The new alien was one of the cutest things Chekov had seen in his short life. It was the same size as a cocker spaniel with a similar muzzle but it had two fuzzy tentacles sticking out of its forehead. It yipped and barked as it ran around in circles at his feet, "What is it?" he asked. The creature wouldn't stand still long enough to allow him to scan it.
"It is indigenous to this world Mr. Chekov. It has some minor brain function but is far from sentient." Mr Spock said looking at his own scanner.
"I like it," Chekov said as it dashed around his legs.
"It is reminiscent of an Earth dog," Spock said.
"Come on Chekov, we still have a host of other new species to catalogue before we can go home," this time it was Sulu who spoke, "The sooner we get done, the sooner I can beat you at hover-board again."
Chekov looked up at his friend and rolled his eyes, "You wish." The grin from Sulu said everything. Chekov strode over, "What is there still to do?" he asked looking at his scanner. The creature followed him and looked up at them both expectantly.
"There are the plants in that thicket over there and a lot of these small rocks need doing too," Sulu said. Ceti Alpha VI, and the entire Ceti Alpha system, was a fairly recent discovery. It was yet to undergo a full inventory where the whole planet underwent scanning. The task was set to last ten days – a lot of the crew would also get to spend time relaxing in the cool atmosphere so it was the perfect time to relax.
"You take the rocks; me and Fido here will take a walk into that thicket." Chekov said.
"How did I know you'd say that?" Sulu said. Chekov shrugged and began walking off before Sulu could change his mind. He strode by a group of crew members who were enjoying the warmth of the midday sun. Ceti Alpha VI was warm enough during the day but as the sun fell, its temperature dropped to well below freezing. The interest in the planet was finding out how the flora and fauna survived such rapid changes. It could be the adaptability they had could be put to use. Chekov reached the lush green and began running his scanner over the largest leaf he could find. As he moved along, he found himself wishing he was among those who were laughing on the grass. His turn on leave was due in a couple of days; still, it was hard to work when others were relaxing so close by. Fido yapped at his feet and dropped a stick to the floor.
"So much like a dog," he said with a laugh. He picked up the stick and tossed it onto the plain. The creature ran after it and Chekov returned to his scanning. Maybe with him around, it wouldn't be such a lonely job after all.