I wondered, after seeing the new film, how Spock could be so comfortable with humans, especially even having a relationship with one. Something must have happened to him in his youth that would make him different from the familiar TOS Spock we all know and love. So I came up with this story to explain my view on how he learned to relax and not be so.....Vulcan.

Star Fleet would probably not allow opposite sex roomies, but I'm a fan of Paul Verhoeven, who puts men and women in armed services together. You'll know what I mean if you've seen Robocop and Starship Troopers. So in this reality, Star Fleet has no problem with it, as long as decorum is upheld.

These are more screenshots of happenings to the pair, as every day life on campus would get monotonous. Hope you enjoy, and reviews graciously accepted.

I don't own Star Trek and am borrowing Spock for a bit, but he'll be returned in good shape.

Different, yet so similar

FIRST MEETINGS

Alexandra jerked around at the sound of the door swishing open. There stood a young Vulcan male, a Star Fleet issue duffel over one shoulder. "I'm sorry, I must be in the wrong quarters." He wasn't a bit flustered, only stating fact.

Alexandra finished pulling her shirt over her head, and held out her hand at the nonplused alien. "Maybe not. What's your name?" she asked.

"I am Spock. I was assigned to these quarters, but there must be... some mistake." He put down the duffel and accepted the extended hand. He knew that to refuse to shake it would be considered rude, according to human customs.

"Fact is, I made no preference to roommate. Male, female, human or alien, doesn't matter to me. The only thing I sort of required was, ...well, no, um....odiferous species. I'm afraid I have a very sensitive..." she said, touching the tip of her nose with a finger. Alex knew that Vulcans were vegetarian, and therefore would probably not have much of a body odor at all.

"So you're Vulcan," she stated rather than asked. "I've never met a Vulcan before. I'm very pleased to meet you. I hope we can get to know each other, share information. Become friends, you know?"

"But would you not prefer a female as your roommate?" The Vulcan tilted his head as he asked the question, studying the red-haired, green eyed cadet, about 5'9" if his deduction was correct.

"Look, I have 3 brothers, all older. I can take of myself. Like I said, I have no preference. It's up to you." She shrugged her shoulders. "By the way, I'm Alexandra, but my friends call me Alex. You can call me that, if you want. I mean, if you decide to stay."

Spock continued to study Alex, and did decide to stay. He had no problems sharing the small space with a female. If anything, it would be her species that might persuade him to request other quarters. Humans could be irrational, and he needed to concentrate on his studies. First year cadets at Star Fleet didn't have it easy, by what he had heard. And he anticipated an even harsher time, as he was the first Vulcan to apply to the Academy. He had no doubt that he would do well. His father did not approve openly of his declining an appointment to the Vulcan Science Academy, but privately, he seemed proud that Spock had chosen to do something that HE wanted. Star Fleet would give Spock many opportunities he would never find at the Academy.

The female's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I do have 2 requirements though." Ah, so here it comes, Spock thought. "First, you have to help me with my physics class. I hear Vulcans are whizzes at quantum physics."

He was surprised at her request, but it would not be difficult for him to help her out. "That is true. I will be willing to assist you as much as I am able."

"Great!" Alex said. "Second," Alex took a few steps closer to the stick-straight young man, "snoring is not allowed." If Spock's face could show indignation, it would be doing just that. "I assure you, Vulcans do not snore." he retorted, an eyebrow raised.

Alex laughed. "I think we'll do just fine then. Look, you settle in." She indicated the empty bunk, "You can take that one. I have to go out for awhile, and we can chat more when I get back." Alex started to leave, but turned back. "Welcome to Star Fleet, Spock. We are going to have so much fun!" She smiled, winked, and flew out the opening door.

Spock picked up his duffel, and laid it upon the unmade bunk. A pillow and a pile of folded linens lay on the corner. The other bunk was obviously being used by his new roommate. Clothing and datapads were strewn on it. He would have to remind her about the neatness code cadets had to adhere to, including their quarters and personal selves. He only hoped he wasn't making an error by staying here. It would either be most fascinating, or would force him to emotional displays.

THE FIGHT

The days passed in a flurry of activity. There were indoctrination classes, gear ups, cadet rallies, specialty testing, and it was all separated by marching. They were required to march with their units everywhere. Spock and Alex were part of the Blue Squad. Stares did not go unheeded by the Vulcan, but he was used to that. He always felt that, somehow, everyone knew he was half human. He knew he was being illogical, as just by looking at him, there was no real way of anyone knowing. Spock never mentioned it, even to his roommate.

Finally the second weekend had arrived, and as a reward for doing so well the first two weeks, the new cadets were allowed a half day off campus. Many went off in search of any activity that didn't have the stamp of the academy on it. Some stayed in their dorms to study. Alex did what any meat-loving human would do. She went out in search of a good steak. No cafeteria food for her!

"Want to get something to eat? I know this great place not far from campus, and it's cheap." Alex tilted her head as she smiled at her roommate. "They do serve salads and such."

Spock raised one eyebrow, saying, "You are aware of the Vulcan diet?"

"Yes, I am now. Looked it up. However, I must warn you that I'm a 100% pure meat eater, none of that reconstituted stuff for me, when I can help it. I'll tell you what, my friend. I'll eat a salad too, out of respect for you, 'k?" Spock was more intrigued by her usage of the word 'friend' than her choice of food. He didn't really want to go out, but decided that in order to get to know his roommate better, he would agree. Alex squealed, took his arm, and led him outside the building and off the grounds. "You will love it. It's frequented by lots of cadets. Who knows, we might see someone there I can introduce you to.

Inwardly, Spock hoped she did not mean romantically. He knew of the penchant humans had to try to "hook up". He was not here for that. But perhaps it was more her intent to introduce him to other cadets in a friendly environment. So reluctantly, he allowed himself to be dragged away.

The restaurant Alex had chosen was teeming with cadets, as well as civilians. They found a table to the rear, and took seats. Alex scanned the room for familiar faces, but so far, saw none. She did catch the eye of an alien, a Krethan male, who saw more in Alex's brief glance than was really there. He stood, and shouldered past clutches of customers milling about. He never took his eyes from the human female as he headed for her table, his smile more a leer. The males of his kind were used to getting sex from their females, at any time, without rejection. He was under the impression that a human female would be no different. He was wrong.

"Human, let's go where we can have more privacy," he said in heavily accented English. He grabbed Alex's wrist and proceeded to drag her from the table, muttering what he imagined were enticing promises of pleasure. It only sounded crude.

Alex kicked at the back of the alien's knee, bringing him down to the floor. He let go of her, stood and whirled around to confront her, but found a Vulcan male in his way.

Spock faced the alien, careful to keep himself positioned between Alex and the vulgar creature. . First, he tried diplomacy. "There is no need to show such distasteful behavior to the lady. I do believe an apology is required."

The Krethan clenched his fist, ready to attack the sallow-skinned Vulcan who dared to come between him and the female he wanted. He lurched forward, attempting to hit the upstart Star Fleet cadet, but Spock stepped aside quickly, reaching out to incapacitate his adversary with a nerve pinch.

"Spock, no! They don't......." Before Alex could finish, the Krethan punched Spock on the chin. He fell hard to the floor. The Krethan's friends dragged him out of the bar before the police or Star Fleet security arrived. Alex bent over Spock, checking to make sure he wasn't injured. "I was going to say that Krethans don't have the same nervous system pattern as humans. They're arranged, um," she waved her hand over her lower body, "elsewhere." She extended her hand to Spock who took it, and pulled himself up off the floor.

Rubbing his chin, unable to hide the surprise he was feeling, he said, "I will remember that in future." He brushed dust from his uniform and mustered as much dignity as he could.

Alex couldn't help but chuckle. She moved next to Spock, and kissed him on the cheek. "Thanks, anyway." Looking back to their table, she noticed their food had arrived. The excitement was over, and customers had gone back to what they were doing. "Let's eat! I'm starving," Alex said, licking her lips and making num num sounds.

Spock only looked at his human roommate with curiosity, and thought about the kiss she had given him. He would have to ask her the significance of such an action. He watched her eat her steak with gusto, raised a brow, and sat down to his salad. Perhaps, he would write to his mother later. She might have some answers to his.....questions.