- Mr. Spock: Captain, I have completed the analysis of the target area. Unfortunately, the brain is so vast, our entire offensive armament will not assure its destruction; however, the brain could be completely destroyed if we convert the entire ship to energy aimed at the brain's cortex and expend the energy in one mortal strike.
- Doctor McCoy: That sounds like you're telling us to blow up the ship.
- Mr. Spock: I believe that is what I just said, Doctor.
- Captain James T. Kirk: Well, Spock, any conclusions?
- Mr. Spock: Only the beginning of a theory, Captain. It is possible this cloud in which we are entrapped is a living thing. The cloud is alive.
- Captain James T. Kirk: Judging from the disappearance of Alondra, the cloud lives on the energy it converts from the planets it consumes.
- Mr. Spock: Exactly. It is like a huge bull grazing here and there in the pasture of the universe.
- Captain James T. Kirk: Spock, what did you... perceive?
- Mr. Spock: The wonders of the universe, Captain. Incredible. Completely incredible.
- Mr. Spock: It would be best if you return to your origin, the way you came. Will you do this?
- Cosmic Cloud: A long journey.
- Mr. Spock: Will you return?