A STRANGE CLOUD

A huge cloud-like entity travels through space, devouring everything in its path. Right now, it is traveling through Klingon space, as three Klingon cruisers, led by the Amar, heads for the cloud to fend off its pursuit through their space. Inside the Amar, the Klingon Commander peers closely at the visual data of the cloud. The Klingon Commander orders his subordinates to give him tactical visual. The tactical visual shows the frighteningly powerful cloud in its immense glory, which frightens the Klingon crew, but not its commander. The commander reorders visual and orders tactical to ready weapons. Soon, the Klingon ship Amar's weapons port light up, ready to fire the torpedoes. When the weapons are ready, the commander gives the orders to fire. The torpedoes streak toward the powerful cloud and the Klingon commander watches the visual to see the result of the attack. After a while, as the torpedo enters the cloud, it disappears, leaving the Klingon commander bewildered. He then orders his helmsman for an evasive.

EPSILON NINE'S WATCH

On the Federation space-station, Epsilon Nine, the crew watch the helpless assault of the Klingon's on the cloud. They watch as the Klingon ships, led by the Amar, continue their assault on the unknown phenomenon. When the commander of the station walk up to one of the crewman on the console, the crewman informs him, "We're picking this up on Quad-L14, sir." The commander recognizes the co-ordinates as having been near the Klingon boundary. The commander wants to know who they're fighting, but the crewman doesn't know. Another crewmember informs them that he has an exterior visual. The commander and crew watch as a huge cloud-like thing easily destroys one of the Klingon ships. Now, there is only one Klingon ship left, the Amar. As the Amar tries to evade the cloud-like phenomenon, another energy bolt, like the one that destroyed the others, races toward them. As the energy bolt nears them, the Commander orders one more torpedo strike. As the torpedo hits the energy bolt, it does little damage to it. The energy bolt soon envelops the Klingon ship, and devours it like it did to others. The crew of Epsilon Nine are stunned as they see an empty screen, save for the little effected cloud phenomenon. The crewmember soon informs the commander that she has plotted a course on the cloud, and informs him that it will pass near them. The commander asks the crewmember what it's heading is, and the answer shocks them. "Sir, it's on a precise heading for Earth," answers the crewmember.

THE KOLINARH

Meanwhile, on Vulcan, former USS Enterprise crewmember, Commander Spock, is undergoing a Kolinahr discipline; to rid himself of all human emotions and devote himself totally to logic. As Spock is getting rid of all emotions, he senses something from outer space. He doesn't have time to determine what that is, as he must meet with the elders at the top of a mountain peek. Spock greets the elders in the traditional Vulcan way and soon the ceremony begins. The female priestess informs Spock that the animal passions of their ancestors were abolished from these peeks by the ritual known as Kolinahr. Then, an elder male chimes in by saying that Kolinahr purges all emotions from the Vulcans. The female priestess then tells Spock that he has labored long and he is now ready to receive a pendant, the symbol of total logic. As the priestess is about to put the pendant on Spock's neck, Spock suddenly blocks the priestess as he senses that same consciousness from space and he looks up at the sky. The priestess looks curiously at the others then back at Spock. The priestess then asks Spock to give his thoughts to her, as she places her hands in the traditional mind-meld ritual. After a while, she takes her hand off Spock's face as she has gathered his thoughts. Soon, she says that this consciousness calling to him from space is stirring his human blood. She also tells him that that he hasn't achieved Kolinahr as she drops the pendant in the dust. She tells him that his answers lie elsewhere and tells Spock to live long and prosper. She and the other elders walk away from Spock. Spock soon picks up the pendant in a solemn mood as he knows he has failed.

STARFLEET COMMAND, STARDATE: 7410.2

At Starfleet Command, San Francisco, a tram ferries the promoted Admiral Kirk to Starfleet Command for his meeting with Admiral Nogura. As the tram ferries Kirk, it stops off at a space port, sort of like the airports of the late 20th century Earth. When Admiral Kirk gets off at his stop, he sees Commander Sonak, his new Vulcan science officer. "Commander Sonak," Kirk greets. "You received your final appointment as the new science officer on the Enterprise." Sonak informs that it was through the admiral's recommendations and thanks him. Kirk then wonders why he isn't aboard the Enterprise yet. Sonak explains that Captain Dekker requested he do a final science field report before boarding the ship. "Here at Starfleet?" Kirk asks, incredulous. "The Enterprise is in final preparations to leave spacedock...", Kirk tells Sonak. Sonak informs Kirk that it will take at least twenty hours for the ship to be ready, but a stern admiral tells Sonak that it would need twelve hours to leave dock. Admiral Kirk also tells him that he is meeting with Admiral Nogura, which will not last more than three minutes. He orders Sonak to report to him, to a much quizzical Vulcan. He wonder why he should report to him when Captain Decker is the new captain of the Enterprise. Kirk explains that he intends to be on that ship, following the meeting, meaning he plan to take over the Enterprise as captain of the vessel.

TOUR OF THE NEWLY REDESIGNED ENTERPRISE

In the orbital office docking facility, a transporter technician works furiously to beam the admiral onboard. The transporter seems to be experiencing a slight hiccup. After materializing fully, the admiral wonders why the Enterprise's transporters aren't working properly. He says that its a temporary problem and that it will be fixed shortly. He also stresses to the admiral that Starfleet's departure orders are a joke. They have been designing and redesigning the Enterprise for eighteen months, and he can't fathom Starfleet informing them to be ready in twelve hours. Kirk orders Scotty to take him over as they enter a pod. As they enter the pod, Scotty pleads his case, saying that the Enterprise needs more work and that she's a total shakedown. As the pod doors close, Kirk explains to Scotty that an alien object of immense power is heading their way. "The only vessel within interception range is the Enterprise. Ready or not, she launches in twelve hours," Kirk says sternly. Scotty, with an exasperated look at Kirk, starts the pod and the pod towards the spacedock, with the newly redesigned Enterprise docked. As Scotty starts the pod toward the spacedock, he further elaborates his plea. "The crew hasn't had near enough transition time with the new equipment. And the engines, Admiral, they've yet to be even tested at warp power. Add to that, an untried captain..." Kirk soon elaborates that he may have been behind a desk as Chief of Starfleet Operations for two and a half years would have made him untried. But, he doesn't think so. Scotty takes a moment to reflect on what Kirk just said and Kirk answers him, "They gave her back to me Scotty." Scotty soon says that it wouldn't have been difficult to persuade Nogura. He soon promises that any man who would dare such a feat, he would not disappoint. He also promises that she'll launch on time and that she'll be ready. The pod soon makes a poetic approach to the Enterprise, docked inside the spacedock. Kirk is already awed at the redesign work of his old vessel. Scotty soon pilots the pod to a one-eighty turn, so that Kirk can get a better look at his redesigned vessel. Everything about the ship has been redesigned; from the bow of the ship to its warp nacelles. Finally, when Scotty gives Kirk one final look, he brings the pod to dock with an airlock. Kirk thanks Scotty for his remarkable tour, as they both disembark from the pod.

A CHAOTIC MESS

After getting out of the pod, an ensign greets both Kirk and Scotty over at the catwalk, overlooking the stunningly redesigned cargo-bay. Kirk asks permission to come aboard, as the ensign replies courteously. The ensign then informs Scotty that he's required in Engineering, to which Scotty confirms and excuses himself from the captain. Kirk quietly overlooks the cargo-bay, before the ensign interrupts with, "Sir, if you'll follow me." Kirk says that he can find his way, even though that this is a completely new ship compared to his earlier model. He soon finds his way into a turbolift and orders the lift to take him to the Bridge. He closes his eyes, ready to be completely surprised as the lift takes him to the Bridge. On the Bridge, it is a chaotic mess, as technicians work overtime to prepare the Enterprise for lift-off. Technicians put in chips, wires and other stuff behind walls and panel etc. Uhura, who was busy talking with Starfleet, greets warmily to the captain when he approaches Captain Kirk on the Bridge. "Captain, Starfleet just signalled your transfer of command orders." Even though they had ignored the admiral upon his first entrance, the officers rush up to greet the admiral, after Uhura notices him first. Both Sulu and Chekov warmily greet their former beloved captain, however, Kirk is strict and goes right down to business. "I appreciate the welcome; I wish the circumstances were less critical." He orders Uhura to keep monitoring Epsilon Nine, which is monitoring the intruder. He then asks where Captain Decker is, to which Sulu responds with that he is in Engineering and that he doesn't know about Kirk's transfer order. Kirk then orders Chekov to assemble the crew at the recreation deck at 04:00 hours. He then leaves for Engineering. After Kirk leaves the Bridge, Sulu says that he wanted her back and now he's got her back. But an alien ensign, who is Captain Decker's side, worries about his captain. Decker has been with this ship since every refitting and every redesign. Uhura reassures the ensign that their chances of returning from this mission have doubled.

STARFLEET PEP TALK

Captain Kirk walks briskly down the corridors of the Engineering level, and with purpose. Even the Engineering level has been redesigned from scratch. They are not only redesigning the outside of the ship, but also the inside; to make it more high-tech. Kirk enters the second-level of the huge engineering level, with the longer warp-core extending several stories high. From the second-level, he can see Chief Engineer Scotty and Captain Decker working at the main engineering level. Kirk takes a one-man personal lift down to where Scott and Decker is. Decker is a younger self of Captain Kirk, brash, ambitious and eager to see his first command through, albeit a short one. Decker says that the transporter sensor was not activated, as Scotty orders a technician to put a new back-up sensor into the unit. The pair then sees the admiral, to which Scotty reacts glum. When Captain Decker sees the admiral, he is stunned and informs the admiral that they're getting a top-brass send-off and to reassure the admiral that the Enterprise will launch as scheduled, if they have to tow her out with their bare hands. Scotty mildly and bemusedly agrees, knowing full well what the admiral is doing here during their busy schedule. Kirk orders Decker to talk over in the corner, and Decker orders Scotty to tell him when the back-up will be ready. Captain Decker says that he's rather too busy to talk, with the tight schedule regarding their launch window. When they reach a corner of the room, Kirk is blunt to the point. He tells Decker that he's taking over command. Captain Decker is literally stunned when he hears this. He asks the admiral, again, what he's doing. Kirk tells him again that he's assuming command and that Decker will be reduced in rank as an Executive Officer. He is unapologetic. Decker wants to know why he's taking over command and Kirk explains, "My experience, five years out there dealing with the unknowns like this. My familiarity with the Enterprise, this crew..." Decker angry, at this sudden news, interrupts saying that this is an almost completely new Enterprise and the Admiral doesn't know her a tenth as well as he does. That's why Decker is staying aboard, Kirk says and then apologizes. Decker doesn't reciprocate, as he angrily tells Kirk, "No, Admiral, I don't think you are. Not one damned bit. I remember when you recommended me for this command. You told me how envious you were, and if only you could find a way to get a starship command again. Well, sir, it looks like you found a way." The two officers stare at each other for a cold hard look, before Kirk breaks that awkward silence. Kirk orders Commander Decker to report to the Bridge and Decker solemnly surrenders with an "Aye, sir," and storms off as ordered.

TRANSPORTER MALFUNCTION

Kirk and Scotty give an "all well" look at Decker's situation, before an alert interrupts them. An Engineering technician informs Scotty that they have a red-line on the transporters. Scotty informs the transporter room to not engage, but the technician informs him that it's too late. They are beaming already, as Kirk and Scotty rush off to the transporter room. In the transporter room, things are chaotic, as Janice Rand tries desperately to override the transporter beam in progress. It's no use as the transporter is already in progress. Rand pleads with Starfleet to override them and to yank them back. But Starfleet informs her that they are unable to retrieve their patterns. Just then, Kirk and Scotty enter to give Rand a helping hand. Kirk orders Starfleet to boost their matter gain as they need more signal. Scotty soon makes a sorrowful comment, "They're losing their pattern." Soon, the two officers in the energy beam scream as their pattern loses cohesion and they die in the transporter room. Rand turns away, unable to look and both Kirk and Scotty react solemnly. After getting a hold of himself, Kirk contacts Starfleet to ask them if they have them. Starfleet tells Kirk that what they got back didn't live long, unfortunately. Kirk then informs Starfleet to give condolences to their families. He tells them that Commander Sonak's condolence can be reached through the Vulcan embassy. As he leaves the transporter room, he tells Rand that it wasn't her fault. There was nothing she could've done. As Kirk leaves the transporter room, he is lost for a moment. He doesn't know where to go as this is a totally new Enterprise. He hesitates asking an Ensign for direction, but when a Yeoman passes by, he asks her where turboshaft eight is. The yeoman points the direction for him, and as he heads in that direction, Commander Decker stands in the corridor. Kirk approaches him and tells him that they need to replace their science officer, and that he'd still like a Vulcan man. Decker tells him that none is available that would suit their new design elements. Kirk soon comes up with a suggestion that does not meet with Decker's approval, but he doesn't give him a chance to protest as he walks off. "You are Mr Decker. I'm afraid you'll have to double as science officer."

THE CREW GETS INFORMED

The crew of the Starship Enterprise is gathered in the recreation room, just as Kirk ordered Chekov. The crew watch as the Klingon ship is destroyed remorselessly by the cloud-like entity. When the video ends, the crew react with stunned emotions, as they try to comprehend the magnitude of the cloud's motive. Just then, Captain Kirk enters the room to debrief the crew, whose eye's all turn to him. His senior officers join him. "That's all we know about it," Kirk states, matter of factly. He also adds, "Except that it's now 2.2 days from Earth," to which the crew reacts with shock. He also explains that the Enterprise is the only Federation starship that stands in its way. He also believes that there is a vessel of some kind at the heart of the cloud, and he hopes that the vessel reasons the way they do. He also tells them that their orders are to intercept, investigate and take whatever action is necessary and if possible. Captain Kirk hopes that the lifeform reasons as they do.

EPSILON NINE ATTACKED

During the meeting, an announcement from the Bridge informs the captain that they are receiving a priority one message from Epsilon Nine. The commander of Epsilon Nine informs the crew of the Enterprise that the cloud is a powerfield of some kind and measures over 82 AU's in diameter. He thinks there's something incredible generating within the cloud. He informs them that they are transmitting linguacode on all frequencies, but they are not receiving any response. Soon, a flurry of activity sets in, as the Epsilon Nine crew report various information. The Enterprise crew watch with quiet stiffness. They watch as the Epsilon Nine crew expertly relays information to the commander and soon, the station is under attack when the commander orders the deflector up full. He informs the Enterprise that they are under attack. Captain Kirk orders external view so that they can watch the attack happen on the station. The crew of the Enterprise soon watch as the cloud descend upon the helpless station and consume the station, as it did to the three Klingon cruisers. After the cloud destroy the station, there is nothing but empty space. Kirk, lost for words, orders Uhura to turn the viewer off. When Uhura doesn't move, he has to order her again. Afterwards, Kirk faces the sad and sorrowful crew. Without emotional concern whatsoever, he tells them that pre-launch countdown will commence in forty minutes.

PRE-LAUNCH COUNTDOWN

Captain Kirk comes onto the Bridge, as Uhura reports that the transporter has been repaired and is functioning properly now. Sulu reports that dock signals clear, but Kirk orders Sulu to reply that they are holding positions for further crew replacements. Uhura soon reports that the navigator Lt. Ilia is already onboard and moving to the Bridge. She informs her captain that she's a Deltan. Just then, Lt. Ilia steps onto the Bridge, with a smiling Commander Chekov. Commander Decker moves toward her as well. "Lt. Ilia reporting for duty, sir," she informs Kirk. Kirk welcomes her onboard, as well as Decker, but Decker's greeting is more romantic than Kirk's. Decker explains to a bewildered crew that he was stationed on the lieutenant's homeworld some years back, hence his romantic rekindling when the lieutenant arrives. Soon, Ilia notices the commander's stripes on Decker's uniform and asks, "Commander Decker?" Captain Kirk tells her that he is both their exec and science officer. But, Commander Decker angrily informs Ilia that Captain Kirk doesn't have any confidence in him. There is still a strain on their relationship, after Kirk took away his command. Kirk wonders where Ilia's loyalties lie, but Ilia reaffirms saying, "My oath of celibacy is on record, Captain." She then asks if she can assume her duty. Captain Kirk points her in the direction of the navigator's console, while still staring angrily at Decker. Soon, Uhura breaks the anger by informing Captain Kirk that all but one crewmember is onboard. Kirk tells her that he'll make sure he beams onboard and heads for the transporter room. When Captain Kirk leaves, Decker turns to Mr. Sulu, who is staring at the beautiful Lt. Ilia and orders him to guide the lieutenant to the navigation console. Sulu snaps out of his mesmerizing, as he clumsily leans over to the navigators console and informs the lieutenant her pre-programming is already set in. He makes a fool of himself when a noise emerges from the console. The lieutenant reminds Mr. Sulu that she is sworn to celibacy and that makes her safe from the sexual predators onboard this ship, including himself. Decker goes down to Ilia and tells her that the captain meant no personal insult. Ilia simply states that she would never take advantage of a sexually immature species. She wants Decker to know that's true.

RETURNING TO STARFLEET

In the transporter room, as several yeoman's step off, Kirk asks a yeoman what was the problem. The yeoman explains, "He insisted we go first, sir. Said something about first seeing how it scrambled our molecules." Kirk smiles at that and turns to Janice Rand. "Has a familiar tone to it," Kirk smiles. Kirk soon orders Starfleet to beam that officer up. Soon, the familiar transporter effect takes place as the officer we are all familiar with beams up. After Dr. McCoy fully materializes, Kirk steps up to him and quips, "Well, for a man who swore he'd never return to Starfleet." Soon, McCoy is best at his angry tirades at Kirk, as he explains what happened. He angrily explains that the so-called revered Admiral Nogura invoked a little known, reserved activation clause and that they drafted him. Kirk smiles, remembering the crusty old doctor. Soon, McCoy gets the gist of the situation. McCoy soon points the finger of blame on Kirk. "This was your idea. It was your idea, wasn't it." Kirk tries to alleviate the situation by explaining that a thing is headed this way, and that he needs him. Kirk soon offers McCoy his hand and apologizes. McCoy, begrudgingly, accepts. "Permission to come aboard?" McCoy asks. He gets a confirmation. After shaking his hand, McCoy goes about his business. He's heard that Chapel's an M.D. now. He needs a top nurse and not a doctor who'll argue his every diagnosis. He also tirades about how engineers redesigned the whole Sickbay too, as they love change, before he exits the transporter room. Kirk can't help but smile at his old friend.