The Cloud Minders

Production # 74

Original Air Date 02-28-69

Stardate 5818.4

Synopsis:

The U.S.S. Enterprise 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 T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy as Spock
DeForest Kelley as Leonard H. McCoy
James Doohan as Montgomery Scott
Nichelle Nichols as Uhura

Guest Cast:
Jeff Corey as Plasus
Diana Ewing as Droxine
Charlene Polite as Vanna
Fred Williamson as Anka
Henry Evans as Midro

Creative staff:
Director: Jud Taylor
Story By: David Gerrold and Oliver Crawford
Teleplay By: Margaret Armen
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Episode information from startrek.com.