Captain's log - Stardate 2261.221

Preliminary scanning has already given us indicators that we will be responding to the distress signal. The planet that it is originating from has large deposits of kironide, a rare but powerful, long-lasting power source.

Spock has already requested that he and Bones be allowed to evaluate the natives. I've agreed and will be accompanying them along with a guard for each of us. I've given Uhura orders to attempt to contact the planet, but so far, no live response. If they're already dead, it will certainly make mining easier.