As the Enterprise orbits a planet, in the Transporter Room, a
Transporter Assistant places a cargo container marked: Caution - Infra-Sensory Drugs;
Destination: Tantalus Penal Colony; To: Dr. Tristan Adams, on the Transporter platform. The
Assistant goes back to the console and says they are ready for beaming. The operator at the
console, engages the computer and soon the materialization process begins. When the containers
don't disappear, a stunned technician orders his assistant to try again. For the second time,
the containers remain on the platform.
Soon, Captain Kirk enters the Transporter Room to
watch the progress. When he sees that the crewmen are having problems, he asks them so. The
crewman says he just doesn't get it. Kirk reminds Crewman Berkeley that he's beaming cargo down
to a penal colony and the crewman finally realizes it as the security forcefield. Kirk soon
contacts the penal colony and requests permission to have their forcefield down for beaming of
cargo. The rehab operator concurs and says that the forcefield is down. When the crewman engages
the beam this time around, the containers successfully disappears. Kirk asks the crewman if
there are any cargo to beam up. The crewman says just one, bound for the Central Bureau of
Penology in Stockholm. As the crewman successfully beams up the cargo, Captain Kirk leaves the
Transporter Room. As he does, he tells Crewman Berkeley that he better refamiliarize himself
with the manual for transporting down to a penal colony. Berkeley agrees, but Kirk gives him
some reprieve by saying he can lock this up first. Berkeley says that he'll get the vault
assignment.
As Captain Kirk leaves, Berkeley also leaves the
Transporter Room, to get the vault assignment. The assistant remains behind to check on the
Transporter monitor system, turning his back on the transporter platform. As the assistant
continues to check the Transporter system, the cargo box that they beamed up opens and a man in
blue uniform steps out. After he carefully closes the box, he goes up to the assistant. When he
is close enough, he knocks out the assistant with a slap to his back. He then goes to the door,
but comes back in when there are people about. The Enterprise now has a loose criminal aboard...
------
As the Enterprise departs the Tantalus Penal Colony, the captain's
log indicates that they have successfully exchanged cargo and departed without going a shore.
On the Bridge, Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy discuss
the merits of penal colonies. Kirk expresses his desires to have met Dr. Adams. Kirk wonders if
McCoy have visited any penal colonies since they started following his theories. McCoy reminds
the captain that cages are cages. Kirk tells McCoy that he's behind the times. He says that
penal colonies are more like resort colonies now. Soon, the Enterprise receives a message from
Tantalus Colony. The colony's communications officer informs the crew that they are unable to
locate an inmate and warns them that this is a potentially violent case.
In the Transporter Room, the escaped inmate has
taken hold of the unconscious transporter operators uniform, so that he can easily blend in with
the Enterprise crew. When he heads outside, he avoids a crowded area of the corridor, for he
knows he would be caught.
Back on the Bridge, the Tantalus Colony Operator
informs the crew that the inmate may have escaped via the cargo container they beamed up to
them. She repeats that they have an escaped inmate and that this is a potentially violent case.
Captain Kirk acknowledges the operator and orders Lt. Uhura to go to Security Alert Three. As
the ship goes into Red Alert, and the crew scramble to get to cover, Uhura's voice warns them
about their escaped inmate. In a random corridor, the escaped inmate looks for a place to hide.
Soon, one crewman spots him and calls out to him. "You from Engineering," he shouts, but the
inmate ignores him and moves on. The crewman goes to a companel and informs the Bridge of
trouble on Deck Fourteen, Section C.
On the Bridge, Uhura reports trouble in Deck
Fourteen with someone in an Engineering uniform and Spock has security closing that section off.
Back in Deck Fourteen, several security guards block off all corridor access, as the inmate
hides in one of the rooms. After a security guard passes the room, the inmate re-emerges and
knocks him out. The inmate grabs hold of his phaser and runs off. Back on the Bridge, Spock
reports that the inmate escaped their cornered area. They are expanding their search to
adjoining areas. Kirk contacts Tantalus Colony and Dr. Adams answers. Kirk informs the doctor
that they may have an inmate of theirs on board. Uhura interrupts and tells Kirk that a
transporter personnel has been found unconscious, and the cargo container they beamed up opened
and empty. Kirk informs Adams that it's confirmed. They do have the inmate aboard. Adams
apologizes and tells them that he takes full responsibility. He then cautions Kirk that the
inmate is clever as well as very violent and urges Kirk to take extra care. Kirk acknowledges
and says that he will keep Adams posted on any progress. After Kirk closes the commlink with
Adams, a security guard enters the Bridge. An already edgy Kirk and McCoy turns around, fearing
that it is the inmate.
As Kirk moves off his command chair, McCoy goes up
to Spock, to get some counsel. When McCoy approaches Spock, Spock tells him that it's
fascinating. Earth people glorified violence for over forty centuries, but when people practice
them privately, they imprison them. McCoy angrily tells Spock that his people found an answer.
Spock reminds McCoy that his people shed emotions. Where there's no emotion, there's no motive
for violence. Just then, the inmate steps on the Bridge and knocks out the security guard by the
Turbolift. Spock gets up, ready to defend the crew, as the crew reacts to the inmate's sudden
appearance.
With his phaser pointed, the inmate asks which one
of them is the captain. After a while, Kirk moves forward and introduces himself as the captain.
The inmate introduces himself as Van Gelder, but with great difficulty, as he has been forced
not to reveal his true identity. Van Gelder soon requests asylum aboard the Enterprise. At
gunpoint, wonders Kirk. Van Gelder says that he first wants assurances that Kirk will not take
him back to Tantalus. He won't go back. Kirk looks at Spock, and without looking back, Spock
begins to move toward Van Gelder. Kirk also starts moving toward Van Gelder. Kirk tells Van
Gelder that he offers him no promises. Van Gelder says that Kirk can't take him back. He won't
make him, take him back. Kirk says no assurances and asks him to give him his weapon.
Van Gelder continually threatens Kirk. He tells him
that he will disable the vessel first, destroy the control panel. Kirk must choose. Kirk soon
looks at Spock, which distracts Van Gelder. When Van Gelder turns around, Kirk manages to kick
him in his arm, which knocks the phaser out of Van Gelder's hands. Soon, Spock is able to use
his Vulcan nerve pinch to render Van Gelder unconscious. Kirk orders Spock and McCoy to take Van
Gelder to Sickbay. As Spock and McCoy take Van Gelder, Kirk orders the helmsman to reverse
course and take them back to Tantalus.
In Sickbay, Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy examine the
heavily sedated Van Gelder. McCoy tells Kirk that Van Gelder's condition isn't that abnormal.
There's no sign of schizophrenia or tissue damage. This is certainly any condition that McCoy is
acquainted with. He tells Kirk that it took him triple doses of sedative to keep him under. Kirk
has heard reports that he was quite talkative. But not very informative, counters McCoy. He adds
that Van Gelder claimed one thing than another. But, always with a ring of truth in them. McCoy
says that he would like to study this one. Kirk reminds McCoy that this is not their problem.
As Kirk turns to leave, Van Gelder suddenly says
that the two are smart button pushing breaths. Wash their hands of it, let others worry about
it. He says that the two are quite sure of themselves. Kirk asks the patient what his name was.
Van Gelder answers that his name is Simon Van Gelder, however, he says it with some degree of
difficulty. He adds that he was the director at the Tantalus Colony, under Dr. Adams. McCoy asks
the captain if he sees what he means. Simon Van Gelder soon claims that he knew and when McCoy
prods him further, Simon says that they erased it from his mind. Simon soon becomes agitated
again, as he shouts that he won't let them take him back. He'll die first if he has to. Kirk
signals to McCoy to give him another dose of sedative. McCoy soon takes a hypospray and uses it
to calm down Simon Van Gelder.
Captain Kirk enters the Bridge and crosses to Mr.
Spock's station. Spock is curiously and intently studying his scanner. Kirk asks Spock for an
estimated time of arrival to Tantalus. Spock answers that they will arrive at Tantalus in
fifty-nine minutes and thirty seconds. Seeing how Spock is fixated on his scanner, Kirk wonders
what's so fascinating. Spock explains to Kirk about Dr. Simon Van Gelder's identification
records. Dr. Simon Van Gelder, asks Kirk. Dr. Simon Van Gelder repeats Spock. He also adds that
there's a full identification tape on him. Kirk asks Spock when Dr. Van Gelder was committed to
Tantalus. Spock says that he was assigned there, six years ago, as Dr. Adams's associate.
The last bit of information peaks Captain Kirk's
curiosity. As he crosses to his command chair, he orders Uhura to open a channel with Tantalus
Colony. When the channel opens, the Tantalus Colony operator responds. Kirk soon requests that
he speak to Dr. Adams as the operator tells him to stand-by. Soon, Dr. Adams's voice answers
Kirk. Kirk tells him about their escaped inmate, but Adams interrupts and wonders if Kirk
suffered any injuries or casualties. Adams was getting concerned. Kirk informs him that there
were no casualties. Kirk then moves onto the matter of importance. Kirk asks about Dr. Simon Van
Gelder. When Adams hears the name, he wonders about Van Gelder's condition, due to his very
violent condition he's in. Kirk replies that he's all right. He then wonders if Dr. Adams can
clarify Van Gelder's condition.
Just then, Dr. McCoy steps onto the Bridge, to
listen to Kirk and Adams's chatter. Adams explains that Van Gelder was experimenting on a beam.
A beam that may rehabilitate incorrigibles. He also adds that Van Gelder had the belief that he
had the moral right to try the beam on someone else, rather than his own person. Kirk tells
Adams that it's a tragedy. McCoy comes down to Kirk's level and whispers to him that that
doesn't sound quite true. Kirk tells Adams to stand-by and closes the communication, reacting to
McCoy's pronouncement. After the communications close, Kirk orders McCoy to explain.
McCoy tells Kirk that he can't explain it, but he
doesn't believe Adams. The more he studies Van Gelder, he believes that Adams is lying. Kirk
cautions McCoy that if he doesn't believe Adams, then he'd better explain it. Kirk also adds
that if McCoy is aware that Dr. Adams has revolutionized, humanized the way prisoners are
treated these days for over twenty years. He tells him that Adams has found a way to cure these
sick patients than what they have accomplished in forty centuries. He says that prisons aren't
cages anymore, but a decent, clean hospitals for sick minds. McCoy tries to argue with the
captain, but before it can become a full blown argument, Spock intervenes and suggests that they
ask Dr. Adams if he wants Dr. Van Gelder back. Kirk steps aside and agrees to Spock's
suggestions.
Kirk recontacts Adams and asks him about Dr. Van
Gelder. Dr. Adams then asks Kirk about his patrol zone and wonders if Kirk will pass through any
hospital facilities far superior to their own. He wants Van Gelder to have the best possible
treatment, of course. Kirk thanks the doctor and says that he'll take it up with the ship's
doctor's advisement. He tells him to stand-by and once again closes the communication. Kirk
turns to McCoy and tells him that he's got the ball. He wants him to recommend a better place.
McCoy warns Kirk that there are no better facilities. Kirk knows that and so does Adams. That's
not the point that McCoy is making, however, as he informs Kirk that something unusual is going
on down there. Kirk reminds McCoy that that's an assumption. McCoy reminds Kirk that it is his
duty to enter any reasonable doubts into his medical logs and that requires Kirk to answer it in
his log. McCoy apologizes to Kirk.
Kirk turns back to his comm panel and reopens the
line. He apologizes to Dr. Adams and says that according to their strict rules and regulations,
he is required to launch a full investigation into this matter so that a proper report can be
filed. Adams interrupts and says that there's no need to apologize. In fact, he even invites
Kirk down to Tantalus so that he can see for himself. Kirk should realize that they don't get
many visitors these days. He also adds that Kirk should bring down a minimum staff, as they like
to limit outside contact as much as possible. Kirk confirms and says that he's visited rehab
colonies before. Kirk says that he'll see Adams shortly and ends communication. Kirk turns to
McCoy and asks him to find someone in his department with psychology and penology experience if
possible. McCoy acquiesces and leaves the Bridge. He's won this round.
------
The Enterprise re-enters orbit around Tantalus. The captain's log
indicate that they are in standard orbit of Tantalus V. Their mission: routine investigation and
report as per ship's surgeon's medical log. As for the captain's previous log, it seems that he
will get to meet Dr. Adams after all, however, he would have preferred other circumstances.
On the Bridge, after Captain Kirk has recorded his
log, he goes to Spock and asks for Sickbay. After Spock presses a button, Dr. McCoy appears on a
monitor on Spock's station. Kirk asks for the current condition of Dr. Simon Van Gelder. McCoy
says that Van Gelder is still violently agitated. Kirk wonders if McCoy is suggesting that they
keep Van Gelder on the ship, while he completes an investigation of Tantalus. Spock answers for
McCoy and tells Kirk that they should. McCoy then informs the captain that he has assigned an
assistant, someone with psychiatry and rehabilitative background. He tells him that it's Dr.
Noel and is standing by in the Transporter Room. Kirk thanks the doctor and ends communication.
Both he and Spock soon move toward the Turbolift, as they head for the Transporter Room.
Kirk and Spock enter the Transporter Room. Kirk
asks the Transporter Operator if the co-ordinates are set. The Operator informs the captain that
they are and that they're ready to beam them down. As Kirk and Spock turn around, Kirk spots a
familiar and beautiful figure standing on the transporter platform, in a blue science uniform
and carrying a tricorder. She announces herself as Dr. Helen Noel and tells the captain that
they've met before. Kirk reluctantly joins her on the transporter platform. Dr. Noel continues
to remind him about the science lab Christmas party and how he dropped in. Kirk interrupts her
and says that he remembers. Spock asks the captain if there's a problem. Kirk hesitates, and
then steps off the platform and tells Spock to tell McCoy that Dr. Noel had better check out as
the best assistant he's ever had. As Kirk steps back on the platform, he orders the operators to
energize. The two soon dematerialize.
Captain Kirk and Dr. Noel successfully transport to
the Tantalus Colony. After Kirk and Noel finish beaming, they look around for an entrance to the
penal colony. Kirk spots an opening behind them and indicates it to the beautiful doctor. He
tells her that it's this way, he presumes. When he formally addresses her, Dr. Noel suggests
that the good captain will, in time, call her Helen. The captain reminds her that there is
another time, another place and another situation to be informal. Dr. Noel relents to the
captain's request.
As the two step into the opening, the doors close
and the elevator starts taking them down fast. Kirk grabs hold of Dr. Noel as the sudden,
unexpected move frightens her. Kirk tells Noel that it's an elevator and it seems to be taking
them down quite a way. Dr. Noel says that she wouldn't recommend it for weak hearts. When the
elevator reaches the bottom, the doors open and the two step out.
They are greeted by a beaming Dr. Adams who greets
them warmly. Captain Kirk tells him that it's a pleasure to finally meet him. Dr. Adams welcomes
the pair to the "Devil's Island." He wonders who the other person is and the captain introduces
her as Dr. Helen Noel. When Adams calls her doctor as well, Dr. Noel suggests that he call her
Helen. She suggests that with so many titles around, they won't know who's talking to who. Dr.
Adams agrees to Dr. Noel's suggestions. Kirk soon pulls out his phaser and tells Dr. Adams that
regulations require him to check in his weapon. Dr. Adams politely tells Kirk that it isn't
necessary in his case. He tells him that they are as defenseless without weapons, as the
doctor's are without medkits. He just stresses that the captain keep it out of sight. Both Kirk
and Noel are soon led into Dr. Adams's study.
As they enter the doctor's study, he offers them a
toast, as it is rarely a chance that they get visitors on Tantalus, no matter what the
occassion. He hopes that they don't mind and starts pouring drinks. Kirk tries to apologize to
the doctor, but Adams says that the captain has made his apologies from upstairs. Kirk soon
takes out his communicator and contacts the Enterprise. Adams soon interrupts and says that he
won't be able to get through to the security screen. When Dr. Adams lower the forcefield, Kirk
contacts Spock on the Enterprise. When Spock acknowledges, Kirk tells him that his landing
co-ordinates were right on the nose and that they are with Dr. Adams right now. Spock affirms
Kirk's message and Kirk closes transmission. Dr. Adams reraises the security screen.
After closing communications with Spock, a woman
enters Dr. Adams's study. Adams announces the woman as Lethe and introduces her to Captain Kirk
and Dr. Helen Noel. Dr. Adams explains that Lethe came down for rehabilitation and stayed down
as a therapist. A mighty fine therapist, he might add. Kirk asks Adams if he can ask Lethe a
question. Adams tells him to go right ahead. Kirk asks Lethe what she was like before she came
here. Lethe says she was a different person, malignant, hateful. Kirk asks her what crime she
committed. Lethe wonders if that matters, as that person no longer exists.
Dr. Adams chimes in and says that it is part of
their rehabilitative process. He asks them why should a person go on living with unbearable
memories that is unnecessary. He stops himself and tells Dr. Noel that of all people that she
should be the one to understand. Dr. Noel tells the captain that shifting of memory patterns is
basic to psychotherapy. Before Kirk can ask another question, Adams interrupts and says that
they should drink. He hopes that Lethe doesn't mind, as he hands Kirk and Helen their drinks.
Before they drink, Dr. Adams makes a small speech, "To all mankind: May we never find space so
vast and planets so cold. Hearts and minds so empty that we cannot fill them with love and
warmth."
After the three share a drink, Dr. Adams show
Captain Kirk and Dr. Helen Noel their rehabilitation colony. All the prisoners on this colony
seem happy, as they grin at each other and to their visitors. Kirk commends to Adams that this
is a remarkable colony. Adams thanks the captain. The three soon come into a room that piques
the captain's interest and asks the doctor what the room is. Dr. Adams was afraid that Captain
Kirk would ask him about this room. One doesn't like to talk about their failures. Captain Kirk
asks Dr. Adams if he can see it. Dr. Noel protests saying that if an experiment has failed and
has no scientific value. The captain interrupts and suggests that they leave it up to the
doctor. Helen soon says that since the captain brought her down here to ask for advice. Kirk
reminds Helen that one of the advantages of being a captain is to ask for advice without
necessarily having to take it. Before Helen can protest further, Adams pitches in and says that
he'll have to award that round to the captain. He says they're both fighting warriors and ushers
them into the room.
Back aboard the Enterprise, a still agitated Dr.
Van Gelder shouts that he is not a criminal. He adds that he does not require neural
neutralizer. Mr. Spock asks Van Gelder to describe the neural neutralizer. Van Gelder explains
that it is a room, a device, used for neutralizing brain patterns. Spock asks the doctor what
goes on in this room. As Van Gelder tries to explain the device, he suddenly roars into a
psychopathic laughter as Spock indicates to McCoy to sedate him. As McCoy sedates him, Van
Gelder relaxes.
Back on the planet, Dr. Adams explains that the
room they are in is the neural neutralizer and it's experimental. He says that they don't get
much use out of it. He then explains the whole procedure on the neural neutralizer. He says that
the beam from above neutralizes brain wave patterns. The control panel here increases or
decreases the neutralizing beam. He adds that the effects are only temporary and does no harm to
the patient. Kirk then asks the good doctor that if the device is only experimental and don't
get much use out of it; then why go on using it, the doctor finishes for him. Dr. Adams's says
that it's because of hope that they continue to use it. They think that the more violent cases
will respond well to unorthodox treatments. Dr. Helen Noel reminds Kirk that tranquilizers are
fine, but to continually pump chemicals into ones bloodstream will do irreversible damage. Dr.
Adams agrees with Helen and suggests that they continue.
As the three begin heading out, the assistant who
operates the neural neutralizer, bumps into Captain Kirk. Unlike the residents of this facility,
the assistant's mind expresses that of pure blankness. Kirk asks the assistant how the neural
neutralizer works. The assistant blankly informs him that it's quite simple really. There are
on, off switches, and the other switch controls the intensity of the beam neutralizer. When
Adams and Helen realize the captain isn't following, they go back to the neural neutralizer
room. Dr. Adams tells a startled Kirk that he reminds him of the ancient skeptic, who taught
them wise old sages whilst standing on one foot. Dr. Helen Noel reminds Kirk that beam
neutralizing has been experimented on Earth and while she isn't acquainted with this style of
equipment, she can assure him that Adams hasn't created a chamber of horrors. Kirk apologizes
and didn't mean to suggest that Adams had. It's just that Adams failed to mention where Dr. Van
Gelder's injuries occurred.
Dr. Adams's tells Kirk that Van Gelder's injuries
occurred right here. Kirk looks reluctantly at Adams and Adams concurs. Adams reiterates that
Simon was a stubborn man. Van Gelder could have sat in the neural neutralizer for years and at
that intensity. If only Simon had someone standing there to snap him out of it. He's says that
it's a pity, though and leaves with Helen. After the two leave, Kirk thanks the blank minded
assistant, who doesn't say a thing. After Kirk thanks the assistant, he leaves the neural
neutralizer room and joins Adams and Noel. After everyone leaves, the assistant continues to
administer the neural treatment on the patient and tells him to forgot all that he's heard, and
that if he tries to remember, it will cause him pain, terrible pain. The assistant then
increases the intensity of the beam.
Back aboard the Enterprise, Mr. Spock contacts his
captain and asks for his present location. Kirk answers that he is in Dr. Adams's study and
Spock wonders if Dr. Adams is with them now. Kirk confirms. Spock soon explains to Kirk that Dr.
Van Gelder has made reference to a particular treatment room. The term was neural neutralizer.
Kirk confirms and says that it was the room where Dr. Van Gelder was injured, as he has seen the
room and Dr. Adams has told them about Van Gelder's mistake. Kirk tells Spock to go ahead if he
has something else to say. Back on the planet, in Dr. Adams's study, Dr. Adams tells Kirk that
his first officer is a good officer. He tells Kirk that Spock can talk freely as he has to check
in with a member of his staff anyway. As Adams leaves, Kirk tells Spock to stand by.
After Adams exits, Kirk tells Spock to speak
freely, as Adams has left to attend to his duties. Spock tells Kirk that Van Gelder is still
extremely agitated and warns the captain that he is in danger. Dr. Helen Noel, who has been
standing by the door, hears this and says that this is foolish. Spock didn't quite hear her and
asks her to repeat her message. Kirk tells Spock that the technical aide that McCoy sent with
him, says that any concern for them being in danger is unjustified. Dr. Noel tells them that Van
Gelder is suffering from neural synapse damage, as if his brain is short-circuited. No wonder
he's having delusions. McCoy says that he's received and understood, but he still has doubts up
here and wonders if Kirk can tell anymore. Kirk says not really. Spock wonders when the captain
plans to beam back up. Kirk says that they'll spend the night here.
Upon hearing this, Van Gelder shouts "No!!!" Spock
wonders if the captain will continue to report every four hours and Kirk confirms, ending
communications. After they end their communique with the captain, Spock and McCoy go back to the
screaming Van Gelder. He tells them not to let their captain stay. McCoy tries to hypospray him,
but Van Gelder pleads with him not too. He says that he tried not too fight and tells him to
warn their captain. He tells them that Dr. Adams's will destroy, with much difficulty. Spock
asks him, destroy how, what. Dr. Van Gelder tells them, "Like, death." Spock and McCoy react to
this news.
------
Back aboard the Enterprise, Spock's log indicate that he must now
use an ancient Vulcan technique to probe into Van Gelder's tortured mind...
In Sickbay, McCoy argues with Spock whether or not
this Vulcan technique will work or not. McCoy says that if there's a slight potential if this
can work. Spock explains to McCoy that he has not tried it on a human before. McCoy says that if
Spock can see into Van Gelder's mind, to see whether or not what he's saying is real or
delusional. Spock says that this technique is a personal nature to Vulcans, part of their
private lives. McCoy reminds Spock that the captain's life may be in danger and wonders whether
or not it will work or not. Spock ignores McCoy and goes to Van Gelder. Spock tells Van Gelder
that it could be dangerous, as he has to make pressure changes, his nerves and blood pressure.
Van Gelder says that Spock must and he must open his mind to warn them of the dangers that lie
on Tantalus.
Before beginning the procedure, Spock tells McCoy
that this will not affect him, only the person that he touches and should not be considered
hypnosis. McCoy says that he understands. Spock soon proceeds and puts his hands around Van
Gelder's face. As Spock begins the mind meld, Van Gelder's vitals begin to return to normal.
Spock looks at McCoy and McCoy informs him that Van Gelder's reading are leveling off. Spock
soon tells Van Gelder that he will begin to feel euphoria. He says that Van Gelder's body
floats from its natural self. Van Gelder says that he's beginning to feel it. Spock tells Van
Gelder to open his mind. They move together, sharing the same thoughts.
Back on the planet, Captain Kirk visits Dr. Helen
Noel in her cabin. After Kirk greets the doctor, he asks her what she noticed about the inmates
here this afternoon. Dr. Noel says that the captain could've waited until tomorrow to ask her
that. Kirk says that he didn't. With that, Dr. Noel tells the captain that they appeared to be
happy, well adjusted. But a bit blank, Kirk finishes. Helen goes up to her captain and says that
he shouldn't question the methods of a man like Tristan Adams. Kirk says that he would like to
see the treatment room himself and wonders if Dr. Noel is familiar with the application behind
it. Dr. Noel says that she does, somewhat and continues to defend Dr. Adams's and says that if
Kirk has any doubts about the theory behind Adams's, he should tell him. Kirk says that Adams
will continue to lie to them and won't tell them a thing, unless they see the treatment room at
work for themselves. He wonders if Dr. Helen Noel thinks that it is impratical and unscientific
of him for him to try. As Kirk heads for the exit, Dr. Noel stands there. Only Kirk's proding
keeps Helen from protesting further, as she follows him.
Back on the Enterprise, in Sickbay, Spock continues
to use the ancient Vulcan technique to probe into Van Gelder's mind. Spock asks him who are they
and what are their names. Dr. Van Gelder says that they are Simon Van Gelder. Spock wants to
know what Dr. Adams did to them in the neural neutralizer room. Dr. Van Gelder says that Dr.
Adams can reshape any mind he chooses. He erased their minds and put his own thoughts there, and
asks Spock if he remembers. Van Gelder then says that Dr. Adams was surprised that it took much
power from the machine to put his mind there and reminds Spock that they beat him. But, they
grew tired. Van Gelder says that any thoughts they pleased, put his own thoughts there. Van
Gelder continues how Dr. Adams emptied their minds. They felt so alone sitting in the neural
neutralizer, wanting any word from anybody. Van Gelder continues how their minds became empty
like a sponge, wanting any thoughts from anybody. Van Gelder says that they needed to be loved,
liked, and to die. Spock continues to repeat Dr. Van Gelder's words, as he is still connected to
him in the Vulcan mind meld. Van Gelder continues that they felt so empty, so lonely to be
sitting in that room.
Back in the neural neutralizer room, Captain Kirk
tells Dr. Helen Noel that he has no intention of harming his brain and wonders if the good
doctor can operate it safely. The doctor says yes. The captain wonders if Dr. Noel can determine
if the neural neutralizer is doing any harm to his brain in the slightest. The doctor says she
knows her profession. The captain nods and says they should give this a try. Captain Kirk heads
for the neural neutralizer chair and sits down on it. Helen suggests that they try a minimum
intensity burst for a second or two. The captain agrees. After the captain relaxes, Dr. Noel
turns the intensity knob and soon the captain's face goes blank as the neural neutralizing beam
hits his face. After a second or two, the doctor turns off the beam. Kirk's face returns to
normal and tells the doctor anytime she's ready. Dr. Noel says that they already tried it for
that long. Kirk tells her that nothing happened and Dr. Noel reminds him that something
happened, as his face went completely blank. Captain Kirk then suggests that Dr. Helen Noel try
implanting a harmless suggestion into his brain.
As Dr. Helen Noel turns on the neural neutralizer,
she speaks into the microphone and says, "You're hungry." When she turns off the neural
neutralizer, the captain says that he would like to locate and raid a kitchen somewhere. Dr.
Noel is surprised and tells Kirk that she put that suggestion into his head. She simply said
that he was hungry. Kirk and Noel reacts to the effectiveness of the machine, and Kirk notes how
effective the machine is that Dr. Adams's was going to abandon. Dr. Helen Noel suggests that
they try this again and Kirk agrees. Kirk also suggests that she try a different memory, one
that they're both sure of.
Dr. Noel turns on the neural neutralizer and speaks
into the microphone. As the captain's face turns blank, Dr. Noel tells him to go back to the
Christmas party, the day they met. She tells him that they danced and he talked to her about the
stars. She suggests that now it happened in a different way. This time, he swept her off her
feet and carried her to his cabin. Kirk begins to think back to the time he met Dr. Helen Noel.
He carries her to his room and Helen wonders what if his crew saw him carry her to his cabin.
Kirk tells the doctor that his crew is sworn to secrecy. The doctor wonders about her
reputation, after all, they only met a few hours ago. Kirk wonders if they should manufacture a
lie and wrap it like a Christmas present. Dr. Noel says that she prefers honesty. The two soon
kiss a passionate kiss.
As Kirk is reminiscing about the good old days, he
doesn't realize that Dr. Adams and his inmate have entered the neural neutralizer room and taken
hold of Dr. Helen Noel. Dr. Adams says that now Captain Kirk is going to have a complete
demonstration of the power of the neural neutralizer. Dr. Adams says that he doesn't want there
to be any doubts in the captain's mind and increases the neural neutralizer intensity. After
Adams increases the intensity, Kirk experiences pain. Dr. Adams speaks into the microphone and
tells Kirk that he's madly in love with Helen. Helen looks on surprised, whilst being held by
the blank assistant. Adams tells Kirk that for years he's loved Helen. He'd lie, cheat, steal
for Helen and even sacrifice his career for Helen. Helen tries to stop Dr. Adams, but it's no
good, as she is held down.
The doctor soon says that the captain wonders if he
feels the pain, and the pain gets worse unless he has her. The captain shouts for Helen. Dr.
Adams says that now Helen is gone and Dr. Adams increases the beam intensity. The captain tells
Helen not too go, as feels her loss in his mind. The doctor says very good and soon orders the
captain to drop his phaser on the floor. As Kirk resists, Dr. Adams says that if Kirk refuses,
the pain increases and demonstrates his intent. Kirk has no choice but to drop his phaser. After
Kirk drops the phaser, Dr. Adams orders him to take out his communicator and drop it on the
floor. As Kirk takes out his communicator, he opens it to contact the Enterprise. When Dr. Adams
sees this, he increases the intensity, making Kirk's pain worse. Kirk shouts at the pain and
gets out of his chair, as Dr. Helen Noel screams...
------
In his quarters, Captain Kirk is being cared for by Dr. Helen Noel.
When Kirk recovers, Helen tells the captain that they've taken him from the room and that he is
in his own quarters now. When the captain looks at Helen, he tells her that for years, he's
loved her, still suffering the effects of the neural neutralizer. Helen tells the captain to try
and remember. She tells him that she was taken away from the controls and that Dr. Adams planted
all that in his mind. She begs him to try and remember. Kirk soon comes around and says that he
remembers. Soon, Kirk looks at something behind Helen and she looks at him bewilderedly. Kirk
moves toward Helen as she begins to back away, as she thinks that the captain is making a move
on her. Kirk goes to a security screen behind Helen and starts pulling at it, albeit with a bit
of difficulty. He asks Helen to help him. When Helen helps the captain, the two manage to get
the screen open.
As Kirk looks into the open screen, he notices it
as an air-conditioning duct. He tells Helen that these ducts connect with other ducts in the
colony and may lead them to the power source, short circuit it to bring down the forcefield. He
says that Helen is the only one who can crawl through these ducts. Kirk wonders if Helen has had
any training in hypopower circuitry. Helen says no. Kirk informs Helen that she must make a
voltage and any wrong wires touched, could kill her. Helen says that anything's better than Dr.
Adams's treatment room and proceeds into the duct, with Kirk helping her in. After Dr. Noel is
fully in the duct, Kirk closes the security screen and walks toward the door. The door to his
quarters open and soon two security guards, armed with phasers, stand there. Kirk tell the
guards that it must be time for another treatment and follows them out. Inside the duct, Dr.
Noel continues to crawl through it, looking for the power plant that houses the security grid.
Back in the neural neutralizer room, Dr. Adams
continues to treat Captain Kirk, while his stone-faced assistant stands guard. Dr. Adams warns
Kirk not to fight him, as fighting him will only make the pain worse. He then begins to increase
the intensity of the beam, as Kirk feels pain again. After a while, Dr. Adams tells Kirk that he
believes him. Kirk tells him that he does. Dr. Adams then tells Kirk that he trusts him and Kirk
once again, is forced to lie. Dr. Adams is satisfied at Kirk's response. He tells Kirk that Dr.
Simon Van Gelder was sobbing and on his knees at this point, begging. He is glad to have had two
great specimens to work with. It has taught him a great deal. Soon, Lethe enters the room and
tells Dr. Adams that the woman doctor is gone. Dr. Adams tells her to notify security and once
Lethe exits the room, Dr. Adams asks Kirk where Dr. Noel is and increases the intensity of the
beam. Kirk fights the beam and says that he doesn't know. Dr. Adams's says that they need
instructions, but Kirk ignores him and gets out of the neural neutralizer chair.
In the air-conditioning duct, Dr. Helen Noel
continues to look for the power plant room. When she finds it, she crawls out of the security
screen and begins to look for the control panel that controls the power system. When she finds
it, she opens the security door that protects it and tries to turn off the power using the
lever, but it's too hard... Back on the Enterprise, and in the Transporter Room, Spock orders
the Transporter Operator to go to Emergency Channel D. The Transporter Operator responds that
it's no good, as the forcefield is still up. Spock orders him to keep trying.
Back in the Tantalus Security Control Room, Dr.
Noel closes the gate on the power grid and hides in a safe place. Soon, three Tantalus Security
guards come running into the room, armed with phasers. One of the guards checks the security
control panel and signals another to look for Helen. As the other guard moves off, two guards
go after Helen. As the guards pass her by, Helen goes back to the power control and unlocks the
gate. Afterwards, she manages to pull the level that controls the power to the colony.
In the neural neutralizer room, the power comes
off. Dr. Adams and his associate put Kirk back in the chair and Adams tells his associate that
they need to find that girl. Before they can put Kirk back in the chair, Kirk manages to knock
out the associate and then Dr. Adams... Back in the Security Control Room, the security guard
pushes Helen out of the way and turns on the power again. He then goes to Helen on the floor,
but Dr. Noel manages to push the guard into the power grid, killing him instantly. This makes
the Tantalus Colony's forcefield to come down again... Back aboard the Enterprise, the
Transporter Operator tells Spock that the forcefield is down and that he can send him to the
source of the interference. Spock orders McCoy to follow him with a security detail. When Spock
goes on the platform, he orders the operator to energize.
In the security control room, Dr. Helen Noel grabs
the dead security guard's phaser and heads back into the duct. After she leaves, Spock beams
down to her location. After materializing, Spock checks on the guard on the floor, but he is
dead. He soon looks for the control that controls the forcefield. It is locked, but with his
brute Vulcan strength, manages to unlock the panel and deactivate the forcefield. After Spock
deactivates the forcefield, Spock informs the Enterprise that the forcefield has been
eliminated. After deactivating the forcefield, Spock accidentally reinitiates the power to the
colony, forcing the beam in the neural neutralizer room to reactivate, affecting Dr. Adams, who
is on the floor in the room. Dr. Adams is slowly being drained by his own creation.
After Kirk escapes the neural neutralizer room, he
slips back into his quarters, just as Dr. Noel comes back. As she calls out to him, Kirk lets
her out via the duct. After letting her out, Kirk begins to kiss Helen, but Helen says that this
isn't right. Kirk continues, saying that he's missed her. Helen tries to resist him and tells
him that Dr. Adams did this to him and tells him to remember. Just then, Spock enters the room
and witnesses Kirk's romantic interlude. Kirk comes back to Earth after hearing Adams's name and
rushes out to where he left Adams in the neural neutralizer room, with Spock and Dr. Noel in
pursuit.
As Kirk, Spock and Dr. Noel head for the neural
neutralizer room, Enterprise security guards, with Dr. McCoy in charge, detain the colony's
citizens and guards. McCoy greets the captain and joins them in the neural neutralizer room.
Realizing that the beam is on, Kirk turns off the neural neutralizer and the four of them goes
to Adams on the floor. Kirk says that the power came on and Dr. McCoy informs the captain that
Adams is dead. Dr. Noel says that the beam wasn't on high enough to kill him, but Kirk reminds
her that he was alone in the room. He tells her that not even a tormented mind could survive
being alone for an extended period of time. Dr. Noel tells him that she understands. The four of
them exit the room and head back for the ship.
Back on the Enterprise, Spock does some preliminary
checkings before departing. Captain Kirk enters the Bridge, still a bit distressed over the
incident. Uhura informs Kirk that they've received a message from Tantalus. Spock says that it
was from Dr. Van Gelder. He tells him that Van Gelder told them that the neural neutralizer room
has been dismantled. As Kirk acknowledges, he goes to his command chair. McCoy wonders that it's
hard to believe that a man could die of loneliness. Kirk tries to forget that room, but reminds
the doctor that it's not hard to believe, when he's sat in that room. After a while, Kirk orders
Spock to break orbit and orders him to engage at warp factor one. Spock acknowledges and the
Enterprise soon sets course for its next assignment...
