Andrea IV has a population of about 200 bipeds in a single settlement with limited technology. The Vega cloud will reach the planet in 11 hours and 23 minutes. Kirk, Spock, McCoy and two security ensigns prepare to beam down, although Scotty is concerned that the transporter signal may be affected by a solar energy field surrounding the planet. When Scotty energizes, the transporter circuitry begins to overload. Horrified, Scotty manually boosts the matter transmitter and overrides the circuitry. The transporter console explodes, burning Scotty's hands, but the landing party is safe on the planet. They are greeted by an orange biped with wing-like arms piloting a hovercraft, who tells them that their arrival was expected and prepared for by "Those-who-have-stepped beyond".