In Dr. Marcus' proposal to the Federation, she concluded that the potential of the project was to reduce the cosmic problem of food supply. With the device, Dr. Marcus filled the cave with a "lifetime" of food. When she showed Admiral James T. Kirk the cave, she said, "Can I cook, or can't I?" The kinds of life created in the cave were indeed substantial; in addition to the plainly visible vegetation, which provided a breathable atmosphere, there were vegetables and fruits. Also, the chirping of birds could be heard in the cave.