Captain's log - Stardate 2261.635
We will soon be close enough to commence long range scanning to evaluate the Minarian sun. Lieutenant Uhura is continuing to attempt to contact the outpost as well as monitoring all frequencies for any sort of distress signal. So far, nothing but silence.
In his office, McCoy was looking over the records that Starfleet has sent on the two scientists. Doctor Davis Ozaba. fifty-one year old male. Born on the Cygnia Minor colony, traveled to Earth to continue his education. Graduated with a doctorate in astrophysics. No recorded congenital health problems. Doctor Jason Linke, forty-eight year old male. Born and educated on Earth, also with a doctorate is astrophysics. Also nothing outstanding in his past medical records.
Between the two men, they had a lengthy bibliographies and most of their writings centered on theories of cycles that stars went through. All in all, McCoy could see why the pair had volunteered for the lonely mission of gathering data on Minara II. It was, quite literally, a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.
A conference with Spock over breakfast had given him an idea of what sort of injuries might be expected. The dying star was likely causing seismic activity, so that meant broken bones were a possibility. Radiation shouldn't currently be a problem, but depending on how rapidly the star was deteriorating, the planet could become uninhabitable very soon. If the solar flares were disrupting other equipment along with communications, malnutrition might also be a factor.
Pulling in his staff and explaining the situation, McCoy considered all of their suggestions, then condensed list down to the most likely needed items and then further reduced that list to items that could wait until the men had been beamed aboard. That left him with a reasonably sized kit to take with him to the surface. Satisfied with his preparations, the finalized kit was put to the side and McCoy began his usual daily tasks.
On the Bridge, Kirk turned his attention to the viewscreen when Spock announced they were now within range to begin long-range sensor reading. Minara, a red supergiant star, could already be seen. He looked at its image for a few minutes before looking over to Spock.
"Preliminary readings?"
"Readings indicate that the star has already begun to collapse, Captain. Far earlier than original estimates."
Spock's eyebrows canted at the angle that Kirk had come to equate with the Vulcan studying a chess board after a move had been made that he hadn't foreseen.
"By these readings, I cannot understand why the star has not already gone supernova. It's seems to have begun the initial implosion and then stopped. From current astrophysical teachings, that should have been impossible."
"We'll have to switch that from impossible to improbable, Spock. But I take it that means your recommendation would be to evacuate the scientists as soon as possible?"
"Quite correct, sir. If the process restarts, the star will not last long."
Shifting his attention to the Communication station, Kirk questioned Uhura.
"Anything yet from the outpost?"
"Nothing, Captain. Not even subspace noise that suggests an attempt to send out a signal."
A solar flare could be seen emerging from Minara and drew Kirk's attention back.
"How long before we can safely approach Minara II, Spock?"
There was a pause as Spock consulted the readings.
"If no further flares erupt, we should be safe to approach in thirty-four point one hours. However, at this stage of deterioration, other solar flares may occur at any time."
"Then speed is going to be a factor. Who in your department would be able to retrieve the data from the computers the quickest?"
"With all due respect, I believe I am the one most qualified, Captain. If there is damage to any of the systems, I have sufficient knowledge working knowledge to initiate repairs on the computers that were installed at the Minara II station."
Something about sending both McCoy and Spock bothered Kirk, but it couldn't be denied that the two of them working together would cover all the bases. Anything medical could be handled by McCoy and most things with the equipment by Spock. Eyes moving back to study the red star, Kirk questioned Spock again.
"Is radiation a concern?"
"At current levels, the radiation will be of far more concern to this ship than to the planet's surface. Minara II's atmosphere will provide sufficient protection to the landing party. The main concern on the surface is likely to be the seismic activity."
Frowning, Kirk leaned back and considered before turning to look at Spock again.
"The main part of the outpost is underground, correct?"
"Correct, Captain."
"There might be a chance of a collapse or overturned equipment, then?"
"Depending on the epicenter of the seismic activity? Yes."
"I'll send down two security men with you to help move or shift things if needed. If one or both of the men are injured, the doctor might an extra pair of hands."
Spock nodded rather than respond verbally. The two extra would be enough manpower to assist without getting in the way.
"Good. I'll contact Security. I'd like for you to coordinate with Doctor McCoy."
"The doctor and I have already coordinated this morning, Captain, but I will consult with him again to let him know of the current status of the landing party."
Kirk's reaction to that news amused Spock - not that he allowed it to show outwardly, of course. For some reason, Kirk seemed to assume that Spock and McCoy rarely spoke without his presence. That made little sense to Spock since it was well known on the ship that he and McCoy met on a fairly regular basis to share their mutual appreciation for a well brewed tea.
The amusement did show on Uhura's face, but then again, she made no attempt to hide it. She was fond of both men (it completely different ways) and the two finding common ground made her happy. It did seem to spawn a few jealous tendencies in Kirk though. She was no psychologist, but you didn't have to be to read the body language.
The rest of the shift passed quietly, with Spock calling for a replacement to meet with McCoy. Other than continue to monitor the situation, there was nothing more they could do until it was safe to approach the planet.