The Enterprise comes up alongside the Antares, a supply ship, ready
to pick up an unusual passenger...
In the transporter room, Captain Kirk orders his
transporter chief to begin beaming the passengers on board, which includes Charlie Evans,
Captain Ramart and Navigator Nellis of the Antares. When the three come aboard, Charlie is in
awe at the technology of the Enterprise. The two captain soon converses on how Charlie could've
survived alone on that planet, and while they are talking Charlie blocks them out with his
special powers. Soon, Charlie interrupts the men, asking how big this ship is. Captain Ramart
informs Charlie that this ship is like a city in space, to which Captain Kirk concurs. Before
Kirk can continue to talk, Charlie asks how many people are aboard this ship. Captain Ramart
says that there are over four hundred men aboard to which Kirk concurs. Kirk soon tells Charlie
that he's interrupting, which is wrong.
Captain Kirk soon asks Ramart if he needs anything,
supplies or any other such replenishments. But Ramart seems anxious to get underway, saying that
they have a tight schedule to meet. Not even Saurian Brandy can sway Ramart. The two officers
soon beam back to their ship. Charlie, meanwhile, is awed at the new technology and is awestruck
when he meets Yeoman Janice Rand, who has just entered the Transporter Room. Kirk orders the
yeoman to take Charlie to his quarters and to drop his records to Dr. McCoy. Charlie soon asks
if Yeoman Rand is a girl, much to the bemusement of the two officers and Kirk confirms. They
have a troubled young man aboard.
------
As the Enterprise makes its way toward Alpha Colony V, Captain
Kirk's log explains that they've taken aboard an unusual person. A lone survivor of a crashed
ship fourteen years ago, he was forced to fend for himself. How he survived the crash remains a
mystery to the captain...
In Sickbay, Dr. McCoy examines young Charlie Evans.
The doctor's says that he's four-oh to which Charlie is confused. He explains that he's in
perfect health. The doctor then wonders how Charlie survived on that planet as the food supplies
would've been running low. Charlie explains that he found other things to consume. The doctor
then wonders how Charlie learned to speak. Charlie informs him that he spoke with the ship's
computers from the record tapes. Charlie then wonders why Captain Kirk calls him Mr. Evans, and
the good doctor informs him that it's because that's his name. Soon, Charlie points out how Kirk
isn't like the other captain. McCoy says that Jim is one of the kind captain's in the fleet.
Charlie soon asks the doctor if he likes him. The doctor isn't sure how to answer him. Charlie
explains that on the other ship, they didn't like him. He wants people to like him and he's
trying, trying very hard. The doctor soon tells Charlie that he'll show him around the ship.
Charlie soon enjoys a nice stroll across the ship.
He enjoys watching the Enterprise crewmembers working together, but he is perplexed when one of
the crewmembers slaps each other on the butt. Charlie soon meets Yeoman Rand in the corridors
again, and he is infatuated with her. As Yeoman Rand rounds a corner, Charlie catches up with
her and produces a wonderful little gem. Yeoman Rand is flattered, and it is obvious that
Charlie is trying to win her heart. Yeoman Rand thanks Charlie for the gift and wonders where he
got it from as the ship's stores do not have them.
When Rand tries to get away, Charlie wonders if he
can talk with her. Rand says that she's on duty at the moment and that they can catch up in the
Recreation Room at fourteen hundred hours. When they leave, Charlie gives Yeoman Rand a slap on
the butt, just like he saw the two crewmembers do earlier. Yeoman Rand is taken aback by this
gesture and tells Charlie that it was rude. She then tells Charlie to ask either Captain Kirk or
Dr. McCoy regarding this.
On the Bridge, Spock and McCoy banter about whether
there are Thasians or not. Captain Kirk interrupts, telling Dr. McCoy that he's preparing a
program for Charlie to learn more about Earth life and their culture. Kirk wants McCoy to see to
it, but McCoy believes that Kirk should be a perfect example, since Charlie already looks up to
him as a fatherly figure. Kirk is flattered, but flattery will get him nowhere. Kirk then asks
Spock how he could have survived on that lonely planet. McCoy explains that he found other
edible items to consume, but Spock begs to differ as the probe of Thasis indicated that there
were no edible plant life. The two soon argue that probes can be wrong, but Spock believes that
the doctor is being emotional, not logical. Kirk again interrupts and tells him that the boy is
here and needs guidance, and McCoy chimes in that Kirk is the best solution for the boy's proper
growth period.
In the Recreation Room, the crew are enjoying their
off-time together. Mr. Spock enjoys playing his Vulcan lute, if enjoy is a word for the Vulcans,
while Uhura likes to tease Mr. Spock with her singing. Soon, when Uhura's singing exasperates
the Vulcan, he starts to play a tune to which Uhura starts singing to. As Uhura is singing and
the crew enjoying her entertainment, Charlie enters the Rec Room, as suggested by Yeoman Rand
and takes a seat next to her. Uhura then starts to serenade the newcomer with a song and when
Charlie finds it enough, he silences her voice and Mr. Spock's lute. He then shows Yeoman Rand
his powers by showing her several card tricks.
As the Enterprise continues toward Earth Colony V,
Kirk informs the ship's galley chief that he expects the crew to eat synthetic meatloaf, as it is
Thanksgiving Day on Earth. After the chief leaves, Charlie catches up with the captain. Charlie
soon tries to ask the captain about slapping his hand on a woman's butt, as Yeoman Rand told him
to ask the captain about. Charlie fumbles to explain the incident and the captain further
fumbles for an answer. He explains that there is no right way to hit a woman and between man to
man it's different. When Captain Kirk fumbles for an answer, he is saved by the bell by a call
from Uhura, saying that she has Captain Ramart of the Antares. Captain Kirk heads to the Bridge
with Charlie tagging along, saying he won't interfere.
On the Bridge, it looks as if the Antares is having
a bit of technological problems. Uhura informs the captain to boost his transmission, as it is
garbled, but the captain explains that they are at full capacity. Captain Kirk and Charlie enter
the Bridge to hear the plea of help from Captain Ramart. When the message begins to fade,
Captain Kirk asks Captain Ramart to boost his gain, but Ramart informs him that they are at full
capacity. Soon, the transmission goes dead. Charlie tells them it wasn't a well constructed
ship. Spock goes to his scanner and tells the captain that he's detecting some debris. When the
captain asks about the Antares, Spock informs him that the debris is the Antares. Kirk soon gets
a call from the galley. The chief tells him that he put meatloaf in the stove just like Kirk
ordered him to, but now there seems to be live turkey. Before the captain can ask the chief if
he's been drinking, Charlie chuckles and leaves the Bridge, leaving the captain wondering.
------
The captain's log explains that the UESPA headquarters has been made
aware of the Antares's destruction. His log further explains the mystery surrounding Charlie
Evans, as he seemed to be aware of the science vessels fate...
In the Rec Room, Kirk and Spock enjoy a game of
three-dimensional chess. When Kirk makes a move, Spock reiterates that his mind is not on the
game. He makes a move and checks Kirk. Spock soon asks Kirk if his troubling thoughts are about
the Antares. Kirk says that he can't help thinking about Captain Ramart and the Antares. Spock
says that he has more immediate concerns, such as the boy. Kirk jokes that he usually reads his
first officer very well, but this time, he can't put a finger on him. Spock explains that
Charlie seems to know what happened to the Antares. Kirk says that he'll follow his advice. Kirk
soon makes his next move which checkmates Spock. Spock double checks his moves and resigns after
there is no alternative. He informs Kirk that his illogical approach to chess does have its
advantages from time to time. Kirk says that it is inspired. Spock soon relents the game.
Soon, Charlie enters the Rec Room and approaches
the two. Kirk asks Charlie if he's played chess before. Charlie says that he saw them play on
the Antares and Kirk places his hands in the hand of the chess master, as he leaves the Rec
Room. Charlie takes Kirk's seat as Spock begins teaching him on the principals of chess, as he
places the pieces to its starting position. Charlie informs Spock he knows how to play and the
two begin playing. When Charlie makes a bad move, Spock checkmates him. But Charlie protests,
much like an adolescent child. Spock excuses himself and leaves the Rec Room. After Spock
leaves, Charlie uses his powers to disfigure the chess pieces. Charlie leaves the Rec Room
angrily.
As Charlie angrily storms out of the Rec Room, he
runs into Yeoman Rand and another yeoman. Yeoman Rand introduces the beautiful yeoman to Charlie
as Yeoman Tina Lawton, third-class. The yeoman greets the troubled young man, but Charlie
brushes her off, which makes her angry. Rand tells Charlie that that was rude and uncalled for
and tells him that he better learn that now as he'll be living with people. But Charlie says
that he doesn't need Yeoman Lawton; he wants her, Yeoman Rand. He explains to her that she
smells like a girl and that all the other girl smells like Yeoman Lawton. He also tell her that
he feels hungry after her and that she makes him quiver. Yeoman Rand is shocked at Charlie's
infatuation with her.
On the Bridge, Yeoman Rand informs the captain
about her encounter with young Charlie Evans. The captain is appalled, as he is only seventeen.
He even tells her that he already talked to him about the swat. Yeoman Rand says that it's not
that, but completely something else. She explains to him that she's his first love, his first
crush and if she breaks it off with him, it won't be good to him right now. The captain
understands and says that he'll deal with Charlie.
In the captain's quarters, Charlie enters as the
captain is expecting him. Charlie approaches the captain, but much too close for the captain's
comfort. Kirk soon asks Charlie if he notices anything odd about the chess pieces that he was
playing with this afternoon. Charlie says no and asks him if there's anything else. The good
captain tells Charlie to sit down. The captain explains that being seventeen is different
compared to how many years you've lived. He explains that Dr. McCoy can better explain the
biological conditions better.
When Charlie is confused about what the captain is
talking about Kirk says that he'll use an example, Yeoman Rand. Charlie says that he won't slap
her again, but Kirk says its more than that. Kirk tells him that Rand isn't the girl for him. He
says that the ages are wrong for one and that there are other things. Charlie soon asks the
captain how he tells the girl that he likes her. Kirk tells him that he should go slow and that
he shouldn't press. Charlie soon asks Kirk if Janice isn't the one and that she could love him.
But Kirk is adamant that Janice isn't the one. Charlie soon asks Kirk that what if he be gentle
like he suggested. Kirk says that Rand isn't the woman for him, but Charlie doesn't relent as he
suggests he be nice to her.
Kirk soon sharply reminds him that there are a
million things in the universe that they can have and million things in the universe that they
can't. He also reminds Charlie that its no fun facing that, but that's part of life. Charlie
then asks what he is meant to do. Kirk suggests that he survives, like everyone else. When
Charlie mentions that he doesn't, Kirk is adamant that everyone does, including him. Charlie
says that he's trying, but he doesn't know how. Kirk soon gets a call from the Bridge by
Lieutenant Uhura telling him that he was to be notified of the course change. Kirk orders Uhura
to have Spock see to it, and afterwards Kirk asks Charlie to join him.
In the ship's gymnasium, the crew of the Enterprise
enjoy their daily exercise to keep them fit. In a different part of the ship, Captain Kirk and
Charlie enjoy each other's company. Kirk teaches Charlie how to absorb the energy from the fall.
When Charlie doesn't get it right the first time, Kirk says it takes practice and Charlie
achieves satisfactory result the second time. When Kirk shows Charlie the shoulder roll, Charlie
implies that he doesn't want to do that. Kirk reminds Charlie that it takes practice, but
Charlie is dead-set on not wanting to do that. Kirk then tells Charlie that the lessons over for
the day.
Charlie then tells Kirk that he was going to teach
him how to fight. Kirk explains that he's got to be able to defend himself first before he can
teach him how to fight, but Charlie whimpers like a child. When Charlie doesn't listen to Kirk,
Kirk feels helpless and soon asks the assistance of Sam, an officer in the gymnasium. Kirk is
thrown by Sam and then Kirk throws Sam. Sam says there's nothing to it to Charlie and tells him
to give it a try. Soon, Kirk and Charlie spar, Kirk is successful at throwing Charlie. Soon, Sam
starts to laugh at Charlie, but Charlie doesn't like it. Kirk tells Charlie to cool off, but
Charlie uses his secret powers to make Sam disappear. Kirk soon gets upset and asks Charlie
where Sam went. Charlie says that he's gone and Kirk says that's no answer. Charlie says that
he's gone; he didn't want to do it, Sam made him do it.
Kirk contacts the Bridge to have two security men
escort Charlie to his quarters. Charlie says he won't let them hurt him and he'll make them go
away. Kirk says that they won't hurt him. Soon, two security men appear to take Charlie in. Kirk
tells Charlie that he is to go with them to his quarters. When the security men approach
Charlie, Charlie uses his powers to force them back. When the guards take out their phasers,
Charlie makes them go away. Kirk moves toward Charlie and orders him to his quarters again.
Charlie says that he won't make him and Kirk tells him he'll force him to go his quarters
whether he likes it or not, if it means he'll pick him up and carry there.
------
In the gymnasium, Kirk and Charlie face off with each other. Kirk
orders Charlie to his quarters, but Charlie says that he won't let them hurt him. Kirk says that
they won't hurt him. Kirk says that he'll carry him to his quarters if he has to, but Charlie
says he won't let him; Kirk says that's his choice. Charlie has no choice but to obey the
captain's orders, as he follows the security guards to his quarters. Soon, Uhura reports from
the Bridge that all the phaser weapons have disappeared. Kirk then orders Uhura to have Mr.
Spock and Dr. McCoy report to the Briefing Room.
In the Briefing Room, Spock reports that Thasians
has been known to transmute objects or render objects invisible according to their library
tapes and that Charlie seems capable of possessing those abilities. Kirk then asks Spock if
Charlie could be a Thasian and not an earthling. Dr. McCoy contradicts, saying that his
development matches that of earthlings on Earth. Kirk says he saw what he did in the gymnasium
and know of the power he possesses. McCoy soon states that considering the normal effects an
adolescent has, with the powers he's got he could do anything. Kirk soon informs them that
Charlie is short-tempered and needs everything to happen fast. Spock says that Charlie's powers
could've been responsbile for the destruction of the Antares, because he disregards life. Kirk
explains that Charlie doesn't understand what life is.
McCoy then asks Kirk how they would cage up this
boy. Kirk tells him that it goes beyond that; they can't take him to Earth Colony V and with his
powers, there would be no stopping him. Kirk informs the two that they can teach him, talk to
him and reason with him. He says that he's a boy, living in a man's body, with the adolescence
getting in the way. Spock states the obvious that Charlie is walking time-bomb. McCoy says that
at the moment he's stopped. Kirk is an authority figure that Charlie respects. Spock agrees,
saying that the struggle must remain between the captain and the boy and should either of them
interfere.
Soon, Charlie enters the Briefing Room, followed by
a security guard. Charlie explains to the captain that he wanted something from him. Kirk
bluntly asks if Charlie is responsbile for the destruction of the Antares. Charlie asks why and
Kirk angrily tells him to tell him like a father. Charlie says that there was a problem with the
warp baffle plating on their pylons, he made it go away. He also stresses that they weren't nice
to him; they wanted to get rid of him. Kirk asks Charlie what about them. Charlie says he
doesn't know and walks out. Spock soon says that they're in the hands of an adolescent.
As the Enterprise speeds towards its destination,
Kirk and Spock return to the Bridge. Kirk orders Uhura to raise Colony V as he wants to speak to
the governor. Kirk then orders the navigator to lay in a course away from Colony V to buy him
some time. When Uhura tries to open hailing frequencies her console sparks, mildly injuring her.
Kirk orders Spock to contact McCoy for his assistance, then goes to assist her. Uhura informs
him that there's no way for her console to spark like that, since she checked it no more than a
few minutes ago. The navigator soon reports that he can't input any course corrections and the
ship goes crazy. When Kirk is about to ask Spock something, Spock goes into a poetry mantra.
Just then, Charlie comes onto the Bridge and it is
evident that Charlie is behind all this. When Kirk tries to get an answer from Spock again, he
does the same thing. Soon, Dr. McCoy comes onto the Bridge and asks the captain what's going on.
He gets a call from Spock to report to the Bridge and he goes into poetry reading. Kirk orders
McCoy to tend to Uhura as he sees Charlie on the Bridge. Charlie knows that the captain is
trying to change course and that he won't allow him, as he wants to get to Colony V. Kirk orders
Charlie to release the communication systems, but Charlie says that he doesn't need all that
subspace chatter. Spock once again goes into a poetry mantra, and this time Charlie likes it. He
says that he can do anything to him, make him laugh, sing, twirl around in his chair. Kirk
orders Charlie to leave his crew alone. Charlie then leaves the Bridge, whimpering. Spock goes
to Kirk and tells him that there will be a point where Charlie will not back down. Kirk knows.
In the corridors, Charlie runs into Yeoman Lawton
again. Lawton asks Charlie what it is, and before she can get an answer from him, Charlie turns
her into a lizard, using his powers. In her quarters, Yeoman Rand is busy writing a report, when
Charlie barges in. He produces a pink flower for her and says that pink is her favorite. Yeoman
Rand tells Charlie that he doesn't walk into a room without knocking. Charlie tells her never to
lock it on him again. Yeoman Rand says that she'll lock it when she pleases and asks Charlie
what he wants. Charlie says that he wants her and moves closer to her...
------
In the yeoman's quarters, Rand continues to confront Charlie.
Charlie says that he only wants to be nice to her, give her everything she wants. During the
confrontation, Yeoman Rand manages to activate the comm-system on her console. On the Bridge,
Kirk listens in on Charlie and Rand's confrontation. Kirk orders Spock to accompany him to her
quarters. The confrontation continues in Rand's quarters, with Charlie saying that he only wants
to love her. Rand tells him that he doesn't know the meaning of the word. When Rand tries to get
away, Charlie grabs her. He tells her to teach him, to show him how to love.
Just then, Kirk and Spock enter her quarters, but
is pushed back by Charlie. Rand soon slaps Charlie on the face and Charlie makes her vanish as
well. Charlie then realizes that what she did wasn't nice and that what Kirk and Spock did
wasn't nice either. Charlie reminds Kirk that he has to be nice to him or that he'll make him go
away too. He says that running the Antares was easy, but the Enterprise isn't quite like the
Antares and that he needs the captain. When the captain doesn't agree, Charlie inflicts pain
upon him and Spock.
When Charlie releases Kirk, Kirk orders Spock to
get up, but Spock reports that his legs are broken. Kirk orders Charlie to release him too, but
Charlie asks why. Kirk says that he needs him to run the ship but he needs Spock to assist him.
Charlie then releases Spock. Charlie then exits Rand's quarters and before he does, he says that
growing up isn't so much. He's not an adult and yet he can do anything. Kirk and Spock stare
after the tormented soul.
In a different part of the ship, a technician works
on an atmospheric system. Spock orders the technician to his sector as he will activate the
forcefield himself. Soon, Kirk and Charlie approaches the room. Charlie says that he had no
choice in making Sam disappear, that he had a mean look. When Charlie enters the room, Kirk
gives Spock a look and Spock activates the forcefield. Charlie inquires if Kirk will enter the
room, but Kirk shakes his head. When Charlie tries to exit the room, the forcefield stings him
backward. Charlie then uses his powers to make the whole forcefield disappear. He then freezes
both Kirk and Spock, and warns him that they'll pay for that. Charlie unfreezes Kirk and Spock
and goes about his own business. As Charlie wanders the corridors, he makes a yeoman old. When
he comes up to a group of people laughing, he freezes them and even sows up a crewman's face.
On the Bridge, Charlie takes control of the helm.
He informs the captain that he's locked on course for Colony V again. Soon, Uhura reports that
she's picking up a subspace message on channel three, but she can't hear it. Kirk asks Charlie
if he's creating that message or if he's blocking what's coming in. Charlie says that it's his
game and that he has to find out for himself, that's how the game's played anyway. He then gives
the helm control back. Charlie then heads for his quarters, knowing what's going on.
Back on the Bridge, Kirk says that he's waited too
long and that he's going to take him on. McCoy warns him that he's got no special immunity, not
anymore. Kirk asks for Spock's opinion, but Spock says that it's out of the question. Kirk then
asks the two that if Charlie has done away with anyone since he came aboard. McCoy says not to
his knowledge. Kirk then deduces that it's because his powers may be lacking. Kirk soon says
that they should use that knowledge to their advantage and that if they turn on all the devices
on the Bridge and while he's fighting that, Kirk will subdue him and McCoy can then use his
tranquilizer to keep him under until they reach Colony V. McCoy says that it's risky, but Kirk
warns that if they don't try, he'll get rid of them anyway.
Charlie soon comes back to the Bridge and says that
he could've sent them all away, if he wanted to. Charlie then takes the captain's chair. Kirk
orders Charlie to get out of his chair immediately. Charlie warns Kirk that he's got his ship.
Kirk then orders Spock and McCoy to proceed with their plans, as the pair then goes about
turning on all the computers on the Bridge. Kirk repeats for Charlie to get out of his chair.
Charlie warns Kirk that he could've sent him away before, but he didn't. Kirk says that he's
gonna have to. Charlie orders Spock and McCoy to stop it, but they don't listen. Kirk then
throws Charlie out of his chair. Before Kirk can get to Charlie, Charlie uses his power to stop
Kirk. Charlie says that he has to be nice.
As Kirk and Charlie confront each other, a static
from the communications board interrupts Charlie, as he lets go of the captain. Before the
captain can finish Charlie off, Spock reports that they have navigation back. Charlie tells them
to stop it, as he knows whats going on. Soon, Yeoman Rand suddenly appears on the Bridge,
wearing her same nightgown from the moment she disappeared. Soon, Uhura reports that there is
something on the starboard bow. Spock reports that sensors say something is there, but
deflectors don't detect anything solid.
Soon, on the Bridge, a transparent green head
appears and Charlie seems to know what it is. He begs the crew not to let them take him. The
apparition starts talking and tells them that he's taken on this form centuries ago, so that he
can communicate with them. He informs the stunned crew that they didn't realize that the boy had
gone and caused the destruction of the first ship. However, everything has been restored to
normal aboard the Enterprise. Charlie promises not to do it again and pleads with them not to
let them take him.
Kirk soon asks the head if Charlie can remain with
them and that if he can teach him not to use his powers. The head tells them that they gave the
powers to Charlie so that he can live. He will be forced to use it always, and that they will
have to stop him or they will be forced to kill him. There is no other choice. The head then
tells Charlie to come and disappears off the Bridge. Charlie begs with them for him to stay, as
they cannot love or feel. He begs to Janice for compassion but McCoy holds her back. Charlie's
final words are he wants to stay as he disappears off the ship. Uhura soon reports that Charlie
is back aboard the Thasian ship and that they signaled they are leaving. Feeling sorry for
Charlie, Yeoman Rand goes to the captain for comfort. The captain says that it's over, for
now.
