Chapter Three

Ashalik awoke later than usual, and for a moment, believed she was late. Being defined by the very essence of punctuality, she chastised herself– only to remember that Healer T'Roa had instructed a day's rest. After first-meal and a slow start to her morning, she messaged her mother with the newest update of her first grandchild and invited her for a visit.

"Asha, are you in need at this time? Pregnancy can be a great joy, but it can also be challenge to the body and katra."

"I am comfortable. However, I seek your counsel on another matter," she paused, requesting privacy from Sarek. Once granted, she continued. "I require your wisdom."

"Elucidate, kofu t'nash-veh."

"Mother, a communique was received last night that, if genuine, may reveal the location of yet another group of lost survivors."

T'Sayerin settled her infamous laser-focused attention upon her only child. "Am I to understand that standard protocol does not apply?"

"Affirmative. Mother, they are clearly suffering illness and starvation, but Sarek and I both agree that the motivation for disclosure is uncertain. Security Chief Sekton will report once analysis is complete."

"What is your primary concern, Asha?"

"The sender is anonymous, and until Sekton reports his findings, we must assume the communication suspect; and the pictures, video files – it appears as if someone simply wishes us to know they are there, wherever 'there' may be."

Sarek sat in his office, having completed daily obligations and sub-tasks with heightened efficiency. As he was preparing to contact Sekton for a status update, he heard the very same enter the common area of the diplomatic offices and request audience. Before he could finish, Sarek was already at his office door.

"Sekton. Have you completed your analysis?"

"Yes, First Administrator."

"Salaan, you will accompany us," Sarek instructed, noting Salaan's surprise at the invitation to participate.

Sekton began immediately. "Sir, the transmission code is of Orion Syndicate origin, yet it is an older form of encryption than currently in use. The coordinates were difficult to identify, and carefully hidden through proximity masking. The documentation was obtained on the planet Coridan," he paused as he cast an anti-grav viewer in front of them.

"Coridan has been under control of the Syndicate for 22 point three years, and while this is common knowledge throughout the Federation, what is not commonly understood are the sources the Orions use to procure all substances mined, through legitimate means, or otherwise."

"Explain," Sarek instructed.

"Sir, the Syndicate performs little to none of the work they benefit from, instead capturing civilian populations and forcing slave-labor. They show little mercy and reap tremendous reward from the effort of others. The conundrum lies in why someone within the Syndicate would initiate contact with such information.

"I discovered a sub-routine that contained a highly encrypted message. The sender stated they have been on Coridan for two years. They possess mining expertise and have survived to now by selling dilithium to the Syndicate. Additionally, the sender is under order of secrecy, but the physical and psychological condition of the miners is deteriorating. The sender stated, 'I cannot go to my grave having known and done nothing'."

Sarek turned his attention to his young aide. "Salaan, recommendations?"

Salaan had anticipated corrective action for his breach of protocol the night prior, and now was being included in consultation as a plan was slowly developing to consider a course of action.

"Sir, we must investigate, and if it is found that these documents contain legitimate information, rescue of our people must be considered. Because Coridan is a dangerous sector of space, the logical question must then consider the needs of the many versus the needs of these few."

"Satisfactory. Salaan, you will conduct analysis of diplomatic relations and the most effective potential opportunities to perform rescue, should such possibility become realized. You are dismissed."

After the young Vulcan left, Sekton sat quietly observing Sarek.

"What would you say, Sekton?"

"He is young and inexperienced."

"Correct, and he must learn," Sarek paused, thinking of a much younger version of himself. "He has diplomatic potential. Sekton, were we not young once?"