Chekov held the phaser aimed at the pile of rocks until they were bright red. Heat emanated from them, providing some much needed warmth. He placed the phaser beside him and pushed his hands as close to the rocks as he could without burning them. Sulu let out a short sigh and did the same. Ice had begun to form on the vile smelling leaves which did something to kill the smell at least. There were some small mercies at least. Fido snuggled close to the rocks and made a contented purring. His thick fur was a good defense against the bitter cold yet he seemed to enjoy the hot rocks all the same.
"What do you think everyone is doing back on the Enterprise," Chekov asked as he rubbed his hands together.
"I don't know, working to get the transporter fixed I hope," Sulu said with a slight shrug.
"I know that, but that's Scotty, Keenser and a bunch of engineers, what about everyone else?" he said.
"Honestly, I have no idea." Sulu said. The rocks had cooled to a dim glow; Chekov picked up the phaser once more and began heating the rocks again. Fido jumped at the hum but settled quickly.
"Humour me, I'm trying to take my mind off how cold it is," Chekov said. Sulu sighed.
"I suppose Bones will be in Sick Bay grumbling about something, Jim will be on the bridge hurrying Scotty on to get us back. Spock… I don't know, maybe scanning something." Sulu said with the wave of a hand.
"I can hear him say 'Fascinating' in the way he does and maybe raise an eyebrow." Chekov said.
"Uhura will turn and look at him in that way. You know, disapproving but sort of soppy as well."
"Yes!" Chekov said with a laugh. He set the phaser aside once more and commenced warming his hands again. Sulu smiled for a brief moment, "I can see them sitting in the rec room, maybe playing chess."
"Uhura hates chess; Spock and Jim play that, sometimes Mccoy although he always loses." Sulu said.
"And gets grumpy about it." Chekov said. He coughed into his warm hands and brushed some stray water from his eye. Funny how the cold made your eyes water! "We will see them again won't we?"
Sulu didn't speak for a long moment, when he did, his voice was heavy, "I have no idea. I want to say yes but I won't lie to you. We have to do the best we can to hold on here while they work up there. I do know that they will never give up on us nor leave us behind while there is still hope. Just don't give up," he said. Chekov remained silent after that, he didn't know what else to say. He pushed his hands between his knees and curled up into a small ball. It wasn't much but it was the best he could do for the moment.