Captain Kirk waited for Dr. McCoy to arrive with the tri-ox compound that would help them with the climate on the planet below. It resembled Vulcan in it's thinner atmosphere and very hot temperatures. At the moment it was a scorcher at 48C.
McCoy arrived in the transporter room and came to stand next to his captain. He could tell Jim was nervous as he saw how he would walk past him, he couldn't stop pacing.
"Bones, what took you so long? We don't have that much time. Who knows when that window will close."
"Sorry, Jim. I had to pick up something else."
The doctor brought it out in the open.
"A subcutaneous transponder Bones. Why?"
"Not any transponder Jim. It's been created to know every detail about an individual when it is inserted in the skin."
"I thought that's what it usually does."
"Yes, a subcutaneous transponder also known as subdermal transceiver is like a small communicator. Its function is to maintain contact between an away team member and their home ship, and some models allow the user to receive discreet audio transmissions audible only to them, making it very useful when our real communicators don't work. Now, since we lost contact with Spock, and if by chance our communicators won't work at least Scotty can locate us through this method."
"What's the difference?"
I am getting to that. This model can relate all the information we need about Spock's condition when we find him. The moment it's embedded it will start to catalogue all his vital signs. I have M'Benga all ready with what needs to be done once we leave. What he can tell us while we are done there."
"But Bones, there has to be some kind of reading for it to work right? What if Spock is dead. I still want to beam up the body."
"This device can tell the difference between being inserted and not. The moment it is, it will download all information to Mr. Scott's console where M' Benga can be there to signal Scotty when to beam up.
M'Benga entered the transporter room seconds later and stood next to Mr. Scott.
Captain Kirk walked to the console where Commander Scott stood. He asked his first question.
"How long Scotty can we stay down there. That window won't stay upon for much longer. Spock has been missing a little over 2 hours."
Weel, keptin, Ah hae monitored th' system belaw oan th' planit an' th' windae is slowly beginnin' tae close. sae, if we need tae gie doon thaur. we better coorie. Ah estimate anither 22 minutes."
"Very well."
" Bones." Jim motioned the good doctor to insert the transponder and the hypo's concoction."
Moments later they stood on the transporter pad waiting to be beamed down.
The coordinates brought them in the middle of the blistering heat and the air they were breathing slowly became easier. The tri-ox compound had worked perfectly.
Jim looked around as did McCoy and could see the building Spock had mentioned in his last communiquer with the ship.
"Bones, what do you make of that structure up ahead. Looks quite old."
"Not sure Jim. Need to get a little closer to see if I recognize any markings."
McCoy started walking and Jim followed and then started to fall behind.
"Jim, you coming? Scotty said we don't have much time. We have to hurry."
"I know. I ..just don't feel him Bones."
"I know it's hard Jim, not knowing what's up ahead. But you need answers."
"That's what I am afraid of. What will I find there? Come on let's go."
Both men continued to walk towards the old structure. Every step they took was making it more and more unbearable.
What would they find? And whom?
