Captain’s Log – Stardate 102687.3
Our journey from Andoria to New Romulus went unperturbed. Crew morale is high following Frunze’s recent successes in her endeavors. We have been assigned to swiftly execute an investigative operation regarding an unusual and mysterious condition affecting a growing number of workers on New Romulus. I have been personally briefed on the diplomatic importance of this mission. Anything short of a solution is unacceptable.
Preliminary epidemiological analysis by Romulan medical teams show transmission patterns inconsistent with known infectious diseases. The affliction is mainly targeting workers of poorer socio-economic status, especially those with a history of mental illness and/or substance abuse. This may be our first lead in uncovering this mystery. Onsite researchers are worried that an indigenous pathogen previously unknown to science had surfaced. As such, all known infected personnel are quarantined. Though the mortality rate is low, those infected are incapable of contributing to the construction of New Romulus, either due to the affliction or the quarantine. This is leading to a growing labor shortage, paralyzing significant projects without which it is impossible to progress in the development of the Romulan capital.
Medical and security teams shall be sent to the staging area for further briefing and investigation. My First Officer, Lt. Commander Shihar, shall lead a vanguard team tasked with patrolling the inhabited areas for any signs of new infections.
The Frunze will come into orbit within ten mintes.
End log.
Captain’s Log, Supplemental - Stardate 102687.8
Our stay in the Republic’s fledgeling capital has borne fruit. It had not taken long for the teams to gather sufficient evidence to determine a probable cause that fits the known qualities of the affliction. Our leading theory, backed by confiscated evidence, suggests it is narcotics that are responsible for the illness plaguing New Romulus. While it is curious that local law enforcement did not entertain that possibility, we have no authority to scrutinize.
After meeting with the head foremen of several quarantined construction crews, I decided to temporarily withdraw to an area with greater airflow. It appears that New Romulus is uncomfortably humid — owing to its tropical climate, no doubt. It reminded me of an Academy trip to the Amazon rainforest wherein we learned of its importance to Earth’s biosphere and the obnoxiously irresponsible overexploitation of it by Humanity in the XVI-XXI centuries. The decision to withdraw from the rest led me to encounter yet another curiosity.
On a bridge towards the southeast of the staging area I have encountered a Lukari female whom I had previously met during my interim stay on board Deep Space 9. Naturally, I suspected espionage, yet during our conversation I found no indication to support that hypothesis, save for one moment. Beyond her joyous, borderline childish surface demeanor, she exhibited social awareness the full depth of which I am yet to fully comprehend, due to insufficient knowledge on the Lukari culture and psychology. It seemed that this female enjoyed my company and suggested establishing personal contact for ease of future interaction. The true motive for this familiarity is unknown to me at this moment, which is troubling. Be that as it may, the U.S.S. Frunze has an important duty to fulfill.
End log.
