Briefing The Council

Sarek sat quietly finalizing his report for the visit to Rigel VII. It was much more involved than others had been. He sat, thinking about the past four days. Amanda's recovery from Rigelian Fever was nearly completed, and she had submitted the errata report to the translation team, showing the Rigelian module functioning at near perfect performance. He looked at her as she was reading Emerson, and was grateful she was still there to be looked upon.

He stood and left for his private office, mentally preparing for his report to the Vulcan High Council. Once inside, he entered the code and waited for connection to the live council session. A counter indicated connection in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1..

"Ambassador Sarek," First Councilor T'Pau acknowledged.

"First Councilor."

"Your report has been received, and is found to be of great concern. What of Dr. Grayson's condition?"

"Dr. Grayson is expected to make complete recovery from the illness. Her status improves daily. O'hakausular Somin and T'Ren are to be commended for their expediency and application of knowledge in treatment and care, as their actions certainly saved her life. Gol'nevsular Soran and T'Lyra performed admirably during the emergency. Additionally, transport specialist Supek performed a room-to-room onboard transport, a skill he has only practiced in simulation; and O'opilsu T'Vie has exceeded expectations in nutritional supplementation during Dr. Grayson's convalescence."

"Commendations are noted," T'Pau said, entering information into her PADD.

Chief Medical Director T'Gal inquired. "The resultant cause of the infection? Medical records clearly state Dr. Grayson was inoculated prior to arrival on the planet surface."

"O'khartausu-hasuk, Healer T'Ren administered the inoculation personally. The infection was the result of erroneous assumption during development of the vaccine, in the past."

"Clarify."

"42.628 years ago, the scientists responsible cultivated the most effective solution possible: for planets III through VI, all Rigelian colonies, and for all strains known in Federation space. The vaccine does not protect from Rigelian Fever on planet VII, specifically regarding species with iron-based blood chemistry, if contracted from a carrier with copper-based blood chemistry."

"Illogical," T'Gal interrupted.

"Agreed. Planet VII holds no civilian population, cities, or temples. They do not allow tourism there. The only persons planet side are Rigelians. The strain of Fever Dr. Grayson contracted was carried by one of that specific population, and it only originates in that exclusive environment."

The council members looked at one another silently, and T'Gal spoke. "What protocols have been established since the infection?"

"The entire ship has been processed according to bio-hazardous contamination procedures. All personnel conducting business on the surface are subject to medical screening and decontamination in quarantine."

T'Pau spoke again. "Further physical presence on Rigel VII is forbidden until satisfactory evidence is provided that any member of the Vulcan Diplomatic Delegation is able to perform their duties in safety."

The ancient head of the Vulcan diplomatic assembly, T'Ved spoke, her old face observing him carefully. "Sarek, what of the trade negotiation for murinite ore?"

"O'kevet-dutar, the contract has been successfully completed for production of 500 tons of ore semi-annually, at a price of 45,650 credits per metric ton. If quality of the ore should rise above 99.25%, the price shall increase to 50,000 credits per ton. The quality of ore on Rigel VII is the highest in known space. I have already submitted quality inspection reports with the finalized contract."

"Satisfactory indeed," she replied. "That reduces our cost by 9.521 percent. Your effort is acceptable, Young One."

He bowed respectfully to her, as her words were high praise. "I am honored to serve this council."

"Sarek, your duties will be adjusted to bring you back to the home world in 19.5 solar days," T'Pau instructed.

Sarek knew why. More importantly, the Matriarch of the House of Surak knew why. His bonded status was not made known to her yet, and for all she knew, a match was imminently necessary. Her penetrating gaze was set upon him.

"Understood. Sarek out."