In a vastly unexplored region of space, a lone starship can be spotted cruising along. Its sleek exterior and defined labeling are key signs of the ship's importance. The crew aboard no doubt equally important. Closer inspection would reveal the bridge of such a ship to be silent, their orders clear and their duty upheld, although something is off. The atmosphere of the small base of operations is less than friendly, their captain somewhat exhausted but focused. The yellow-clad male holds his head up high, a sign of his pride in commanding such a magnificent and impressive vessel. He looks about his helmsmen and sighs, pressing a small button nuzzled in the center of the console of his chair. He clears his throat.
"Captain's log. Stardate: 4848.6. Starfleet has sent orders for all starships in the Alpha Quadrant to venture towards a newly discovered system nestled between the border of the Beta and Delta Quadrants. It has been dubbed the 'Taurus sector' by the Federation and as such, colonization has begun on a number of M-class planets. Being the only starship in the Alpha Quadrant, the Enterprise has been given the honor of serving as the colonies' personal freighter until proper support can be provided." The captain took a glance around the bridge before continuing. "Supplemental: the crew seems to be very disappointed to have their shore leave delayed until further notice."
The log seemed reasonably effective at gaining a collective glare from the helm, especially from one Ensign Pavel Chekov. The young Russian turned about in his seat, momentarily forgetting his navigation duties, and huffed at the captain. "Keptin, why must we be the ones to run the colonists' errands for them?" he said, his head tilted to the side in a show of annoyance. "We've been looking forward to a little r&r ever since that run-in with the Romulans and their damn cloaking device."
Captain Kirk only peered down at the helmsman, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Mr. Chekov, are you implying that the tangle with the Romulan commander wasn't the relaxing getaway we all thought it to be?" he said, head in hand.
The Russian gave a little scoff, his eyes darting to a particular science officer. "Well maybe it was for one of us," he said.
Upon hearing this, science officer Spock turns away from his station; a single brow raised slightly in contemplation. "Mr. Chekov, I feel apt to remind you that my time aboard the Romulan flagship was one dedicated to espionage. I had no such 'relaxation' but was in fact very near execution when you picked up on my life signature to beam me back aboard the Enterprise. Or have you forgotten?" he said, his eyes widening ever so slightly as if to mock the Russian.
The Vulcan's clarification earned a round of laughter from the crew.
"Feh!" was all Chekov had left to say, turning around once again in his seat to man his station. Although something along the lines of "...should have left you on the flagship.." could be heard if one's ears were honed and pointed.
Mr. Spock shook his head slightly and returned to his screen, paying no mind to Chekov's outburst.
"Captain, we are approaching the Taurus system now," said the Vulcan, turning to his captain.
Happy for the distraction, Kirk gave his attention to Mr. Spock. "What are the system's classifications, Mr. Spock?" he said.
"It appears to be a binary system, Captain. Although, it is strange in that the planets seem to orbit the dimmer star. The luminosity is a fraction of Earth's, although it appears to be enough to sustain a habitable zone large enough for three of the system's planets. More specifically, Taurus III through V, Captain," said the Vulcan.
"What can you tell me about the planets in question, Mr. Spock?" replied Kirk.
"Aside from the colonization, Captain, all three planets appear to be terrestrial, and class M. Taurus III seems the most viable, as it is the warmest. It does not require an atmospheric dome. Although the planet does seem to reach temperatures below freezing during the winter season," said Spock.
Kirk turned to Chekov once more, "Mr. Chekov, what's our distance from Taurus III?" he said.
"1.5 parsecs, sir," he replied.
"Mr. Sulu, decrease warp speed to 2 and prepare for standard orbit about Taurus III," said the captain.
"Aye, sir," said Mr. Sulu, inputting the orders into the helm.
Captain Kirk turned towards Lt. Uhura. "Lt. Uhura, open all available hailing frequencies and attempt to contact Earth Colony Alpha on Taurus III," he said.
Lt. Uhura nodded, but hesitated. She turned towards the captain in confusion. "All frequencies, sir?" she said.
Spock turned towards Uhura before Kirk could respond. "Due to the unsteady rate at which the colonies expanded, many of their systems are subsequently lacking. Therefore, Lt. Uhura, it would be reasonable to assume that their communications would also be lacking and/or are out-of-date," he said matter-of-factly.
The Lieutenant and Captain Kirk exchanged a glance before both turning towards Spock. Uhura spoke first, her arms crossed over her chest. "Why, thank you, Captain Spock," she said.
Captain Kirk chuckled. "All frequencies, Lieutenant," he repeated.
"Yes, sir," she said, turning back towards her station.
The captain turned to Spock once more. "My, aren't you the popular one today, Mr. Spock," he said with a smirk.
"It would appear so, Captain," Spock said with a raised brow.
"Sir, I've made contact with the Earth colony on channel six," said Uhura.
"Open communications, Lieutenant," replied Captain Kirk.
"Communication lines open, sir,"
The captain cleared his throat, "This is Captain Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise requesting contact with Earth Colony Alpha. Acknowledge," he said.
After a few minutes of static, a fuzzy message came through. '…Yes. This… is Roger Fleck… of—Colony Alpha. Greetings, Captain… Kirk.'
Kirk cringed, looking towards Lt. Uhura. "Lieutenant, what is all that noise?" he asked as more static poured through the lines.
Uhura only shook her head. "I'm not sure, sir. There's nothing wrong on our end," she said.
"Sir, standard orbit achieved," chimed Mr. Sulu.
"Thank you, Mr. Sulu," replied the captain. He sighed, returning his focus to the open line. "Mr. Fleck, we're currently orbiting Taurus III. Requesting permission to beam down. Acknowledge," he said.
Again there was static before a barely audible message came through. 'Acknowledged… Come on down—Captain.'
"Uhura, close the lines," said the captain.
Lt. Uhura fiddled with a few dials before returning her attention to the captain. The static finally cut out. "Lines closed, sir. Should I patch you in with the transporter room?" she asked.
Kirk shook his head. "That won't be necessary, Lieutenant. Just tell Mr. Scott to standby. Oh, and have Dr. McCoy meet us in the transporter room, as well as two security personnel. The landing party and I will be down shortly," he said.
"Yes, sir," she said. Uhura inserted her earpiece. "Mr. Scott, please standby for landing party."
'Aye. Acknowledged.'
"Mr. Spock, Mr. Chekov. If the two of you will join me, we'll be on our way," said Captain Kirk, making his way towards the doors. "Mr. Sulu, maintain standard orbit."
"Yes, sir," replied Sulu.
Mr. Spock soon followed with Mr. Chekov trailing after.
As the party reached the transporter room, the sight of a not-so-happy McCoy greeted Kirk. The captain smirked. "So happy you're joining us, Bones," he said, patting McCoy on the back.
The southern doctor scowled at the captain. "If it'll get us out of this damn system and back on shore leave, I'd wear a fruit hat and a hoop skirt," he said, walking up onto the transporter.
Mr. Chekov followed the good doctor, struggling to withhold his snickers.
Mr. Spock joined the pair, giving Dr. McCoy an odd look. "I fail to see how that would help with our current mission, doctor," he said.
McCoy rolled his eyes at the Vulcan. "It's a figure of speech, Spock," he said.
"Gentleman, relax. We'll be finished with this assignment soon enough. Think of this as a temporary shore leave, but with pay," said Captain Kirk.
The rest of the landing party, somewhat satisfied with the idea, joined the men on the transporter as Mr. Scott adjusted a few controls on the console. He gave the party an expectant grin. "Coordinates punched in. Ready, Captain?" he asked.
"Ready, Scotty," he said.
"Energize," replied Mr. Scott, beaming the party down to the planet's surface.