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A/N: Sometimes exploring a new planet is dangerous and sometimes it contains a relatively simple existence. If only Ensign Kirk would use the brains between his ears….
Chapter Eleven
Aliens Amongst Us
Lucas and Joanna enjoyed spending two days together and then it was back to work. Sick bay had hundreds of physicals to finish and Lucas was working on a special project with SJ and the new specialist, Dr. Anastasia Belham.
The Enterprise was being sent to the unexplored planet Orion 23B.
Mr. Spock called the three ensigns to the Bridge. They were preparing to orbit and he wanted them at their scanners to collect the information.
On the ride up to the Bridge, Lucas said to SJ, "I hope Mr. Spock assigns us to the landing party."
"After all this preliminary work we've done, I don't know why he wouldn't."
The door opened up to the Bridge. The three went to their positions and began scanning the planets surface. Information was being sent to the computer. Mr. Spock was examining the read outs.
He spoke to the ensigns and the Captain, "The atmosphere is oxygen and nitrogen. It can sustain life with little assistance, Captain. The atmosphere is thinner and we may need to work accordingly. I believe we can send down the landing party. We would need the biologists, Dr. McCoy and the three ensigns here to gather specimens."
"Good, Mr. Spock, you, I and the three amigos here will meet in the transporter room. Will you contact Dr. McCoy and the others, please?"
"Aye, Captain. I'll be there shortly."
"Ensigns, follow me."
"Yes, sir," they replied.
They stood behind the Captain on the elevator eyeing each other with excitement.
The Captain spoke, "Do you three have all of your equipment in the transporter room, or shall we stop off and pick up what we need?"
Ensign SJ spoke, "We need to stop first, Captain. We can meet you in five minutes."
Kirk turned to the ensigns and smiled, "That will be fine. Oh by the way Dr. Belham, welcome aboard and I hope you enjoy your first landing party expedition."
"Thank you, Captain."
The elevator stopped at their work deck. "Five minutes, ensigns."
"Yes, sir," they replied.
The three ran to gather the bags and monitors that they would need. SJ and Lucas pulled on the heavy back packs and Anastasia carried the duffel bag with other supplies.
"Let's go," Lucas said.
They beamed down with the Captain, Mr. Spock, the two biologists, and Dr. McCoy. Commander Scott was left in command.
The surface was mountainous area similar as on Earth. There were trees and plants with small hills that led to a taller mountain.
The Captain looked around and said, "Spock you take, Dr. Belham, Dr. McCoy and biologist Mark Spencer and head east, I'll take the rest and head west. Bones, you can show Dr. Belham the ropes as you go."
"Will do, Jim."
The three ensigns and the two biologists divided equipment into two packs
Captain said, "Let's check in every hour. Keep your phasers set on low."
Spock set out with his group and Kirk said, "Okay, gentlemen, lets see what we can find."
They walked through a field and came upon a small creek. They took samples of the water and a few of the small fish they could catch. The Captain led the group across the creek and up a hill. A small animal scurried in front of the group. It looked like the cross between a rabbit and a cat.
Biologist Dan Nyler spoke first, "Captain, if we could catch that it would be a great specimen to study."
"Go for it, Dan, it ran into that thicket."
He took out what looked like an ancient bow and arrow from his pack. He slowly crept into the area and stalked the animal. SJ and Lucas watched with curiosity.
SJ whispered, "What are the chances he'll catch it?"
The Captain quietly hushed their conversation. They watched as Dr. Dan pulled out an arrow from it's sheath. Attached to it was a cord and a net. He aimed slowly, pulled back on the bow and let it fly over the animals head. One shot, one capture. The animal rolled up in a ball and fought to get out of the net. The ensigns ran up to help put it in a container.
"Well, done, Dr. Dan," the Captain said.
"Thank you, sir." He tied the container to his backpack and hoisted it up on his shoulders. After a short time the animal settled down and remained quiet.
They followed the creek to a larger river. There were fruits and vegetation that they took samples of and made notes. Their packs were becoming heavy so the Captain had their specimens and the animal beamed aboard and sent to the lab. Dr. Dan gave instructions to the lab as to what to do with the animal.
Captain Kirk's communicator beeped, "Captain, Mr. Spock, here."
"Yes, Spock, how are things going?"
"Good, Captain. We've beamed a good supply of soil samples and vegetation aboard, already."
"Good, continue on and check back in an hour."
"Yes, sir."
To his crew the Captain said, "Let's try a higher elevation. Remember the air is thinner, so we'll go slow."
The land became more rocky and steep. The Captain and Dr. Dan trudged ahead, while SJ and Lucas covered the rear.
"So, SJ, how are you and Anastasia getting along?"
"We've had no differences, Lucas."
"So are you two an item?"
SJ stopped and looked at his grinning friend, "Lucas, we have a lot in common. I am an alien, and she specializes in aliens. She was quite curious about Vulcan's and their habits."
"Which habits would those be?" Lucas teased.
"Lucas, you're an idiot."
"SJ, I'm hurt. Have you lowered yourself to name calling?"
SJ playfully shoved him and said, "Only when it's called for."
The Captain came back down the trail and said, "Are we going too fast for you, two?"
"No, sir," they replied.
They climbed up to where Dr. Dan was near a rock outcropping. The ground rumbled and began to shake. Rocks tumbled all around them. They fought to stay on their feet and dodge the debris as it came down.
The Captain called out, "Up there, it looks like a cave. Head for it."
The four tripped and ran to get to the cave. The quake stopped but rocks still fell around them. They ran inside and the Captain said, "Not too far, I don't trust this won't come down on top of our heads."
Kirk lifted his communicator, "Kirk to Spock, come in."
"Captain, is your group okay?"
"Yes, we're hiding in a cave for a moment trying to dodge the rocks coming down on us. Everyone alright at your end? What does your tricorder show?"
"Everyone is fine, sir. Earthquake centered 80 kilometers from here. About a 4.5 on the Richter Scale, we can expect after shocks, sir."
Dr. Dan was running his tricorder and he had the same readings.
"Just continue on, Spock. I'll check with Mr. Scott and get back to you."
"Aye, Captain."
"Captain Kirk to Enterprise. Come in, please."
"Mr. Scott here, We've picked up a small earthquake in your area, Captain. Is everyone okay?"
"Yes, Mr. Scott, it's small to you, until you're in it. Keep monitoring the surface and keep a close eye on us. I want you beaming everyone aboard if you spot trouble."
"Yes, Captain, we've got ye covered," he said in his Scottish accent.
"Kirk, out."
"Okay, gentlemen, I don't feel comfortable staying here, let's continue."
They gathered their packs and set out again. The air was thinner even the short distance that they had climbed.
"We'll continue up a short ways and take some readings. If anyone gets too light headed speak up."
Dr. Dan was in his glory. He was taking samples of soil, rock, plants, insects and what looked like a dead stick.
Lucas asked him about the stick. "It could be similar to our sassafras tree. Here smell it."
Lucas smelled it timidly and said, "Smells like root beer."
"Exactly, we'll test it and check it's properties and see if it's poisonous or not."
Lucas laughed at Dr. Dan's enthusiasm.
"Well, Dr. Dan, we'll show up for root beer floats when you're ready."
SJ and Lucas scanned the area with binoculars. Lucas looked at the area as a night mare to land a shuttle in, but knew where they first beamed down would have been a better spot to land.
The Captain called to the two ensigns, "Go down the side of this hill and take a look around."
"Yes, sir," they replied.
SJ and Lucas half slid and half walked down the hill to the bottom. Lucas was breathing heavy but SJ's anatomy helped him in the thinner atmosphere.
"Are you okay, Lucas?"
"Yea, just let me catch my breath. I need some water, too."
As they were drinking they heard a screech and a growl. Lucas went down on the ground and SJ followed. They put their water away and pulled out their phasers. Lucas whispered, "Let's move in there, but quietly."
SJ nodded and took the rear. They slowly crept closer to the sound of the screeching. SJ asked, "See anything?"
Lucas nodded his head no and motioned for him to follow him into the under brush. Lucas pulled aside the thick brush and a loud roar blared out at him. He jumped back and ran into SJ.
Lucas yelled, "Shit, it's a bear." He turned to bring up his phaser when he felt claws rake his chest, but the animal let out a painful scream and fell. The beam from a phaser hit the animal in the chest and it spun backward.
Lucas fell backward into SJ and laid moaning on the ground. SJ took off Lucas's backpack and rolled him onto his back. The Captain was at his side. Blood was pooling on his chest as SJ looked for the first aid kit in his pack. Dr. Dan ran up to them and helped to cut off the front of his shirt. They applied pressure with the dressing but he was bleeding through it as fast as they changed it.
The Captain called Dr. McCoy on his communicator. "Bones, can you track us here. Ensign Kirk just got clawed by what looks similar to a bear."
"Captain, we're about 12 kilometers away. Beam him up to the Enterprise. It would be quicker."
"Okay, Bones."
"Kirk to Enterprise."
Scotty answered, "Yes, Captain, we've been following the communications. We're ready to beam him aboard."
"Okay, Mr. Scott, two to beam up. Ensign Spock will accompany him. We're almost ready."
"Aye, Captain."
Dr. Dan and the Captain picked up Lucas and SJ pressed him to his chest.
"Got him, Spock?"
"Yes, Captain. we're ready."
"Go, ahead, Mr. Scott." The two shimmered to the ship.
Dr. Dan said, "The bear must have been killing another animal by the sounds of the screeching that we heard."
"Yes, I agree, I'll take a look while you gather your samples. I'll help you write down what you found. After this, if you have enough information we'll beam aboard and try again tomorrow."
"Yes, Captain."
Kirk went in search of the animal that the bear had killed. It was a large bird. He hauled it out from under the brush and Dr. Dan put it in a specimen bag. In a short time they were finished recording and cutting out organs and tissue from the bear.
"Kirk to Spock, come in."
"Spock, here."
"We're calling it a day, Mr. Spock, beam aboard and we'll reorganize for tomorrow."
"Aye, Captain."
"Mr. Scott."
"Yes, sir."
"Beam aboard the landing parties."
"Aye, sir. We're putting in your coordinates first, sir."
When the Captain arrived on the Enterprise, he and Dr. Dan took their packs to the lab.
"Dr. Nyler, I'll be in sick bay. We'll meet later to discuss the trip for tomorrow."
"Yes, Captain, I hope Lucas recovers quickly."
"Thank you."
The Captain ran to sick bay. When he arrived Miriam was waiting for him.
"Jim, he's still in surgery. It will be a while yet."
"Who's the surgeon?"
"Dr. McKenzie and Dr. Joanna is assisting. Dr. McCoy is scrubbing in right now to observe. Let's go sit in the observation deck."
Kirk took her hand and sighed, "I haven't seen that much blood in a long time."
"You sit, I'll get you some coffee and a sandwich."
He nodded in a daze. The picture of his son's flesh torn in shreds stuck in his mind. His own shirt was also covered in his blood.
SJ and Anastasia walked into the observation deck. "Captain, how's Lucas? No one will tell me anything." SJ asked.
Kirk stood up and said, "He's still in surgery." SJ's shirt was worse than his, "You may want to get cleaned up, Ensign."
"I will, Captain."
Miriam returned with the Captain's food. "You two should get something to eat, too." She looked at SJ's shirt and pointed to the closet. "There should be something in there that will fit you, bring one for the Captain, too."
"Yes, ma'am."
SJ changed into a blue uniform shirt and brought a gold one for the Captain. The Captain turned his back and removed his soiled shirt and put on the new one. Miriam threw the two shirts in a specialized laundry bag down the hall.
"Make yourselves comfortable, I'll come back when I hear anything."
"Miriam," the Captain called. He walked back to her and down the hall and said, "How bad is he?"
"Captain, you'll have to wait until Dr. McKenzie comes out. He was stable when I looked in a few minutes ago."
His eyes shadowed briefly and he said, "Let me know when he comes out."
She turned and he went back to the observation room. SJ and Anastasia were eating and he sipped his coffee at the window. The minutes dragged, but Dr. McKenzie finally came in.
The Captain stood up from his chair, as the doctor walked up to him. He smiled and said, "We're done and he's doing well. We had to reattach the muscles and do skin grafts. He had lost a lot of blood. He was very lucky, the claws just missed his stomach and intestines."
"How long will his recovery be?" the Captain asked.
"At least three days and then therapy to gain muscle strength back. That could take a couple of weeks. We'll see. He's still sedated, but you can go see him for a few minutes." He looked at the others and said, "You'll have to wait until tomorrow."
SJ said, "Thank you, doctor."
Dr. McKenzie said to SJ, "The way you held him to your chest as you beamed aboard helped to keep pressure on the wound. Well done."
SJ nodded his head and the Captain and the doctor left to go see Lucas. Anastasia touched SJ's hand, "Are you okay? You look a little pale."
"I have to sit down," and then he passed out.
Anastasia caught him and laid him on the floor. She took his pulse and knew it was low even for a Vulcan. She pushed the alarm button on the wall, "Dr. McCoy to the observation room. Stat."
Dr. McCoy came running up the hall. Anastasia said, "We had just been talking to Dr. McKenzie and then SJ said he had to sit down, and he passed out."
"Yes, SJ is one of my patients who can't stand the sight of blood nor the talk of it. This has happened to him before. Let's get him to a chair."
They struggled with the dead weight but got him in the chair. Dr. McCoy lowered his head between his legs while Anastasia got a cold compress. Christine heard the call and came running to the room.
They sat him up and Anastasia wiped his brow.
Christine asked, "Were they talking about blood, Dr. McCoy?"
He nodded and said, "Anastasia, call for a gurney."
"Yes, sir."
They got SJ settled in a room and he finally came around. Christine returned with a pan of cool water to help bathe his face.
SJ looked startled and asked, "What happened?"
Dr. McCoy answered, "You passed out in the lounge, do you remember?"
He paused and said, "Yes, we had just finished talking to Dr. McKenzie."
Dr. McCoy smiled and said, "You still don't have the stomach for blood do you?"
"No, sir, and I don't think I ever will. All that red blood is nauseating."
"Green and mud colored blood isn't so charming either," he teased, "Rest up. I'll be back later."
Anastasia came around to his side, "I have to go to the meeting, I'll be back as soon as I can."
He nodded and closed his eyes. She discreetly squeezed his one hand.
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Mr. Spock held a short meeting to gather what information they had learned. The Captain was still with Lucas in sick bay. Biologists Nyler and Spencer were getting equipment ready for the next day.
Mr. Spock said, " The Captain and I will assess the situation. I will get back with you later about tomorrow."
Dr. Dan Nyler said, "Mr. Spock, I'd like to go back to the bear tomorrow and see if any animals have scavenged the body."
"Noted, Doctor. I will tell the Captain. All dismissed."
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In sick bay the Captain and Joanna stood by Lucas. He was pale, but was resting.
The Captain said to Joanna, "I don't know what possessed him to follow the sounds of the bear into the thicket. He could have been killed. He's a hunter, he knows better than that. He's very lucky."
"If you hadn't been as close as you were…." Joanna teared up and looked away from the Captain.
He pulled Joanna to his side and gave her a hug. "But he made it, and that's what you need to concentrate on."
Dr. McKenzie returned and said, "Visiting time is up, he needs to sleep."
The Captain left and returned to his quarters to get cleaned up. He went to his intercom and said, "Kirk to Mr. Spock."
"Yes, Captain."
"Come to my quarters and fill me in on what we have."
"On my way, sir."
The Captain rubbed his forehead, he could feel another headache coming on. For the next hour he and Mr. Spock discussed the different options. The Captain's group would return to the carcass of the bear and Mr. Spock's group would explore another area east where the mountains leveled off into a grassy plain.
Captain Kirk spoke, "You know, Spock, when we were just coming out of the cave after the earthquake, I swear I heard voices. Dr. Dan said he thought so too. SJ and Lucas did not."
"Did you pick up any life source on the tricorder?"
He shook his head, no, "Maybe it was just all the debris falling and making noises. I don't know, but inform the crews to be watchful. I'm not sure SJ will be up to going tomorrow."
Spock lifted his right eye brow and said, "Why, Captain?"
"Didn't you know? He passed out in sick bay with all the talk of Lucas's blood. SJ's shirt was covered in it."
"No, Captain, I had not heard. I will check on him and see if he's up to going. We will need a replacement for Lucas and perhaps an extra security guard with each group."
"Good idea."
When Spock arrived in sick bay, Nurse Christine met him, "I was going to call you, but I knew you were in a meeting."
"How is Spock?"
"He'll be fine. He's sitting up and I'm sure we'll release him soon. Go talk to him, and I'll be there in a minute."
Spock hesitated and she nodded him to go ahead.
SJ looked up as his father entered. "How are you feeling, son?"
"Better, Father."
"Tell me what happened."
SJ skimmed the details and just told him the basic story. "I'll be fine to go tomorrow, Father."
Spock looked him directly in the eye and said, "Only if the doctors clear you to go."
Christine entered and said, "SJ if you feel up to it, Dr. McCoy said you can return to your quarters."
"Thank you," he swung his legs off the table and he felt light headed again.
"Spock," Christine said, "You better walk with him back to his cabin."
"Really, Nurse, I'm fine."
"Yes, you may think you're fine, but your knees are wobbly and if Dr. McCoy sees you laying in the hall again, you'll be here in sick bay for a longer time. Just let your Father walk you back."
"Spock," his father said, "let's go."
"Yes, sir."
The two walked slowly out of sick bay and at SJ's door his Father followed him in. "You're sure you're okay?"
"Yes, Father. I'll just rest and I'll be ready tomorrow."
"Very well, I'll call you in the morning and let you know what time to report."
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Captain Kirk laid in his quarters to try to get rid of his headache. With no success he called sick bay and asked for Miriam.
"Yes, Captain."
"When you come, can you bring something for a headache."
"I'll ask Dr. McCoy. I'm just giving report. I'll be there shortly."
"Good. Kirk out."
He awoke to the sound of his door buzzer. "Enter," he called from the intercom.
Expecting Miriam, but instead Dr. McCoy entered, "Jim, you're getting a lot of headaches lately. Here's some aspirin. I'd like you to get your eyes checked."
"It's not my eyes, Bones, it's my head."
"You passed your physical. So it's either stress or you may need glasses, and since you're allergic to syntec-9, you can not have the surgery on your eyes."
"I'll look into it. Where's, Miriam?"
"She's coming, maybe she'll make your headache go away. What is it with you and women, you're so damn lucky."
"It's the Kirk charm, Bones, you either got it, or you don't."
His door buzzed again and Bones said, "I'll leave you now so Prince Charming can work his magic."
The Captain laughed and called, "Enter."
"Miriam, he's all yours and good luck."
Miriam laughed and said, "Good night, Dr. McCoy. Did you tell him about, Lucas?'
"No, you can fill him in. He's fine, Jim. Good night, all.'
Kirk took his aspirin and pointed to the couch. "Have you had dinner, yet, Miriam?"
"No, I'll just have a salad with grilled chicken and…."
"An espresso, to help you sleep."
She laughed and said, "That's right."
He ordered their meals and they sat at the table next to the window.
"Miriam, how's life treating you?"
"It has been very busy, Jim. We are done with the physicals, but I'm taking some classes that some of the doctors are teaching. I'm learning something new everyday. Dr. Belham the Specialist in Alien Studies has opened up a new world. It's very interesting."
He smiled at her and said, "You seem to have settled in quite nicely. Have you heard from the courts, yet, on your divorce."
"I'm still waiting, it should be any day. What was it like down on the planet today?"
He sighed and said, "It was a lot like Earth. We had an earthquake, a bear attack and the air makes your head swim at times. It's quite beautiful, at least the area we were in. It's a lot of hiking and climbing. We'll explore another area tomorrow. How did, Lucas look when you left?"
"Dr. McKenzie is keeping him sedated. When he wakes he'll be in a lot of pain, so we'll keep an eye on him. Don't worry."
"I just can't believe he went into the bush like that, he knows better."
The Captain cleared their plates and they sat on the couch to talk about their day. He held her tight and she leaned up to kiss him. He pulled a blanket off the back of his couch and they stretched out together and watched the stars.
Miriam said, "I could stay here all night, but I should go."
He kissed her and they slept until morning.
The next day Dr. McCoy would not clear SJ for the landing party, his blood pressure and heart rate were up a little. Mr. Sulu took his place and two security guards came along to assist. They loaded up their backpacks and met in the Transporter Room.
Captain Kirk said to the group, "Dr. Dan and I thought we heard voices while we were searching yesterday. Stay sharp. We'll return to our area and check in at one hour intervals."
"Yes, Captain, they answered.
"Dr. McCoy, you'll come with our group. Mr. Scott you have the con, beam us down."
"Aye sir."
Kirk's group were beamed down to where the bear had died and Mr. Spock was sent 20 kilometers to the east of them.
Dr. Dan went to the spot where the bear was and there were no remains, just blood stains. "Captain, that is odd, there should be bones or fur laying about."
"I know. It looks like it was just picked up and carried away."
Dr. McCoy said, "Are you sure there are no people down here?"
"Nothing that our scanners show."
"Scanners have been know to be inaccurate at times, Jim."
"Don't say that to Spock, you'll have the biggest argument you've ever had with him."
The Captain checked in with Mr. Spock every few hours. All was well with them. They traveled for several kilometers, searching for life of any kind. Mr. Sulu had walked ahead of the group and came running back.
"Captain, I think I've found a village of… people. This way."
Their group followed Mr. Sulu to the top of a small hill. He motioned for them to get down. There were small homes made of rocks and mortar. Some were in good condition while others were being worked on by a group of short elfin looking people. Their homes were semi-buried in the ground and partially above ground. In the center of their group there was a campfire that held large amounts of meat that was being cooked.
Kirk whispered, "It looks like they're cooking the bear from yesterday. Put your phasers on low stun, but don't bring them out. Let's just walk up to them and see what happens."
The Captain led the way with Mr. Sulu and Dr. McCoy to his right. Dr. Dan continued to monitor the village as they approached.
Two short beings ran up to them. The Captain said, "We mean no harm, we come in peace. Do you understand us?"
They did not speak, but they began a low trilling.
The Captain said in a whisper, "Oh, it can't be."
"What, Jim?" Dr. McCoy said.
"They look and act like Isidorians."
Mr. Sulu snickered, "Captain, you may be right."
"No laughing, Mr. Sulu or I'll put you in charge of them."
"Sorry, sir."
"I'm Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise. Would you be descendents of the planet Isidorian or the moon Cerilian?"
More of the short people had arrived. The trilling in unison was beginning to get on Kirk's nerves. The group began to separate as one gentleman approach Kirk. He walked up to Kirk and looked him up and down from his toes to his head.
"You are the one who killed the wyken beast yesterday, correct?"
"If you're talking about the black and white furry bear that attacked a crewman of mine, yes I did."
A loud, happy roar went out from all of the people. "Silence." The main gentleman said. "I am Rufus. I am the leader. We were happy that you killed the wyken beast. He had been terrorizing our village for days. It will feed us for many days. Please join us in a meal."
The whole village scampered away. Kirk and his group were left looking at each other. "Well, I guess we eat, and not one of you will barf up the food in front of them. Understood?"
"Yes, Captain.'
The group was made comfortable sitting on logs. The Captain felt at home around the campfire. Rufus told the story of their beginnings. They said in their past history Isidorians inhabited the planet. They procreated and have lived here peacefully ever since.
"Do you inhabit the entire planet, Rufus?"
"Captain, we inhabit where we are at."
"Yes, but have you ever explored beyond your living area?"
"Some have, but they never returned. We're happy to live here." He snapped his fingers and food was brought to the party.
Kirk looked at his officers and they all took small bites of everything. It was all quite pleasing to their palates, but he knew from past experience not to eat a huge amount of foreign food. The system would purge it one way or another.
The Captain said, "I'm sorry, but I have to check in with another group of friends. Kirk to Spock."
"Yes, Captain."
"We are having a dinner party with some new friends, they are descendents of Isidorians. Any luck at your end?"
"Still collecting samples, Captain. How did Isidorians come to this planet?"
"I haven't figured that out yet. Check in later. Kirk, out."
"Captain, where do you come from and how did you get here?"
Kirk laughed and said, "Rufus, we are from planet Earth a long distance from here. Tonight if you look to the west at one of the most faint stars, that would be where we are from. We are far up in the sky in a ship.
All the village people looked up, but could not comprehend what he meant. The new Isidorians entertained them with magic tricks and a cross between gymnastics and a circus. The Captain missed the next check in with Mr. Spock.
"Commander Spock to Captain Kirk."
Kirk was laughing at the antics of three of the Isidorians and answered his communicator. "Yes, Spock."
"Captain, we were concerned when you did not check in. Is everything alright?"
"Yes, Spock. Do you have enough specimens to please our biologists for the duration?"
"Yes, Captain, I do believe we could not carry one more rock."
"Alright, Spock beam aboard and we'll follow."
"Yes, sir."
Rufus said, "Captain, you must leave?"
"Yes, reluctantly, Rufus. We have thoroughly enjoyed our day."
"Captain, will you return?"
"I hope so, Rufus. Peace be with you."
"Peace be with you, Captain."
"Gentlemen, let's leave." They picked up their equipment and walked a ways from the village.
The Captain laughed all the way through the woods. Darkness was coming to Orion 23B.
When they came to a clearing the Captain said, "Beam us aboard, Scotty."
"Aye, sir."
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Later a group of sociologists engaged them in peaceful agreements and left them to advance at their own pace. The Federation will look in on them as the decades pass.
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