Chapter 13: Denebian Slime Devils
Slightly longer update for today, because I'm creating a story idea from scratch that could fit as Original Series Trek:
January 20, 1969
The 17th episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek ITTL is titled THE TWO POTIONS. This will be modeled as a classic Gene Coon allegory. The Enterprise is tasked with studying Denebian slime devils, an endangered species, from the planet Deneb IV to derive chemicals that could be used for medicinal purposes. However, the Klingons enter the Deneb system and are also seeking out the Denebian slime devils in order to create chemicals intended for warfare, similar to mustard gas. Kirk, Spock and the rest of the crew must deny the Klingons access to the slime devils so the Klingons cannot engage in potential chemical warfare against Starfleet that could prove decisive in a future conflict.
Captain's log, stardate 5526.4. The Enterprise has been sent to Deneb IV in order to study the utility of chemicals produced by the Denebian slime devil, one of the galaxy's most endangered, and I must say, least appealing creatures. Dr. McCoy will produce a report demonstrating the viability of neotryptiline, a chemical that can cure serious brain disorders and even act in some individuals as an aphrodisiac.
Kirk orders Scotty to beam aboard a Denebian slime devil for study. The creature is transported to the Enterprise and immediately confined due to its dangerous, aggressive nature. Spock and McCoy examine the tranquilized slime devil in the sickbay lab.
Bones: "I thought there was no use for these creatures. I wonder why Starfleet even has us on this mission. It seems pointless to me."
Spock: "Doctor, the Denebian slime devil produces a chemical called neotryptiline, which can cure some of the most lethal brain disorders in the elderly, if properly created into a medicine."
Bones: "So Starfleet wants to expand human lifespans. I admire their motives, but I think that when it's time for someone to die, it's just their time."
Spock: "Doctor, Starfleet does not want to pass up the possibility of improved sentient being health, especially in the most vulnerable of its citizens."
Bones: "Spock, don't you realize that the pain people endure is a part of life, and sometimes the pain exceeds a level where life is worth it. This happens in the elderly, both on Earth and among you Vulcans."
Spock: "I find it logical that we do everything in our power to reduce pain and extend the time when human beings and other Federation species do not have to experience pain. Perhaps it is due to our extended Vulcan lifespans and the deleterious effects of Vulcan aging that my interest in further lengthening life derives itself."
Bones: "I wonder what happens to Vulcans when they get old. I think you lose your inhibitions, similar to humans who age."
Spock: "It is much worse for Vulcans, Doctor. Vulcans lose their ability to retain their logical capabilities and training and devolve into what you would call, 'a screaming mess.'"
Bones: "So it is similar to aging in humans."
Spock: "Humans do not consistently control their emotions and believe in logic, Doctor."
Kirk (over the intercom): "How is that research going, Bones. Starfleet needs that chemical soon."
Bones: "It's moving along, Jim. I am unsure of the reason why we are on this mission."
Kirk: "I thought it was right up your alley, Bones. Starfleet wants to extend human lifespans by curing various neurological disorders in aging people."
Bones: "You know Jim, I always felt that everyone has a time to die, and we are attempting to play God here."
Kirk: "Bones, make sure you acquire the chemical and process it into a medicine. Kirk out."
(Uhura interrupts)
Uhura: "I'm detecting Klingon chatter over subspace frequencies, sir."
Kirk: "Red alert. Sulu, is there a Klingon vessel in the area."
Sulu: "I don't see one sir, but I presume they are cloaked."
Chekov: "Klingon D7 battlecruiser detected straight ahead, Captain."
Kirk: "What do the Klingons want on Deneb IV? And how did they get into Federation space?"
Sulu: "Perhaps their cloak was able to evade Federation sensors."
Kirk: "A likely possibility. But what do they want on Deneb IV? Could they want the slime devils for some other reason, or for the same reason? Uhura, ship to ship. I want to straighten out this matter."
Uhura: "Hailing frequencies open, sir. You're patched in."
Kirk: "Klingon vessel, this is Captain James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. Your presence in Federation space violates the Organian armistice between our two powers. Explain why you are in Federation space, or I will have to escort you back to the Neutral Zone."
Koloth: "Hi, Captain, remember me? It's Koloth, back for more Klingon conquest."
Kirk: "Why are you in Federation space orbiting this planet?"
Koloth: "For the same reason you are, Captain. We want the slime devils."
Kirk: "Why, Koloth? The slime devils are useless. They are an endangered, but completely unappealing species."
Koloth: "I do not have to explain my motives to you, Captain. My mission is secret, especially to you. Koloth out."
Kirk convenes Spock, McCoy and Scotty in the conference room.
Kirk: "What do the Klingons want with Denebian slime devils? I thought only their bite was dangerous."
Scotty: "You know the Klingons on that ship think you are a Denebian slime devil."
Kirk: "I'm well aware, Mr. Scott. But why are the Klingons here?"
Spock: "It is believed that the Denebian slime devil also produces a small amount of a chemical in its nervous system called hydrochloroethyl sulfide, a variant of mustard gas that is ten times more potent than traditional mustard gas."
Bones: "So the Klingons want to conduct chemical warfare against the Federation? How many different monsters do we have to deal with? First the Romulans with their viruses, now the Klingons with superpowered mustard gas."
Spock: "You are likely correct, Doctor. The Klingons cannot gain access to the slime devils."
Kirk: "How many slime devils are there on the planet, Spock."
Spock: "Seventeen thousand, sir. We cannot possibly protect them all. If the Klingons want a slime devil, they can likely beam one aboard, just like we did."
Kirk: "So we're here to extend human lifespans, and they're here to destroy them. Bones, I need you to isolate the mustard gas chemical and inoculate the crew in case the Klingons attempt a chemical attack. Spock, order a landing party to the planet. I suspect the Klingons want several of those slime devils and we cannot let them get more than one."
Spock and Bones: "Aye, sir."
Sulu and Chekov lead a landing party to Deneb IV to face the Klingons, who expectedly arrive. The Federation landing party begins to fight with the Klingons. Two redshirts and two Klingons meet their demise. A slime devil unexpectedly bites Chekov, who yelps in pain. Sulu and Chekov beam back aboard the Enterprise and Chekov goes to sickbay. Instead of being incapacitated, Chekov begins displaying unusual behavior, attempting to kiss Chapel. McCoy tranquilizes Chekov.
Bones: "What other surprises do these slime devils have in store for us. Bones to Kirk."
Kirk: "Kirk here."
Bones: "After Chekov got bit by the slime devil, he was behaving oddly. He tried to kiss Chapel and I had to knock him out with a neural tranquilizer."
Kirk: "Make sure that nobody else is bitten by the slime devil in sickbay. These creatures are bizarre. Kirk out."
Bones and Spock go back to sickbay, and discover that the neotryptiline has aphrodisiac effects on younger and middle aged adults, which was the reason Chekov behaved so out of character. Bones says, "You know, I was right. We are conducting mad science experiments instead of proper medical research, and the drug we were supposed to isolate is instead causing unexpected behavior. I think we should beam the slime devil out of here." Suddenly, the slime devil awakens and bites Bones, and he acts the same way Chekov did. Bones attempts to kiss Chapel and Spock nerve pinches him.
Spock: "Spock to the bridge."
Kirk: "Kirk here."
Spock: "The slime devils produce aphrodisiac effects in humans when they are bitten, Captain. However, there is a possibility that Bones and Chekov will die."
Kirk: "Explain, Spock. I thought they were supposed to only cure brain functions in the aging."
Spock: "In non-aged people, the neotryptiline created the unexpected effect of humans losing their inhibitions. The bites also contain a tiny bit of the enhanced mustard gas chemical, which paralyzes human body functions. Without an antidote, both the Doctor and Ensign Chekov will slowly lose basic autonomic life signs. They will die."
Kirk: "Get Chapel to work on the antidote."
Spock: "She is a little shaken up, but she tells me she is OK to continue her duties."
Kirk: "Good, Spock. Kirk out."
(The Enterprise is attacked by the Klingon battlecruiser, which tries to make a run for it). Kirk orders return fire, and the Enterprise scores a hit on the Klingon vessel. A visibly upset Kirk asks for a halt to the hostilities.
Kirk: "Uhura, open hailing frequencies."
Uhura: "You're on, sir."
Kirk: "Klingon vessel. If you attempt to escape, we will pursue and disable your ship."
Koloth: "You have your slime devil, and I have mine. You will conduct your research, and we will conduct ours."
Kirk: "Your research is intended for war and death. We will not allow it."
Koloth: "You have no place to dictate how we Klingons conduct our affairs, Kirk. Like I said, you have your slime devil to do with what you wish, and I have my slime devil."
Kirk: "So it is battle then."
Koloth: "No it isn't. We will leave Federation space with our slime devil, to do with as we please. Until we meet again, Captain Kirk."
(Koloth's ship cloaks and leaves the Deneb system, and the Enterprise fails in its pursuit.)
Kirk: "So they have a chemical weapon."
Bones and Chekov are cured by the antidote, and Bones asks Kirk to return the slime devil to its natural habitat. Kirk agrees, and the slime devil is beamed back to the planet. The end of the episode is a brief philosophical conversation.
Spock: "Apparently, there were unexpected consequences deriving from our experiment."
Kirk: "What do we tell Starfleet Command? The Klingons are developing a chemical weapon and our experiment failed?"
Bones: "What else do we tell them? We should also tell them that sometimes, species are best left alone, even though we are explorers and scientists carrying out missions across the galaxy. This mission was morally wrong to begin with."
Kirk: "Sometimes, you get the slime devil, and sometimes, the slime devil gets you."
Bones: "I just hope the Klingons don't get us too."
D.C. Fontana:
We wanted to explore a situation where the Federation goes too far in scientific experimentation. We believe we succeeded by demonstrating that some species are best left alone, especially endangered species. This story also explores the ethics of animal experimentation and the gray lines that are crossed when we attempt to advance human society by taking advantage of animals. Just to let you know, I approve of plant experimentation, but animal experimentation is a touchy subject, especially with dogs and cats.
Kelley:
I got to be the moral center of this episode. As the ship's doctor and one of its chief researchers, I was placed in a role where I had to determine whether it was ethically viable to conduct research on this species. As it turned out, there were some unexpected twists, and we didn't have a happy ending for this one. Sometimes it is best to let Mother Nature be herself and not to interfere with her.
Gene Roddenberry:
This was one of the best allegories we wrote in the third season. We brought up a lot of ethical questions and left them only partially answered for the viewer. Why do we conduct research, and when should it be used? Sometimes, we need to let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak, and that was the tale we tried to tell in this episode.
January 20, 1969
The 17th episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek ITTL is titled THE TWO POTIONS. This will be modeled as a classic Gene Coon allegory. The Enterprise is tasked with studying Denebian slime devils, an endangered species, from the planet Deneb IV to derive chemicals that could be used for medicinal purposes. However, the Klingons enter the Deneb system and are also seeking out the Denebian slime devils in order to create chemicals intended for warfare, similar to mustard gas. Kirk, Spock and the rest of the crew must deny the Klingons access to the slime devils so the Klingons cannot engage in potential chemical warfare against Starfleet that could prove decisive in a future conflict.
Captain's log, stardate 5526.4. The Enterprise has been sent to Deneb IV in order to study the utility of chemicals produced by the Denebian slime devil, one of the galaxy's most endangered, and I must say, least appealing creatures. Dr. McCoy will produce a report demonstrating the viability of neotryptiline, a chemical that can cure serious brain disorders and even act in some individuals as an aphrodisiac.
Kirk orders Scotty to beam aboard a Denebian slime devil for study. The creature is transported to the Enterprise and immediately confined due to its dangerous, aggressive nature. Spock and McCoy examine the tranquilized slime devil in the sickbay lab.
Bones: "I thought there was no use for these creatures. I wonder why Starfleet even has us on this mission. It seems pointless to me."
Spock: "Doctor, the Denebian slime devil produces a chemical called neotryptiline, which can cure some of the most lethal brain disorders in the elderly, if properly created into a medicine."
Bones: "So Starfleet wants to expand human lifespans. I admire their motives, but I think that when it's time for someone to die, it's just their time."
Spock: "Doctor, Starfleet does not want to pass up the possibility of improved sentient being health, especially in the most vulnerable of its citizens."
Bones: "Spock, don't you realize that the pain people endure is a part of life, and sometimes the pain exceeds a level where life is worth it. This happens in the elderly, both on Earth and among you Vulcans."
Spock: "I find it logical that we do everything in our power to reduce pain and extend the time when human beings and other Federation species do not have to experience pain. Perhaps it is due to our extended Vulcan lifespans and the deleterious effects of Vulcan aging that my interest in further lengthening life derives itself."
Bones: "I wonder what happens to Vulcans when they get old. I think you lose your inhibitions, similar to humans who age."
Spock: "It is much worse for Vulcans, Doctor. Vulcans lose their ability to retain their logical capabilities and training and devolve into what you would call, 'a screaming mess.'"
Bones: "So it is similar to aging in humans."
Spock: "Humans do not consistently control their emotions and believe in logic, Doctor."
Kirk (over the intercom): "How is that research going, Bones. Starfleet needs that chemical soon."
Bones: "It's moving along, Jim. I am unsure of the reason why we are on this mission."
Kirk: "I thought it was right up your alley, Bones. Starfleet wants to extend human lifespans by curing various neurological disorders in aging people."
Bones: "You know Jim, I always felt that everyone has a time to die, and we are attempting to play God here."
Kirk: "Bones, make sure you acquire the chemical and process it into a medicine. Kirk out."
(Uhura interrupts)
Uhura: "I'm detecting Klingon chatter over subspace frequencies, sir."
Kirk: "Red alert. Sulu, is there a Klingon vessel in the area."
Sulu: "I don't see one sir, but I presume they are cloaked."
Chekov: "Klingon D7 battlecruiser detected straight ahead, Captain."
Kirk: "What do the Klingons want on Deneb IV? And how did they get into Federation space?"
Sulu: "Perhaps their cloak was able to evade Federation sensors."
Kirk: "A likely possibility. But what do they want on Deneb IV? Could they want the slime devils for some other reason, or for the same reason? Uhura, ship to ship. I want to straighten out this matter."
Uhura: "Hailing frequencies open, sir. You're patched in."
Kirk: "Klingon vessel, this is Captain James Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. Your presence in Federation space violates the Organian armistice between our two powers. Explain why you are in Federation space, or I will have to escort you back to the Neutral Zone."
Koloth: "Hi, Captain, remember me? It's Koloth, back for more Klingon conquest."
Kirk: "Why are you in Federation space orbiting this planet?"
Koloth: "For the same reason you are, Captain. We want the slime devils."
Kirk: "Why, Koloth? The slime devils are useless. They are an endangered, but completely unappealing species."
Koloth: "I do not have to explain my motives to you, Captain. My mission is secret, especially to you. Koloth out."
Kirk convenes Spock, McCoy and Scotty in the conference room.
Kirk: "What do the Klingons want with Denebian slime devils? I thought only their bite was dangerous."
Scotty: "You know the Klingons on that ship think you are a Denebian slime devil."
Kirk: "I'm well aware, Mr. Scott. But why are the Klingons here?"
Spock: "It is believed that the Denebian slime devil also produces a small amount of a chemical in its nervous system called hydrochloroethyl sulfide, a variant of mustard gas that is ten times more potent than traditional mustard gas."
Bones: "So the Klingons want to conduct chemical warfare against the Federation? How many different monsters do we have to deal with? First the Romulans with their viruses, now the Klingons with superpowered mustard gas."
Spock: "You are likely correct, Doctor. The Klingons cannot gain access to the slime devils."
Kirk: "How many slime devils are there on the planet, Spock."
Spock: "Seventeen thousand, sir. We cannot possibly protect them all. If the Klingons want a slime devil, they can likely beam one aboard, just like we did."
Kirk: "So we're here to extend human lifespans, and they're here to destroy them. Bones, I need you to isolate the mustard gas chemical and inoculate the crew in case the Klingons attempt a chemical attack. Spock, order a landing party to the planet. I suspect the Klingons want several of those slime devils and we cannot let them get more than one."
Spock and Bones: "Aye, sir."
Sulu and Chekov lead a landing party to Deneb IV to face the Klingons, who expectedly arrive. The Federation landing party begins to fight with the Klingons. Two redshirts and two Klingons meet their demise. A slime devil unexpectedly bites Chekov, who yelps in pain. Sulu and Chekov beam back aboard the Enterprise and Chekov goes to sickbay. Instead of being incapacitated, Chekov begins displaying unusual behavior, attempting to kiss Chapel. McCoy tranquilizes Chekov.
Bones: "What other surprises do these slime devils have in store for us. Bones to Kirk."
Kirk: "Kirk here."
Bones: "After Chekov got bit by the slime devil, he was behaving oddly. He tried to kiss Chapel and I had to knock him out with a neural tranquilizer."
Kirk: "Make sure that nobody else is bitten by the slime devil in sickbay. These creatures are bizarre. Kirk out."
Bones and Spock go back to sickbay, and discover that the neotryptiline has aphrodisiac effects on younger and middle aged adults, which was the reason Chekov behaved so out of character. Bones says, "You know, I was right. We are conducting mad science experiments instead of proper medical research, and the drug we were supposed to isolate is instead causing unexpected behavior. I think we should beam the slime devil out of here." Suddenly, the slime devil awakens and bites Bones, and he acts the same way Chekov did. Bones attempts to kiss Chapel and Spock nerve pinches him.
Spock: "Spock to the bridge."
Kirk: "Kirk here."
Spock: "The slime devils produce aphrodisiac effects in humans when they are bitten, Captain. However, there is a possibility that Bones and Chekov will die."
Kirk: "Explain, Spock. I thought they were supposed to only cure brain functions in the aging."
Spock: "In non-aged people, the neotryptiline created the unexpected effect of humans losing their inhibitions. The bites also contain a tiny bit of the enhanced mustard gas chemical, which paralyzes human body functions. Without an antidote, both the Doctor and Ensign Chekov will slowly lose basic autonomic life signs. They will die."
Kirk: "Get Chapel to work on the antidote."
Spock: "She is a little shaken up, but she tells me she is OK to continue her duties."
Kirk: "Good, Spock. Kirk out."
(The Enterprise is attacked by the Klingon battlecruiser, which tries to make a run for it). Kirk orders return fire, and the Enterprise scores a hit on the Klingon vessel. A visibly upset Kirk asks for a halt to the hostilities.
Kirk: "Uhura, open hailing frequencies."
Uhura: "You're on, sir."
Kirk: "Klingon vessel. If you attempt to escape, we will pursue and disable your ship."
Koloth: "You have your slime devil, and I have mine. You will conduct your research, and we will conduct ours."
Kirk: "Your research is intended for war and death. We will not allow it."
Koloth: "You have no place to dictate how we Klingons conduct our affairs, Kirk. Like I said, you have your slime devil to do with what you wish, and I have my slime devil."
Kirk: "So it is battle then."
Koloth: "No it isn't. We will leave Federation space with our slime devil, to do with as we please. Until we meet again, Captain Kirk."
(Koloth's ship cloaks and leaves the Deneb system, and the Enterprise fails in its pursuit.)
Kirk: "So they have a chemical weapon."
Bones and Chekov are cured by the antidote, and Bones asks Kirk to return the slime devil to its natural habitat. Kirk agrees, and the slime devil is beamed back to the planet. The end of the episode is a brief philosophical conversation.
Spock: "Apparently, there were unexpected consequences deriving from our experiment."
Kirk: "What do we tell Starfleet Command? The Klingons are developing a chemical weapon and our experiment failed?"
Bones: "What else do we tell them? We should also tell them that sometimes, species are best left alone, even though we are explorers and scientists carrying out missions across the galaxy. This mission was morally wrong to begin with."
Kirk: "Sometimes, you get the slime devil, and sometimes, the slime devil gets you."
Bones: "I just hope the Klingons don't get us too."
D.C. Fontana:
We wanted to explore a situation where the Federation goes too far in scientific experimentation. We believe we succeeded by demonstrating that some species are best left alone, especially endangered species. This story also explores the ethics of animal experimentation and the gray lines that are crossed when we attempt to advance human society by taking advantage of animals. Just to let you know, I approve of plant experimentation, but animal experimentation is a touchy subject, especially with dogs and cats.
Kelley:
I got to be the moral center of this episode. As the ship's doctor and one of its chief researchers, I was placed in a role where I had to determine whether it was ethically viable to conduct research on this species. As it turned out, there were some unexpected twists, and we didn't have a happy ending for this one. Sometimes it is best to let Mother Nature be herself and not to interfere with her.
Gene Roddenberry:
This was one of the best allegories we wrote in the third season. We brought up a lot of ethical questions and left them only partially answered for the viewer. Why do we conduct research, and when should it be used? Sometimes, we need to let sleeping dogs lie, so to speak, and that was the tale we tried to tell in this episode.