Ann checked her tricorder. "Life signs show this way," she said, and Jim strode off in the direction indicated, not one to let anyone take point (and the potential danger) in his stead and expecting everyone to fall in line behind him. The forest was not so dense here by the shore that they couldn't pass more or less unhindered--the wide canopies of the redwood-like tress shaded the forest floor such that ferns and flowers carpeted but did not present a barrier.

If the natives proved amicable, Jim could definitely see leave being granted.

"Take readings of everything," he said. "You know the drill. Plant life, animal life, and other readings you pick up. We'll want a thorough preliminary report for Starfleet, so they know what to send."