Captain's log - Stardate 2261.635

Emergency orders have been received and we are diverting us our course to the Minarian system. A team of two Federation scientists have been stationed on the second planet of the system for the past three years to record data as the star that is the sun of the Minarian system approaches its nova phase. Starfleet Command is concerned because the last three sets of scheduled reports have not been sent and no contact has been able to be made with the science outpost.

There is a possibility that the outpost's ability to transmit has been adversely affected by the solar flares from the unstable star. As the closest ship to the system, we have been ordered to check on the well-being of the scientists and retrieve the collected data. If the star has become dangerously unstable, we will evacuate the scientists and transport them to the nearest Starbase.

As Kirk finished his log entry, there was a request for entry to his quarters. The door slid open and revealed the form of the Enterprise's CMO, Leonard McCoy, who came in bearing a small tray.

"Spock told me that your meal got interrupted by a priority message from Starfleet."

A grin formed as Kirk saw the stack of sandwiches and the pair of mugs.

"You joining me, Bones?"

Moving over to place the tray on the table, McCoy shrugged.

"Need to eat myself, so figured I'd take care of two things with one tray if you're alright with it."

Standing and stretching, Kirk came over to the table. Spotting an apple he hadn't seen before on the tray, he snatched it up and took a bite before answering.

"A little company to go with the food sounds great."

The two sat across from each other, eating in silence at first as Kirk thought about their new orders and McCoy watched the expressions playing across Kirk's face. Swallowing a sip of coffee, McCoy spoke.

"You seem to have a lot of things running through your mind, Jim. Anything you can talk about?

"Are you asking as my friend, my doctor, or my CMO, Bones?"

McCoy lifted up in mug of coffee as if in a salute as he spoke.

"Whichever one you feel free to talk with."

That got a desired chuckle from Kirk.

"It's our new orders. We're going to check on and probably evacuate a pair of scientists. I was thinking that they say it takes a special sort of individual to do our jobs. but I can't imagine doing what they've been doing. Two people living in a science outpost for three years - the only people on the entire planet - running tests and collecting data on a dying star. I would have gone stir-crazy after the first month."

Shaking his head, McCoy laughed.

"Month, hell. You'd have been crawling up the walls after the first week. So, what is this system?"

"Minara. I've already sent the course change to the helm so we should be there in a couple of days. I'd like for you to beam down to check out the scientists yourself, Bones, but hopefully it's an equipment malfunction that has kept them from sending their reports and not their health."

"Sure thing, Jim. I'll get my kit ready. Are you going down yourself?"

Polishing off his last sandwich, Kirk picked his apple back up.

"That depends on what we find when we get there. Guess I'd better finish this off and grab some sleep. I've got a doctor who's an absolute bear about me not getting enough rest."

Snorting, McCoy picked up his mug and took a final gulp of coffee.

"Sounds like he's a sensible sort to me. Want me to tuck you in?"

"Does a bedtime story come with it?"

"Infant."

Both men began laughing as they straightened up the table together. Picking up the tray to take back with him, McCoy paused by the door.

"We have any details on the outpost personnel?"

"Already sent it to you, Bones. Leave it for tomorrow and get some rest yourself."

"Will do. Night, Jim."

"Night, Bones."