advisor is materialising
on the platform.

- Beam him down to Captain Kirk immediately.
- Energizing, sir.

- He's on his way to the captain.
- Good work, Mr. Scott.

The advisor looked mighty angry.

I hope he doesn't
give the captain too much trouble.

The captain will employ
his usual diplomatic balm.

Abduction of a planet official
is a serious crime.

You will pay for this, I promise you.

Not until you're convinced of the
effects of the zenite gas. Mr. Advisor.

What effects? I've been here
nearly an hour of your Earth time!

You and Vanna even longer!
I see no changes in any of us.

Perhaps you need closer exposure.
Fill that container.

Are you suggesting that I dig zenite?

- I insist.
- You will indeed pay for this.

You, too, Vanna.

You, too! Dig!

Kirk here. What is it?

Contact check, captain.

It has been over an hour
since your last communication.

Your orders are to stand by.
Now, carry them out. Kirk out.

Standing by, captain.

However, let me remind you
we have only five hours left.

- Very unlike the captain.
- Can the zenite be affecting him?

I grow faint.

The oxygen is going.

She's right.
Kirk, transport us out of here.

We'll leave when the gas has effect.

It will never take effect.
Transport us out of here!

- Dig!
- Imbecile. We'll die!

I said dig!

I am high advisor of all the planet.

I will take no more orders!

- One more step and I'll k*ll you.
- The gas.

Captain, you were right.
It's taking effect.

Captain, you were right.

Are you as brave with mortae
as you are with a phaser?

Both will k*ll.

Enterprise! Enterprise, help!

- Enterprise!
- Enterprise. Spock here.

They'll k*ll each other. Help us.

Help us!

Enterprise! Enterprise!

The zenite gas has affected you.
Captain!

The zenite gas!

Zenite gas.

- Look out, Jim!
- Captain!

Well.

It seems my little
demonstration was...

...quite a success.

I don't like filters, or even masks.

I like the word "protector"
much better,

don't you?

It is less technical,
therefore less accurate.

But perhaps more generally
descriptive of the function.

It appears you have
what you came for after all.

The captain will have his zenite
just as I agreed.

Agreed? There's no such word
in the Troglyte vocabulary.

The captain will have his zenite.

No thanks to any agreement by you.
It had to be obtained by force.

Because it is the only way
we can obtain what is due us.

How about your education?
Was that by force?

It served your purpose at the time.

You could have had those filters,
for all the good it will do you.

They will be very effective, sir.
They've been severely tested.

And the Troglytes
will no longer suffer

from retardation
and emotional difficulties.

They will all be like her.
Ungrateful, vindictive.

Yes. Our demands have just begun.

Here is the zenite, captain.

- Just as I promised.
- Thank you, Vanna.

Stratos is so pleasant
and so beautiful.

I think I'm afraid to leave it.

There is great beauty
in the knowledge that lies below.

And only one way
to really experience it.

I shall go to the mines.

I no longer wish
to be limited to the clouds.

Is...

...your planet like this one?

No.

No, Vulcan is quite different.

Some day I should like to visit it.

Perhaps some form of mediation

can be helpful in your difficulties.

The Federation Bureau of
Industrialization may be of aid to you.

I will tolerate absolutely
no interference!

You will not set foot here
as long as I rule!

Believe me, sir, I have neither
the time nor the desire to return here.

Only answering your charges
against me will force me back.

And I shall press them.
You are guilty of abduction, captain!

And you're guilty of attacking
a starship commander

- and plotting against his life.
- Captain,

perhaps both incidents
are best forgotten.

Yes, Vanna.

They never happened, Mr. Advisor.

Mr. Spock,
let's get that zenite delivered.

I believe we only have
three hours left.

Two hours, 59 minutes
to be exact, captain.

Kirk to Enterprise.
Kirk to Enterprise.

Mr. Scott, beam us up.