"Captain's log, stardate 2201.4
We have received orders from Starfleet Command to proceed to the distant planet of Mikell III to evacuate the inhabitants there. The Mikellan sun has long since shown signs of nova, and we have calculated it will do so in approximately twenty-six hours. The Mikellans are direct decedents of both Vulcans and Klingons, and the homeworld is located on the Klingon border. Due to their great distance from other Starfleet colonies, they have not had formal Starfleet contact for almost a year. Communications have been unsuccessful thus far and we're hoping to not have any trouble. Due to the heavy ionization in the atmosphere, we may have to take shuttles to the surface."
* * * * * * * * * *
"A very arid planet, Captain," Commander Cona said as he studied his science console. "Ninety percent of the surface is desert."
"Thank you Mr. Cona." Turning to the intercom on his chair, Captain Jonathan Ridger called the transporter room. "Mr. Kent," he addressed, knowing that his chief engineer would be there, "have you come up with a way to penetrate the ion field with the transporter?"
"Sorry, Sir," was the reply, "not without some kind of transporter inhancement at the other end. You'll have to take a shuttle."
The news was not really a surprise, and the Captain had prepared for such an eventuality. "Report to the briefing room," he told his engineer before closing the comm. link. Then, after repeating the orders to Dr. Lamar in sickbay, the senior staff left the bridge and entered the briefing room adjacent.
Captain Ridger looked at his staff sitting around the table. Dr. Lamar, the Chief Medical Officer, Cona, his science officer, Jason Kent, chief engineer, and T'Lenn, his Vulcan first officer. Now that they were gathered, he began the briefing.
"As you know, the Mikellan sun will nova in just over a day. With the transporters out, a small crew will be departing by shuttle for the capital city of yIn, where we can begin to evacuate the planet using shuttles and transport inhancers. Remember gentlemen, time is of the essence."
Undaunted by the setback, he called the shuttle bay and told them to prepare for launch.
When Lt. Cmdr. Jason Kent walked onto the bridge, Jonathan rose out of his chair. "No sign of the Klingons?" he asked his Vulcan First Officer.
"Curiously no, Sir." Commander T'Lenn replied. "None within three light years, even on their side of the neutral zone. However, they could have cloaked ships."
Sighing uneasily, the Captain ordered, "T'Lenn, Cona, doctor you're with me. Mr. Kent, you have the bridge." Jason Kent nodded in acknowledgment at the Captain's words.
Soon the landing party had boarded the shuttle. "Take us out, Mr. Cona," were the Captain's words as the shuttle left the bay doors. As they entered the planet's atmosphere, a Klingon Bird of Prey de-cloaked and fired on the unwary shuttle. The tiny ship sped out of control towards the vast desert planet.
* * * * * * * * * *
Being an android, Cona was the only one physically unaffected by the crash. He began moving the fallen equipment to the side, then set to reviving the other three crew members. T'Lenn woke and clearing her head, started a systems check. Slowly the Captain and doctor stirred and rose. When the freshly woken Captain grasped the situation, he led the group outside.
"Where are we?" Dr. Lamar asked, dazed. He shielded his eyes from the sun's blinding rays.
"We are approximately one hundred, seventy-two miles away from the nearest city," Commander Cona checked his tricorder and indicated to the west as he spoke.
"Can we contact the Dawntreader?" Captain Ridger inquired of his first officer.
"No, Sir," T'Lenn replied. "The transmitter was damaged beyond repair."
"Communicators?"
"Ionic interference. It seems our only option is to find the city."
Issuing a phaser and communicator (for ground contact) to everyone, Captain Ridger led the band west into an endless desert, seeming to reach forever in the horizon.