Kirk frowned at the hyperlink viewscreen where Admiral Fitzgerald 's likeness had been just moments before. He unsealed the command packet and spent a few minutes going over the details of the Enterprise's next assignment. It was not the shore leave time he had hoped for. Kirk punched the intercom to the bridge. "Mr. Sulu," he barked. "Set course for Vulcan, warp three. Commander Spock, please report to the briefing room."

In a few minutes Spock strode into the room, locking hands behind his back and standing at rest. "Yes, Captain?"

"Have a seat, Spock" Kirk looked at the offending command module and then at his first officer. "I just got our orders." Spock wore his inscrutable expression. Kirk's frown got a little deeper.

"We are picking up a science team from Vulcan and taking them to Nu Aminta II."

"Indeed. Nu Aminta II is an abandoned planet in the Nu Pheonicis system. There has been an archeological team stationed there for one point seven years." Spock steepled his fingers in a characteristic gesture. "The ruins there are a lost galactic library of sorts, with artifacts and recovered writings that may offer insight on many worlds' ancient space travelers. In essence, a Memory Alpha of lost civilizations. It has been compared to the Rosetta Stone, an ancient Earth granodiorite stele, which provided the key to translating Egyptian hieroglyphics."

"Yes. We also appear to be leaving something something behind on Vulcan," Kirk said. "Mainly our Chief Science Officer."

"Yes, Captain. I shall remain on Vulcan for a brief time, prior to my departure accompanying a Vulcan Diplomatic entourage."

"Starfleet Command didn't bother to inform me that I was losing my CSO until today. I wonder why?"

Spock tilted his head slightly. "I will not be lost, Captain. I should be back on Vulcan and ready to return to the ship immediately following your mission to Aminta II."

"Spock, I don't like Starfleet jerking my officers around without so much as a by your leave. I don't like my second in command going off into possible danger without me. And I don't like being kept in the dark."

"Captain, I regret that Starfleet felt it necessary to be reticent concerning the mission details. I am not at liberty to speak of it at this time, even to you. But I think it would not be amiss if I indicate that there should be few elements of peril to life or limb. I anticipate returning completely intact to the Enterprise."

"Well, that's better than nothing," Kirk said, only slightly mollified. "But please don't say that to Bones. He's...disconcerted."

"I have observed that Doctor McCoy frequently exhibits indications of a depressive mental state following the loss of a crew member. Is his current behavior beyond the norm?"

"He quoted Bible verses at me yesterday."

Spock's eyebrow rose. "Indeed? That does not sound like the good doctor."

"No, I didn't think so either. He says he's fine, but..." Kirk spread his hands. "I'm not so sure. I think he needs a break." He smiled ruefully. "In fact, I all but promised him one. But it looks like we will split our free time between Aminta II and Vulcan."

"Neither seem to typify the type of venue he prefers for the conduction of recreational activity."

"That is an understatement, Spock." Kirk sighed and stood, signaling the end of the meeting. "We will arrive at Vulcan in about twenty-four hours."

"Twenty-three point eight eight," Spock said absently. "I shall be prepared to beam down immediately upon arrival, Captain."

"Of course," Kirk said. Then he quickly added, "Spock, be careful."

Spock nodded at his commanding officer. "I will," he said. He bowed almost imperceptibly and returned to the bridge, leaving Kirk alone with his misgivings.