Captain's Log - Stardate 2261.008

En route to the Minarian system to evacuate a research station located on the second planet. The system's sun is entering its nova phase and the station has been gathering data for the Imperial Science Academy. When I wondered why they hadn't installed an automated system, Spock reminded me that the radiation fluctuations from the dying sun would affect the equipment, so the scientists were necessary to adjust the gear as needed as well as make backup records.

Sounds deadly dull, but I don't pretend to understand the way researchers think.

After turning off the recording, Kirk remained still for a moment thinking. The only movement was one finger lightly tapping the button to the ship's intercom. After another minute of silence, he pressed the button with greater force.

"First Officer Spock and Doctor McCoy, report to the Captain's ready room immediately."

That done, Kirk took his time getting ready to head to the ready room himself. He far preferred others waiting for him than him waiting for them. He knew it was petty, but among the lessons Pike had taught him was to assert his position as Captain in many subtle ways. Not that this show was for either Spock or McCoy. No, this show was for the numerous unknown crewmen that would take unconscious note of who were the ones doing the waiting.

None of these games seemed to phase either of his two officers in the least. They were discussing the newest transmission received from Imperial Starfleet and debating which items were real and which were propaganda. It was, of course, considered a traitorous act to speculate on the truthfulness of Imperial documents. Not, of course, that any of the three of them cared.

Once Kirk moved to his chair, Spock and McCoy ended their conversation. focusing their attention on their Captain. Kirk wasted no time getting to the point.

"Gentlemen - this mission to the Minara system. Opinions as to why the Empire is wasting their time - and, more importantly, our time - with it?"

Spock had been considering that question since the orders had first come across and so was the first to respond.

"The opportunities for close studies of stars entering the nova phase are exceedingly rare. One could classify the data that will be added to the stores of knowledge as priceless."

"Bull."

McCoy's one word had both Kirk and Spock turning their attention to him with Spock's eyebrow canting to an angle that meant he was some between intrigued and annoyed at the interruption.

"You have another theory, Doctor?"

There was an element of disbelief in Spock's tone that made a smirk form on McCoy's face.

"As a matter of fact, I do. Mind you, I'm not arguing that the information that's been gathered isn't valuable in its own right, but the Empire could have diverted a merchant ship to pick up these guys if that was all it was. Diverting a starship? That implies there's more than meets the eye."

Kirk remained silent and watched as Spock considered McCoy's arguments before nodding slowly.

"The objection you raise is a significant one, but what other use would the data hold?"

"Same use some folks in the medical profession get by focusing on fatal illness. Spot them early and exploit the resources before they die. If I remember correctly, this one was spotted back when there was only a bit over a year left to this system."

"That is correct, Doctor. The research station was only established six months ago. There are three inhabited planets in the system. None of the inhabitants were deemed technically advanced enough to be worth the expense of evacuation."

"But if the Empire had known about this system being doomed sooner? Say, five years in advance instead of one year?"

For a moment, Spock seemed annoyed at what he viewed as engaging in pointless conjecture, but as he decided to give the matter consideration, his expression changed. Kirk began to nod and broke his silence.

"I see your point, Bones. With a five year window, the Empire would have had time to strip mine the worlds of the system of any usable materials. The year was too short a period for the yield to have been worth the expense of the attempt."

"Indeed. With the planets doomed to destruction regardless, the strip mining could have been done aggressively with no need to consider long-term effects. We will be keeping copies of the station's data aboard the Enterprise, Captain?"

"We will indeed, Mister Spock. Speaking of which, I've been ordered to beam down to the planet personally to ensure that the computers systems are rendered useless. I want the two of you with me. Spock, you'll verify the data files. Bones, you make sure the research team aren't going to bring something contagious onto our ship."

A Captain being ordered to beam down to a planet was a well-known euphemism to let a crew know that Imperial Starfleet Command would not be broken-hearted about that Captain being marooned Spock and McCoy exchanged glances before McCoy voiced the question on both of their minds.

"Who's going to be watching the store while we're down there, Jim?"

"Scotty. He knows damn well no other Captain will ever give him the leeway with the Enterprise that I do. As Scotty's also the only one that knows how some of his modifications work, that will discourage anyone thinking of taking control from him."

A grunt signified McCoy's approval. The Scotsman was certifiable, but extremely loyal. Sure, his loyalty was to the ship, but so long as Scotty felt Kirk was the right man to be at the helm, that loyalty bled over to him as well. The fact that he still considered himself in debt to McCoy didn't hurt either.

"That's all. We'll be entering orbit tomorrow and coordinating with the station. We should be back underway in a matter of hours. Since Command is concerned about the computers being left behind, I think we might indulge Chekov and let him destroy the station with a phaser barrage."

Spock gave a slight inclination of his head to show his approval.

"Practice with an actual target is always preferable to simulations."

As he got to his feet, McCoy frowned.

"If the higher-ups are so concerned with the computers, why did they leave the equipment with no-one to protect it but a two man team?"

Snorting, Kirk rose from his seat as well.

"My best guess would be that one or both of those men pissed off the wrong Admiral. We probably should check into that. I don't want to draw additional fire our way by bringing back someone they'd rather remain deep in the black."

Gesturing toward the door, Kirk gave a sudden grin.

"Shall we startle a few of the crew members and have a meal together in the Officers' Mess?"

The three began their walk through the corridor, Kirk in the center, McCoy slightly behind and to his left, Spock slightly behind and to his right. By this point, no-one was suicidal enough to think they could challenge the trio, but Kirk knew he'd have to keep closer watch for awhile. Those beam down orders shouldn't have become known among the crew, but they were common knowledge. That meant a mole was still onboard. One that needed to be air locked after they were identified.