Captain's log - Stardate 2261.644
The landing party has successfully beamed down to the surface. Unfortunately, a massive solar erupted after they checked in. the readings are three point five one on the Ritter scale. We have to abandon the orbit and leave the system immediately as our shields are not designed to hold against those levels for an extended time. Levels won't drop down to a safe level again for at least seventy-four hours.
Doctor McCoy took a well-stocked kit with him and Spock insisted on a week's worth of supplies in case of another solar flare. That has proven to be a sensible precaution. They should be fine until we can return.
McCoy stood near Spock as the quick message came from the Enterprise that they were leaving the area due to another solar flare. His eyes automatically glanced toward the supplies they had brought with them. Perfect example of the old 'better safe than sorry' rule. Even if the outpost replicator was disabled, they'd still have enough food and water for themselves and the scientists.
Lieutenants Vogel and Kiyosaki were both looking around warily, hands never too far from their phasers, but there was nothing to see but rocks and scrubby plants - nothing to hear but the wind.
Waiting until Spock signed off, McCoy glanced upward. A move that struck Spock as unnecessary as the Enterprise most certainly could not be seen from their location by unassisted eyesight.
"So, sounds like we're going to be down here for awhile."
"Affirmative. I would suggest -"
Whatever Spock was about to suggest was lost when the ground began to shudder violently under their feet. The two Security men managed to keep on their feet by some necessary, if not graceful looking, flailing of their arms. McCoy felt himself starting to fall, but a firm hand saved him from that indignity just as the quake stopped as suddenly as it had started.
Taking a shaky breath, McCoy looked to make sure their supplies hadn't been damaged as he spoke.
"Thanks, Spock. Charming little spot. I take it that was an example of the seismic activity you mentioned?"
Pulling his tricorder forward, Spock took a quick reading.
"It was. I believe we can expect those to become both more frequent and more violent. The entrance to the lower levels of the outpost should lie in that direction. Mister Kiyosaki, Mister Vogel, if each of you can handle one of the supply containers, Doctor McCoy and I will carry the remainder."
The upper entry of the outpost was not difficult to locate, but either the most recent quake or a past one had the entrance blocked by debris. The already dim daylight was already starting to fade, so as Spock made a quick decision.
"As we do not have lighting among our supplies, we will wait until first light to clear the entry. In what daylight remains, we will find an open area to set up an overnight camp."
Lieutenant Vogel spoke up.
"With all due respect, Sir, wouldn't it be better to camp near a windbreak? The winds seem to be picking up."
"Were it not for the fact that the odds are another quake will occur overnight, I would agree. However, the benefit of blocking the wind is offset by the chance that the next quake might cause a land or rock slide."
McCoy clapped his hands together at that, feigning enthusiasm.
"So, open area it is then. Let's get started while we can still see what we're doing."
Each of the tents were designed for two, so the pair from Security took one while Spock and McCoy shared the other. As Vogel had already commented on, the wind's speed continued to escalate to the point that the supplies were also brought into the tents and eating was done inside as well. When McCoy handed Spock one of the meal rations, Spock noticed that McCoy had also chosen a vegetarian one for himself.
"You need not limit yourself simply because we are sharing quarters, Leonard."
Shrugging, McCoy opened his own.
"I'm not. You've never tasted what they claim to be meat in these things. Be grateful."
A slight eyebrow cant and a momentary glimmer of amusement were Spock's only response to that as he began to eat. The meal was in compatible silence with McCoy only speaking after they were done and began disposing of the small amount of trash.
"What's the plan for tomorrow?"
"I believe the best use of our limited resources will be to split into two groups. Since we need to check for any damage to the sensors and transmission relays on the surface, you and I will inspect those while Vogel and Kiyosaki begin to clear the debris from the entrance. Once we have finished our inspection, we will assist and then go below to check on the scientists."
Shifting so that he could lay down, McCoy first pulled off his overshirt.
"If the surface relays are damaged, it would explain why we haven't heard anything from the outpost. They should have plenty of supplies below to live on, but they would have a hard time unblocking that entrance from below to come out and do any repairs."
"My thoughts as well. As the periods of darkness on Minara II are short, I suggest we get such rest as we are able."
"Do we need to set a watch?"
"No need. I will be in meditation and will be alert enough to respond if need be. I have already spoken to our Security team about it."
Satisfied, McCoy laid down and tugged the thin thermal blanket over himself. With no moon, the darkness was absolute once the sun set. Restless as he worried briefly about the men out of his sight, he sighed and pushed those concerns to the side. He fell asleep soon after to the sound of the winds rustling the sides of their shelter.
