didn't belong to you.
I do not make off with things.
My need gave me the right
to use the ship.
Mark the word, sir--
the use of it!
You can try those technical
evasions on Starfleet Command.
That's where you'll
be facing your charges.
[Sighs]
I'm grateful for your rescue.
Don't mention it. We're pleased
to have caught you.
Who are you?
My name is Lokai.
Go on.
From the planet Cheron.
That's in the southernmost
part of the galaxy,
in an uncharted quarter.
What are you doing
so far from home?
You understand that when
we complete our mission,
we'll take you to star base where
you'll face a very serious charge.
The charge is trifling. I would've
returned the ship as soon as l--
Had what?
What were you going to do?
You monotone humans are all alike.
First you condemn and then attack!
I will answer
no more questions.
Well, however we view him, Captain,
he's certainly no ordinary specimen.
Well, Lokai, I don't know
what's normal for you exactly,
but if I had your readings,
I'd be the most incredible
physical specimen of all time.
We've never encountered
a being like you.
I'd like to know more
about you and your planet.
- I'm very tired.
- And very evasive.
Or at least not fully responsive.
Now, then--
I insist, I'm extremely tired.
Made so by your vindictive
cross-examinations.
I will answer
no more questions.
- Lt. Uhura.
- [Intercom] Lt. Uhura here.
Notify Star base 4 that we've
recovered its shuttlecraft,
and it will be returned
along with its user
as soon as we've completed
our mission at Ariannus.
Aye, sir.
Bones, if you're satisfied that
the mutation theory is applicable,
I'll make a note of it
in my report.
Unless we get more information
from him, it'll have to serve.
- [Intercom Beeps]
- Kirk here.
[Chekov] Captain,
contact with alien ship, sir.
I'll be right there.
Notify Mr. Spock.
Put the ship on the
viewing screen, Mr. Sulu.
Magnification.
- Still nothing, Mr. Chekov.
- I verify, sir, it's out there.
Maximum magnification.
I draw a blank, Mr. Spock.
Your response?
Negative, Captain.
No malfunction, sir.
The reading persists.
- What is it?
- There is a vessel out there.
Could it be a Romulan ship
using their cloaking device?
Negative. This would not
be a Romulan vessel.
It is totally alien
in configuration.
Motive power unknown.
Small size of the craft
indicates a rapid scout vessel,
one- or two-man crew.
Captain, I've tried all hailing
frequencies. Negative, sir.
- Weaponry on the vessel?
- Nothing identifiable.
The craft appears to be built
for speed rather than combat.
Something out there
can't be seen.
- Explanation?
- None. Completely elusive.
In fact, it's invisible.
Invisible.
Malfunction?
There is no sensor failure.
The readings persist.
It's headed
straight for us!
Evasive action.
It shifts with us, sir.
And we're pushing to the limit!
Deflector shields
activated, Mr. Sulu.
- Automatic, sir.
- We're on a collision course!
It's out of control
or a suicide mission.
Sound warning for collision.
Red alert!
[Alarms Blaring]
Brace yourself for collision!
Brace yourself!
Readout, Mr. Spock.
It just disintegrated.
- Fascinating.
- What is it now?
It is gone now, Captain,
but it seems to have deposited
an alien presence.
- Where?
- [Man]Right here, Captain.
Explain, Spock.
One of a kind?
[Alarm Continues Blaring]
- I am Bele.
- Of the planet Cheron?
Forgive my
unorthodox arrival.
Your mode of travel
was also unorthodox.
Secure from red alert.
What happened to your vehicle?
It served me long and
durably. Unfortunately,
the strain of pursuit
has exceeded its qualities.
I was just able to complete
this trip and disembark in time,
or I would have disintegrated
in space with it.
A most unique craft. Pity it
couldn't be salvaged for our study.
Yes. It was sheathed
in special materials
that rendered it invisible.
What brings you to us?
You bear precious cargo--