"Captain's Log : The Enterprise remains in pursuit of the lone being who so casually destroyed Cestus 3. Somehow, he will pay."

Uhura motioned to Kirk.

"Captain, the being we're in pursuit of is sending us a message."

"On audio, Lieutenant."

A voice that seemed to embody snide arrogance boomed over the speakers.

"Captain Kirk! I see that you have decided to pursue me! Though I am certain you cannot destroy one so powerful as myself, this pursuit is draining me somewhat. Meet me on the planet below, and we shall settle this hand to hand. If you can somehow survive, I will spare you and this part of space."

Spock disagreed.

"Captain, his word is highly suspect. Add to that, his obsessive pursuit of the objects in our shielded custody makes me wary of any promise such a one would give, even if he could be trusted otherwise."

"Translation : Its a Trap, Jim."

"Doctor, I believe I just said that."

Kirk sighed.

"Uhura, inform our opponent that I'll be down in five minutes. Mister Spock--its time we used those objects."

And so they did. As he beamed down, Kirk narrowly avoided being erased by a power beam from his enemy, who floated above him.

"You're a fool, Kirk! Your ship might have found a way to stop me, but you alone cannot stop me from finding that which I seek. Farewell, Captain!"

The odd being with the tall, straight hair then seemed to unleash energies beyond comprehension at Kirk. An immense fireball came straight toward him. A fireball--that he casually dispersed. The enemy was flabbergasted.

"I am Prince Vegeta of the mighty Saiyen armies! How can one such as you bat away my best?"

Kirk grinned.

"I'll give you Seven guesses, 'Prince'."

"The--The DragonBalls---You Have THEM? Used them to give yourself power? How dare you?"

"Some last words for you, Mister...."

Energies that made Vegeta's seem like a child's sparkler swirled around Kirk. He screamed, and unleashed 10% of that power from ten different positions. He was not giving the savage Prince anywhere to run.

"FIIIIINNNNNNALLLL FRONTIERRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!"

Caught up fully in the blast, Prince Vegeta then found himself, as they say, in another dimension.

Sulu looked at his sensors, disbelieving.

"There's no trace of the other being, and Captain Kirk---is flying towards the ship!"

McCoy folded his arms.

"Great! As If His Ego wasn't big enough."

Nurse Chapel headed for the turbolift.

"The Captain will need a thorough check-up, after such an experience."

Janice Rand and Uhura looked at one another.

"She may need our help."

"I agree."

As they all departed, McCoy watched the women leave, and shook his head.

"He was never hurting in that department, either."

Chekov was still staring in awe at the energy readings from the fight.

"Bozhe Moy! This Is Nuts!"

****