Chapter Eight
The Desert Saga
Of course, Si'rin, Lo'vaak and Spock, remembered the original interviews that had been conducted with these now resettled 'Survivors' and were also aware of the changed disposition, from hopeless to hopeful that now seemed to be the mindset of these new settlers.
Su'auk's organizational and communicative skills were outstanding. His wife, Elsse, originally from the United States of Africa, had been integrated into the group Nyota had named, 'Cupid's Secretaries'. Of course, Spock's response to that name was, "Any super powerful entities would not have such a 'need'." His wife convinced him that even those with out of the ordinary powers, Vulcans included, did have needs. As usual, she proved herself quite convincing.
The women were in agreement that although there was a urgency, they were not going to allow that to be careless. This was no margin for error in or area of compromise either their thinking or selection. All of them were aware that the bonding was lifelong. That was one of the thoughts that would have to be stressed when interviewing these candidates. It had already been decided that a female who had been widowed and perhaps seen their mate go through a sickness, or accident would have developed a compassionate nature. That quality would have to be present for them to accept Pon Farr. Sensing the feeling of isolation that could affect Elsse, as the only female at the settlement, these married ladies felt it was important for a few bondings to take place shortly, Work on that part of the 'project' would have to start immediately upon their return home. That thought would be conveyed to Su'auk so that the builder could begin preparation for at least three residences for newly weds.
Bettie Flippin already had the second episode in her series about the 'Survivors' outlined she was only waiting for Sarek's approval. Her entire crew was anxious to broadcast this follow-up. Like the first, it would be a block-buster. While discussing that prospect, Nyota had a brilliant idea, a unique approach to introducing the first few candidates to the settlement, would it be possible to integrate some of the female candidates into the broadcast crew thus they could get an idea of the location and work they would have to accept if they decided to bond with one of the 'Survivors'? In this way they would remain anonymous. Bettie's face was etched with excitement as she imagined how spell binding that experience would be. It probably could be the basis for a long period of chit-chat after show time.
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The Healers also had a very important job before them. This particular assessment would weigh heavily into Ka'nu's search for something that would lessen the violence, duration and mental incapacitation associated with the Pon Farr experience. The ground work for his search would be securing each males' present hormonal levels. So it was in an organized fashion Sirin and Lo'vaak visited each dormitory to secure blood samples. They had set up a processing laboratory and Rachel was acting as medical secretary, her job was to accurately post this information on each Survivor's records. The numbers secured that day would serve as base reference as each Survivors' 'Time' approached. Of course each male would be responsible for monitoring physical changes he noticed as his time drew nearer.
Based on that information whatever antidote then available could be administered under Ka'nu, the herbalist's, direction. Although most of the females had submitted holo pics with their correspondence, none of the Survivors had any idea of the personal appearance of the female whose profile he had received. Of course, this would make it possible for them to observe the daily routine at the settlement undetected. The other side of the coin was that each one of the females that would be invited had seen the Survivors' appearances as transmitted first on the news broadcast, when the males had visited Fishermen's Wharf and then on Bettie Flippin's show, "The Stars Are Forever".
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The women had been responsible for making the suggestion that Su'auk set up a schedule to interview each male and review the information that had been distributed to them prior to their departure from San Francisco. These conversations would allow Su'auk to get to know his brothers and secure information about their opinion of the work taking place. At that time it would be suggested that each one keep a daily journal with particular focus on their day's activities and observations. Of course, since none of these would ever forget anything, this was simply an exercise to determine their proficiency in Standard. Listed should also be any possible suggestions to be brought up at the weekly settlement's meeting. It would be explained to each one that each had the right to express his opinion and that this was very much encouraged. By these personal interchanges, Su'auk would also determine if either of the Terran females identified in the packet had peaked the interest of its recipient. Upon their return to San Francisco, the women would confer with Su'auk about the response of each survivor to the biographies they had received and based on that information an interview would be set up with the preferred candidate. Sirin and Lo'caak determined that the herbalist, Ka'nu, would be able to take the next readings. Of course, the entire group would never have to be tested at the same time again. These markers were baseline that would, in the future allow one to see any significant change. For that reason he was seated with Sirin and Lo'vaak to observe and be instructed. His final exam would be to perform the test on Lo'vaak and Sirin.
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The next morning the visitors would be leaving. The exploratory group had already planned a last meal. Interestingly, Sirin and Rachel's son, Jason had been shadowing Skoon, the woodcarver. It was indeed comforting for this young 'Survivor', the young boy was like a balm to his wounds filling the void left by the absence of siblings and unborn son. At this point in time he looked forward to training Jason. He felt like the boy already was his va'prak sa-fu (substitute son)