The planet is beautiful. Between the three moons, one moon is always visible. The grass is a light blue color and there are flowers as far as the eye can see. There are hills surrounding us.
"It's so beautiful," Ensign Genovesi is the first one to recover from the view. He is fresh out of the academy and has a career ahead of him in the science career.
"The air is clean. It has no harmful toxins. There are no signs of life; there isn't even wildlife. We are alone on the planet." Spock eyes the tricorder in disbelief. No one believes that someone has not settled this planet. "The days are shorter than that of Earth. It is almost dark."
"Enterprise to Captain. We are leaving range due to our orbit. We won't be able to beam you up or communicate with you until morning. Enterprise out."
Great. We are stuck here until tomorrow. "Spock, you find a place to spend the night. Genovesi, find a fresh source of running water. I'll find food. Don't go too far away. We'll meet here in about an hour."
I hate to separate. I know Spock can take care of himself, but Genovesi is new to all of this.
I amble around looking for food to eat. There is none on the ground. I look up into the trees; there is fruit everywhere. I shimmy up the closest tree and grab a fruit. It tastes like a mix between a strawberry and an orange. I grab a bunch and climb down the tree.
When I get back to the meeting spot, they are both waiting for me. They had both succeeded in finding us shelter and water. They were even close to each other.
"It is starting to get late. Let's go get in our shelter. We don't know what the night will be like here. Damn... I forgot a fire."
"Don't worry, Captain. I found fuel for a fire. It is waiting in the cave." Spock to my rescue. What would I do without him?
The cave is situated in a hill with the stream only about a ten minute walk away. The cave is big enough to hold the three enough and we can stand without hitting our heads. We will all be very close together tonight.
"You found us a nice place, Spock. I'll work on building the fire out by the entrance."
I walk outside into the rapidly chilling air. Nights come fat here I guess. Growing up on an Iowa farm teaches you how to quickly build a fire. Before long I have the flames going strong.
"W-What are we going to do tonight," stuttered Genovesi.
"We are going to stay in this cave. Do NOT leave this cave until morning. That is a direct order." I don't want to be a jerk, but I don't want anyone to die either.
Spock replies, "Captain, I do not foresee any threats to us. I believe it will be safe not to keep a watch, but if you wish, I'll take the first one."
"No. You're right; we do not need to keep watch. We are alone on this planet."
With that, we settle down to sleep. The proximity to Spock is intoxicating.
