A HEATED DEBATE While Admiral Kirk contacts Starfleet Command regarding the situation on Regula I, there is a heated debated between Dr. Carol and David Marcus. Carol can't make up her mind with this situation, and David always knew that Starfleet was always a military organization, with intent to destroy other civilization. Dr. Carol Marcus reminds David that Starfleet's mission has always been one of peace and prosterity. He should not let this situation interpret Starfleet's intentions with their Genesis Project. She may be right, but the Reliant is right on their doorsteps, and they must make preparations to abandon the outpost and dump all data regarding the project: Genesis.

SEEKING COUNSEL After receiving instructions from Starfleet Command, Kirk goes to Spock's quarters to inform him of the change. Kirk wants Spock to get him to Regula I as soon as possible. Kirk then asks Spock how the cadets will handle the real situations, and Spock replies, "Each according to his gifts," then offers Command of the Enterprise to Kirk. Kirk doesn't want to take the opportunity, as he did with Decker, but Spock notes that should the situation arise, the senior-officer on board must assume command, while he is in command during the training cruise. Kirk doesn't want to hurt Spock's feelings, as he knows that Spock earned this commission. But Spock contradicts him by telling the Admiral that he has no ego to bruise. Kirk knows Spock all too well, and reminds him of logic. Spock then dictates his logic, "The needs of the one, outweights the needs of the many." Spock then acknowledges that Kirk's admiralty was a mistake, as he knows that the Captain's strongest destiny is to command a starship. He then walks up to his friend and informs him, "You are my superior officer, and you are also my friend. I have been and always shall be yours."

I SHALL CHASE HIM AROUND THE MOONS OF NEBULA Khan and his followers have taken over Reliant. They have stranded the crew of Reliant on Ceti Alpha V and only Terrell and Chekov are now left onboard, under the influence of Khan's Ceti Eels. The helmsmen notes that they are ready to intercept the Enterprise, and one of his followers, Joachim, makes a pleading speech to Khan, to reconsider his position. "We have a ship and a means to go where we will. You have proved your excellency and have defeated the plans of Admiral Kirk. You do not have to defeat him again." At this point, Khan looks into Joachim and informs him that the Admiral tasks him to defeat him. He'll do whatever it takes to defeat the Admiral and Joachim realizes that Khan will not back down from his goal. He informs Joachim that he'll chase him around the moons of nebulae, around perditions flames, before he gives him up. He then orders the helmsmen to alter course, with a plan in mind.

PROJECT GENESIS: A PROPOSAL TO THE FEDERATION McCoy barges into Kirk's quarters and explains that he has Sickbay ready as ordered but doesn't know what the hell he's doing here. Spock and Kirk ignore the Doctor's plea and turn to face the computer console. The Admiral then requests security clearance and access to the Project Genesis summary. After approval of his security clearance, the image of Dr. Marcus lights up and begins the presentation. "Project Genesis, a proposal to the Federation," begins Dr. Marcus. Dr. Marcus explains that Stage One will involve recreating the project in an underground laboratory, and Stage Two will involve a planetary scale. She then introduces the Genesis device, which will be shot from a Federation Starship to a lifeless barren moon or other dead form. When the device is delivered, it will cause what the scientists have called it, a Genesis effect. Life will be formed and within a matter of seconds a barren rock will become a living breathing planet, capable of sustaining whatever lifeforms they see fit to deposit of it. Dr. Marcus concludes her presentation by saying that the project will benefit everyone, when the cosmic problem of food and space for the entire galaxy. The presentation comes to an end.

MORAL IMPLICATIONS After the presentation ends, Dr. McCoy reacts shockingly to it. Spock nonetheless, is calm as ever. Spock asks the Admiral if the project has begun, and the Admiral answers, "Well, the tape was made about a year ago, so I can only presume they've reached stage two by now." McCoy then takes his arguments into own hands. He then asks what if this thing could be used where life already existed. Spock is ever so logical to his explanation as he says that it would destroy all life in favor of its new matrix. McCoy is appalled. He believes that Spock has no idea what he's talking about. On the contrary, Spock quotes that it has always been easier to destroy, than to create. McCoy is desperately trying to win this battle, but Admiral Kirk only sits back and enjoys the companion of his two friends. "Not anymore. Now we can do both at the same time. According to myth, Earth was created in six days, now watch out, here comes Genesis, we'll do it for you in two." Spock is ever so logical about his passions, and attempts to quote the logical alternative to their unique situation. This upsets McCoy even more, and when he's about to insult the Vulcan, a commlink from Saavik on the Bridge comes through, ending their argument short. She informs the Admiral that another ship is coming within their vicinity. When the Admiral asks who it is, Saavik says that it is the Reliant. Surprised reactions from everyone as they head for the Bridge.

FIRE! On the Bridge of the Reliant, Joachim reports that the Enterprise's shields are still down. Khan orders Joachim to raise their own shields, to which Spock detects. Then, Khan orders Joachim to lock phasers on target. Spock's scanners detect this, but it is too late for the Admiral to respond, as Khan immediately orders, "Fire!" The Reliant's phaser rips through the Engineering section of the Enterprise, inflicting heavy damage to the once proud flagship. Inside the Enterprise, Red Alert lights fill the rooms, and crewmembers fling around upon impact. Khan looks at the viewscreen with a broad smile and the damage he is inflicting. On the Enterprise, Spock and Kirk recover just in time to see the damage inflicted on their ship. Spock realizes they knew where to hit them and how and also reports that they cannot escape on auxiliary power. Before long, the Admiral orders Sulu to transfer auxiliary power to phasers, but it is too late. The Reliant comes around for another blow.

PREFIX CODE Kirk orders his cadet to clear the Bridge. Spock moves to his Admiral and relays the informations, "At least we know he doesn't have Genesis." The Admiral knows that they are being played into and orders Saavik to recall the Reliant's data, but Saavik protests, "Reliant's command." When Khan informs the Admiral that they have forty-five seconds left, the Admiral hurries the Lieutenant. Spock then informs the Admiral of their plan to use the Reliant's prefix codes. Khan vehemently rallys the time left, while Kirk steadfastly moves to get the information that he needs. Saavik doesn't understand what the Admiral is planning when Kirk informs of the operations of a starship, noting that in any event that a Federation Starship falls into enemy hands, they can use a certain code to their advantage. Spock notes that Khan hasn't changed the combination, quite intelligent at that as the man proclaims he is. When they are ready, Kirk wants reassurances. "Khan, how do we know you'll keep your promises." Khan informs the Admiral that he's giving no reassurances and that he has no choice either way. He then orders Sulu to lock phasers on target.

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