A/N Thank you for all the feedback! I am enjoying writing this (although it has been a challenge) more feedback is always appreciated. Also, I am going to be in Yellowstone this weekend so may not have a chance to update for a bit (Not sure if my cabin will have WiFi or not... sides it seems kind of wrong to be delving in a fanfic when I'm supposed to be enjoying Natural Wonders of Earth :) ) But I WILL finish this. Guaranteed. I'm OCD like that.

"So how far have you gotten?"

"Well, we've got a TON of data accumulated, but we still have only a rough outline of the topic. Wish it wasn't such a broad subject. It's easy to get bogged down in the details of it."

"I wasn't talking about that," Peter's buddy Tom rolled his eyes, "I mean your "Top 100 Reasons my Roommate Drives me Berserk" list. What number are you on?"

"Oh that… actually I haven't really thought of it in a while…uh… I think I was on 39 last time I checked. Wait. 40. I forgot: He made me go to bed last night because he said "you are showing signs of fatigue" which was okay… except I ended up sleeping right through your message about the frat party! Sorry about that, by the way, sounded fun."

"Man, if I were you, I would've told that Rabbit off a long time ago!"

"Hey!" Peter snapped, "Don't call him Rabbit! It's derogatory."

"Derogatory? Dude! You're even starting to talk like him! One of these days you are gonna walk into class with pointed ears, talking like a word-dictionary-thing."

"You mean a Thesaurus? Cool your Thrusters; your just jealous cuz you had to look up the word "genre" after that pretty gal in Astrophysics asked about the music you like. A little vocab wouldn't kill you! Seriously man, if anyone could use a Vulcan roommate; it's you."

"Phhhhh! No Thanks! I got better things to do in my room than trip over a walking computer. Speaking of which, there's your pet project now."

Peter looked around the Cafeteria until he spotted Soral. It usually wasn't too hard to notice him in a crowd… considering most people gave him a wide-berth.

"Hey Soral!" he called waving him over.

His roommate approached stiffly.

"Why don't you join us?" Peter smiled.

"That would be agreeable," he replied and sat down gracefully.

"Uh…." Tom said, "I... gotta go… got stuff to do. Catch ya later Kirk."

Peter shook his head and continued to eat. He tried to ignore the awkward silence that had suddenly descended around them. He was grateful when he finally saw Samantha walk towards him.

"Hey," he grinned, "Wondered where you went."

"Sorry, had to clean up a mess we made in Biochemistry. Don't ask; it was nasty."

"You know Soral, of course."

Samantha smiled uneasily, "So... Uhm… Peter tells me you two have been going over the Enterprise Mission Logs."

"Affirmative."

"Yeah… so… any good stories? That Captain Kirk seems pretty dishy."

Soral looked puzzled.

"She means he looks hot," Peter clarified.

"I do not recall there being any reports of environmental difficulties resulting in above-average temperatures. It is possible that his metabolism is such that-"

He groaned inwardly, "She means his appearance is attractive."

"I see."

"I can imagine he would be," Samantha stammered, "going by his nephew."

Soral frowned, "It is highly extraordinary that you have not seen an image of Captain Kirk before, as his records are easily accessible to the public."

#41 He can kill a mood in 0.087 seconds.

"Uh," Peter felt his color rising, "There was a pretty cool mission where my uncle had to illogic a computer."

"That's interesting," Samantha responded (her face had gone three shades of red as well)

"If you are genuinely interested," Soral added, "we could provide you with a transcript of the entire process. There are also schematics available cataloging the systems failure. It is really quite fascinating."

"I bet," Samantha said dryly, "Hey uh… Pete I gotta go. Will see ya later okay?"

Peter had to physically sit on his hand to keep from slapping himself in the face.

"Perhaps a better choice of subject would have been Biochemistry?" Soral asked. He looked genuinely confused.

"No, you did fine. It wasn't so much the conversation it was… other things. She was working on a different kind of chemistry… and the external factors just… didn't work right for her purpose."

"Explain."

"Uh… later okay? Not here."

Peter shifted uncomfortably and tried to ignore the snickers coming from the eavesdroppers around him.

#42 He's a genius… but OMG he is naïve sometimes!

Peter,

I must first commend you on your progress in Vulcan. You are correct in your observation that it is a complex language with a profusion of terminology. You show a remarkable adaptability in your understanding, however. Have you considered a career in Xenolinguistics?

The question that you have raised is very pertinent to your topic. Regrettably, it is not an easy one to answer.

I shall endeavor to convey accurately what I have observed based on my personal experiences.

You are right when you say that other Humans often behave strangely when a Vulcan is in their presence. This is due, in part, to some preconceived notions about us. For example: some have mentioned concern that I am "reading their minds" when in fact I neither could (due to the distance they placed between me) nor would! (I should hope, in your studies of our philosophy, that you understand the reasons for my forceful statement, and the level of… abhorrence we would place on any action of that nature.)

I have also observed that Humans tend to feel inferior when a Vulcan attempts interaction. You, yourself, have noted that you feel "stupid" when I must explain terminology or procedures to you. However, I find it intriguing that Humans often do not consider that a Vulcan has neither ego nor pride, and therefore would never compare himself to a species with natural deficiencies.

You asked if I have noted the reverse situation. I have only on occasion been witness to scenarios where there was but one Human present amongst a large gathering of Vulcans. I do recall one incident where a particularly dynamic Human entered the Vulcan High Council on matters of some urgency. The reaction of the crowd consisted of backing away to give her space. This was likely due to their (quite correct) assumption that the Human was likely to display physical violence at anybody who stood in her way. I have no other observations on this topic. Perhaps you could speak with Dr. M'Benga as he has had many years of experience working all-Vulcan settings.

Your second question was regarding whether or not there is a marked difference in other's reactions to me when Kirk is present. The answer is yes. Some react with considerably less-ease than before. (Please note that this may be due to your Uncle's aura of protectiveness… he can be quite formidable)

However, I have also been able to utilize my friendship with Kirk in order to better acquaint myself with the crew. When Captain Kirk is with me, I find it easier to approach other Humans and engage in conversation. (Jim calls this being my "wingman" -although a somewhat archaic expression, the description is relatively accurate.)

Humans are very curious creatures, and some wonder what enables two such different species to "get along." I personally embrace such inquisitiveness as long as the motivation is to find truth, and not fuel some preconceived notion about the nature of the relationship.

I hope that this information will be useful to you. I also offer my apologies that I have not yet returned a completed questionnaire… some of the answers are proving quite difficult to articulate comprehensively. This is due to the indefinable nature of the concepts. However, I am endeavoring to be as accurate as possible, and will send you my conclusions in a timely manner. I have enclosed my completed answers thus far.

Live Long and Prosper,

Spock

Sarek arrived at his home exactly 10.8 minutes late. The traffic had become particularly congested en route. After having spent the past 18.7 hours engaging in intense diplomatic debates, his body was indicating it needed nourishment and rest.

He opened the door, his senses perplexed by the noticeable absence of any aroma indicating that his wife had been cooking.

"Amanda?"

"Oh! Goodness!" His wife exclaimed; She was seated on the couch surrounded by holo-vids, pictures, and letters, "I lost track of the time. So sorry, I could heat up some leftover Klitanta k'forati-mun for you. Or you can replicate something."

Sarek had learned long ago that when given the option of something Amanda had cooked, or the replicator, the most advantageous choice was the former.

"Klitanta k'forati-mun"

Amanda smiled and scurried to the kitchen. Sarek eyed the mess she had left behind her.

Curious, he picked up a holo-pic of their wedding day.

"Goodness I look so young there," Amanda sighed as she returned with a food tray, "Sorry the kitchen table is cluttered. You get to eat Human style tonight."

Sarek gave her a reprimanding gaze, then sat himself on the couch, "Why have you littered my home with these?"

Amanda shot him a warning look then said evenly, "This research is to help Peter Kirk with the project that you thrust upon him."

"I did not order him to take on the project, and the topic was of his own design."

"True, but he had hardly expected to have his observations be broadcast to all of Vulcan! Have you any idea the amount of stress you just placed on him?"

Sarek assumed the question was of the peculiar variety where not answering was the only method of preventing an intense debate. He decided to change the topic of conversation.

"How are these… records… to be used in Mr. Kirk's lecture?"

"Oh, don't worry, nobody will see our honeymoon pictures" Amanda winked, "I got those out to help me… remember."

"You have proven many times, my wife, that your recollection of our wedding day is flawless."

"I was seeking to recall details that are… emotional in nature. Peter has asked about how other Vulcans react to… us. I needed to… freshen… the memory of how others had behaved towards me in the beginning."

"Regarding the reaction of my peers, I do recall being required to answer some rather impertinent questions regarding the logic of my decision."

"On both sides," Amanda said wryly, "You do realize that my father begged me to reconsider even on the day of?"

"I was aware of that fact. As I recall, he threatened me with physical harm if I ever caused you emotional pain."

"And I was given a very long and cold stare by T'Pau when I showed up in my wedding dress."

"If memory serves, I had alerted you to that possibility."

"I still maintain it was the right thing to do. If you had wanted an all-Vulcan wedding you should have picked a different bride."

"I was not personally against your choice of attire; I had merely stated that others would likely find your wardrobe… somewhat out of place."

"You liked the dress and you know it."

"I agree that the garment suited and enhanced your natural features."

Amanda blushed as she picked up another photo, "I don't think I realized just how conspicuous I was, until after the ceremony."

"It was unfortunate that you had not discussed the tradition of "the bouquet toss" with me, prior to attempting it."

Amanda snickered, "It was also unfortunate that T'Pau didn't duck."

She eyed the photo of the formidable Vulcan; mouth set, eyes stern, with a small Orchid leaf clinging to her hair. How the photographer had managed to get that candid shot was a mystery. Why T'Pau hadn't ordered it destroyed, equally as inscrutable.

"I remember feeling like everything I did was being analyzed. I was the strange anomaly, and everyone wanted to know what you had seen in me."

"A very Human interpretation."

"Well…" she smiled, "It's gotten easier over the years. I think the entire galaxy has figured out that Ambassador Sarek married a Human for incomprehensible reasons. Now your colleagues put up with me pretty well."

"A reasonable description of how our contemporaries regard you. Nevertheless, I do not see how this conversation is related to Mr. Kirk's analysis."

"Why don't you ask him?"

Sarek paused his eating… perhaps it was time to check on the progress of Kirk's report.

Soral returned from his Advanced Gravitational Mathematics class to find his roommate asleep at his desk. He was slumped over in a non-ergonomic position, and his head had rested on top of a stack of data chips.

He considered rousing Kirk, for the purpose of discussing their latest communiqué from the Lady Amanda, but thought better of it. He had learned that Humans tended to be less than sociable when awaken from obviously much-needed sleep.

As the data he wished to analyze was currently being used as Peter's headrest, he decided to utilize his spare time for meditation. As he prepared, his thoughts turned towards the surprising discovery regarding his roommate's past. That a Human child had gone through such a traumatic experience and yet emerged relatively unscathed (despite not having any advanced mental discipline) was… remarkable. There was perhaps more to Humans than he had first anticipated. Their resilience was… intriguing.

As he reclined on the bed, his thoughts were disturbed by a familiar crunch. A quick search under his mattress lead to the discovery of a half-eaten potato chip bag.

Revision: though there were some aspects of Humans that he found captivating, there were many behaviors that he would prefer to ignore.

Peter Kirk woke with a start to a soft buzz next to his head.

Incoming Communication from Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan

Peter combed his fingers quickly through his hair, and tried to work up some spit to cover over the tell-tale hoarseness of having been caught sleeping.

"Ambassador Sarek," he croaked out.

"Mr. Kirk. I would like to inquire as to the progress of your studies."

"Uh… *cough*… we have got a lot of data and a rough outline."

"I would be interested in seeing the information you have compiled thus far."

Even though it was *sort of* a request, the way the Ambassador said it made it obvious that is was pretty much a command.

"Yes, sir." Peter scrambled over the data chips that he'd somehow managed to fall asleep on. Hope there isn't a weird mark on my cheek.

He hastily plugged the disc in.

"Sending now… OH CRAP! NO!"

Soral was jolted from his meditation by the sudden outburst from his roommate. He jumped up, "Kirk?"

"AMBASSADOR! That is the wrong file!" Peter shouted at the screen, "Please disregard, I am sending the correct one now."

It was too late. Ambassador Sarek's face took on an incredibly… expressionless… look as the file filled the screen:

Top 100 Reasons my Roommate Drives me Berserk

Soral stood behind Peter and read the list in one glance.

"I have serious reservations about your project, Mr. Kirk," Sarek said heavily, "I remind you that this will be broadcast live to Vulcan. I want an updated report in 2 days time. Ambassador Sarek Out."

It was then Peter realized that the subject of his blunder was standing right behind him.

"Listen, Soral… it was just a joke. You know; stupid Human humor. There really aren't 100 things you do to annoy me. Honest."

"I did observe that your list had only reached #45."

He felt his tempter rise, "Look! You aren't exactly the easiest roommate to have alright? So I made a list to keep me from strangling you! Is that such a crime?"

"If you will excuse me," Soral said plainly, "It is apparent that the Ambassador wishes for a comprehensive outline of the presentation. I shall be in the library attempting to compile the analyses. I suggest you catalogue the data that was sent to you this morning."

Soral left the room abruptly. Peter waited 'til he was certain there was nobody in earshot before letting loose with every profane word he knew.

"So basically, I made a complete blongia of myself in front of the Ambassador, and now Soral is giving me more of a cold shoulder than usual."

Captain Kirk listened quietly as his nephew vented. Spock sat to the side of him, staring intently at the wall in thought.

"Peter," Kirk said calmly, "You made a mistake. That's what Humans… and Vulcans… do sometimes. It happens to the best of us. That being said, you probably have offended Soral a tiny bit."

"Jim, it's not like I hurt his feelings or anything! This is a Vulcan we are talking about!"

"Peter… what do your instincts say?"

"That I just blew this whole thing up higher than a solar flare."

"Eloquent, but inaccurate," Spock interrupted, "the damage done is not irreparable. You will find that Vulcans can have a rather… forbearing… nature when it comes to Human error."

"If I go and apologize, I know exactly what he'll say "Apologies are not necessary. I have no emotion; therefore I am not subject to feeling hurt. To be offended by such trivial matters is neither logical nor practical." Trust me. I know the guy. So really, what's the point?"

"The point is," Kirk raised his voice, "YOU are kicking yourself over this. You made a Human error, now you need to find a Vulcan solution."

"Like what? Tell him that it is logical to forgive me?"

"Look, this is something you two have to work out yourself. Spock and I can't help you here."

Peter groaned, "Not what I was hoping for… I seriously don't see how I can dig my way out of this one. Bet you've never gluhoyed yourself as bad as I just did."

Spock's face appeared on the screen, "Peter. In all interactions the probability of causing or receiving offense is 67.34. When you factor in the differences in culture, emotional make-up, and language; the factor is increased by a further 70.86%"

"You two ever… you know… mess up like I did?"

"On occasion…" Spock intoned slowly, "I have spoken or behaved in a manner differing with what Captain Kirk would have preferred. And he has likewise done so with me. In all instances, communication and acceptance of our own fallible nature enabled us to move past the quandary."

Peter sighed, "If you say so…"

Soral returned to their room 1.34 minutes before curfew. Kirk was not there. Typical.

He had managed to create a more detailed overview of the presentation. However, he had to acknowledge that there were significant gaps in the information. He felt peculiarly exhausted. Further exertion could be postponed until tomorrow.

Soral felt under the mattress once more, not desiring to have another one of the Human's surprises disturb his rest. His fingers grasped a data-pad and pulled it out…

100 Reasons why a Vulcan makes the BEST roommate:

#1 They're clean. They never leave a mess anywhere, and you know their side of the room is sanitary.

#2 They can make the Teacher's Pet look like an idiot.

#3 They are BRILLIANT and yet they never brag about it.

#4 They make you study hard

#5 They inspire you to continually work to improve yourself

#6 They make pleasant sounds in their sleep

#7 They respect your privacy

#8 They understand when you want to be left alone

#9 They know when you want them to stay and help

#10 They can fix a crashed computer better than the tech-guys

…

#100 They are forgiving… (I hope)