Hailing Frequencies

Pulling his eyes from the viewscreen, Jim Kirk met those dark cryptic Vulcan ones. In this situation – in any, really - trying to figure out his First Officer's thoughts was a futile pursuit.

Now, there was work to be done.

Captain Kirk turned briskly to his Chief Communications Officer. "Lieutenant Uhura," he said crisply, "try one more time to hail the Chancellor of Daernnus."

As the comm specialist obeyed, Kirk told Spock, in a tense undertone, "If there's nothing, we're going down there." Spock nodded in acknowledgement – perhaps, in agreement - and moved toward his station to prepare a tricorder.

He had just begun to synch the instrument with the most recent data, when Uhura spoke. "Captain," she said, a tiny pleased note in her voice, "hailing frequencies are open."

Kirk nodded, inhaled, then spoke directly into the air toward the comm pick-up. "Daernnus, this is Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise. We received your distress call. What is your situation?"

They heard a click, a scrape, a bump. There was a pause; then, what seemed to be a soft rustle. Finally, a female voice responded, "One moment, please…Captain."

The frequency was muffled for a moment, and Jim reflected that the girl speaking seemed young, and out of her element, but trying not to be…

There was a long pause before a different voice came back - older, self-assured, and male. "Captain - Church, was it? – This is Chancellor Mumble. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Kirk tried to not show his surprise. "Chancellor Mumble?" At the first sound of that vigorous supercilious voice, Spock had straightened at his station. Inserting an ear-piece, he glanced at Kirk over his shoulder - nodded and slipped into his chair. Long hands started to play across the sensor controls.

Jim decided that repeating himself was the safest option, even if it just bought Spock a little time. "This is Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise. We have responded to your planetary distress call. What is your current situation?"

The voice from Daernnus was smooth and urbane – and incredibly irritating. "Ah, Captain, it would seem you have made a mistake: We sent no distress call. While we appreciate your response – in error though it might have been – we obviously have no need for assistance."

While Mumble spoke, Spock finished whatever reading he was making. He murmured something to Uhura, who, apparently, cut the out-going broadcast signal. The Vulcan moved toward the Captain; Kirk met him halfway. Spock spoke quietly: "Nothing conclusive, sir: Readings are mostly negative – ionization, radiation – no evidence of a large-scale attack anywhere in the vicinity. Nor," he added, "could I get anything on this Chancellor."

Kirk nodded, then glanced at Uhura. She flicked the 'Broadcast' switch. He drew breath. "Chancellor Mumble," he began.

"Captain Kirk," the oily voice interrupted, "we will not make an issue of your undesired presence – as long as it does not continue."

Maybe trying to read Spock's thoughts was a profitless exercise; but, right now, a climbing eyebrow suggested that the Chancellor's voice had a similar effect on the Vulcan nervous system as it did on a Human one. The glance Spock shot him was anticipative.

Jim smiled a little, humorlessly, and nodded – relieved, a little, at seeing anticipation, rather than… well, anything else. He looked over at Uhura and made a 'cut' gesture across his own throat with his thumb. She complied, flipping the broadcast switch, but keeping the link intact. Jim met the Vulcan's eyes. "Well?"

Spock weighed his words just for an instant. "Analyses show that the distress call did originate in this vicinity. It would seem unwise to depart without more thorough investigation," he said.

"Yeah. I think so, too." On the same page. Jim nodded, again, at Uhura; then spoke into the waiting silence.

"Chancellor Mumble. I am pleased that your planet has no need of our assistance. However, we have come a long way: It would seem unfortunate to depart without making your acquaintance." He checked with Spock to see how he was doing, and was glad to receive a tiny nod he could interpret as approval. "In 10 minutes, we will beam down to your coordinates - or to others that you choose to provide to my communications officer." He severed the link before Mumble could object.

As he headed to the turbolift, his First Officer at his heels, he saw Uhura raise one hand to the comm device in her ear. Before the doors closed, she glanced over and met his eyes, nodded, and spoke into the microphone imbedded in her station. The doors closed on her smile.