Editing Plato's Stepchildren (section)

==Plot==
Captain Kirk, along with First Officer [[Spock]] and Chief Medical Officer [[Leonard McCoy|Dr. McCoy]], beams down to a planet to investigate a distress call. Once there, they are greeted by a friendly [[dwarfism|little person]] named Alexander ([[Michael Dunn (actor)|Michael Dunn]]). He leads the landing party to meet the rest of his people, who have adopted classical Greek culture, and named themselves Platonians in honor of the Greek philosopher [[Plato]].

All of the Platonians, except for Alexander, possess [[Psychokinesis|telekinetic]] powers, and the planet's ruling class have become exceedingly arrogant as a result, believing they can do as they please because of their powers. The Platonians explain they "lured" the ''Enterprise'' to their planet because their leader, Parmen, requires medical help. After being treated by Dr. McCoy, Parmen demands McCoy remain on the planet to treat other Platonians. When Captain Kirk objects, the Platonians use their powers to punish him.

Alexander tries to tell Kirk and Spock that Parmen wishes to kill them but is afraid.

Parmen repeatedly humiliates Kirk and Spock as Dr. McCoy watches, trying to make him agree to stay on the planet. Later, the Platonians use their powers to force two other ''Enterprise'' officers to the planet for their entertainment: Communications Officer Lt. [[Uhura]] and [[Christine Chapel|Nurse Chapel]].

McCoy takes a sample of Alexander's blood and manages to isolate and identify the kironide mineral that provides the inhabitants with their special powers; it is abundant in the natural food and water supply of the planet. McCoy is able to prepare a serum and inject Kirk and Spock with doses to make them have twice the power of Parmen. (He observes that Alexander's lack of pituitary growth hormone makes him unable to metabolize the kironide and gain the telekinetic ability. Alexander declares that he would not want the ability anyway; he would not want to risk becoming like the Platonians.)
Alexander asks where Kirk comes from, and if size matters there. Kirk says size, color, and species do not matter. Alexander asks to go with Kirk.

While Kirk and the others are waiting for the serum to take effect, Parmen forces the four, all dressed in Greek clothing, to perform again. Alexander becomes angry after watching the humiliating tricks played upon the crew by his fellow Platonians, and he tries, unsuccessfully, to attack Parmen with a knife.

Kirk uses his new-found telekinetic powers to defeat Parmen and save Alexander's life. Parmen then promises to mend his bullying ways, but Kirk doesn't believe him, and warns Parmen, should he go back on his word, the powers can be recreated by anyone whenever they wish to defeat him.

Kirk promises to send appropriate medical technicians to the planet as long as the Platonians behave themselves, and Alexander requests to go with the ''Enterprise'' to start a new life elsewhere in the galaxy.

With Alexander by his side, Kirk contacts the ''Enterprise'' and tells Scotty, "I have a little surprise for you. I'm bringing a visitor aboard."