29. School

Spock watched as his Captain tried to form the words on the paper before him.

"Ha'tha ti'lu...t'nash-veh...t'nash-veh...ah...ah... Dammit..."

The Vulcan's eyes shone, the only sign of his amusement and he shook his head. "Captain, your pronunciation…leaves something to be desired."

Jim blushed slightly and scowled at the books and sheets on the desk. "I want to know at least some Vulcan before the ambassadors arrive."

"I recommend that you allow me to handle the ambassador." Spock felt a twinge of what might have been guilt at his deliberate skirting around said ambassador's identity. "I do not think you will be able to gather enough of a grasp in-"

"Alright, alright!" Jim threw up his hands and laughed. "I won't embarrass you in front of your fellow Vulcans. I'll stick to Standard."

Spock slowly brought up his hand. "I thank you for that. I do think, however, that you can at least do this much."

Copying the hand gesture, Jim looked over the table at his friend. "What does this mean?"

"It is a simple greeting or sign of respect." Spock replied.

Jim's smile was wide as he looked down at his own hand. "Is there…I know that Vulcan's don't like speaking about your cultures to other races, but is there anything else you can show me?"

Spock's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Why?"

"That's what friends do; learn about each other." Jim shrugged. "And you're a great teacher."