The Federation Starship Sceptre has accidentally strayed into Klingon space and has been trapped in a magnetic pincers. The Klingons have challenged the crew of the Sceptre to beam their best fighter down to a nearby planet for a one to one fight with their local champion. If the crew member wins then the Sceptre will be released, if the Klingon wins they will be held trapped for a 100 Earth days.

So the Sceptre's Security officer, a female Gorn called Yaah, is beamed down to the surface of the desolate grey planet to face the dreaded Klingon in unarmed combat.