Tuvok was evaluating his reports in the Mess hall when Zelda approached, she had a green bottle in her left hand, while her right held the traditional Vulcan greeting. Tuvok raised his eyebrow, but returned the gesture. He then made a motion to allow Zelda to sit, as humans who practiced politeness usually required prompting, while those without courtesy sat regardless.
He observed the green bottle.
"Zelda, you appear to have a bottle of Vulcan brandy. May I ask why?
Zelda placed the bottle on the table between them as she sat down, placing two glasses between them and pouring into them an amber liquid.
"Its First Contact Day. And I happen to know Cochrane served alcohol to his Vulcan guests in Montana."
Tuvok considered his recollection of the history he had learned of the events that paved the way for the Federation.
"As I recall, the Vulcan survey team drank Kentucky whiskey, as Vulcan brandy was not available on Earth until after formal trade had commenced between our two worlds."
"True, but one of the benefits of being engaged to a Vulcan is learning the perspective of the Vulcan people to those events. Vulcans, due to their following of the pre-Syrranite form of logic, abstained from ingesting any liquid that impaired their judgement, and only used it for exports. It was only after the Kir Shara was recovered that Vulcans openly ingested alcohol at diplomatic events without prompting."
"Your knowledge of Vulcan history is quite impressive. But you have not answered my query. Why do you have a bottle of Vulcan brandy?"
"To quote the Captain of the Vulcan survey team who 'broke bread' with the humans after Cochrane's test flight, 'Vulcan logic, while capable of tremendous accomplishments, sometimes requires chemical aid when dealing with the most illogical, yet potentially promising, of species.'"
Tuvok arched his eyebrow, and put down his PADD. He lifted the glass, and sniffed it, "An astute observation that initially put said captain under disciplinary review. It was only upon formal meeting between the Vulcan High Command and the human delegates that said Captain was exonerated."
Zelda twirled her glass a little, enjoying the way it caught the light, "I am Hyrulian, we are from the same ancestors, the words said by the ambassador to his aide after the cultural exchange and learning about human technological history was akin to, 'I need a drink.'"
Tuvok corrected, "The exact words were, 'To be present on this planet, with this species, without suitable preparation, and full knowledge of their achievements in spite of themselves, is illogical to endure without some form of alcoholic relief.' Ambassador Soval replaced him shortly. "
"And as it is First Contact Day, I figured it would be appropriate to offer the resident Vulcan, some alcoholic relief, in remembrance of the headache humanity has given your species. Salutations."
"Zelda, I must inform you, non-Vulcans are usually not told about those events. It is considered...a private matter."
"My lips are sealed."
Zelda raised her glass. The Vulcan remained silent, then raised his. The glasses clinked, and both drank.
