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Star Date - Unknown. The Enterprise is in its concluding obits about a planet at the rim of known space which it has been scanning for new intelligence. Mr. Sulu at the helm calls for all observation stations to take their final readings.

Kirk, who was seated gazing at the view screen, rises and strolls over by his first officer at the scanner instruments, asking for suggestions the Vulcan might have.

Bent over his viewer, Spock responds that he is still getting carbon-based readings from the planet's surface. Obviously an indication that there are life forms there.

"Which is scientifically impossible under conditions there", comments Kirk. Spock agrees and straightens up as McCoy enters from the turbo lift. Turning to Sulu, Spock orders the helmsman to turn his instruments to the area of the planet that the Science Officer has under observation. Sulu does this, takes a moment to note the readings, then reports that he's getting artificial power being generated in factor 7 quantities over a large area -- indicative of a considerable civilization.

"What's all this poppycock about life-forms on this planet, Spock?", demands Bones as he joins his two comrades. "The surface is molten lava, the atmosphere is poisonous .."

Addressing Kirk, Spock agrees that the readings could be false - perhaps caused by some natural phenomenon.

McCoy enjoins, "Well, I think Star fleet should forget about those old space legions. There's no intelligent life here."

Captain Kirk turns to Uhura asking if she's had any contact from the planet surface. Uhura indicates that she's been unable to raise any signal of any type. Kirk then directs her to contact Star fleet, pass along their data and log entries, explain that the Enterprise is unable to beam down a landing party to confirm the readings due to conditions on the surface and is leaving the area for its next assignment.

However, as the Communication Officer acknowledges and prepares to radio Star fleet and Sulu moves to warp the ship out of orbit, the alert beacon activates and the Enterprise experiences a power loss.

Spock hurries to his console and reports that they are being scanned - experiencing a deep probe of incredible swiftness.

As quickly as the loss occurred, the ship's power returns to normal - and all eyes turn to the main viewer. The planet which they have been checking disappears from the screen and is replaced by a mass of energy which slowly assumes the shape of a seated Abraham Lincoln, hovering in open space.

The crew on the bridge are incredulous as they witness a being who's existence is simply impossible. "Captain Kirk, I believe.", greets the apparition, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir. No need to check your voice telegraph device.", states the figure as Kirk rises and begins to issue an order to Uhura, "Do I gather that you recognize me?"

"I recognize what you appear to be.", breathes Kirk

"And appearances can be most deceiving", counters the other. "But not in this case, James Kirk. I am Abraham Lincoln."

A pregnant pause, then Kirk calls for his First Officer. Spock steps forward and studies the screen, simply answering, "Fascinating!"

The figure smiles in wry humor, "I have been described in many ways, Mr, Spock, but never with that word."

"I was requesting your analysis Spock.", reminds Kirk.

"It did scan us and our vessel, Captain. And doubtless obtained sufficient information to present this illusion."

"Illussion?!", comes the surprised response from the screen. "Captain, would you permit me to come aboard your vessel? No doubt you have devices which can check my reality."

"We'd be honored to have you aboard ... Mr. President.", agrees Kirk.

"Full dress! Presidential honors. What is all this nonsense Mr Dickerson?" Scotty is complaining rather energetically to the technician on watch in the transporter room. The technician doesn't have answers though. All he knows is what the Captain tells him. Captain Kirk had ordered an official reception for their visitor and said he would have the hide of the first man that so much as smiles.

Doctor McCoy enters the chamber in his dress uniform which leads the Chief Engineer to further comments, "I'd 'ave expected sanity from the ship's surgeon at least", he exclaims. "President Lincoln indeed!", Scott declares disgustedly, "No doubt ta be followed by Louie of France and Robert the Bruce!"

"And if so, we'll execute appropriate honors to each, Mr Scott." Kirk has chosen that moment to join the others in the transporter room to receive their guest. Scott immediately demurs "Gentlemen", continues Kirk, "I don't for a moment believe that President Lincoln is actually coming aboard. But we're dealing with an unknown, and apparently highly advanced life-form. Until we know -- when in Rome, we'll do as the Romans do."

The group turns to the transporter controls. As Mr. Spock checks the settings the space-borne figure gave them, he notices a reading which appears odd - almost as if from a living mineral. However, the data quickly settles down to completely human readings.

Activating the device, they are soon joined by a very human 'Lincoln'. As Lincoln steps from the platform, Mr. Spock keys a switch which plays Ruffles and Flourishes in honor to the strange visitor.

"The USS Enterprise is honored to have you aboard, Mr. President.", greets Captain Kirk.

"Strange", remarks the figure in black, "Where are the musicians?"

Kirk explains that it's taped music. Star ships do not normally carry an honor detachment.

"A most interesting way to come aboard, Captain. What was the device used?" Jim explains the nature of the transporter unit - that it transforms matter into energy, beams it to a desired location, then reforms the energy back into the original matter. "Well", replies Lincoln, "Since I'm obviously here -- and quite whole, whatever you mean apparently works very well indeed." Turning to the security guards which have kept him under close watch with drawn phasers, Lincoln pleads, "Gentlemen, if those are weapons, please lower them. At my age I'm afraid I'm not very dangerous."

McCoy, taking tri-corder readings proclaims Mr. Lincoln to be completely human. Pleasantries are exchanged and Kirk leads Lincoln from the transporter room while dismissing the security guards.

Remaining behind as the others leave, McCoy turns to Scotty asking just what was it that he locked onto before he beamed 'Lincoln' aboard. However, Scotty isn't certain. The engineer recalled what Spock had said, some sort of mineral - a living rock. But he admits that it could have been another being standing nearby. "What do you make of it?"

McCoy cautiously answers, "I'm not quite sure."

We shift our story to the bridge, where Captain Kirk and his First Officer are giving Lincoln a tour of the ship. Lincoln is amazed at the accuracy with which they can measure distances. As they speak, Uhura joins them with a message from Mr. Scott. Lincoln interrupts with a comment, "The charming Nigress.", pauses, then immediately offers an apology, allowing that some people, during his time, had used that term as a description of property. First Uhura and then Kirk illuminate their visitor - that people of this century have learned to live with their differences and be happy for them. Moreover, that the Vulcans had learned that lesson centuries before the people of Earth.

Spock joins the discussion citing, "It is basic to the Vulcan philosophy, sir, the combination of a number of things to make existence worthwhile."

"Yes." Agrees Lincoln, "The philosophy of Nome; meaning 'all'.

This last statement gives pause to everyone, to include Lincoln. It is obviously something he shouldn't have been aware of. "How could I know that?", asks the man more to himself than the others. "Just as I seem to know that on the planet surface, you will meet one of the greatest living Vulcans in all the long history of your planet. My mind cannot recall his name, but I know he will be there."

As none of the others speak, Lincoln changes the subject - asking to see the engine room. Captain Kirk begins offer the engineering officer's services, but is reminded by Uhura that Scotty has been waiting in the briefing room for the past two hours. Kirk excuses himself and Spock, offering Uhura to continue the President's tour.

In the briefing room, Scotty and McCoy are fuming at the delay. As Kirk and Spock walk into the room McCoy immediately begins of offer his advice, "Jim, I would be the last to advise you on your command image ...." He pauses as Kirk sarcastically agrees. "Do I have to lay it out for you?! Practically the entire crew's seen you treat this impostor like the ... like the real thing when he can't possibly be the real article."

"Lincoln died three centuries ago on a planet hundreds of light years away.", agrees Scotty, gesturing.

"More that direction, Engineer.", corrects Spock also pointing.

McCoy, frustrated, asks Spock, "You're the science officer, why aren't you .... well, doing whatever a science officer does at a time like this?"

"I am, Doctor.", states Spock. "I am observing the alien."

"Well, at last!", exclaims Bones. "At least someone agrees with us, he's an alien!"

Kirk concurs. "Yes, of course he's an alien." He continues, "As you know, Mr. Spock and I have been invited to beam down to the planet surface with him. Any comments?"

Leonard indicates that yes, he does have a comment. Suddenly a small patch of earth-like environment has been detected on the planet surface. How can they be sure of what is really there? Scott adds his voice, that they could be beaming down into a pool of molten lava. But the Captain reasons, why would they only wish to kill two of them when the aliens could just as easily trick them into destroying the entire vessel. Further, what the Captain wants to know is, why Lincoln. Why that particular historical figure. Jim asks Spock for any speculation he might have.

The Vulcan shakes his head and answers, "Speculation is unnecessary, Captain. The answer is clear. President Lincoln has always been a very personal hero to you. What better way to titillate your curiosity than to make him come alive for you."

The Doctor and Scott plead with Kirk to refuse the offer to visit the planet, pointing out that Kirk's hero was singled out since he will be making the decision whether to beam down or not.

Standing and resting his hands on the back of a chair, Kirk lowers his head and rationalizes, "The very reason for the existence of our star ships is contact with other life. Although the method is beyond our comprehension, we have been offered contact. Therefore ... I shall beam down. Mr Spock, as for you...."

All in the room begin to object. Mr. Spock, since he was included in the invitation; the other two because of the danger they fear Kirk might be headed toward. However, Kirk is adamant. Although he relents to allow Spock to join him, he has made up his mind about visiting the planet surface.

Back to the transporter room. Scotty and McCoy are standing by to beam Kirk, Spock and their honored guest to the planet's surface. Momentarily the Captain and his First Officer stride in, closely followed by the figure of Lincoln. Although they have agreed to make the trip to the surface, both Kirk and Spock now carry phasers and tri-corders as a measure of caution.

Captain Kirk indicates that the group is standing by. This is relayed to the bridge where Chekov answers that the Enterprise is locked into a synchronous orbit above the planet. The patch of Earth-like environment continues to remain visible on the sensors.

Still concerned, McCoy observes, "If they're wrong, and they do beam into a pool of lava .."

"Then they're dead men.", responds Scotty. "I could not pull them back in time."

Once in position on the transporter platform, Captain Kirk issues the command to energize. Mr. Scott does so and the three figures sparkle and fade into nothingness. But wait! There's something odd. The phaser weapons and tri-corder devices remain on the floor of the transporter. They did not beam down with their human owners.

Now on the surface of the mystery planet, the men from the Enterprise look about. They are indeed in an Earth-like area and are absorbed by the inconsistency of it. Momentarily Spock notices that all of their equipment is not with them. As the Vulcan mentions these, Kirk looks down quickly, only to find that his friend is correct.

Jim reaches for and activates his communicator, calling for the ship. As he does this, Spock examines his communication device. Kirk signals a number of times, but the device remain silent. "Undamaged, yet something is preventing them from functioning.", offers Mr. Spock.

Kirk walks to where the figure of Lincoln is standing and confronts him, "Your explanation, sir?"

"Why, I have none.", counters the man, "To me, this seems quite is as it should be."

Kirk persists -- where are their weapons? Why can't they communicate with their vessel? Lincoln begs them to believe him. He knows nothing other than what he's already told them.

"The game is over!", states an angry Captain. "We've treated you with courtesy! We've gone along with what and who you think you are."

Lincoln insists, "Despite the seeming contradictions, all is as it appears to be. I am Abraham Lincoln."

"Just as I am whom I appear to be.", comes a voice from among the nearby rocks. A vulcan in historical dress appears and walks forward to the group.

"Sirac!", blurts out an astonished Spock. Kirk looks and asks, "Who?"

Spock explains, "The greatest of all who ever lived on our planet, Captain. The father of all we became."

Spock hesitates when the new comer greets his distant relative in typical Vulcan fashion, reminding the Star fleet officer that whether he believes what he sees or not, to respond will not harm him. As Spock returns the gesture, Sirac turns to James Kirk, stating his pleasure at the differences between Earthmen and Vulcans - and that the union might be greater than the sum of the individual races.

Kirk, annoyed, orders, "Spock. We'll not go along with these charades any longer." But he is interrupted by first a sound of rock on rock, then the sight of a boulder close-by heating up and changing form. A mineral being.

"You'll have an answer soon, Captain.", grates out the creature. Kirk moves slightly toward the rock being. "Our world is called Excalpia. Countless who live on that planet are watching. Before this drama unfolds, we give welcome to the ones named Kirk and Spock."

The Captain is unsure. What does the creature mean by 'drama'. Why were their weapons and recording devices taken away. Why can they not communicate with their ship. Kirk wants answers; but the creature simply responds by observing that they are intelligent beings. Why can they not perceive the honor being done them? However, the point on communication is well taken. The rock being promises to contact their ship so that their fellows might see what is happening. Meanwhile, the creature clicks two claw-like talons together. Out walks four more human or human-like beings.

"Behold! Captain ... Mr. Spock. Some of these you may know from history. Ghengis Khan for one. And Colonel Green who lead a genocidal war early in the 21st century on Earth. Zora, who experimented with the body chemistry of subject tribes on Kiburom. Kaliss, the Unforgettable; the Klingon who set the pattern for his planet's tyrannies. We welcome the vessel Enterprise to our solar system -- and to our spectacle.".

On the bridge aboard the Enterprise, McCoy and Scott look on in amazement. They recognize the personalities just introduced. They're figures from history - notoriously evil. And it appears to be a contest of sorts.

The rock creature continues, explaining what is expected. "We ask you to observe with us, the confrontation of the two opposing philosophies you term good and evil. Since this is our first experiment with Earthlings, our theme is a simple one - survival. Life and death. Your philosophies are alien to us. We wish to understand them and discover which is the stronger. We learn by observing such spectacles.".

Captain Kirk wants to know, "What do you mean ... survival?"

"The word is explicit!", drones the creature. "If you and Spock survive, you return to your vessel. If you do not, your existence is ended."

On the ship, McCoy wants to try and beam their shipmates back on board. But Scott denies the ability to do so. The inhabitants of the world below had drained part of the ship's power - the transporter would not bring them back alive. Neither can phaser weapons be beamed to the surface. The crew is strictly an audience in this adventure.

The contestants below now get their final instructions for the contest. Their choice of action is unlimited. They may fabricate weapons from anything they may find around them. Captain Kirk steps forward stating that he and Mr. Spock refuse to participate. The rock being merely replies that they will choose otherwise and forms itself back into a common rock formation, leaving the two groups to face each other.

As neither groups moves, Jim asks for his friend's analysis. The Vulcan suggests that is may be exactly as stated. The aliens may not have any concept of the philosophies of good or evil and wish to see which is the stronger.

While Kirk's group tries to figure a way out of the dilemma, Col Green has detached himself from the others of his group and walks over to Kirk. The man appears reasonable and suggests that they do not fight merely for the entertainment of the rock-like aliens. That they combine their forces and fight together against their real enemy - the rock-like creature.

Kirk, surprised at this, comments that Green is not at all like history has painted him. The Colonel was particularly noted for staging a surprise assault even while he was in the midst of peace negotiations with his opponents.

Green reminds Captain Kirk that history is not always accurate - and that he, Green, would do many things differently had he the chance to do them over.

But even as Kirk and Green discuss what should be done, Green's companions circle around Kirk's group. Crew members of the Enterprise see this move as spectators and attempt to warn their comrades, but it is in vain.

The notorious figures attack without warning, Green diving out of the way. Though the attack is vicious and swift, the members of Kirk's group are only still for a moment. Soon a general brawl ensures between the two sides until, at last, Kirk's group manages to run off their antagonists. They take pause for a moment to access any damage done and to arrive at a course of action. Both Captain Kirk and Sirac mention that Green's basic idea is correct. The rock creature is the enemy and the two groups should not be fighting one another.

Nearby, the rock creature is sitting observing all of this.

"I am disappointed.", it remarks. "You display no interest in the honor we do you. We offer you an opportunity to become our teachers, by demonstrating whether good or evil is more powerful."

Kirk has been walking forward as the creature spoke. Now he jumps at the being, touching its flesh with his hand. There is a sizzling sound heard and the Captain snatches his burnt hand back.

"You find my body heat distressing, Captain?", the alien remarks. "You forget the nature of this planet. I must conclude that your species requires a cause to fight for. You may now communicate with your ship."

Jim does so, trying to reach Mr. Scott. But even as Uhura is trying to relay to Scotty that Kirk is in contact, Scotty is receiving a disturbing report from the engineering area. Seems that for some unexplained reason the matter and anti-matter are now within red-zone proximity - and the shield between them is breaking down. Estimates from engineering give approximately 4 hours until the barrier is completely dissolved and the ship explodes.

Captain Kirk finally gains the Chief Engineer's attention and orders him to beam himself and Mr. Spock up fast. However, the ship does not have the power to use the transporter. Scotty reports the emergency development regarding the ship's power system. Four hours until the Enterprise detonates.

"The estimate is quite correct.", confirms the creature. "Your ship will blow itself to bits within four hours, Captain. Unless you defeat the others before then. Is that cause enough to fight for?"

"What if they defeat us?", Kirk wants to know.

"To save your ship and your crew, you have to win.", the creature states flatly.

Quickly issuing instructions to contact Star fleet and jettison the nacelles, Captain Kirk tries to outmaneuver his antagonist. However, the living rock had anticipated this and, once again, the communications between the surface and the ship in space are severed.

It seems that the war has been forced upon the group and that there is no alternative except to fight.

A short time later finds our heroes on another part of the playing field. The group has scouted out a place which would serve as a fortification should the need arise and begin making preparations and crude wooden weapons.

Sirac has, however, an alternative plan. He outlines a lesson from the history of the planet Vulcan which faced alternatives such as the ones available now. The Vulcans overcame themselves and their violent natures thru the constant quest for peace. Although the first emissaries were killed, others followed -- and still others. Finally the desired peace was established - and has held for Vulcan ever since.

Sirac will not fight. It is contrary to everything he believes in. Instead, he wants to approach their opponents and try to seek a peaceful solution with them. Kirk is somewhat hesitant to try this, but Sirac states that the risk will be all his. He will act as emissary. If he is killed, Kirk will lose nothing since the man will not fight. If he succeeds ......

Convinced finally at the other's resolve, the Captain lets him depart. In the interim, Kirk wants them to continue to make weapons -- in case Sirac's plan should fail.

The ancient Vulcan makes his way forward and soon ventures into the area where Col Green and his associates are hidden away with their own weapons cache. Zora moves to kill the sage immediately. Green, however, stops him, stating that Sirac may provide something of use to the group. When Sirac draws within close range, Green calls out for him to stop.

"Stop there, Vulcan. State your purpose.", commands Green holding a wooden spear ready.

"I come in peace to propose peace.", replies the ancient Vulcan.

"Are you surrendering?", inquires Green.

Sirac states that he is doing what he considers is best for all of them - Kirk's group and his. If Colonel Green chooses to term that as surrender, then his definition is acceptable. But Green wants to know what's in it for himself and his comrades. He says that he fights for gain. What will he gain out of making a deal with Kirk's group.

Sirac answers that they will gain their lives - and points out that by Green's own statements the real enemy is not each other, but the predicament they are in.

Colonel Green shows some interest in the Vulcan's ideas, telling the other that he'd like to hear more -- and come out of this situation with a whole skin. Kaliss presses Green to kill the emissary, but Green declines - explaining in a hushed voice that the Vulcan is the means to finish them all. He gestures and his companions move stealthily away to surprise Sirac while Col Green and Zora continue to talk to him.

Back at the other base, Kirk is restless. Their 'spokesman' has been away for a goodly amount of time now and Jim is wondering what might be taking place. He moves from the rocks to where Spock is sharpening a bough of wood into a spear. "Your Sirac -- is a brave man.", observes Kirk to his First Officer.

"Men of peace usually are, Captain. On Vulcan he is revered as the father of our civilization. The father- image holds much meaning for us."

"You show emotion, Spock?", Kirk accuses.

Spock thinks for a moment then replies, "I deeply respect what he has accomplished."

Well, I hope he accomplishes something here.", returns Kirk, "And soon."

"Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

A cry of agony splits the otherwise quiet surroundings. The heads of both Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock snap to the sound of what is obviously Sirac crying out in pain. "Help me, Spock", pleads Sirac's voice from not too far away.

"Mr. Spock", comes Col Green's voice, "your friend wants you. He seems to be hurt." Sirac's voice continues to call out for help.

Kirk and Spock inch forward cautiously, stopping after a few steps. Col Green continues to goad the First Officer, telling him that he can't let the other suffer so.

Spock affirms to Kirk that Green's group is trying to lure them into attacking - into acting rashly. The Captain acknowledges this, but reprimands himself for ever letting Sirac try his idea at negotiation. First Officer Spock consoles his superior - Kirk could not have stopped Sirac - he was doing what he believed in.

The cries continue to assault their ears. Jim demands of his friend, "How can you ignore that!"

"A Vulcan would not cry out so.", explains Spock.

But Kirk, unlike Spock, cannot stand by and do nothing as the anguished cries continue. He starts towards the sounds, only to be physically stopped by Spock. "Captain! That is what they're waiting for! They're waiting for us to attempt a rescue."

Kirk pauses and looks around. Within himself he is fighting a battle. He realizes the nature of the trap, but he is touched by the voice calling for help. Lincoln steps to the men and offers, "Perhaps --- we can rescue him, Mr. Spock.... Now, I suggest that we do whatever they want." Spock questions this. "Not the way they want it, however.", explains the historical figure. "We must first convince them that they have -- provoked us to recklessness. Uh, James. I do not mean to presume upon your authority. What I propose is that I circle around to their rear while you two provide a frontal assault. It should be sufficiently violent to cover whatever I do."

Jim wants to know what Lincoln will do. To this the man answers in a surprised voice that he will free Sirac.

Kirk is not keen on the plan, though. He cannot permit Lincoln to take such a risk. Lincoln points out, however, that he was raised as a backwoodsman. He doubts that Kirk can accomplish what he was born and raised to do. Eventually, Captain Kirk is forced to agree with Lincoln.

"One matter further, gentlemen.", continues Lincoln. "We fight on their level -- with trickery, brutality -- finality. We match their evil." (The screen flashes to a view of the rock being absorbing the unfolding drama) Kirk looks at the figure of Lincoln questioningly. "I know, James. I was reputed to be a gentle man. But I was commander-in-chief during the four bloodiest years of my country's history. I gave orders that sent --- a hundred thousand men to their death -- at the hands of their brothers." Lincoln pauses for a moment, lost in thought - then continues. "*sigh* There's no honorable way to kill - no gentle way to destroy. There's nothing good in war except its ending. And *sigh again*, you're fighting for the lives of your crew."

Kirk and Spock move forward to confront Green's group while the former President crawls off through the woods. Green spots the two and prepares to meet them. Calling to Kaliss, he asks how many men the Klingon noticed. "Two", answers Kaliss. Green thinks for a moment, then signals Zora away.

A small battle ensues with each side taking turns at hurling rocks and makeshift spears at the other. The fight is strangely quiet, with no sound except the clink of rock hitting rock or the sound of wood striking the ground.

All the while, Lincoln has made his way into the opponents camp where he sees Sirac sitting, bound, against a sapling. Lincoln moves quickly to the Vulcan's side explaining what the others are doing while he unties the knots. When the last knot is released, the Father of Vulcan slumps over - obviously dead. From behind him, Lincoln hears, "Help me Spock." He turns to see Kaliss standing there, along with Col Green, imitating Sirac's voice.

"Now can you cry like Lincoln?", asks Col Green of the Klingon. Kaliss does so, imitating the ex- President's voice perfectly.

The scene shifts back to where Spock and Kirk are continuing the battle - against only Zora and Ghengis Khan. They hear a shuffling sound coming in front of them and pause as Lincoln approaches from the enemy's side of the field.

"James.", gasps Lincoln as Kirk starts toward him. "Stay back!" Lincoln takes a few more steps then falls face forward to the ground - a crude spear shaft jutting from his back.

Captain Kirk kneels to examine the body, and as he does so, Col Green's group renew the attack. Rocks and sticks fly once again. And as the last of prepared ammunition is used, the two groups meet in hand to hand combat - Spock and Kirk against three of the villains of history. Col Green hides to the side to watch the struggle.

As the last of the foes are beaten to the ground or run off, Kirk looks up and spies Green. Green seeing the anger in the Captain's eyes, tries to run but is tackled from behind. On the ground they roll together, each trying to gain the upper hand - Green attempting to skewer the good Captain with a wooden knife. Once, twice, Col Green makes a wide sweep at Kirk with the weapon - then Captain Kirk grasps the arm with the knife and forces it behind the other's back. Still struggling, Col Green falls backward --- and onto his own weapon.

Jim gets up dusting himself off as his friend and first officer approaches.

Before either can say a word, they hear the rocky grating sound and turn to see the mineral being once again.

"You are the survivors.", it states flatly. "The others have run off. It would seem that evil retreats when forcibly confronted. However. You have failed to demonstrate to me any other difference between your philosophies. Your good and your evil use the same methods. Achieve the same results. Do you have an explanation?"

You established the methods, and the goals!", Kirk exclaims, pointing at the being.

"For you to use as you chose.", answers the creature.

Kirk demands, "What did you offer the others, if they won?"

"What they wanted most. Power."

Kirk lowers his head and explains, "You offered me -- the lives of my crew."

"I perceive.", comprehends the being, "You have won their lives."

Kirk, now angry, demands to know what gives the creature and its kind the right to stage such events - to hand out life and death. The rock being retorts, the same right that brought the crew of the Enterprise here. The need to know, to understand. Captain Kirk looks at his host and states, "We came in peace.".

"And you may go in peace.", grates the creature, turning back into a common boulder.

Kirk, looking exasperated, signals the Enterprise. Two to beam up.

Epilog: Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock are back on board and on the bridge. Kirk receives status reports from Mr. Scott, Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekov. All of the strange malfunctions on the ship have ceased and are reversing themselves. There is no explanation for it. Kirk, however, knows the explanation. Walking over to the Science Officer's station, he confers with his officer and friend.

"Mr. Spock, any explanation?"

"Conjecture, Captain, rather than explanation. It would seem that we were held in the power of creatures able to control matter, and to rearrange molecules in whatever fashion was desired. So they were able to create images of Sirac and Lincoln after scanning our minds and using their fellow creatures as source matter."

Thoughtfully, Jim relates, "He seemed so real. And to me, especially Mr. Lincoln -- I feel I actually met Lincoln."

"Yes. And Sirac. Perhaps, in a sense, they were real, Captain. Since they were created out of our own thoughts, how could they be anything but what we expected them to be."

"It was so hard for me to see him die -- again.", Kirk finishes. "I feel I understand what Earth must have gone though to achieve final peace."

"Captain Kirk.", calls Uhura. "The planet has resumed it's normal appearance."

(soft relaxing music here) Kirk wanders to his chair and muses, "There's still so much of their work to be done, in the galaxy, Spock." Breaking out of his blue mood, Kirk orders briskly, "Mr. Sulu. Break us out of orbit and continue to our next assignment."