A/N: just revised this chapter, fixed some errors, added a bit of dialog, and a wee bit more detail :)

Disclaimer: Still don't own any of them, and still wish I did....

Chapter 1: Just our Luck

"Energize." The last words I hear before repapering on the planets surface. My first thought is simple, cold. This planet is unbelievable cold. Vulcan is an incredibly warm dry planet, and I always find myself almost instinctually disliking cold or wet planets. Rika 12 is no different; I check the temperature on my tricorder, -10ยบ Fahrenheit. However the temperature is now the least of my problems, the welcoming party is not here, nor, according to my tricorder, are they anywhere near. This is most unusual, the Hulinas are a very hospitable group and Captain Kirk is a personal friend of their leader.

"Captain, according to my reading there are no Hulinas with in 18 Kilometers of us."

"That far Spock? They know we were beaming down here, and they knew the time. I wonder what's keeping them..." Captain Kirk sounds a bit bewildered; I must admit I am feeling the same. Why are the Hulinas so far away? Was there some emergency? Surely they would have contacted us had anything gone wrong.

"Jim, we have to find the Hulinas, they need the medicine. Spock, where does that thing show the Hulinas at?" The doctors thick drawl makes his already irritated tone sound all the more annoyed. I find myself momentarily wondering why he does not check his own tricorder. Nonetheless I check the tricorder again and note that there are to separate groups of Hulinas, and both groups are in opposite directions.

"Captain, there are two groups of Hulinas in different directions." I indicate a North West direction, "There are approximately three hundred in that direction," I then point in a south east direction, "and approximately one hundred and fifty in this direction."

"Why aren't they together?" Christine states a question I too was pondering, it is quite strange. Why are they not in one group? Surely it would be more logical for them to share supplies. Their planet is also quite dangerous, full of vicious beast; if they don't group for supplies then surely protection would be a reason.

"I am unaware of any reason as to why they are, it is a most illogical decision." The Captain gives me his 'you're kidding' look, I return my steely gaze and shake my head slightly. He considers the information for a moment more then turns to face Nurse Chapel and the Doctor.

"Very well Spock, Bones and I will head for the larger group; you and Nurse Chapel can help the smaller group."

"Yes Captain" I pick up the needed supplies and turn to the direction of the smaller group of Hulinas. The Captain made a logical choice in the pairing. Doctor McCoy's medical skill is more advanced than Nurse Chapels, and therefore he will be needed more with the large group. The Captain is also better at diplomacy than medicine so he will be able to help McCoy persuade the highly superstitious Hulinas that they are from the federation. Nurse Chapel while not as knowledgeable is and excellent nurse. Her bedside manner is also great and she will have no trouble putting the Hulinas at ease. I am well aware of the Hulinas medical needs and will be able to help in the diplomacy department as well. However just because it was logical does not mean it is a comfortable pairing for me and Christine. I look over and note that she is following me. I also notice that she is still wearing her Starfleet uniform, with a pair of leggings under her skirt. Has no one designed a warmer out fit for the woman officers of Starfleet? Surely they realize how completely impractical those outfits are. I return my gaze to my tricorder and note that Jim and McCoy have started in the direction of their Hulinas; oddly we have not gained any ground on ours.