The Federation established a colony on Omicron Ceti III before it knew that the system's star emitted Berthold Rays, which degrade animal tissue. Tolerable for short periods with precautions, these rays spelled doom for the colony. So how are they still alive, and in better health than when they left Federation space? And perhaps more importantly, why have they accomplished... nothing? The answer threatens the Enterprise...
Spoilers ahead. Coverage follows the scope labeled below.
Complete story — includes the ending
Despite exposure to fatal radiation, the Federation colony on Omicron Ceti III appears to be thriving. A landing party from the Enterprise investigates, finding the colony's population to be healthy beyond explanation. Leila Kalomi, an old friend of Mr. Spock's, shows the landing party strange flowers that seem to impose a state of pure bliss and perfect health on all exposed to its spores (even Spock), but at the cost of ambition and self-discipline.
Sources and content license
Source and revision history · Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Star Trek: The Original Series season 1. HTML formatting and reference markers removed. · Content license