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Star Date 3614.9, Captain Kirk, Scotty and Dr. McCoy are relaxing in a cabaret on Argelius II, a planet well known throughout the sector for it's devotion to hedonistic pleasures. Mr. Scott's attention is focused on a young lady who is dancing for the entertainment of the patrons. At the table next to them sits an unknown young man who we will later find is the dancer's fiancée. He doesn't seem to appreciate Scotty's interest very much.

"You like it, Scotty?", queries Kirk.

"Aye.", breathes the engineer, "Why shouldn't I?"

"Good. I've invited her to join us at the table. I thought you might like to meet her.", announces the Captain.

"Now that's what I call a real captain.", beams the Scotsman, "Always thinkin' of his men."

As the dance concludes the audience displays their appreciation by flashing the lights at the table (Scott insists on clapping his hand against the table, announcing that no one needs to tell an old Aberdeen how to applaud). The woman slides over to the table and seats herself. Scotty, not in the least shy, immediately invites her for a stroll in the fog outside. As she accepts without reservation, the man at the adjoining table departs, seemingly angry.

"Ya don't mind, do ya?", asks Scott grinning from ear to ear as he rises. "I might even get back to the ship on time."

"We won't leave without you, Scotty.", answers Kirk. "Relax and enjoy yourself."

As Scott escorts the woman out into the night Kirk turns to McCoy and sighs, "My work is never done."

McCoy replies, "My work, Jim. This is prescription stuff. Don't forget the explosion that threw Scotty against the bulkhead was caused by a woman."

Well the plot thickens a little. Seems that much of the R&R trip here to Argelius is psychological therapy for the Engineer. Physically all right, Bones seems concerned about his mental attitude towards women -- fearing that he may become resentful of them. But the prior events appear to be forgotten to Scotty and Bones fears groundless. Now with a little free time on their hands, the two conspire to take in another little cafe which both seem to know about.

Kirk and McCoy depart the cabaret and walk out into the evening towards their new destination. However, they don't walk far before a woman's scream of pain and terror pierces the quaint scene.

Hurrying towards the source of the cry, our two heroes quickly discover the body of the girl that Mr. Scott left the club with -- dead, stabbed a dozen times. Nearby is Scott himself, leaning against a wall and groaning, apparently in anguish, with a rather wicked-looking knife in his hand.

The scene shifts. We are now in the office of the local authority. Mr. Hinngest, the chief city administrator has taken charge of the situation. Mr. Hinngest has investigated but found very little of any real use. "I don't know what to say, gentlemen. Argelius is the last planet in the galaxy I expected this to happen .... If this was my home planet, Rigel IV, I'd have a dozen investigators working on the matter. But they don't exist here."

McCoy is a little surprised to learn that Hinngest is not a native of Argelius. The administrator explains that the Argelians hire their administrators from other planets; the Argelians are not too efficient -- gentle, harmless people.

Mr. Hinngest moves over to where Scott is sitting nearby and begins to question him [again], showing him the knife and asking if he had ever seen it before. Scotty, despairing, mutters that he can't remember. Hinngest complains that his answer is hardly helpful and Kirk moves next to the Engineer. Jim asks him if he remembers leaving the cafe with the girl [he does] and asks what happened.

"We were", Scott relates, "walkin' and -- the fog -- I, I was up - ahead -- tryin' to lead the way. I heard the girl scream. I remember startin' to turn -- I don't remember another thing!"

"Scotty, you've got to remember!", insists the Captain.

McCoy cuts in, "Jim. If he says he can't remember, he probably doesn't. You know Scotty."

Kirk answers that a murder has been committed. They are under the laws of the host planet. If the local authorities want to arrest him, put him on trial -- even convict him, he's got to go along with it. It is his [Kirk's] diplomatic responsibility. McCoy argues that Scott is suffering from a severe concussion, the Captain can't just throw their shipmate to the wolves. Kirk responds that he'll do what he can.

Walking back over to where Mr. Hinngest is standing by Scott, Kirk is informed by the city administrator that the situation does not look promising. Mr. Scott insists that he can't remember anything but the detector shows that only Scotty's fingerprints were on the murder weapon. Kirk interrupts, saying that there were other people in the cafe earlier this evening about the time of the murder. Several of them left just before the Engineer and the girl did.

Hinngest acknowledges this and affirms that they are being located and will be questioned, but the outlook for their friend is quite grim.

Captain Kirk asks what the law is in a situation like this.

"The law of Argelius, is love.", announces another man who has just entered the office with a woman. The man is outfitted in eloquent formal trappings, obviously of office, obviously of the planet.

Mr. Hinngest introduces the man as Jarus, the Prefect of Argelius, who in turn introduces his wife, Sebo.

"Gentlemen.", the Prefect declares, "Before our great awakening two hundred years ago we had -- ways of learning the truth in such matters. We shall -- return to them."

"The Argelian empathic contact?", asks McCoy.

Somewhat surprised, Jarus inquires if they are familiar with them. Kirk allows that the Federation men had heard of them.

Jarus addresses the group again. He has come here to invite them all into his home [for the empathic test which his wife will administer since she has this 'gift']. Hinngest steps in asking if the Prefect doesn't think that the investigation should be handled in an official manner -- through his [Hinngest's] office.

"It will be handled in an official manner, Mr. Hinngest.", declares Jarus, "Since I am the highest official." (Whoa ! What a put-down. Don't look like there's much love lost between these two.) Turning back to the men of the Enterprise, Jarus invites, "Gentlemen, let us proceed to my home where, with the aid of my wife, we shall learn the truth."

As the group enters the Prefect's home, Kirk is trying to convince the man that the best way to learn the truth in the matter is for him [Kirk] to send to his ship for a technician and a psycho-tri-corder. McCoy steps forward and explains that it will give them a detailed account of everything that happened to Mr. Scott in the last 24 hours -- even that which he claims not to remember.

Hinngest objects to this though, saying that it is purely an Argelian matter. (One begins to wonder what his motives are and why he is against trying different methods. Perhaps he just believes the Captain is attempting to rescue his friend.) However, Jarus agrees that Kirk may send for the equipment and the technician since it will take his wife some time to prepare, once again over ruling the city administrator.

As the Captain contacts Spock on the Enterprise to have the technician and her tri-corder beamed to their coordinates, McCoy explains to Jarus that the technique will require privacy to be effective. The Prefect allows that there is a small chamber in his house which may be used for this purpose.

Guiding Kirk over to a drink tray, Jarus states that news of this event [the murder] has spread among his people. There is already talk of closing the space port to outside ships.

Jim replies that this would be most unfortunate as Argelian hospitality is well known -- as well as its strategic importance as a space port.

"Yes", answers Jarus pointedly, "I believe it's the -- only one in the quadrant." (No dummy, he)

Hinngest takes his leave of the group to round up the others who should be present during Sebo's seance. At this same time, Lt. Karen Tracy materializes in the chamber. She reports to Kirk and asks where she should set up. Jarus tells her of the room and guides her to it. As Scott begins to follow, Kirk advises him to cooperate in every respect. Scott agrees, saying that he can't stand not knowing what happened.

McCoy, now alone with Kirk mentions some possibilities. "Captain. Under normal conditions Scotty would have never done such a thing."

"That blow on the head.", remarks Kirk, "It could put all his previous behavior patterns into the junk heap."

"Of course there's another possibility.", explains McCoy. "Sterile amnesia. When a man feels guilty about something, something too terrible to remember, he blocks it out of his conscious memory."

But now Jarus has re-entered the room. He walks over to receive his wife, Sebo who has just appeared at the other door. Jarus inquires as to whether she is ready, to which she answers, "I am ready. May I have the knife, please."

The Prefect explains that his wife has the ability to receive impressions from inanimate objects and turns to retrieve the weapon. However, the knife is not where he had left it. Asking Captain Kirk if he had picked up the instrument, Jarus looks around. Kirk responds negatively -- rather surprised.

Eeeeeeee! A woman's shrill scream rings out in the house. The group, except for Sebo, hurries to the source of the sound -- in the chamber where Scott and Lt. Tracy were working. There we see the woman lying on the ground and Mr. Scott slumped back in the chair, unconscious.

McCoy, examining Tracy reports to Kirk, "She's dead, Jim. Just like the other one." "Stabbed. Over and over again.", adds Kirk dramatically.

Well, Scott has regained his senses and is now sitting in the main room of the house. Overwrought, he tells Captain Kirk in a broken voice that he's trying to remember, but cannot. Sebo and Jarus are standing by a brazier, the woman holding her hands out with her eyes closed, obviously meditating.

"Prefect, is there another way entrance to that chamber.", Kirk asks the man. "Yes.", he replies, "There's a door that leads into the garden. That's been locked for years."

Kirk sends McCoy to look at the door to see if the lock has been picked. About this time Mr. Hinngest has returned with two men in tow. One, the young man who left the cafe in seeming anger, and the other - one of the musicians who played for the dancer. The Administrator tells Jarus that both men had been at the cafe the night of the murder. Kirk interrupts asking where they've been in the last few moments.

Hinngest, a little perturbed about who's in charge reminds Kirk that the matter will be handled locally. Kirk then informs the man that there has been another murder. "Why that's -- that's terrible.", says the little man.

The group questions the two men from outside. We find out that the younger man, Morla, was to be married to the dancer, and left the cafe in anger because he was jealous when she went to the table where McCoy, Kirk and Scott were sitting. The other man, the musician, is the dead girl's father, and seems not to approve of his would be son-in-law.

"Jealousy has often been a motive for murder.", observes Kirk. "Yes, I know.", returns Jarus, "That is why it is so strongly disapproved of here." Morla protests that he didn't kill anyone, he couldn't.

In walks McCoy to inform Jim that the lock may or may not have been picked -- it's hard to tell, even with the tri-corder.

Captain Kirk practically jumps at Morla, demanding that he prove that he went straight home, as he claimed, after he had left the cafe. Hinngest cuts in, again reminding Kirk of his place, and that he'll conduct the investigation. Kirk, emotional, insists that he get on with it then.

"Captain, captain.", gently chides Jarus, "You're behaving very much like a man who is desperately trying anything to save his friend. Would you as desperate to save Argelius as a space port for your star fleet?"

Captain Kirk allows that of course he's trying to save his friend, and he hasn't been proven guilty yet. Hinngest [one grows to dislike the little fart] reminds Jim of the circumstances surrounding the murders. In both cases Scott was found over the dead women and claims to remember nothing. Kirk looks like he's ready for an angry reply, but Sebo steps up and tell her husband that she is ready to begin.

Captain Kirk insists that the room they're in [Scott as well] be sealed so that no one can get in or out. Flipping a few switches, Jarus quickly seals the doors and announces it so.

Approaching his commander, Scott asks, "Captain. You mean my neck is going to have to depend on some spooky mumbo-jumbo?"

However before Kirk can answer, his communicator signals. It's Spock on the ship, and he would like to have a private word with Captain Kirk. Walking a short distance from the others, Jim tells him to go ahead.

"Concerning the situation you related to us. In my opinion, the Argelian empathic contact is an interesting phenomenon - but the technique is not sound enough to risk a man's life."

Kirk asks for his suggestion, to which the Vulcan replies, "Simply that we beam Mr. Scott on board the Enterprise and employ our computers to learn the truth."

Captain Kirk, however, now takes the opposite stand from what we saw before. He tells Spock that the Argelians are a proud people and that it is absolutely imperative that the matter be resolved according to Argelian law.

Now rejoining the others in a circle around an ornate stone table with a brazier in the middle -- the group has joined hands, typical seance fashion....

"Let us begin.", intones Sebo, "Let the circle not be broken. Concentrate upon the flame which burns upon the alter of truth. Yes, there is something here -- something terrible; I feel it's presence. Fear, anger, hatred. Anger feeds the flame. Ohhhh, Ohh. There is evil here. Monstrous terrible evil. Consuming hunger. Hatred of all that lives. Hatred of women. A hunger that never dies. It is strong -- overpowering -- an ancient terror. It has a name. Berradas, Kesla, Redjak. Devouring all life. All light! A hunger - that will never die! Redjak! Redjak!" The room's lights go out. "Eeeeeeeeee!"

Well, anyone care to guess what happened? What? We have a winner! Yes, indeed sports fans. As the light went out, Sebo screamed. When someone turns the lights back on a moment later, Scott is standing beside Sebo -- who is now sliding bonelessly into McCoy's lap -- dead. The missing knife in her back, Scott's hand red with blood. Looks kinda grim for our friend Scott.

A few minutes have passed and now most of the group are sitting in the chamber. [the musician and Morla have left]. Kirk and Bones are standing besides Scott while Jarus and Hinngest are conferring. Captain Kirk is thinking out loud. Three murders, and Mr. Scott the only possible candidate. McCoy still sides with Scotty, saying that he doesn't care what the circumstances indicate, the Engineer simply is not capable of murder. Kirk allows that normally no, but the blow on the head.

Hinngest comes over now and indicates agreement with Kirk. He is satisfied that Scott is guilty. "But not responsible.", the Captain quickly equivocates.

Jarus joins in the conversation now. Kirk tells him, "On the Enterprise, we can make a recording of the registrations of Mr. Scott's conscious and subconscious mind. And they will tell us what happened to him in the recent past."

"There would be no room for doubt. We would know. After all, that's what we're after, isn't it Prefect? To know?", adds McCoy.

Jarus faced Scott, "You sir, claim to remember nothing about the murders." "Aye", responds Scott. Jarus continues, "If this is so, you may have killed without knowing it." Jarus turns to Kirk. "Will your machines tell us this?"

"No doubt will remain.", states the Captain flatly.

"Very well. We will go to your ship. And he who is guilty will face the ancient penalties -- barbaric and horrible though they may be. The ancient penalty for murder was death by slow torture, that law's never been changed. Do you understand that, Mr. Scott?"

"Aye. I understand.", answers Scott quietly.

On board the Enterprise, in one of the conference rooms, Captain Kirk explains the computer set-up to his four off-world guests [Morla and the dancer's father are with them]. Basically the computer will act as an expensive lie-detector.

Jim has Mr. Scott take the stand and begins. First he asks for a physiological profile on the Scotsman. The computer states, "working" in it's monotone, female voice, then relates Scotty recent bump on the head. Kirk asks if that could have caused periods of functional amnesia. The computer comes back, "negative."

This causes a bit of a stir. McCoy tells Kirk that he doesn't see how that can be. "Unless Scotty's lying about his loss of memory.", states Kirk.

"I'm not lyin', Captain.", "I don't remember a thing about the first two murders." Captain Kirk calls to the computer for an accuracy scan. The computer reports that Scott is not lying -- no physiological changes.

Grasping at straws, Scott tells the Captain that he didn't black out when Sebo was killed. Kirk encourages him to talk about it.

"We were holding hands. When the lights went out the circle was broken. I heard the poor lady scream and I --- I was near the head of the table anyway -- I went toward her -- but - there was - something in my way."

"Something? You mean someone.", queries Kirk.

Scott answers, "No, Captain. Some - thing. Cold it was, like a stinkin' draft out of a slaughterhouse -- but it wasn't - really there. Like it --- ahh, if ya know what I mean."

Kirk calls for a computer scan, which reports that Scott isn't lying - "no physiological changes."

Coming to the point Kirk asks him directly, did he kill Sebo. He answers 'no'. Hinngest, skeptical of the whole proceedings, calls this a waste of time -- Mr. Scott has been saying that from the start, yet he was found next to her, the knife in her back and blood on his hands.

Kirk turns sharply to Scotty and tells him to lie -- asking how old he is. "Uh, twenty-two, sir.", he answers. The computer starts winking and blinking, calling out error -- error, and so forth. Hinngest mentioned that there were two other women murdered. When asked, Scott replies that he cannot remember. The computer verifies -- "no physiological changes."

Hinngest is still unhappy with the workings, saying that all this proves is that Scott believes he is telling the truth. Kirk explains, that after they finish here, they will take a complete psycho-tri-corder reading of Mr. Scott. There will be no error. While Hinngest is unsatisfied, Jarus seems willing to go along with the proceedings, warning Kirk though, that he reserves final judgment for himself. Kirk must agree to this.

Looking to Spock, Captain Kirk offers that maybe they're going about this the wrong way. Sebo had spoke of a hunger that never dies, something that thrives on terror. He wants to assume that Sebo was right, that she was sensitive and felt something.

"Sensitivity of certain Argelian women is a documented fact, Captain.", remarks Spock.

"What was it she said exactly?", Kirk muses "Monstrous evil -- Ancient terror?"

"That devours all life - and light.", Bones finishes.

"She said something else -- words that didn't make any sense.", prods Kirk.

Bones thinks, "Yes. Redjak, Berradas -- and, uh -- Kesla."

Kirk remarks that the words are obscure and meaningless, however Spock points out that the computer may have a clue as to their meaning. Kirk has him check the linguistics computers. Unfortunately, the computer can find no reference to those words. But Spock still has an idea. He instructs the computer to search all memory banks -- and here they run into luck.

"Working - affirmative.", states the computer. "A proper name. Redjak -- darth -- Earth, 19th century -- language - English -- nickname for mass-murderer of women -- other earth synonyms -- Jack the Ripper."

Well now, this has a rather pronounced effect on the group. Mr. Hinngest states that the idea is ridiculous, Jack the Ripper had lived centuries ago, on a world far away. Increasing the drama, Jarus remarks that just before she died, Sebo spoke of a hunger that never dies. Others in the room object, saying that all men die.

"Yes.", agrees Kirk, "All men - die and Jack the Ripper couldn't be alive if he were a man. But everything we've uncovered points to Jack the Ripper, which is an impossibility -- or is it?"

Spock desserts on the fact that humans and humanoids compose but a fraction of the life-forms known. He points out that there are entities with long life spans who are virtually immortal. Kirk, now pacing, continues --- saying that they know that something killed three women -- if it isn't human it has to be something else -- something driven to kill. Bones adds in that Sebo said that the entity fed on death.

"In the strict scientific sense, doctor, we all feed on death", observes Spock, "even vegetarians."

Bones agrees, but comments, "Yes, but it said more than that. Not just death. But fear. She said it feeds on fear."

The Vulcan acknowledges this saying that this tends to support the idea that the murderer is not human. He points out that there are known entities in the galaxy which feed on emotion and that fear is one of the strongest and most violent of emotions.

This sparks outrage in Hinngest. The little man turns to Jarus and pleas that surely all of this has gone far enough. Someone -- some man has killed three women and the murderer is not so far away just now. However Jarus is calm -- saying nothing. Kirk tells the City Administrator that they're not chasing ghosts -- perhaps something not human, but definitely not ghosts. Turning to his First Officer, the Captain orders him to run the possibilities through the computer memory banks.

Spock puts the question to the ship's computer.

"The Drenal of Alpha Corina V derive nourishment from the emotion of love.", states the computer in a flat voice, "There is sufficient precedence for existence of creature -- nature unknown -- which could exist on emotion of fear."

"Computer. Extrapolate most likely composition of such entity.", instructs Spock. (I love these conversations, two computers, one human, one machine talking the same language.)

"Working.", replies the computer, "To meet with specified requirements, entity would exist without form in conventional sense. Most probable --- mass of energy of highly cohesive electro-magnetic field."

Kirk jumps in at this point and asks the computer if such a creature could assume a physical form. As the computer answers, Jarus leans forward with heightened interest.

Computer: "Affirmative. Precedence, Meletous cloud creature of Alpha Majoris I."

"Fairy-tales. Ghosts and goblins.", remarks Hinngest. Kirk disagrees though saying that he's seen the Meletous creature himself and describes the entity. Turning to Spock, Kirk asks him to assume the existence of this creature --- Spock interrupts reminding Captain Kirk that Jack the Ripper slew at will in the heart of the most populous city on Earth. Kirk acknowledges that it doesn't seem very likely, but asks if a hypnotic screen might be used which would blind all but the victim to the murderer's presence.

As Jarus asks if this is possible, McCoy affirms, it is extremely possible, several documented cases exist (hey, don't ask me to list them. Ask McCoy.)

Hinngist jumps up crying, "Well this is fantasy! We all know the murderer is sitting right here with us! I mean, you're trying to cloud the issue! I've got a mind to ..... "

Jarus cuts the Administrator off in a patient voice, "I'm satisfied the course of this investigation is valid enough. Please be seated Mr. Hinngest."

Kirk asks Spock what they have got so far. A creature without form who feeds on fear and horror, but has to take physical form to kill. Spock adds that it preys on women, since they are more easily frightened and have stronger emotions. (Hear that chauvinism there ladies?)

Addressing the computer again, Kirk asks for a listing of unsolved mass murders since Jack the Ripper's time. The computer lists several occurrences and mentions that there are additional cases.

"Captain.", calls Mr. Spock after listening to the computer's report, "Those places are aligned directly between Argelius and Earth." Kirk agrees, saying that whatever it is, it must have moved with the earthmen as they expanded into space. Kirk asks the computer to identify the names 'Kesla' and 'Berradas'

The computer responds that Kesla is the name given to the unidentified mass murderer of women on Genis II and Berradas was the name given to the unidentified mass murderer of women on Rigel IV. The computer mentions additional data -- that the murders on Rigel IV occurred one solar year ago.

All eyes turn to Hinngest now. (Remember? He's from Rigel IV.) Kirk declares that fact -- to which Hinngest responds, 'so?' Kirk asks Mr. Hinngest to take the stand. The Administrator refuses. Jarus a little less patiently calls his subordinate's name ....

"Prefect, this has gone far enough; I will not take the stand.", the man declines.

"I can appreciate your position, sir.", counsels Spock. "You are in charge of civil disturbances locally. If you are the entity for which we search, what better position from which to kill with impunity."

McCoy adds, "And just after you left Jarus' house, we discovered the murder knife was missing."

"And you were unaccounted for when Lt. Tracy was murdered.", accuses Kirk.

Spock continues, "An entity which feeds on fear and terror would find a perfect hunting ground on Argelius. A planet without violence. Where the inhabitants are as peaceful as sheep. The entity would be as a hungry wolf in that fold."

Smiling now, Hinngest reminds them that he knows something of the law. They're engaging in pure speculation. Kirk allows that and turns to the First Officer, calling for the murder weapon. Mr. Spock calls for the computer to provide an analysis on 'exhibit A' -- the knife.

"Working. Exhibit A on visual. Composition of blade, moridium. Composition of handle, iranite. Details of carving on handle conform to folk art form indicating place of origin." Spock asks the computer to specify the place of origin.

"Artifact produced by hill people of Argis River Region, planet Rigel IV."

Hinngist looks caged as all eyes return to him. He jumps from his seat, battering several crewmen out of the way and runs around the front of the table, where a well-placed kick sends Kirk against the wall. The Captain recovers quickly enough and socks the smaller man soundly on the chin --- Mr. Hinngest crumples to the floor. Spock kneels down beside him as Doctor McCoy hurries forward to examine the stricken man - -- pronouncing him dead.

Kirk looks at his medical officer with astonishment, saying that's not possible. But before anyone can respond to this the ship's lights flash and dim --- and we hear a disjointed, echoing, evil-sounding voice, "REDJACK - REDJACK - REDJACK - REDJACK - REDJACK - HAHAHAHAHAHAH........."

All present look around in surprise. Spock has risen from Hinngest's still form and works at the computer -- then announces to Kirk, "The computer will not respond to these controls. The entity is unquestionably controlling it."

"And the computer controls the ship.", declares the Captain

Confusion reigns for a moment. The Argelians ask what does this mean. Captain Kirk explains that the Enterprise's functions are all controlled by the computer -- to include life support. This means it can kill them, but probably won't try to do so immediately. There are 440 men and women aboard the ship. Certainly the entity will try to breed fear and terror first.

The view shifts to the computer screen where we now see a display of swirling colored gases and lights -- Redjack as it looks, I suppose. Captain Kirk flicks on the ship-wide intercom, telling all personal to remain calm and at their posts, then looks at Bones and asks what kind of sedatives he might have in sick bay.

McCoy responds that he has some stuff that would tranquilize and active volcano. Kirk acknowledges and tells him to begin distribution immediately. Kirk then looks to Jarus and the other Argelians, telling them to remain in the briefing room -- they'll be safer here, and leaves with Mr. Spock in tow.

On the way to the turbo-lift, Captain Kirk asks his First Officer if there aren't some built-in compulsory scan programs in the computer. The Vulcan affirms this, but is doubtful of their use since the entity controls the computer.

Continuing his argument, Kirk asks if there aren't specific mathematical problems which simply cannot be solved. Spock confirms this and sees the plan -- if they can concentrate the computer on one of them, they may have a chance to wrest control away from the foreign invader.

Now on the bridge, Captain Kirk and Spock are informed of a life support system override malfunction. Kirk acknowledges and has the officers return to their posts. Once again, the disjointed voice .....

"CAPTAIN KIRK. CAPTAIN. YOU'RE WASTING YOUR TIME ...." Kirk orders the ship's audio system cut off. He and Spock then bend to modifying some circuitry in one of the control panels.

"Normal environmental levels have been restored, Captain.", declares Spock as he makes adjustments, "But it will not last long. A few hours at best."

As our two heroes move over to the science officer station a nurse (not Chapel) enters the bridge and begins distributing the tranquilizer --- and we hear the entity once again. "YOU CANNOT STOP ME NOW, CAPTAIN. IT WILL DO YOU NO GOOD. I CONTROL ALL CIRCUITS. YOU CANNOT SILENCE ME. YOU CANNOT REACH ME. YOUR MANUAL OVERRIDES ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED IN LIGHT. HAHAHAHAHAHA... SOON ALL CONTROL WILL BE RESTORED TO ME. THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT. HAHAHAHAHAH....."

"It is attempting to generate terror, Captain.", Spock reminds Captain Kirk as the latter begins to argue with the voice. "I THINK I'LL CUT OFF YOUR OXYGEN AND SUFFOCATE YOU, HAHAHAHAH......"

A moment later Spock declares that he is ready to try to override the creature's control of the computer. He slides a tape into a slot and instructs the computer, "Computer, this is a class A compulsory directive. Compute to the last digit, the value of Pi."

The computer whirs and clicks and the voice cries out, "NO, NO, NO, NOOO, NOO....."

Spock pontificates, "As we know, the value of Pi is a transcendental figure without resolution. The computer banks will work on this problem to the exclusion of all else until we order it to stop." (and you thought that high school algebra would never be of any real use!)

Since the computer is now occupied, Captain Kirk suggests that the Argelians will be the first to panic -- he and Spock should return to the briefing room. All the crew members on the bridge are acting rather --- STONED.

Back with the others, Bones observes that if they drive the entity out of the computers, it will have to go somewhere else. Captain Kirk asks McCoy on the status of sedative distribution and what would happen if the entity entered a tranquilized body. Bones replies that everyone has had a shot, except himself, Jarus and of course Spock and Kirk. So far as the creature getting into a tranquilized person, well, it may take up knitting, but nothing more violent than that.

Complete computer control, Captain.", announces Spock, "The entity has fled." (hmmm, Jarus slumps suspiciously in the background.)

Captain Kirk allows that he'll trust in Spock but orders McCoy to give himself a shot. Taking the hypo from the now laughing surgeon, Captain Kirk asks Jarus to extend his arm.

"No, no. Kill you all! Die! Make you suffer!", Jarus says in a strange voice and begins to struggle with the Captain. Spock is near at hand though and renders the Prefect unconscious with his patented two- fingered pinch to the neck. As Jarus drops the camera pans over to the still body of Hinngest -- now piled in a chair.

The little man jumps back to life and seizing the knife, brandishes it at one of the female crew members neck, threatening to kill her. She, of course, is sedated and just laughs as is the doctor who casually walks up to take the knife away from .... whatever. Hinngest throws the girl at the approaching doctor and confronts Kirk with the blade. As the entity thrusts at Captain Kirk, he performs an admirable judo throw, flooring the other as Mr. Spock steps up and administers him a shot.

Now laughing, but still saying, 'die, die, make you suffer, etc.', Mr. Hinngest's body is lifted and carried to the transporter room by Kirk and Spock.

Entering the transporter room Kirk orders, "Deep space -- full power -- widest angle of dispersion." As the crew man is sedated and not very fast or efficient, Captain Kirk tells Spock, "You do it."

Shoving the technician aside, Spock activates the machine -- Hinngest disappears.

Epilog: Scott and McCoy have joined the Captain and the First Officer in the transporter room. Scott asks (laughing) what they did with the entity. Captain Kirk tells them that they beamed it into open space. McCoy objects (laughing) that the thing can't die.

"Possibly, doctor.", agrees Spock. "It's consciousness may continue for some time, consisting of billions of separate bits of entity, floating forever in space -- powerless."

Watching the reactions of his crew, Kirk asks Bones how long the effects of the tranquilizer will last.

"Oh, I don't know (laughing) -- five or six hours. I gave them all a pretty big shot, Jim.", the doctor replies.

"Well, Mr. Spock.", declares Kirk, "For the next five or six hours we're going to have the happiest crew in space. 'Course we won't get much work done."

"Captain. Since you came to Argelius to rest, I suggest you take advantage of the opportunity.", Spock observes.

"That's an splendid idea, Mr. Spock. I know a cafe where the women are so --"

"I know the place, Jim.", agrees Bones.

"Let's go see!", Scott chimes in.

Looking around at his friends, Jim smiles, "You gentlemen in your condition? Don't be ridiculous."

Looking back to the Vulcan, the Captain continues, "Mr. Spock, this cafe has women that are so ------".

Mr. Spock simply stands there -- a quizzical, disinterested look on his face. Kirk takes notice and rethinks, sighing, "Well, I guess not."