Stardate 43917.4: The Enterprise is going to host a conference between the Federation and the mysterious Legarans. 202-year-old Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan has prepared this meeting for 93 years. Before he is beamed aboard together with his wife Perrin, his assistants, Ki Mendrossen and Sakkath, insist that Sarek needs rest. But Sarek carries on with his work regardless. When tensions arise among the Enterprise crew, Crusher and Troi find out that Sarek is the reason. He suffers from the Bendii syndrome, a disease which can disable an aged Vulcan's emotional control - and that of other people who get under his telepathic influence. Sakkath was able to alleviate the effects so far, but the strain just before the meeting is too much for Sarek. In order to save the conference, Picard agrees to a mind-meld with the Vulcan, so a part of Picard gives Sarek the strength for the negotiations, and a part of Sarek can live out his emotions in Picard's body.

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