In star cluster NGC321 (the party star cluster), the Enterprise receives a message from planet Eminiar 7, giving code 7-10, meaning not to approach the planet. Ambassador Robert Fox, along for the ride, orders the Enterprise to approach anyway.
Kirk, Spock, an Asian spacegirl and some security men beam down in the first instance to ensure the Ambassador’s safety and find themselves in an advanced city. The team are met by an attractive woman in soft focus.
The landing party are taken to a council of elders. Kirk tells them they want to open diplomatic relations however they claim they cannot do this because they are currently at war. There is no evidence that this is true, and when an attack occurs during the meeting, it becomes apparent that no ‘real’ strike took place.
It seems that a system had been devised between the two warring parties where all strikes are mathematically calculated by a computer. If someone is classified as having been killed then they must step into a disintegration booth to kill themselves. It means the war doesn’t destroy the culture.
Unfortunately the Enterprise has been designated as a hit and the entire crew are to be disintegrated. The team are taken away, but thanks to Spock’s mind melding, they hypnotise a wall and escape.
The planet fires upon the ship, Ambassador Fox demands that they open communications. Scotty responds with, “The best diplomat I know is a fully operational phaser bank”. I’ve never been more proud to be Scottish. Malky him, big yin!
They arrange for Fox to beam down, and he orders Scotty to lower the screens and keeps them lowered. Scotty refuses, and is threatened with court marshall but holds his ground. It’s a good thing because the viewer knows something the crew don’t. As soon as the shields are lowered, the planet intends to attack again. “The haggis is on the fire and that’s for sure,” says Scotty. What? That’s not a real Scottish expression! Whoever wrote Scotty’s lines should really do a wee bit more research. Rent Trainspotting or buy a Proclaimers CD.
Kirk confronts the head councillor, but while his back is turned a secret button is pressed, bringing in guards.
Fox and his life partner beam down only to be told they are to be killed, but in the nick of time Spock rescues them and persuades them to join the fight.
Kirk gets a message through to Scotty to destroy the entire planet. They have 2 hours to comply. I’m pretty sure that genocide is a decision above your pay grade, James T.
Kirk and crew gain control of the situation and destroy the war computers. Kirk tells the councillor that now would be the time to negotiate peace. And y’know what? It blinkin’ well works. Good work, chaps. Another society saved.
Summarising the episode into a single word: Unlikely.
Cast:
William Shatner as James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy as Spock
DeForest Kelley as Leonard H. McCoy
James Doohan as Montgomery Scott
Nichelle Nichols as Uhura
Guest Cast:
David Opatoshu as Anan 7
Gene Lyons as Ambassador Robert Fox
Barbara Babcock as Mea 3
Miko Mayama as Yeoman Tamura
David L. Ross as Lt. Galloway
Sean Kenney as Lt. DePaul
Robert Sampson as Sar 6
Creative Staff:
Director: Joseph Pevney
Teleplay By: Robert Hamner and Gene L. Coon
Story By: Robert Hamner
