An emergency rescue mission had to be carried out by the Enterprise: A colony ship of the Federation being attacked by the romulans when, after the ship's system malfunctioned, It went adrift in space to then arrive in the neutral zone.

In the end the problem was clarified and the survivors were beamed on the Enterprise: unfortunately only a few children.

Before giving the new guests their assigned quarters and other tools of comfort Doctor McCoy has to give them a medical check in case of injuries from the attack: when the first tiny patient enters he sees the misery in their dirty and ragged clothing, the dirty remains of ash and fire and the mixture of fear and sadness and confusion in their eyes.