The Enterprise approaches Planet Psi-2000. The captain's log states
that the Enterprise is approaching Planet Psi-2000, a planet literally on the doors of its death
throes. A planet now a frozen wasteland. Their mission is to pick up the survivors of the
scientists and to study the decay of the planet.
On the planet's surface, Commander Spock and
Crewman Joe Tormolen beam down to scan for survivors. As they scan the surface, they soon find
that the scientists are all dead and one of the woman lying on the ground. Mr. Spock soon orders
Crewman Tormolen to check for life-support, as he continues to scan. Soon after, Crewman
Tormolen comes back and reports that the life-support have gone off-line and that he has
detected one of the scientists taking a shower with his clothes on. Spock finds this oddly
strange, as they have seen so far, a woman strangled, a scientist slumped over his desk like
nothing happened, and a man taking a shower with his clothes on. Spock finds that rather
irrational and almost strange. Spock wonders what happened with the rest, and Tormolen tells him
that he can look for himself as the others are back there.
While Mr. Spock is looking around, Crewman Tormolen
starts scanning the room. He soon starts to get an itch on his nose and takes off his gloves to
scratch it. He doesn't realize, however, that this will leave him vulnerable. After scratching
his nose, Tormolen forgets to put the gloves back on, and he bends over to scan the science
desk. As he is scanning the desk, he doesn't realize that a contaminated blood stream will slip
onto his fingers, causing more problems for him. When he gets back up, he realizes that he's
feeling itchy all over, especially his hands. Tormolen soon puts on his gloves, but he still
feels the itch.
Soon, Mr. Spock comes back and tells Tormolen that
they haven't been exposed to anything and should report to the ship. Spock contacts the ship and
informs Captain Kirk that all the science party that they were to have picked up are all dead.
Captain Kirk asks what caused it, and Spock informs him that it's like nothing they've seen
before.
------
The Enterprise continues to remain in close orbit of Psi 2000. The
captain reports that the science party they were to have picked up have been found dead and that
they remain in orbit to monitor the close break-up of the planet.
In the transporter room, Lieutenant Commander Scott
and a crewman beam-up Mr. Spock and Crewman Tormolen. After they finish materializing, Tormolen
is about to step out of the transporter platform when Mr. Spock stops him. Spock asks Mr. Scott
if he's received his message and Scott nods an approval. Scott soon orders his crewman to start
decontamination, and soon the two men are decontaminated... On the Bridge, Captain Kirk receives
a message from Scotty who tells him that the men are aboard and that they are being
decontaminated. Kirk soon suggests to Scotty to tell the men to have medics look them over as
well and he'll meet Mr. Spock there.
After the decontamination procedure, both Tormolen
and Spock are moved to Sickbay to begin a physical examination of the two. The good Dr. McCoy
finds nothing wrong with Tormolen, and soon it is Mr. Spock's turn. When Spock gets on the
biobed, the biobed instruments go haywire. McCoy is astonished at Spock's physiology. He says
that Spock doesn't have blood pressure and his pulse is unusually high. He soon speculates on
whether he calls that green stuff in his veins blood. Spock is thankful that the doctor can
determine their different physiology.
Soon, Captain Kirk visits Sickbay to get a fix on
how his two crewmen are doing. During all this, Crewman Tormolen continues to rub his hands
across his shoulder, as if something is wrong. The captain asks how they're doing and Dr. McCoy
explains to him that there is nothing wrong with them physically and they seem to be in good
shape. Soon, Tormolen informs his captain that it was all just horrible, the way they died and
that. He soon asks the captain if they should be out here at all, and the captain reminds the
young crewman that his curiosity is the reason why they are out here. He orders Tormolen to get
some rest.
Kirk soon asks Spock what he thinks about the
situation. Spock says that he couldn't be sure, as he saw the men died almost as if they were
irrational or drugged. He can't say without further examination and Kirk orders Spock to set-up
those record tapes. After the two senior officers leave, Nurse Christine Chapel comes in with
the lab results, while Tormolen continues to rub his palm on his shoulders.
In the Briefing Room, the senior-staff gathers to
view the record tapes from Spock and Tormolen's observations. Yeoman Janice Rand is there to
assist the officers as she hands Mr. Spock his spectro-analysis tapes. As they watch the
viewscreen, the viewscreen shows the horrific scenes witnessed by Spock and Tormolen, including
an Engineer slumped over his desk. After the viewscreen ends, Kirk remarks how it almost looks
funny, if it wasn't for the gruesome nature of the image. Kirk soon asks his officers what they
think caused this outcry. Spock soon speculates that it could be that they were drugged, as if
they were behaving irrationally. Dr. McCoy chimes in saying that that couldn't be the case, as
all the medical research came out negative. Spock soon speculates that it could be some sort of
space magnus they've never heard of. Scott suggests that the instruments would have picked up
that magnus, but Spock reminds him that the instruments were designed only to recognize things
it was designed to; space has infinite unknowns, he reminds them.
Soon, Kirk reminds them why they are here for. He
informs his senior-officers that Earth Science has ordered them to monitor the break-up of
Psi-2000 at close-range. He wonders if at that close-range, would they require top efficiency
and that could whatever happened on the planet transpire up here. Spock reminds the captain, at
close-range, the planet will experience massive gravity changes and magnetic field flux density
will increase, efficiency will be their top priority. Scott reminds them that unless men on the
Bridge start taking showers with their cloth on, his engines can respond within thirty-seconds
from the captain giving the order. Captain Kirk soon receives a call from the Bridge, from Lt.
Uhura, reporting that there is a four degree shift in the planet's polar regions. Spock says
that it's beginning and that once it starts, the planet will start to lose its gravity and
magnetic field. Kirk informs Scotty that he'll hold him to that thirty-seconds as the
senior-officers leave the Briefing Room for the Bridge.
Meanwhile, in the Rec Room, Crewman Tormolen enters
to get his meal. After he gets his meal he sits down to eat it, when he still has a funny
feeling on his palm, after contracting the infected bloodstream from Psi-2000. Soon, Lt. Sulu
and Kevin Riley enter the Rec Room, discussing the importance of fencing. Riley believes that
fencing is boring, if it isn't used for defense, etc. Sulu reminds Riley that fencing flexes the
muscles and tones the body. They soon join Tormolen all by himself, who is continuously rubbing
his palm. Riley informs Tormolen that Sulu first tried to get him into botany and now its
fencing. Sulu wants Tormolen's opinion on fencing, but when Sulu prods him, Tormolen sharply
tells him to leave him alone. This startles Sulu and Riley.
Tormolen then gets all upset saying that all those
men on the planet died for nothing. He also believes that they have no business being out here
in space. Sulu and Riley try to calm Tormolen down, but it's no use. Tormolen believes that if
they were meant to be space, they wouldn't need air to breathe. Tormolen soon picks up a knife
and threatens Sulu and Riley. Tormolen continues to rant on about how they aren't meant to be
out here and the men died for nothing. Riley urges Tormolen to put the knife down, but Tormolen
soon aims the knife on himself, ready to plunge it in. Soon, Riley and Sulu wrestle with
Tormolen to get the knife off him. As they struggle, Riley is finally able to rip the knife off
him, but it's too late. Tormolen has stabbed himself and has blood on him. Riley quickly goes to
a comm-unit and calls for medical emergency to the Rec Room. Soon, he also feels Tormolen's
disease on him, as he rubs his palm.
------
The USS Enterprise continues its orbit around the quickly decaying
Psi-2000. The captain's log reports that the Enterprise remains in orbit around Psi-2000, with
the planet continuing to shrink in size and efficiency at critical levels. He also reports that,
unknown to them, a new disease has been brought on board.
On the Bridge, there is a flurry of activity as
they try to maintain the ship's orbit around Psi-2000. Riley reports that the relative gravity
is increasing and Kirk orders him to compensate. Sulu reports that the planet's magnetic field
is increasing by the minute. Spock reports to Kirk that all science stations aboard the ship are
manned and fully functioning. He also notes that this will be a valuable study and informs Kirk
that this could be what Earth will be like in the distant future. Kirk gives him a look. Spock
soon covers himself up, saying that before Psi-2000's sun went down, its similarities were much
that to Earth's. Riley reports that their orbit is now steady. Kirk soon goes to Uhura, who
reports that the radiation level is low. He then goes to Spock. Sulu and Riley continue to rub
their palm, after contracting the disease from Tormolen. Kirk goes to Spock to get a psychiatric
file on Tormolen. Spock reports that Tormolen's behavior has always shown doubt and concern.
Kirk doesn't believe that that's the man he knows. Spock is also worried that his self-doubt was
brought on quickly, which makes it even more compelling.
In Sickbay, Dr. McCoy and Nurse Chapel operate on
the injured Tormolen. As Dr. McCoy operates, Nurse Chapel assists, handing him medical equipment
and checking on Tormolen's condition. As McCoy operates, Tormolen's breathing comes down and the
nurse informs McCoy of this. McCoy orders Christine to compensate with the respirator... Back on
the Bridge, the alert klaxon on the helm/navigation console sounds, as the planet's magnetic
field shifts again. Kirk quickly goes to the navigator's console and orders him to compensate.
It seems that Riley was a little nervous, induced by the contaminated disease he has been
infected with. Sulu reports that their orbit is now steady... Back in Sickbay, McCoy tells Nurse
Chapel that he's ready to close-up. The nurse hands the doctor the tools he needs to close-up
the patient, and as he does, Tormolen's vital signs continue to plummet. Soon after, Tormolen
dies. McCoy is puzzled as he reveals that his wounds were not that severe.
On the Bridge, Captain Kirk gets a call from Dr.
McCoy, while Spock also acquires the captain's attention. Captain Kirk informs Dr. McCoy that
he'll be there as soon as he can and orders Uhura to monitor communications. Spock informs the
captain that the rate of compaction is increasing by the minute. He also informs the captain
that as the planet shrink in size, they will also be pulled toward the planet, due to the
decrease of the planet's gravity field and forcing them to maintain an orbit with the planet.
He warns that they may have to warp out of there in that eventuality. Kirk soon contacts
Engineering and orders Mr. Scott that they may have to blast out of here any minute. Scotty
reminds him that he'll have his powers and he will also tie his engines to the helm, so that
expedient reaction can be achieved.
Once satisfied with the engineer's remarks, Kirk
says he'll go see what the good doctor wants. After the captain leaves the Bridge, Sulu and
Riley continue to rub their palms. Sulu informs Riley that he's sweating like a bride-groom.
Riley confirms. Soon, Sulu goes up to Riley in a conspiratorial manner and asks him if he will
join him at the gym to work off the sweat. Riley is concerned, but Sulu doesn't care. He soon
sneaks into the Turbolift and disappears, much to the dismay of Riley.
In Sickbay, Dr. McCoy informs Captain Kirk of
Tormolen's death. McCoy informs Kirk that it shouldn't be possible, as Tormolen's wounds were
not severe. Soon, Kirk comes to a theory and asks McCoy if there could be a connection between
what happened on the planet and what's happening on his ship. McCoy says that's impossible
because both Tormolen and Spock were decontaminated and medically checked. Kirk soon informs
McCoy that he wants the impossible checked out as well and McCoy says that it's possible.
On the Bridge, Spock is still unaware that Sulu has
left his station. It is not until that the helm station starts beeping when Spock notices Sulu's
absence. After Spock corrects the malfunctioning helm problem, he orders Crewman Kyle to take
over Mr. Sulu's station. When Riley fails to answer why Sulu isn't at the helm, Spock prods him
again. Mr. Riley soon shouts something about being an Irishman, which piques Spock. Spock orders
Riley to Sickbay, while he orders Lt. Uhura to take over his station. When Spock mentions this,
Riley points out that it is good to let the women take over their lives, before heading for
Sickbay. Spock soon goes to the captain's chair and contacts a security guard to alert them that
Lt. Riley is headed for Sickbay and to make sure that he gets there. He also contacts Captain
Kirk and asks him to report to the Bridge.
Meanwhile, Lt. Riley enters the Sickbay deck,
looking rather pleased with himself. He soon enters Sickbay in a slightly irregular manner. He
soon sees Nurse Chapel all alone and taps her on her shoulder, getting her attention. He soon
wonders where Joe is and Christine tells him that Joe died. He soon tells Chapel what a
beautiful woman she is. As he tells her this, he rubs her face, passing on the infection to her.
Before he leaves, he soon tells her that Joe's mistake was that he wasn't born an Irishman. He
leaves Chapel pondering this thought and now she rubs her face...
On another deck, Sulu exits the Turbolift,
brandishing a fencing foil and completely topless. He soon warns no one to be aware of him. He
soon tests the swords sharpness and pokes himself. He then sees two crewmembers coming his way.
When the crewmembers near him, Sulu jumps out into the corridor and brandishes the sword in
their direction. The two crewmembers look scared and don't know what to do. Sulu informs them
that they will defend themselves or leave with their blood on his soul. The two crewmembers soon
dash for their lives and Sulu laughs out loud, saying that they are cowards.
On the Bridge, Captain Kirk enters and immediately
asks Spock what were Riley and Sulu's symptoms as they left. Spock reports that Riley's behavior
seem almost irrational, as if they were drugged completes Kirk. Spock agrees. He soon elaborates
that Riley fancied himself a descendant of their Irish country. He has no word on Sulu's
whereabouts. Captain Kirk soon orders Uhura to alert security to look out for both Riley and
Sulu, and when found, have them taken to Sickbay. Soon, Lt. Uhura reports that Sulu has been
found, threatening two crewmembers with a sword.
Soon, the ship shakes due to the gravity of the
planet increasing. Kirk orders the helm to blast them out of there with warp drives. But the
helm responds that the warp engines are out. When Kirk suggests that he should try impulse
engines, the helm responds that impulse engines are out also. When Kirk contacts Scotty in
Engineering, he gets a response from a Kevin Riley instead, who has commandeered Engineering
from Scotty. Kirk orders the navigator to get Scotty, but Riley responds that he's relieved Mr.
Scott from duty. Kirk orders Spock to take over the Bridge, while he goes to investigate.
As he approaches the Turbolift, Sulu jumps out
brandishing his fencing foil. Kirk orders Sulu to put the sword away and accidentally touches
the swords sharp end. Sulu does not heed Kirk's orders and instead tries to scare his captain
away. Even Spock tries to corner Sulu but to no effect. When Uhura tries to settle Sulu, she is
grabbed by him who find her attractive. Kirk tries to rescue Uhura but to no effect. Soon, when
Spock gets a clear shot, he gives Sulu his nerve-pitch which effectively sedates him. Kirk soon
jokes that he should teach him how to do that. Spock orders two crewmembers to take Mr. Pitang
to Sickbay.
After the security guards take Sulu to Sickbay,
Kirk tries to contact Scotty again, only to get Riley's singing over the intercom. When he goes
to the Turbolift, the doors don't open. Kirk orders Uhura to clear the tube. He tries the door a
second time, only to be denied again. The Turbolift doors finally open, allowing Kirk in and
Kirk can go to Engineering, Spock reports that at their current rate of descent, they will have
about twenty minutes left before they enter the atmosphere and burn up. Kirk finishes Spock off
as he enters the Turbolift.
------
As the Enterprise continues to hurl down toward the planet, and
Kirk's crew being infected by this continuing disease, Kirk reports that they have about
nineteen minutes left before they burn up...
Kirk dashes toward Engineering, only to find Scotty
and a maintenance person outside. Kirk asks Scotty what happened, and Scott informs him that
Riley entered the Engine Room and told him that Kirk wanted him on the Bridge. When he got out,
he locked himself in. Kirk asks Scotty if he can get into Auxiliary Control Room, but Scotty
says that Riley locked that room as well and tied it up with the main power board in
Engineering. Scotty soon says that the only way to get into Main Engineering, is by cutting
through a wall panel near the door.
On the Bridge, Riley's voice continues to ring
throughout the main intercoms. Uhura soon reports that incidents among the crew are becoming
more rampant. Spock orders Uhura to raise alert level baker two and to seal off the areas
affected. As soon as Uhura raises the alert channels, Kirk comes onto the Bridge, demanding an
update on their situation. Spock reports that this disease is spreading. Kirk tells Uhura to
keep the alert level on, but Uhura tells Kirk that Riley keeps switching the alert channels.
Soon, Riley tells Uhura that she's interrupted his
song and that there'll be no ice cream's for her tonight. Riley soon tells the ship that there
will be a formal dance in the ship's bowling alley. Spock and Uhura try to cut off the intercom
system, but it's no use as he has direct control down there. When Spock informs them that they
have seventeen minutes left, the ship shakes as it continues to spiral down toward the planet.
As the ship steadies, Dr. McCoy contacts Kirk to tell him to keep the ship steady, as he has
Sulu knocked unconscious and that he's running some tests. Kirk asks if McCoy's found anything
yet, but McCoy says that he hasn't and that he'll keep him posted. Kirk says that Riley's the
immediate problem. Riley continues to sing out over the intercom, and he tells the crew that
he'll sing it one more time. Kirk is exasperated at the situation.
As Riley's voice continue to ring throughout the
ship, Scotty works to stabilize the ship, as he rigs the Jefferies Tube. After he finishes
rigging the Jefferies Tube, he rushes to inform the Bridge that they should have enough power to
keep them stabilized. He then goes onto cutting through the wall panel to break through to
Engineering and apprehend Riley.
Meanwhile, in Sickbay, Dr. McCoy and Nurse Chapel
continue to monitor over Sulu. After scanning Sulu, McCoy goes to a computer terminal to get a
result from biopsy. When McCoy doesn't get a response, he decides to go to the lab. Before he
goes, Nurse Chapel informs him that the tranquilizers are wearing off. McCoy tells her that he
needs Sulu awake for the next set of tests and orders her to continue monitoring circuits one
and two. Chapel responds in a rather unusual way, as she has been infected as well. Instead of
doing what the doctor ordered, Chapel goes off and undoes her hair, succumbing to suggestions
from Riley.
Back on the Bridge, Riley's voice continue to ring
throughout the ship. Spock reports that they've stabilized, but they are still running out of
time, as Spock reports that they have only sixteen minutes left. Kirk orders Uhura to get him to
Sickbay, but Uhura tells him that she has no tie in with Sickbay, as Riley keeps changing the
channels. Kirk soon suggests to Spock that he go down there and get the report himself, but
first he better check with Scotty to ask about his progress.
As Spock heads down to Sickbay, a laughing crewman
laughs his ass off, holding a paint brush. Obviously something he has painted is making him
laugh. As Spock approaches him, he orders the crewman to go to the lab and he does, laughing
continously. Spock soon sees what the crewman has written and on the wall, in red letters, are
the words, "Love Mankind", to which Spock does not react. As Spock continue to head for
Engineering, he hears another crewman singing the same song from Riley. He tries to coax Yeoman
Rand. Spock asks them what is going on, and Rand answers that she is trying to get to the
Bridge, but the crewman won't let her pass. Spock orders the crewman to step aside, and he does.
But as Spock leaves, the crewman continues to block the yeoman's way, much to her irritation.
Spock arrives at the Engine Room, where Scotty and
a maintenance worker continue to cut through the wall to open the door. Spock soon says that
he's got a message from the captain. Scotty tells Spock that he's going as fast as he can, while
maintaining a safety factor. Spock soon stresses to Scotty that at the rate he's going, it'll
take him a minute longer than they have necessary. Scotty relates to Spock that even if they are
under a full scale attack, he couldn't go any faster, not wanting to compromise safety. Spock
reminds him that they've got no time for safety factor.
Meanwhile, on the Bridge, things are getting out of
hand, as every crewman is falling victim to this disease. Kirk tries to snap a helmsman out of
the disease, but it's not use. He has to take over the controls. Just then, Yeoman Rand enters
the Bridge and Kirk orders her to take over. A perplexed yeoman does as she is ordered to. As
Riley's song continue to ring throughout the ship, Kirk snaps to Uhura to cut him off. Uhura
snaps back saying that if she could, she could've done so ages so. Kirk apologizes to her. It
seems that this whole situation is making everyone snappy. Kirk soon contacts Scotty down in
Engineering to ask him of his progress. Scotty says that they'll make it and Kirk orders him to
contact him when he cuts through, as he wants to be there when they do.
Spock soon enters Sickbay to get a progress report
from Dr. McCoy, however, the good doctor is not there, only the disease effected Nurse Chapel.
Spock asks the nurse where Dr. McCoy is and the nurse tells him that he's gone to the lab. Soon,
Spock tries to contact the lab, but gets no response. When he gets no response from the lab, he
decides to exit Sickbay, but Nurse Chapel grabs hold of him, passing the disease onto him. Nurse
Chapel explains to Spock that she loves him and how Vulcan men treat their women differently.
She then pleads her love to him, but Spock says that he can't, because of his Vulcan nature.
Soon, a call comes in from the Bridge as Uhura asks Spock to the Bridge as the captain is on his
way to Engineering. He then apologizes to her and leaves Sickbay in tears, the disease affecting
his human half.
Captain Kirk and two armed security guards head
down to Engineering, as Scotty is finishing up cutting through the wall panel. As Scotty
finishes up, Kirk tells the security guards to set their phasers on stun and to only fire if
Riley's armed. Kirk then nods to Scotty, who turns a few circuits inside the cut wall to open
the doors. They rush in to see Riley sitting at the master control finishing up his reverie as
the captain and security guards approach. The captain orders the guards to take Riley to Sickbay
as Scotty takes back his engine station.
Mr. Spock, meanwhile, retreats to the Briefing
Room, consumed by anger at his inability to love Nurse Chapel. He tries to contain himself by
telling him that he is an officer aboard the USS Enterprise and that his duty is to... he can't
think what his duty is. He soon goes to the table to ease himself by being scientific, but that
doesn't work as he is consumed by emotions.
In Engineering, Kirk and Scotty try desperately to
restart the engines. Kirk informs Scotty that they don't have much time left. Soon, Uhura calls
from the Bridge and informs them that they are beginning to descend into the upper atmosphere
and that their hull temperatures are rising. Kirk pleads with Scotty, but Scotty gives an
exasperated look. Scott soon tells Kirk that Riley has completely shut down the engines and that
it'll take at least thirty minutes to restart it. Kirk looks increduously at Scott, but Scott
tells him that he can't change the laws of physics. He's got to have thirty minutes. They are in
big trouble...
------
As the Enterprise continues to hurl down toward the planet and the
hull beginning to heat up, due to friction with the planet's atmosphere, Kirk and Scotty try
desperately to restart the engine to save themselves. Scotty says that they've got twenty-three
minutes for the engines to restart, but Kirk warns that they've got about six minutes left til
they enter the atmosphere of Psi-2000 and burn up. Scotty reminds the captain that they can't
mix matter and anti-matter cold, otherwise they'll burn up in the biggest explosion ever. Kirk
then suggests that they can do it, if they control the reaction with a controlled implosion.
Scotty says that it's only theory and even if the captain's right, it'll be a ten-thousand to
one shot. Soon, Uhura contacts the captain asking him if he's found Mr. Spock yet. Scotty says
that they'll need a faster computer to input the formula and will take about a week.
Meanwhile, in Sickbay, Sulu screams after McCoy
injects him with a hypospray. He then wonders what he's doing in Sickbay. It seems that whatever
McCoy gave him worked. It's cleared him of all the disease. McCoy goes to a communications
terminal to inform the lab that the formula worked and that sweat causes the disease to be
passed from person to person causing inhibitions to be forced out. He orders lab to start
immediately on the antidote, but what he gets is a laugh from an infected crewman. He decides to
go to the lab to work on the cure himself. Sulu wonders if he can get out of here, and McCoy
orders an orderlie to release him.
Captain Kirk, meanwhile, searches for Mr. Spock.
Spock is still in the Briefing Room, letting out all his emotions, after being infected by Nurse
Chapel. The captain marches in as Spock tells him how he couldn't tell her how he felt. Kirk
tells Spock that they've got to risk a cold start-up and risk implosion. Spock says that it's
never been done before. Kirk snaps at him and never to tell him that again, as he tells Spock
that he's a science officer and that there must be a way. Spock keeps saying that it's never
been done and that he feels sorry for his father. Kirk hits Spock to knock him out of the
disease riddled state and says that they must risk implosion to restart the engines. Spock says
that it isn't possible, but Kirk just slaps him back. Spock reacts angrily as he slaps his
captain across the table and he goes tumbling over the table. Kirk continues to beg that they
must risk implosion, otherwise they would blow up, as soon as he gets to his feet. There is
blood on his mouth from the impact of Spock's blow.
Soon, Uhura contacts the captain to ask him if he
has found Mr. Spock. Kirk angrily slaps the comm-button and yells that he's found him and that
he's talking to him at the moment. Kirk soon realizes that he's got the disease and Spock has
calmed himself down, as the disease has passed onto the captain. The captain soon starts to act
strangely. After Spock passes the disease onto the captain, Spock tries to tell him that there
is an intermix formula, but Kirk is too busy worrying about the ship. Spock tries to tell him
again and says that there is a theorectical relationship between time and antimatter. Scotty
races into the Briefing Room to warn the pair that they've got several minutes left. Spock
informs Scott that he'll recall the formula in from the Bridge, but Kirk comes to attention and
says that he'll go to the Bridge. He orders Spock to clear the corridors and the Turbolift, as
the pair rushes off to Engineering. Kirk tries to get a hold of himself and control the disease.
When Captain Kirk enters the Turbolift to head for the Bridge, he sees a painting on the doors,
"Sinner Repent."
The Enterprise continues to hurl down toward the
planet at an unbelievable rate. The Bridge crew watch intently, wondering if they will survive
or not. Just then, Captain Kirk enters the Bridge. As he does, McCoy rips open his shirt to give
him the antidote. He takes a sit on the command chair, and adjusts to the medicine McCoy gave
him. He orders his navigator to set a hyperbolic course. Sulu, who is normal again, asks which
direction. Kirk, confused for a moment, tells him to set a direction away from here. Soon, Kirk
looks at Rand and in his confused state tells her, "no beach to walk on." Rand looks askance at
her captain, wondering what he means by that...
In Engineering, Spock and Scotty work feverishly to
restart the engine and enter in the formula for a cold start-up. Spock asks Scotty what the fuel
temperature is and Scotty says that it is eight-hundred and forty. He also informs him that
it'll take at least eight minutes for the engines to start up. Spock says that they don't have
the time and that they'll have to risk it. He contacts the Bridge to inform them that they are
ready.
On the Bridge, Kirk orders Sulu to "engage." The
Enterprise soon warps out of orbit of Psi-2000 and start zipping away. The strain of the engines
causes a loud shriek, which affects the crew. After a while, everything returns to normal. As
everything returns to normal, Kirk orders Sulu to check their velocity. Sulu checks, and informs
the captain that his speed is off the scale. Spock enters the Bridge and informs the captain
that engine power is off the scale as well. He also adds that they are now traveling faster than
it is possible. Kirk orders Sulu to check the elasped time and when he does, Sulu informs them
that their chronometer is going backwards. Kirk is astounded as he cries, "time travel!"
Kirk orders Sulu to reverse engines and Sulu obeys.
Their engines slow down and the ship slows down. Kirk soon turns to Spock who is at his science
station and asks what the time travel did to them. Spock says that they've regressed to three
days ago and also stresses that since time travel is possible, they can go back to any time on
any planet. Kirk informs him that it sounds intriguing and that they may risk it someday, but
not today. He also certainly don't want to relive the last three days. He orders Sulu to set
course for their assignment and the Enterprise warps to their next
location...
