Soral had been anticipating some sort of apology from his roommate. He had long ago observed that Humans had an inherently strong desire for atonement. However, he had been wholly unprepared for the unorthodox, and remarkably observant, method Kirk chose to make amends.

The complication now arose of how to acknowledge Peter's efforts. This was particularly difficult as Kirk had not yet returned to their room, despite the fact that it was 1 hour and 23 minutes past curfew. He realized that this particular situation was wholly beyond his understanding. It was disconcerting dealing with Humans, particularly this one.

His thoughts were interrupted by a voice outside, "Hey! You there. Name?"

"Peter Kirk, Sir."

"You are out well past curfew, young man, care to explain?"

"I… uh… was just getting some fresh air. Thought I'd gaze up at the stars. You know... think about my future and such."

"Uh-huh… and the lipstick on your cheek?"

"I know you won't believe this, but that has honestly been there for a while."

"According to my record here, you have already been given two warnings about violating curfew. Regulations clearly state that after the third, a stern reprimand and punishment are in order. Pity… I understand you were supposed to represent your class at the ceremony in a couple of weeks."

Peter felt his heart drop to the ground. As if it wasn't bad enough that he'd ticked off the Ambassador and insulted his roommate, now it was looking like the speech would be called off. All thanks to that stupid list that he should've—

"Kirk," Soral approached out of the shadows, "I was becoming concerned. You did say you had stepped out for just a moment."

"Uh… yeah…." Peter stammered, "Sorry… uh the Officer here thinks I have broken curfew. I tried to tell him I'd just stepped out for a breath of fresh air."

"If I may," Soral faced the Security Officer, "My roommate requires light exercise in an oxygen rich area. Our quarters do not meet such requirements."

"I see," the officer said slowly, "Well… you're going to need permission from Security if you want to do that again. I suggest you both return to your room."

"Thank you, sir. I will get that permission, sir," Peter stammered.

He turned and followed Soral back inside. They were silent until the door shut.

"Holy Surak! You lied!"

"I did not create any fabrication. It is a fact that Humans require light exercise and an oxygen rich environment in order to function effectively. Furthermore, you have stated in the past that you were "stepping out for a moment" thus my words were accurate."

"Man… you ought to be a Lawyer or a Diplomat."

Soral had truthfully never considered those possibilities, as both career courses would involve close association with Humans in intense emotionally-charged situations. He found it curious that Peter considered him capable of such a profession.

"Well…" Peter shuffled awkwardly, "Thanks… if it hadn't been for you I'd likely be dealing with detention, and the possibility of being drummed out of giving the speech… and after all the hard work we've put into it… well... it'd be a shame if it got ruined now… wouldn't it?"

"Indeed," Soral's mind raced for the correct words, "We should both endeavor to avoid any actions that might inhibit our progress. There is a great deal of value to be gained from our studies."

He was uncertain if he'd expressed himself correctly, but judging by the way Kirk's muscles visibly relaxed, the meaning had been understood.

Everythings a lot better now. Sent the Ambassador our outline and he said it was "interesting" and that he thought we had made "remarkable progress for so short a time." Whatever that means. At least this time he didn't look at me like I was Le'matya poop.

Soral's been helping me with some of my Chemistry homework so that we have more time to fine-tune our report. Oh… he just said "your wording gives the impression that I am enabling you to cheat" (Does Spock read over your shoulder like that?)

For the record: it's not cheating because he never gives me the answers. In fact, he usually just re-teaches the whole blasted subject to me, and then *sometimes* I get the answer right. (There he should be happy) Yes, I know it's an emotion. (Sorry that was for him, not you. This reading over the shoulder thing would be #48 on a certain list if I hadn't deleted it for obvious reasons)

Tell Scotty, Uhura, Chekov, and Sulu "Hi" for me. I know I've been bad at corresponding with everyone, but you know why.

Soral just told me I've spent too long typing to you so will say bye for now.

-Pete

Kirk chuckled to himself, causing a few members of the bridge crew to turn their heads quizzically. He glanced over at Spock and answered his unspoken question with a slight nod.

Everything was going just fine.

"Peter," Soral said, "There has been a recent addition to the Enterprise Mission Logs. It was once Classified 5, but has been lowered to 3."

"Cool! Wonder why it changed?"

"Likely the information contained has become outdated and obsolete."

"Well, pull it up then."

Peter leaned closer to the screen. The file was labeled "The Enterprise Incident" Although some of the information was still censored; the overall gist of it involved espionage and theft. No wonder if had been Classified 5! Apparently whatever it was Kirk and Spock had gone for was no longer considered that hush-hush.

An image appeared a moment later.

"Good Lord!" Peter shouted, "My Uncle makes an UGLY Vulcan!"

"I believe his appearance was meant to be Romulan."

"Same difference; no offence. But my word! That's just… wrong! On so many levels. Think he got thick enough eyebrows? Oughta show that to Samantha, see if she thinks that look is dishy."

"If your outburst is any indication of the effectiveness of the facade, I assume the disguise fulfilled its purpose."

"No kidding," Peter laughed, "Hey… do you think I'd make a good Vulcan?"

"Negative."

"No. No! Not like as a person… heck I admit, I'm too expressive for that kind of thing. I meant looks wise. Think I'd look good with pointed ears?"

"I can offer no opinion on the matter, as I have never understood the Human standpoint of attraction."

"Come on, you can't tell me you don't have opinions on appearance. You going to tell me you haven't noticed some of the girls around here? Admit it; some of them are pretty hot."

"Observing that a person is aesthetically pleasing is different than what you are implying."

"Touché… but seriously if I donned some pointed ears would I be as butt-ugly as my Uncle in that picture? Or do you think I could pull it off?"

"It is difficult to visualize."

Peter got quiet for a moment. Soral had learned that silence from his roommate was often a prelude to an irrational outburst or action that would likely be a cause of considerable-

"I've got an idea!"

"You want a WHAT?" Bones nearly choked on his (purely medicinal) Bourbon.

"Well, how hard would it be? Could Soral do it?"

"Let me get this straight; you want me to send you a Do-it-yourself cosmetic surgery kit?"

"Well… no… that sounds scary. Look, I just need some pointy ears and some eyebrow extensions. How hard can that be?"

"Peter… I appreciate you getting along with your roommate and all… but uh… that's taking things a little far don't you think?"

"It's not permanent, Bones. Sheesh! I need something temporarily. Course if the chicks dig it, then I might come back for something a little more—"

"I won't have any part of it if you do! That being said, I think I can send you something idiot-proof enough for you and Soral to figure out. Don't go crazy with the skin grafts ok?"

"K, Thanks Bones!"

McCoy ended the transmission and poured himself another glass. He knew he'd need it; the paperwork he'd have to fill out on this little "care package" was likely to kill him.

"Well… what do you think?"

Soral studied the figure that sat across the room. What had been Peter's face, was now almost completely unrecognizable. He sat stoically with a carefully trimmed and waxed eyebrow raised. Words were inadequate.

"That good, huh?"

"It is… different."

Peter laughed, which only served to increase the bizarreness of the scene.

"If our experiment is to be truly accurate, you must learn to control your burst of emotions."

"Poker Face. Got it."

Peter frowned and tried to concentrate on not smiling. Difficult to do, considering his friend looked like he'd swallowed a spider.

"If you would endeavor to control the expressiveness of your face," Peter clipped out in Vulcan, "It would aid me in my efforts to not respond with emotion."

Soral's face instantly took on a completely stoic appearance. Dang he was good at that.

"So," Peter said, "I don't suppose I could convince you to hide your ears under a hat and walk around smiling."

"No."

"Thought not. In that case, we just get my side of things, which is fine since this was my idea anyways. Ok… I'm gonna need a name. Give me one."

"Se'tek"

"Se'tek? Cool. I like that. He some famous Vulcan I haven't learned about yet?"

"My brother."

"Your brother's name… sure he won't be offended?"

"Se'tek was my brother's name. He died 12.8 years ago."

"Oh… I'm… Sorry…"

"Your behavior, on occasion, reminds me of him… and in your current state the resemblance is… striking."

Peter cleared his throat than said in perfect Vulcan, "I am honored."

Sarek had his first experience with a Human "gasp" when he had asked Amanda to marry him. He had been alarmed at her sudden need for oxygen, and had frantically endeavored to deduce the reason for her body's sudden convulsion. 2.5 seconds later a smiling, tearful, and laughing Amanda answered in the affirmative and then explained that she had "gasped." The cause was not so much a physical response, but rather an emotional one. He determined then and there to rid her of the habit.

On their wedding day, when an unfortunate misunderstanding in customs resulted in T'Pau being attacked by his wife's botanical arrangement, he discovered that his efforts to eradicate the "gasp" from Amanda's habits had failed.

After some medical research he ascertained that the response was largely autonomic, and therefore he ceased attempting to try and control the frequency of them. After years of marriage, he had learned to completely ignore them, particularly when he drove the Vulcan-Only Airway.

Suddenly, he found himself being jolted into action by the unexpected and very loud *GASP!* that came from his wife. Sarek hastened into the main room where he found Amanda with her hand pressed against her mouth. There were tears in her eyes. This could mean either tragic news or—

Amanda started to laugh, loudly.

Sarek approached the viewscreen and was initially puzzled. A young Vulcan male was speaking. He was about to give his wife a very stern reminder that she needed to exercise proper decorum, when the Vulcan smiled.

"Hello, Sarek. Did you recognize me?"

"… Mr. Kirk."

"Affirmative."

"Your Vulcan is impressive."

"You honor me."

"I assume there is a reasonable explanation as to why you have altered your appearance."

"Experiment."

"Indeed. I will be in anticipation of your results."

"They will be sent in 5.3 hours… don't time it; I just made that number up."

Amanda let out another laugh.

When the transmission at last ended Sarek found himself… quite stunned. Had Mr. Kirk not smiled, he would likely have not realized the image before him was Human. Peter had spoken flawlessly.

Peter/Se'tek, walked next to Soral around the campus. The effect was interesting. Students who had been walking on the sidewalk cut across the grass to avoid passing them. Many who glanced up instantly averted their eyes. Some just stared, as if he were stark naked.

"Great," he heard the voice of Tom say nearby, "Now there's two of em!"

Peter turned and approached him, "Greetings. My name is Se'tek."

"Where's Peter?" Tom sneered, "I should think he'd be tagging along with you two Rabbits."

It was all he could do to keep from punching Tom. Soral stepped slightly closer to him. Poker face… right.

They continued their walk across the grounds. Peter caught a glimpse of Samantha out of the corner of his eye. If he could just keep from blushing…

"Greetings, my name is Se'tek."

"Oh…" she stammered, "Hi… you must be a friend of Soral's."

"We are acquainted."

"You're new?"

"Affirmative, I arrived today."

"Little late in the Semester…"

"I am here as a Visitor."

"Oh… think you might want to study here then?"

"Affirmative."

"Well that'd be… uhm… you met Peter Kirk yet?"

"No."

"Oh… well you should… I don't know where he is right now but… he'd like to meet you probably… he's been working with Soral on a report about Vulcan/Human interactions ..."

"I see."

Samantha shuffled nervously then mumbled something about being late for class and dashed off. That was different. She was normally a pretty outgoing girl. Peter walked back to Soral and the two continued towards the Transportation Stop.

There was a large crowd waiting for the shuttle to arrive. The two approached, and people instantly started to shuffle away from them. Even some of the Teachers had managed to work their way backwards.

He decided to take the bull by the horns.

"Greetings, my name is Se'tek."

Professor Murrey (his Spacial Mathematics Teacher) cleared his throat, "Hello. I haven't seen you around before."

"That is correct. I am considering applying here."

"Well… *cough*… we would be honored to have another Vulcan in our class. Soral here is uh… good at keeping me on my toes... corrected me about the PH2 Formula the other day… he was right, of course. Yep… always checks my work."

Well that was awkward. What was a Vulcan supposed to say to that? What was a Human supposed to say to that?

"Hello, my name is Sally Anderson," his Biology teacher interrupted.

"Greetings."

"If you and Soral are planning to tour the city, I suggest you try "The Sandpiper." It's a restaurant just 2 blocks South of Stop #103. They serve all Vegetarian there."

"A logical suggestion, Thank You."

"Your Welcome," she beamed, "I'm a Vegetarian too, so I know how it goes trying to find a decent meal."

Well… at least not every Human acted like a total weirdo around a Vulcan.

The shuttle arrived, and the usual stampede of people rushed for the best seats. Soral worked his way over to an empty row and sat down. Se'tek followed suit.

"Sit up straight," Soral said in Vulcan.

"Yes, Mother." Peter retorted, and then straightened up. Poker face.

The shuttle filled up quickly to the point where there were no seats left except for the one next to Se'tek. Two more students jumped on board. It didn't take a genius to read the expression on their faces. They hovered over the two Vulcans and the empty space before finally opting to stand at the front of the shuttle instead.

Peter would have felt disgusted, except for the fact that he wasn't even sure if he would have sat down. After all, Vulcans had issues with personal space and such…

"Do you wish to find sustenance?" Soral asked.

"Yes. We can try the restaurant the Professor suggested."

Even the conversations around them died down when people heard the Vulcan phrases. Peter had to admit, were it not for the fact that he did understand Vulcan; he would likely have assumed they were complaining about Humans or something along those lines. Guess that was just Human nature to assume that if you can't understand the message, it must naturally be about you. Stupid.

The two were the only ones to get off at Stop #103. Soral reminded Peter which way was South and, after some searching, they at last found the restaurant.

They had been seated about 10 minutes before a server finally approached with menus. She didn't say much. Didn't even ask if they wanted something to drink. A few minutes afterwards a Human couple entered and sat nearby them. The server approached the couple and did the whole routine. She offered drinks and smiled and was overall a really nice gal. She returned to their table with a grim face, "Water to drink?"

"Is it always like this?" Peter asked.

Soral looked up from the menu, "Generally, yes."

"How the heck do you put up with it?" Peter whispered.

"You are revealing your emotions; I suggest you hold this conversation until this charade is over."

Peter shook his head slightly then returned to the menu. The server returned to the Human couple with food already in hand.

"Hey!" He whispered, "We were here first!"

"Se'tek, I suggest you refrain from making a scene. You are already receiving some suspicious looks from others around us."

"I'm going to address the matter."

"If you think it necessary, but a Vulcan does not waste effort on such a trivial offense."

"Excuse me," Peter said, "We wish to order now."

"Okay," the server said with a grimace, "In a second."

In a second? Really? Peter was just about to tear off his ears and give the server a piece of his mind when a he felt Soral's hand touch his arm.

"It is of little importance. If you wish, we can attempt to find a better eating establishment."

"I agree. Let's go."

As the two wandered through the streets people continued to give them a wide berth.

"You know," Peter finally whispered, "I had no idea… that it was like this for you."

"You must remember that your interpretation of their actions is being influenced by your own emotions. However… I have, on occasion, found the behavior of Humans to be… difficult."

"On behalf of my entire race, I apologize. You can call us jerks if you want to. Frankly, we probably deserve it."

"You forget, Se'tek, that if you were a Human in an all Vulcan setting you would likely consider my race to be… jerks."

"Hey! Who you calling a jerk!" a rough voice shouted.

Peter turned towards the sound. There was a rough looking group of men loitering by an alleyway.

"We were not talking to you," Se'tek said simply. They tried to walk away.

"Hey Rabbit!" A particularly large guy approached, "I hear you Vulcans are a peaceful race."

"That is correct."

"Then tell your nice little buddy there to hand over his Data-Pad and you'll still have peace."

"I take it you are trying to threaten us, and no you can not have the Pad," Soral said simply.

The large guy reached in his coat and pulled out a knife, "Is your blood really green?"

Before Peter had time to remember that he was supposed to be acting like a Vulcan, and not a Kirk, he had grabbed the guy's hand and wrenched the knife free.

The man angrily punched Peter square in the jaw and he went down in a heap.

"Thought Vulcan's were supposed to be strong!" He jeered. There was a tremendous yell and instantly the gang was upon them. Peter started throwing punches right and left, utilizing every trick that his Uncle had taught him. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Soral grappling with one of the larger guys. A moment later the man fell to the ground unconscious.

Peter had been so distracted by seeing the legendary Vulcan-nerve-pinch (for the first time ever!) that he didn't see the glint of silver come down on him.

He roared in pain as he felt the knife plunge into his arm.

Soral charged into the group. There was a pile of three men on top of him instantly, but he tossed them aside as if they were toys. He stood over top of Peter with a look that would have made Sarek himself cringe.

"Back off!" he shouted.

"Hey," one of the youngest in the group yelled, "That guy's blood is red."

"Leave. Now," Soral whispered. It was a scarier sound than when he yelled. The group hesitated only .03 seconds before they scattered.

I'm evil. I know. Sorry. There is a possibility I can crank out the next Chapter before I leave tomorrow. But if not I promise that when I get back you'll have an extra-long epic chapter to make up for this cliffie :)

The Episode I was referencing with regards to Kirk's "Vulcan" disguise is "The Enterprise Incident." And yes... I think his make-up is BUTT UGLY in that Episode. Personal Opinion.