Well, I'll be damned. I've known Spock for more than twenty years now, and he still manages to surprise me.

Yesterday we found out that the Klingons want to sue for peace. They managed to blow up their ozone layer, the geniuses!

That alone would be enough of a surprise. But it turns out that Spock has started some peace talks with the Klingons - without telling Jim. And he also volunteered to escort the Klingon Ambassador to a peace conference with the Enterprise - also without telling Jim. No need to add that Jim wasn't exactly pleased.

Jim just stared at Spock, wide-eyed and unable to speak. When the meeting was over and we all stood, he didn't move and Spock did the same.

I considered staying as well but this was between the two of them. I still don't know what Jim told Spock but sure as hell it wasn't pleasantries. He was still pissed off as we came on board and went to his quarters as soon as possible.

At first I wanted to go to him, but eventually I decided to let him be. If he needs company, he seeks it.

The same cannot be said about Spock. The headstrong Vulcan will sulk alone rather than admitting that he needs his friends.

On his doorstep I found Valeris, our brand new Vulcan lieutenant. Unusually energetic for a Vulcan if you ask me - but then she's probably just young.

They had likely shared some kind of Vulcan ritual. Candles were lit and a carved cup with some kind of beverage in it was resting on the table.

"The Captain is displeased" said Spock without preamble.

"That's the understatement of the century. Are you completely out of your mind?"

"I actually believe that peace with the Klingons is possible under the current circumstances, Doctor"

I rolled my eyes. He's known us for decades and he's so oblivious sometimes.

"Spock, I'm not talking about the Klingons, damn it! I'm talking about the fact that Jim had to find it out like that. And you've been probably working on this for months, just under his nose. You could've told him. You could've prepared him. You know how he feels about the Klingons!"

He walked to the airlock, turning his back to me.

"When my father contacted me with information about the Klingon demise, I saw the possibility of a peace with the Klingons. A peace which could spare many lives and bring further stability to the Federation. I also perceived that the Captain would not have shared my views on this matter. Although aware that my choice might enrage him, I decided to act for the greater good"

"And that's alright. I know your needs of the many stuff. But why not telling Jim yourself? He was going to find out anyway!"

Spock looked calmly at me.

"Jim lost his only son while on a mission to retrieve me"

"It's not your fault and Jim doesn't hold you responsible!" I cut in.

"I am aware of that, Doctor. Still, his son was killed by the Klingons during a mission to rescue me. I presumed that he would consider my involvement with the Klingons as a betrayal"

"Spock, I get it. But the point is: he was going to find out sooner or later. It's not like you could hide it from him forever. So where's the logic in not telling him yourself?"

"There is none" he answered without hesitating.

For a moment I wasn't sure I had heard correctly.

"Are you saying... it wasn't a logical decision?"

"I believe I have just stated that, Doctor"

I gaped at him. I was expecting some lecture on why his decision not to tell Jim had been perfectly logical.

"I found myself unwilling to confront Jim on the subject... out of emotional reasons" he admitted quietly.

I suppose that's the Vulcan equivalent of I was scared but I didn't inquire further.

"I can see how you were afraid of his reaction. But Spock... I'm your friend and Jim's. I could've tried to talk to him, had I known"

"I was unsure of your stance on the matter" he said flatly.

"You thought I would oppose these peace attempts?"

"Do you not, Doctor?"

I sighed deeply.

"No, I don't. I'm a doctor, Spock: if we can spare ourselves battles, wars and lives, all the better if you ask me. And I can see why you want to get things done before they change their minds. So yeah, I'm with you on this one. Doesn't mean I have to like them"

Spock's expression was dangerously close to a smile, although a Vulcan one.

"It is... ironic would be the right word, I believe"

"What's ironic?" I asked, taken aback.

"You suggested a logical course of action to me and I admitted to you that I acted emotionally. When we started our first five years mission, I would not have believed that such a day would come. Many things have changed"

"Must be some side effect of your katra in my head. Anyway, no matter how many things change, there's one that will always stay the same"

"Such as?"

"Us arguing"

"We are not arguing now" he replied, raising his eyebrow in mild surprise.

"Not yet. How about this: we've known each other for twenty-seven years now, we've been in each other's head. You were scared to talk to Jim? Alright. But you could've told me what the hell was going on in that Vulcan head of yours!" I barked.

"I do not see why we should argue since you are right, Doctor"

I gaped at him again.

"Spock, are you quite alright? First you admit being emotional, then you tell me I'm right... should I report you to Sickbay?"

"I was not aware that you wished me to argue. Rest assured that it will not become customary for me to agree with you" he replied with a hint of sarcasm.

"Of course not, I know you have too much fun bantering with me" I replied wickedly, waiting for a prompt reaction.

"Fun, as you call it, has nothing to do with this, Doctor. I debate with you because your arguments lack logic, with exceptions" he conceded gracefully.

"Yes, my ass" I rebuked.

"Your habit of constantly referring to your backside will never..."

"You insufferable Vulcan! God knows how I managed to keep you in my head for weeks! No wonder I was going nuts!"