Uhura snapped an access panel back into place with satisfaction. Sulu extended his hand as a boost up from the deck of the Galileo.

"This should give you ship to ship on that frequency, as long as you are on sightline and within a couple of kilometers. Better than nothing."

"Much better," Sulu agreed. "Riley and I were going to flash Morse Code using navigation lights."

"Well, that's an ingenious plan. Keep it as a backup. The magnesite interference could have pockets where it's much worse, and these cone waves might not punch through."

Uhura opened the hatchway, peering into the growing light of dawn. Snow had fallen throughout most of the night. Everything was covered in a few inches of white. She stepped carefully down and scooped a handful of snow in her bare hand. It was icy and sharp. She let it sift back to the ground, sliding her hand into her coat pocket to warm it.

Sulu climbed down beside her, turning his coat collar up against the cold. A few flakes were still drifting about. The growing light revealed an unbroken blanket of white. The short succulents formed little moguls dotting the landscape. Riley, accompanied by Cassady and a couple of security guards had taken the Columbia to fetch T'Phol and Teal from the FID base. Earlier Kirk, Spock, Giotto, and Freeman had entered Arnette's office for a private debriefing before planning to set out at daylight. Sulu stretched, glancing toward the main doors.

"I hope they're learning something that will help." Sulu's words puffed visibly into the cold.

Uhura shivered. "Somehow I doubt it. Let's go in, I'm freezing."

They entered through the double doors, making their way to the galley. Uhura got a hot tea, Sulu coffee and a protein bar. The Enterprise security team filled a couple of tables. Doctor M'Benga and Medic Dixon sat with their equipment near the galley. M'Benga motioned for them to join, moving a satchel out of the way. Uhura and Sulu took a seat.

Sulu unwrapped his bar, gesturing toward the hall that led to Arnette's office. "No sign of them yet? It's turning daylight outside." He took a bite.

M'Benga suppressed a yawn. "Not yet. I took the opportunity to grab a few winks. The rest of the SAR team returned to the ship a couple of hours ago." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "What do you think is going on? Why would someone have taken Doctor McCoy? How could he possibly know anything about whatever is happening here? He only arrived himself a couple of days ago."

"Arnette knew he was kidnapped. Why did she keep that information to herself?" Uhura spoke just above a whisper. "She's lied to us about everything. She sent us conveniently out of the way when Leonard disappeared. Then there's Jasso. He seems at odds with her on every level. And he was poisoned. A suicide attempt? She said so. He may have things to say when he comes around."

"Special agents are known to put every emphasis on the success of the mission, no matter the collateral damage or toll on life," Dixon said. "Even from the little interaction I have had, she comes across as a typical specimen, cold, heartless."

"Look," said Sulu. "The Columbia is back."

Cassady entered first, by himself, shoulders slumped in weariness.

"Oh no," Uhura breathed as Cassady approached. pulling up a chair and dropping heavily into it, running a hand over his face. He looked at Uhura dolefully.

"T'Phol wasn't there. Peg wasn't there. No one was there. Empty. Everybody's gone." Cassady spread his hands. "This could not be more messed up."

"It seems obvious T'Phol has gone with Teal to find Doctor McCoy. I wonder what Teal knows..."

Uhura broke her train of thought as Kirk strode into the Commons with Spock, Giotto, and Freeman in tow. Arnette was not with them. By that time, Riley and the guard had joined them. Kirk motioned for the others to gather near, dividing them into three groups, one for each shuttlecraft and several to remain behind, including Uhura and Cassady. Everyone hurried to get their gear and began loading. Then he stepped close to Uhura, speaking for her ears only.

"This is coming to a head soon. I cannot tell who is in league with whom. Arnette may try to leave after we're gone. Let her. She needs to play her hand."

"T'Phol and Teal are out there somewhere, too," Uhura whispered back.

Kirk's lips thinned as he muttered a curse. "Nothing we can do about that now." He turned to Spock, who was standing patiently at his elbow. "Let's go, Spock."

Spock bowed slightly. "Be cautious, Miss Uhura."

"I always am, Mister Spock. You take care as well."

Spock nodded, following Kirk through the doors to the waiting shuttles. In a matter of minutes, both shuttles departed, leaving her, Cassady, and two security people on the ground. She relayed Kirk's message to the others. Then they sat together in a grim wait.