Rand introduces Kirk to her husband, Captain Kadan of Phaeton, a bodiless sphere of light within a floating pyramid. Rand will be the only Human aboard the Icarus, otherwise crewed entirely by Phaetonians. McCoy and Chapel prepare the Icarus sickbay for Rand's use. On the Enterprise bridge, the crew discuss the fact that Rand will never see another human, since the Icarus will not return to the galaxy for 1000 years. The Phaetonians have a life expectancy of 4000 years and are psi-sensitive. The 100 Phaetonians aboard the Icarus have their minds linked to the ship's computers. Speaking to Rand alone, Kirk expresses concern about Kadan's inability to meet her physical needs. Rand replies that she transferred off the Enterprise years earlier because of her need for Kirk and only came back wh