The Cloud Minders

The U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 comes to the planet Ardana to acquire zienite, a rare mineral needed to stop a planet-wide plague on Merak II. The zienite is not available, however, because the miner class Troglytes are rebelling against the rulers of Ardana, who live in the cloud-city of Stratos.

The Stratos-dwellers insist that the Troglytes are naturally inferior beings, but Kirk discovers that the Troglytes are being affected by a gas emitted during mining.

Unable to get both sides to settle their differences, Kirk traps the Troglyte leader Vanna and the High Advisor of Ardana's Ruling Council, Plasus, inside a mine. When the gas takes effect, Plasus realizes what is happening and promises to help the Troglytes. With peace restored, the U.S.S. Enterprise is able to secure the zienite it needs.

Cast:

William Shatner as James Tiberius Kirk™

Leonard Nimoy as Spock™

DeForest Kelley as Leonard H. McCoy™

James Doohan as Montgomery Scott™

Nichelle Nichols as Uhura™

Guest Cast:

Charlene Polite as Vanna

Fred Williamson as Anka

Henry Evans as Midro

Jeff Corey as Plasus