INSIDE THE CARGO CARRIER

Captain Terrell and Commander Chekov enter the deserted cargo carrier. Inside they find no one, just a checkers board, a few items and a jar with an errie creature, the lifeform that their scanners picked up. Chekov soon wanders around the carrier and discovers something odd. A belt buckle that has the words, "S.S. Botany Bay," etched on it. Chekov tries to remember where he heard those words before, then after a while, it hits him. He remembers hearing a tale of an old twentieth-century tyrant taking over the Enterprise years before and nearly killing Captain Kirk. After remembering this, he informs the Captain that they must get out of here. Captain Terrell is perplexed, but has no choice but to follow as Chekov quickly puts on his helmet and exits the cargo carrier. Outside, they see several men dressed in protective garment. Chekov's predictions are right.

A WORRIED CREW

On board the USS Reliant, a worried crew patiently awaits the report of their two officers. Commander Kyle tries desperately to contact his Captain, however, there is no response. Second-in-commanding officers orders him to give them a little more time, as the environmental conditions on Ceti Alpha VI maybe interfering with communications.

KHAN!!!

On the surface of Ceti Alpha V, Terrell and Chekov are captured by the hooded men. A lonely hooded man begins removing his garments. As the last head piece comes off, Chekov instantly recognizes the face. "Khan!", he mutters to himself. Terrell is shocked. Khan walks to his captors. Khan walks to Captain Terrell and informs him that his face is unfamiliar. He then moves to Chekov and explains to him, "You, I never forget. Mr. Chekov isn't it?" Terrell is surprised. How does he know Chekov, but not him. He asks for an explanation and Chekov explains that he is a criminal, a product of the late-twentieth-century genetic engineering. Terrell demands to be released from his capture, however, Khan informs him that he is in a position to grant nothing. Khan soon begins chattering away. He informs them that he was a king, on Earth, almost two-hundred years ago. Chekov soon reminds him of the penalty imposed on him, saying that he betrayed Captain Kirk's hospitality by trying to steal his ship and murder him.

WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Khan soon complains that Admiral Kirk never bothered to check to on their progress, leaving them to rot in this barren, sandheap. Chekov protests saying that there was life on Ceti Alpha V. This catches Khan's glimmer of hope. He has found a loophole through these men. Realizing that the two men did not expect to find him here, Khan asks why they are here. Realizing the important secrecy behind the Genesis project, the two reveal nothing. Angered by their silence, Khan easily lifts Chekov's entire body, using the grip of their environmental suits. Both Chekov and Terrell are shocked at his superior strength. He puts them down and walks over to a large container.

CETI EELS

After Khan puts Chekov down, he introduce the two men, what's inside the container. He explains that these are indigenous life-forms remaining on Ceti-Alpha V after Ceti Alpha VI exploded. It killed his men and most importantly his wife. He explains their uses and explains that it enters through a human's cerebral cortex and renders them extremely susceptible to suggestions. Khan soon puts the eels inside the men's helmet, and notices the men's discomfort. Chekov pleads for the last time, and informs him that Kirk was only doing his duty. After that plea falls on deaf ears, Khan have his men put the helmet on the two men. The eel's crawl inside their ears and enters their cerebral cortex. Khan doesn't give a shred of decency, as after the eels have entered their brains, he says, "That's better. Now tell me why are you here, and tell me where I may find James Kirk."

INSPECTION TIME

Admiral James T. Kirk is reading "A Tale of Two Cities" in the shuttle, en-route to the USS Enterprise in drydock. Sulu reports that they are approaching the Enterprise and requests permission to dock. Permission is granted and the helmsman is told to dock, port side torpedo bay. Kirk goes up to the cockpit and is awed at the sight. He also thanks Sulu for taking the time to helm the Enterprise one more time, as he has been promoted to Captain.

SO HUMAN...

A bosun's whistle welcomes the docked shuttle. Spock orders the airlock open and the Admiral himself steps through. The Admiral gives Commander Uhura his book as he steps through to greet his awaiting, and somewhat stiff cadets a once-over. He then comes across this young man in an Engineer's uniforms and asks for his identity. The cadet identifies himself as Lt. Peter Preston, the Engineer's mate, citing that he his Commander Scott's nephew. Kirk is pleased with the young cadet's response. The Admiral then informs Commander Scott that he will start with the inspection with Engineering, and Scotty informs him that there will plenty of surprises in store. He then departs. Spock soon dismisses his crew and Saavik, clearly distraught, walks up to her commanding officer. Spock asks the young Lieutenant what troubles her. She responds by saying that the Admiral seems too human for her tastes. Spock then reminds Saavik that nobody is perfect.

GIVE THE WORD ADMIRAL

Admiral Kirk soon begins his careful inspection of Engineering. He likes what he sees. There is not a speck of dust anywhere and is crystal clear. He then looks at his stiff cadet's once more and asks Scotty if his crew can handle a minor training cruise. Scotty believes that it is time. He then cites, "Just give the word admiral." Kirk responds, "Mr. Scott, the word is given." As he gets on a personal turbolift, McCoy, who have been tagging along all the time, asks when he will examine Sickbay, his prized possession. Kirk gives the signal later. Kirk soon moves to the Bridge, waiting to be transported out of here.

TAKE US OUT, MR. SAAVIK

Admiral Kirk arrives on the Bridge, just as the Enterprise is in final preparations to leave spacedock. McCoy tags along for the ride. Soon, when the details are met with the Captain's approval, Spock orders Mr. Saavik to take the helm, and take her out. McCoy is surprised. How can Spock let a cadet take this giant beast out of spacedock. Kirk doesn't seem to mind. Saavik soon goes to the command chair and begins a whole new experience. "This is the first time for everything, Lieutenant." Spock speculates. "Don't you agree Admiral?" Kirk soon nods his head in surprise. Just before they depart, McCoy asks if Kirk would like to tranquilize Spock. Lt. Saavik takes the Enterprise out of spacedock, as if she was born to do it. Soon, the Enterprise is cleared for spacedock, and is available for a course setting. Saavik asks her Captain, to which Spock gracefully replies, "Mr. Sulu, endulge yourself." Kirk watches in pride as Spock, calmly and professional leads his crew of cadet for their first training cruise.

LURING KIRK

While Dr. Carol and David Marcus are working on the Genesis Device, they receive a call from USS Reliant. The transmission is from Commander Chekov, who informs them that Ceti Alpha VI has checked out. Then, he proclaims that he has received new orders. Upon their arrival, all data and material regarding the Project Genesis will be delivered to their ship upon arrival. The crew are understandably angry, but David Marcus calms down just enough to ask, "Who gave the orders?" Under the influence of Khan, Chekov answers, "The orders came from... Admiral James T. Kirk." David Marcus angrily turns off the commlink and reacts strongly. He knew that Starfleet was always involved in military affairs. Carol Marcus goes back on the commlink and expresses her feelings toward Chekov, but Chekov just replies, "I'm sorry that you feel that way, Doctor." He then orders her to deliver them the materials upon their arrival, and ends communication. Khan was there all along, out of viewer image of the commlink. He applauds Chekov for taking matters into his own hands, and when Chekov informs Khan that they'll contact Admiral Kirk to confirm the orders, Khan just nods approvingly, as that is exactly what he wanted.

A CHAT WITH SAAVIK

While Kirk is enjoying his VIP tour of the USS Enterprise, and not knowing what is happening on Regula I, Kirk enjoys a brief conversation with Lt. Saavik, who is still troubled by her performances on the Kobayashi Maru. Saavik would like to know how the Admiral passed the test. The Admiral just laughs and says that she may ask, but he will never tell the secrets of his success. Kirk then suggests that there is no simple solution, but it is a test of character. He then presses for the turbolift to continue. The lift comes to a stop and reveals Dr. McCoy standing there. He is most displeased with someone having to hold up the damn elevator. Saavik departs the turbolift. While Kirk and McCoy continues on, Kirk receives a communique from the Bridge, informing him that he has a distress call from Spacestation Regula I. It is from Dr. Carol Marcus, notes Uhura, and gets a reaction from both. Dr. McCoy knows about Kirk's past and Kirk informs Uhura that he'll take it to his quarters. McCoy quips, "Arrangement for the divorced." The Admiral sharply reminds McCoy the dangers of reopening old wounds.

A MESSAGE FROM CAROL

Admiral Kirk goes to his quarters to receive a badly distorted message from Dr. Carol Marcus. Carol asks him why he is taking Genesis away from them. The Admiral is perplexed as much as Dr. Marcus. He then asks, "Who's taking Genesis?" The transmission is too bad for Dr. Marcus to make out, then she asks him if he gave the orders to transfer the Genesis Project to Reliant. She continues to plead with him to help her as they are alone out there, and then the transmission is lost among all the static. He asks Uhura what happened, and Uhura replies, "Transmission jammed at the source, sir." Kirk asks Uhura to contact Starfleet Command. He wants to know what is happening on Regula I.

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