STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES
Season 3, Episode 21

The Cloud Minders

Series: Original Series - (1966-1969)
Season: 3
Episode #: 21
Production #: 60043-75
Original Airdate: 02/28/1969

Writer(s): Margaret Armen, David Gerrold, and Oliver Crawford
Director(s): Jud Taylor

Guest Stars
Jeff Corey as Plasus
Diana Ewing as Droxine
Charlene Polite as Vanna
Kirk Raymone as Cloud Guard #1
Jimmy Fields as Cloud Guard #2
Ed Long as Midro
Fred Williamson as Anka
Garth Pillsbury as a Prisoner
Harv Selsby as a Stratos Guard

Uncredited Guest Stars
Lou Elias as Troglyte #1
Marvin Walters as Troglyte #2

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.

[ Complete Screencap Index ]

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.

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