Lal (Vian)

Lal was a Vian scientist who, along with another Vian named Thann, conducted a bizarre experiment to determine if a planet in the Minarian star system that was threatened with destruction from a supernova should be saved. They would base their decision on whether the inhabitants of the planet, who were empaths, would show compassion and self-sacrifice toward other beings. The experiment involved one of the planet's inhabitants named Gem and members of the crew of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701). After Captain James T. Kirk and Doctor Leonard McCoy were tortured by the Vians, Gem saved them both, and her world was deemed worthy of saving.