The captain of the Enterprise entered sickbay not at all pleased that he had been called down. He never liked leaving his bridge during the red alert. "Alright, Bones, what is it?" he snapped.
Bones McCoy motioned him inside. "Your first officer knows what the Romulans are doing there."
All of Kirk's anger drained form him. "Is he awake?"
McCoy nodded. "And waiting for you. We do aim to please," he added sarcastically.
Kirk ignored him and went into sickbay. Spock lay propped up, watching him. Kirk almost stopped short when he saw his first officer. Dark circles, pale skin, and haunted eyes were the least of Spock's problems. His cheeks were sunken, as if he had lost a good deal of weight in the last 48 hours. Maybe he has, the captain thought, maybe that's why McCoy is so worried. "You figured it out, Spock?" he said with a forced cheerfulness. He could tell it didn't work on the Vulcan, but was merely ignored.
"Yes, Captain. The Romulans have a cloaked base on the planet's surface, with a ground party manning it. This would explain why sensors could detect no life forms. They are collecting data on whatever interests them on this planet. This ground crew is sending information to the warbird. This explains why they are staying in the same location."
Kirk nodded. "Yes, that does make sense, but how did you find out, Spock? You haven't been on the bridge, or even awake for that matter."
Spock looked away, as if embarrassed to admit something. "I dream it, Captain."
Kirk said nothing for a moment, trying to understand his friend's statement. "I didn't know you had this talent," he managed, not sure if he was treading on forbidden ground.
Spock still didn't look at him. "I did not, Captain, until recently."
"Captain," Uhura's voice called over the intercom.
"Kirk here," he answered. "What is it?"
"We are picking up a transmission from the surface directed to the Warbird, sir."
Kirk looked at his first officer. The Vulcan had closed his eyes wearily. "I know, Uhura. I'm coming in a minute."
"Yes, sir. Bridge out."
"Spock . . ."
The Vulcan didn't respond, didn't move a muscle.
Kirk nodded. "Thank you, Spock," he murmured, and quietly left Sickbay.