On Star Date 3842.4, the U.S.S. Enterprise had arrived near planet Babel, carrying dignitaries from many races who were gathering to ratify a treaty. Captain Kirk and his crew were responsible for protecting the representatives during the conference.

The female characters played a significant role in this episode, with Jane Wyatt playing the role of Amanda Grayson, the human mother of Spock, who had come to the conference to witness the treaty signing. In addition, Majel Barrett appears as Nurse Chapel, the unrequited love interest of Dr. McCoy.

The villains featured in this episode are the Orions, a group of aliens who intend to sabotage the conference. However, the crew of the Enterprise was able to defeat them and save the treaty.

The episode also features a romantic subplot between Captain Kirk and Ambassador Nancy Hedford, played by Kathryn Hays. Although the two have a brief fling, it is ultimately unfulfilling.

The crew of the Enterprise was able to put a stop to the Orions' plan and secure the treaty's signing. As the episode ends, there is an understanding and appreciation between Spock and his human mother, Amanda.

Kathryn Hays went on to appear in shows like The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful, and Majel Barrett went on to appear in shows such as Babylon 5 and Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda. Interestingly, the episode was actually filmed in a decommissioned aircraft carrier.