Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek: Enterprise, it is property of Paramount Pictures and it's creators: Rick Berman and Brannon Braga. Katharine Forrest and Suran were inspired by characters created by Sensera and Fameanon's Ginie and Sorak. Any parallels between the works with this one were unintentional.

Part II: Concern

Days slowly transpired, and the 24th was just around the corner, and with each passing hour the Ambassador watched as Kate grew even more solemn. Even his staff had noticed and a few had taken the time to seek him out in an attempt to learn if something had happened to her family. It was strange, she had been with them for a few months and already a majority of his staff found her presence comforting, that was until recently, now they seemed more concerned that she wasn't her self. Soval slowly walked out of his office and looked to Suran, Kate had gone to lunch, since he had stated he was going to be doing paperwork the rest of the day.

Minister Kuvak was standing on the opposite side of the room, his eyes gazed out the window, as though he were seeking the answers to every issue in the horizon. "Soval, you're guard has been most odd," he remarked after a moment, causing the Ambassador to slip from his thoughts and look up at the other Vulcan. Minister Kuvak had silver hair, several tones lighter than Soval's own, and a pair of gray eyes, he was as old as Soval, and had managed to become quite important. After V'Las had disappeared, it was between himself and Soval that the teachings of Surak were allowed to blossom.

In response the Minister had decided to visit Earth, to satisfy his own curiocity for the humans. It was the first time a Vulcan Minister had left their home world to visit another planet. Oddly, the Minister who was unaware of Earth Culture, chose Decemeber to visit, close to their New Year and Chirstmas. While Soval was confused at first, he decided that it was probably one of the better times for a visit.

The Ambassador looked at him and responded, "She has been behaving oddly, I assure you this isn't her usual temperament. Has she done something to offend you?" The Minister shook his head and slipped his hands into the folds of his sleeves, his eyes fell on Soval, and in that brief moment he could see how the position had aged the Vulcan before him. He had assumed the role of governor as T'Pau was learning the nuances of becoming Minister.

Kuvak slowly walked toward Soval's desk, "Nothing, she simply seems troubled, I'm concerned that she may not be able to execute her duty to her full capacity," he stated. Soval was silent, his own fear was now being voiced by an individual who he considered to be a friend, not as close as Admiral Forrest, but closer than most. Soval rose from his seat, now he had to act. Kuvak had just pointed out the metaphorical white elephant in the room, and now he would have to address the issue.

The Ambassador walked across the room and opened the door, "Suran," he said simply, instantly his aide looked up at him and rose, it was how things tended to transpire, Suran had been with him for years and over time they had grown accustomed to one another to the point where his tone would tell the Vulcan all he needed to know. Suran swiftly left his post and entered Soval's office, "Osu?" he asked. The Ambassador locked the door and slowly stood before his aide, one of the few people he considered a friend.

Soval quietly composed his thoughts, he knew his next action wasn't typical, he was concerned for the safety of his staff since Kate seemed distracted but couldn't confront her directly. He didn't understand it, but there was something telling him to be careful or he would actually cause her a great deal of pain and not mean to. "Suran, have you noticed the shift in Major Forrest's demeanor?" he asked after a moment.

The Minister was still and he could tell that he was interested in Suran's response as well. Suran's brows lifted in surprise as he looked at the Ambassador, his brown eyes wide for a moment and Soval knew he probably just committed taboo. He took a seat at his desk and sighed rather uncharacteristically, "She has been distracted as of late and I'm concerned about her ability to serve us," he explained, logically it made sense, after all when one became too consumed with other issues it was easy to commit mistakes, which would cost someone dearly with her occupation.

Soval watched his aide look to the chair asking silently for permission, which Soval nodded in approval. Once Suran was settled he replied, "I have noticed a change, she seems solemn, the night before she was crying. I wasn't sure what had occurred, I thought perhaps you did." Soval shook his head, something alien began to stir in him, and he quickly shoved it away. "No," he replied.

It was unusual for her to be consumed with something, in fact, in the short period he had known her, he didn't think it was possible. She had been stable; it had been years since he had seen her tears, her Father's return home to be precise. Soval froze as realization dawned upon him, her father, his best friend the Admiral. His eyes fell on the empty spot on his desk where the special card would sit, signed with two names.

The Minister was the one who spoke next, for Soval couldn't seem to find his tongue, "Suran, what do you know of the holiday, Christmas? As far as I know it's the celebration of the return of Christ, something Christians celebrate," he said hesitantly.

Suran was quiet and Soval could tell the Vulcan was sifting through his memory, "That is what it is for, however, it is also a time of peace and family," he replied. Family, the word felt like ice water being dumped over his head, those tears were for her father. The Minister arched a brow, "Major Forrest, is she related to the late Admiral?" he asked curiously. Soval turned his attention to the Minister who had at one point settled in the loveseat not far from his desk. Soval nodded numbly, "His youngest daughter," he replied, his tongue was stiff.

Suran's expression shifted as well, he could tell his aide had arrived at the same conclusion, "What do we know of Kate's remaining family?" he asked after a moment.

Suddenly she was no longer Major Forrest, but Kate, the little girl he had met and watched cry when her father's body was returned to Earth. A gentle soul who played violin so well that it made even the most restless of mind come to peace, was in pain. Suran paused, "I do not know, she never speaks of them. She rarely mentions her father, and when she does it seems painful," he replied. The corners of the Ambassador's lips twisted downward, that wasn't a reply he wanted to hear.

When Max had died he knew his family was strained, but never once had he been contacted by Kate for aid or guidance, or any of the Forrest Family for that matter. Despite the fact he had insured that they had a way to reach him if they needed him, for anything, including comfort. The Minister sat thoughtfully in his seat and Soval hazarded a glance in his general direction, part of him wondered if he would see a look of disdain or spark or ire. Yet, those were both absent, he seemed lost in thought, as though this new problem was also his responsibility to solve.

"Suran, please find out what you can about her family, and a little more about what her father had done during the holidays," he said simply, if he was going to end her pain he would have to look at the root of it.

Kuvak's eyes widened as he stared at Soval, his shock was noted as he sat up straighter in his seat. There was a question in his gaze, yet it was never voice, and that Soval was grateful for. He didn't have an answer, other than his own guilt, which he knew was certainly going to be frowned upon.

Vulcans did care about emotional pain, after all they weren't void of emotion, in fact their emotions were so powerful that if allowed free, they would cause harm. To see someone suffering emotional pain, was daunting for a Vulcan, since they understood too well how powerful emotions could be. "Yes, Osu," said Suran as he stood, "Shall I make this a priority?" he asked, a brow arched as he did so.

The silver haired Ambassador looked up and nodded, "Yes, I will handle trade agreements and such, just see what you can find out about the Forrest Family." Suran nodded before leaving, knowing that with those words he was dismissed. He watched the retreating form of his aide for a moment as he looked out the window at the bay. He glared at the snow which was resting on the windowsill. He was going to make this better, he had to. Max would never have allowed his child, if he had one, to suffer like this.

Soval picked up a PADD and set to work, he had a feeling Suran would return to him soon. Kuvak looked at the Ambassador and asked, "Why?" he asked. That was the question indeed, and in a way Soval didn't even know. He drew a deep breathe and replied, "Her father." That was his reason, the only reason he was even doing this, or at least that was what he told himself. Despite all of their philosophy, never once did they call for the memory of those who passed to be diminished, and it wasn't frowned upon to aid those who had lost a clan member.

"Fascinating," breathed the Minister. Soval looked up and arched a brow, but the Minister was already slipping out of his office.

~*CW*~

The holiday was drawing nearer, it was nearly everywhere, excluding the Vulcan consulate, which now Kate found to be slightly soothing, at least she wasn't crying. This year she hadn't found it in her to put up a tree, or even send Christmas cards. She had done the hat and mitten drive she usually did and did check with the toy drive to make sure she was still on the list to drop toys off. However, she still wasn't sure if she could find the strength to do it alone, oddly she wondered if she could illicit the help of Suran.

She chuckled at the thought of the Vulcan toting a bag of gifts through the hospital, dressed in evergreen and cherry red tunic with a velvet green hat complete with white faux fir trim. Knowing full well he wouldn't have to put on pointed ears to pass as an elf… well an elf with a pituitary gland issue. She looked continued her familiar track down the hallways, Suran had been nice to her since her arrival and she felt as though he was probably more open to the holiday than the Ambassador.

While Soval was quite the dignitary, he wasn't one to participate in the local culture. She had noticed he didn't participate in Thanksgiving. Christmas probably wasn't on the list either. Her black boots echoed as they hit the tile floors, she watched several Vulcans walk by, their expressions softened slightly as they looked at her, and oddly the looked more welcoming than usual. She knew this wasn't Soval's doing, he wouldn't have asked the staff to be nice, Suran perhaps, but not Soval.

Minister Kuvak was quiet, and she rarely heard him speak. She had seen him a few times walking through the grounds of with the Ambassador. However, he tended to keep out of the light and lingered in the shadows, observing rather than participating. His cool gray eyes had unnerved her at first, however, over time she had grown accustomed to them, since more often than not they appeared warmer than Soval's.

She turned the corner to see Suran had left his desk and the door to the Ambassador's office was open. Sitting behind a large wooden desk was none other than the Ambassador. His dark eyes were scanning a document, he had a silver stylus tucked between his long bronze fingers and his silver hair seemed lighter thanks to the light reflecting off the snow and bounding into his office through the window. She looked at the delicate point of his ears and noticed his expression seemed slightly strained, obviously he didn't like something he was reading.

She was about to take her post when he called, "Major a word please," his voice was soft but she could tell it wasn't a request. Kate left her position and entered his office tentatively. "Yes, sir?" she asked as she stood at attention before him. She felt as though she were a child who was about to be reprimanded. He placed the PADD on the table, "I need you here tomorrow evening," he said simply, "I was selected to host a holiday event, a small gathering for myself and the Denobulan Ambassador, as well as Admiral Gardner."

She stared at him, she hadn't been sent information about this, nor was it included on his schedule. "Sir?" she asked hesitantly. The Ambassador looked up and added, "It's something I do annually, it wasn't included on my schedule because I had assumed Suran informed you." Suran hadn't even mentioned something of this nature and instantly she wondered if the idea had slipped the aide's mind, which wasn't like him. Suran was very attentive, and would never let something as important as this escape him. She nodded after a moment, something was up and she wondered just what was going on.

Kate was half tempted to call the Admiral, however knew better, Gardner wouldn't have taken the call well. Only now did she realize she wouldn't be able to deliver the gifts, unless she dropped them off after the party or before work, both of which would be difficult since the Ambassador started his day promptly at five in the morning, and it didn't end until usually midnight, and something told her the party would cause it to end at one or two in the morning.

Her heart sank a little, she had already let her father down by not sending cards, at least the one special card, if only she knew the address. Not to mention the fact that she hadn't decorated a tree or helped the needy as much as her father had. Kate internally sighed, it was probably for the best, the kids at the hospital were sad enough, they didn't need to see her sadness as well, many of them had incurable diseases and conditions. Her sadness wouldn't help them fight.

"Is there anything else?" she asked softly.

Soval was quiet, she wasn't sure how long he had been watching her, and didn't want to know. "I would like you to speak with my Head of Security for the Consulate to insure that everything is in order," he said stated resolutely. Kate nodded, it was time for her to spend a few hours working with the Head of Security, which was never easy since he frequently went about doing things his way, not that his security wasn't sufficient. In many ways the Head of Security was more attentive than the whole of Starfleet when it came to securing an area. However, she wished he would be a little more open to ideas and communicate with her more.

She waited another moment before the Ambassador dismissed her and resumed what ever he had been doing before.

The hallways were oddly emptier than usual as she walked to the office of the Head of Security, which was in a wing with the armory. She knew the path, since she took it nearly everyday to have her phaser checked in and out when ever they were on outings. It was standard procedure for all weapons to be checked into the armory, well most weapons. She had managed to allow them to keep a knife. She didn't like the idea of not carrying one on her person, knives tended to come in handy with all sorts of situations. The deal was that it couldn't be visible, but as she was allowed to carry it with her.

She turned another corner only to hear a light laugh. Immediately Kate froze, laughter in the consulate was rare, many of the staff had children, however none of them laughed. They were all conditioned to hide such nature by the time their parents took them to Earth. She watched as a pair of Vulcan boys dashed through the halls, one of them carrying a plane made of wood and the other trailing with one painted in opposing colors. The two didn't seem to have a care in the world, until they reached her view.

Instantly they skidded to a stop and stood before her, the other boy skidded into the one in front, knocking him forward a little, causing him to stumble. Their eyes were wide in terror, they looked as though they were deer caught in the headlights of a car. She noticed they had large light brown eyes, similar black hair cuts and large pointed ears, which appeared to be much too large for them, but she had a feeling they would grow into them. Kate looked at them curiously, she had seen Vulcan children in passing, but never had the chance to truly look at them. She smiled a little, they were rather adorable and part of her wondered if Soval had looked like this as a child.

She watched as the boys stared at her in dread, one of them dropped the wooden plane on the floor. Kate looked at the boy before her curiously, waiting for him to pick it up, only he never did. She hummed as she bent at her knees and scooped it up, only now upon further inspection did she realize it wasn't wooden at all, it was metal and painted bright red. It had a small black propeller and gold detailing, she slowly looked at the wings and smiled NR- 7952, it was a Lockheed Vega 5. She held it in her hands gingerly before holding it out to the boy who had dropped it, "That's a special plane," she said softly.

The young Vulcan stared at her, she could tell he was still afraid, she didn't like it when children feared her. Even thought she was dressed as a MACO, she didn't want them to fear her, she was one of the "good-guys". She smiled a little as he fingers swept over the familiar rounded wings, "Do you know why?" she asked them gently. Her blue eyes fell on the pair and the shook their heads.

She smiled a little more as she watched their black hair sway, "It was flown by a very important woman, her name was Amelia Earhart, she was the first woman to fly over the Atlantic with this plane," she said softly as she held it out to the boy, "She was a brave woman," she stated, "She did something no one thought she ever could."

Kate could remember her father telling her all about it as a little girl, his warm voice still hummed in her ears. "She ha Pratt & Whitney Wasp R1340C and can reach a top speed of 185 miles per hour. A wing span of 12.5 meters, and is 8.4 meters long. Currently she is on display at the Smithsonian Institute's Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C." she said softly as she turned the plane in her hands, "There were 132 made, only 4 have managed to survive."

The boys looked at her in awe as she watched the one in front of her slowly reach out for it, "What about mine?" asked the younger one standing behind the first. Kate handed the plane back to it's owner and held her palm out for the other, she could remember how her father would tell her of the great adventurers taking off in these planes and setting records with them. She smiled a little as she watched the boy trust her enough to touch his treasure.

She examined the small metal plane in her hands, his one was made with great care and accuracy as well. She slowly looked at the tail and then at the nose, written just a breath from it in script was "The Spirit of Saint Louise". Who ever had purchased the planes for the boys knew a great deal about Earth History, since they had selected two very important planes. "You have the Spirit of Saint Louise, flown by Charles Lindbergh in 1927 on it's legendary flight from New York to Paris Le Bourget," she explained and watched the child stare at her, "It has a top speed of 133 miles per hour, a wingspan of 14 meters, and is 8.4 meters in length," she said quickly.

She smiled a little as she held it back out to the boy, "There was only one of these ever made," she said with a grin, "It was designed by Ryan Airlines, owned by Benjamin Franklin Mahoney. There are replicas of the model around the world, but the only Spirit of Saint Louise is resting happily in the Smithsonian as well," she stated. The young Vulcan slowly collected the metal plane, careful not to touch her. She could feel a forgotten warmth caress her heart as the boys looked at her. "How long did his flight take?" asked the oldest.

Kate smirked, that was the best part, "Well how long do you think it took?" she asked. The boys looked at her and then one replied, "I don't know the weather conditions at the time." Kate hummed, all Vulcans were into precise numbers, "Guess," she stated. The two stared at her in confusion, "Take your best one," she said simply. The elder of the pair replied, "50 hours, 20 minutes, 10 seconds, based on the speed and wingspan." Kate smiled, "Nope, you wouldn't believe me if I told you," she teased.

The boys stared at her and the elder looked a little irritated, he arched a brow expectantly and she smiled, "33 hours, 30 minutes," she stated. Both boys stared at her in dismay, "That's impossible." Kate shook her head and held her finger up, "Nope, look it up." She slowly rose and looked down at the pair, "I won't tell on you by the way, just be careful," she said as she winked. A little life in the Consulate wasn't a bad idea. She continued walking only to see the Head of Security waiting for her, he was dressed in his usual black attire, and his eyes narrowed at her. She suppressed a sigh, she was late, and really shouldn't have stopped for those kids, but she couldn't help it. They were just too cute.

~*CT*~

A knock drew Soval out of his pile of PADDs, he had split them up according to those which needed to be finished before Christmas and those which could wait. "Enter," he called as he annotated another document. He looked up to see Suran, his dark eyes were filled with concern and a hint of sadness. Immediately he set the PADD aside and arched a brow, it took a great deal for Suran to display emotion. Rather than words Suran simply handed him a PADD and held his hands behind his back.

The Minister had promptly excused himself to meditate, and stated he required time to reflect on the situation. He desired to aid them in their attempt to help Kate, but wanted to explore a few emotions first.

Soval slowly began to read it and froze immediately, in seconds he understood Suran's sadness. Amanda Forrest had broken all ties to Kate, she wasn't even listed as next of kin on the young woman's application, in fact the line was blank. He scrolled through the document, Amanda had officially disowned Kate and never contacted her. It was as though Kate had never been born, Amanda ran off to the tropics and had found a new husband, their eldest son –Sam- had moved with her. Since Kate had refused and become a MACO she was disowned.

She received no financial aid, not even a call from her mother, and certainly not a card. Apparently Kate had inherited the town house as well as a trust-fund set up by her father. Most of it she had probably spent since there wasn't much in it. He continued reading to discover not only had she given up on the Arts School she had been accepted to after her Father's death, but sold her violin. The violin was in the hands of a collector in San Francisco, apparently it had been an heirloom which was sold out of desperation. She had the highest scores in school, and was an Admiral's daughter, yet there was little they did to aid her.

Anger boiled under his strict control as he wondered why she didn't call him, why she hadn't simply asked for help. He would have come running if he knew how bad it had become. There was even a report that two years ago she had been diagnosed with a serious case of Pneumonia, which landed her in medical for a month. At the time she had been underweight, so much so that he could see her cheekbones in a photo that had been taken at the time.

His eyes fell on a photo of her wearing a large brown jacket with a red and white hat on her head. The jacket was far too big for her, it was her father's. She had a red velvet bag slung over her shoulder and was carrying it through the halls, a false smile plastered on her face, even though her eyes were filled with grief. It was a tradition started by her father, he looked at the photo bellow it, she was younger and smiling brightly dressed as what he assumed to be an elf. Now looking at the two photos side by side did he realize just how much she lost. She had changed drastically with the loss of her father.

Soval scrolled even further, dread filling him as he did so. Not once had he asked what Max did during the holidays, and now he was about to find out. With each article, the more he realized how little he knew of Max, and not Admiral Forrest. Max always did a great deal of work for the community, bringing toys to children, decorating squares, helping in small towns building houses, working in soup kitchens, and even visiting veterans. All of this, was done with Kate, ever one of those precious events she had assisted in some way with.

Not once did he read a single article involving Kate and her mother, and now he understood just what she lost that day her father chose to save him, rather than himself. Kate had lost the only person who loved her, the one person who was always by her side and in her corner. He had taken her world from her and he felt his stomach twist.

All of his walls fell to the floor as emotions seemed to shatter them, he was the reason she was this miserable.

"Osu?" asked Suran, there was a hint of worry in the aide's voice. Soval slowly opened his eyes, he hadn't even realized he had closed them. He placed the PADD down and slowly looked at his hands, he could still see the red blood of Max lingering with his own green. "Osu," called Suran once more, this time he sounded even more concerned.

The Ambassador looked at the aide, he was at a loss for words, "What shall we do?" he asked. Soval looked at the Vulcan before him, he was responsible for this, he had to fix it. There was only one logical solution, to give her that which he had stolen. "Suran, I need you to hire a human interior decorator, and locate a Christmas tree large enough for the privet residence," he stated. Suran's eyes widened, "You don't have a budget, use my private account for this," he stated as he picked up the PADD again and looked at the information he needed.

"Osu?" he asked in confusion, Christmas wasn't one of their holidays but he wasn't about to allow the girl to not have one. "Cancel with Gardner, but not with the Denobulan Ambassador, I have a call to place," he stated. He was going to fix this, and he knew just how he was going to. Suran nodded before rushing off, of course he was well aware of what he was asking for, to find a tree and decorations was going to be difficult with Christmas Eve just around the corner. Difficult, but not impossible.

The Vulcan quickly turned to his computer and dialed the familiar privet line of the Denobulan Consulate. Almost instantly he was being greeted by the familiar Ambassador, "Soval, this is unexpected," she said warmly, "but not unwelcome. What can I do for you?" she asked curiously. "Kessil, I was hoping you wouldn't mind altering our plans for Christmas Eve," he said, a note of curiosity working into his voice without his consent.

Kessil's vivid blue eyes widened a fraction as she stared at him, he wasn't known to change his plans. "What did you have in mind?" she asked keenly. Soval could tell she wasn't quite comfortable and seemed apprehensive. "I've already told Gardner not to come and spend time with his family, however I have recently come across and event in which I'm certain we both could contribute greatly to," he replied. Kessil adjusted her position, her brown hair shifting as she did so and asked, "How?"

The corners of the Ambassador's lips quirked up of their own volition, "Something a friend of mine used to do," he replied before launching into explanation.

~*CW*~

The streets were packed as individuals rushed about, looking for last minute gifts and the like. Amidst the some what organized chaos was a rather tall Vulcan, still dressed in official looking robes and staring at the sight before him as though he had somehow just stepped into madness that was somehow controlled. In many ways it made his head hurt to think that somehow all the craziness was organized. Suran sighed, Soval was asking for the impossible, and he shook his head, Kate would say that he was asking for the moon, again. A daily occurrence when one worked for the demanding and clever diplomat he did. Over the years he simply learned to work around it.

Yet in all of his 25 years of working with Soval, not once had he asked from something this… bizarre. A Christmas tree, wasn't Vulcan, and was never something Soval had shown interest in, in the past at least. It had taken him an hour to locate the names of designers who specialized in Christmas decorations. This was certainly going to be an experience for him, and Soval, but mainly him. Since he was about to attempt to convince the 30th designer on the list that designing the tree at the consulate was an honor and that this wasn't a loss.

Soval had stated that the designer was to be compensated generously, however it seemed to be an issue of just who had free time and was willing to work with a Vulcan especially since they knew Soval would be around. Osu was difficult, he knew that, but, well the designers made him sound impossible. For a Vulcan he was a little stubborn, not that Suran would ever tell him that, but rather agreeable in comparison to the others he had met, well to V'Las at least.

Suran pulled open the door of the shop and noticed it was filled with decorations and a young man standing in front. He had a pair of large black framed glasses on and his hands in his pockets of what he had learned were dark gray skinny jeans. There was a pair of old earth suspenders over his shoulders and he wore a dark green shirt. His hair seemed to defy gravity, confusing the Vulcan a little, considering he was quite certain it was impossible- 99.763% certain anyway.

He paused standing behind the young man who was adjusting an ornament on a tree. "Hello," greeted the young man as he turned around, he smiled widely and Suran realized that to the average human this young man was considered handsome. "Greetings," he replied. The young man leaned on the counter and asked, "What can I do for you?" Suran could tell this young man was expecting a consultation for regular design, he was stiff and when it came to anything Christmas individuals tended to relax.

Suran paused, and realized what he was about to ask for was going to be awkward, "I'm looking for a designer for a project," he began. The young man was patient as he attempted to find a way to word the project so it didn't sound as bizarre as he thought it was. "We are looking for someone to design a Christmas tree," he said slowly. The Designer's eyes lit up as he clapped his hands, "Okay, so you need it Christmas Eve for the hospital right?" he asked.

Hospital, he thought Suran was a doctor. Suran shook his head and mentally wished Soval was doing this, "No, not the hospital," he stated.

"Hotel?"

"No."

"Shopping Center?"

"No."

"Town Square?"

"No."

"Starfleet Lobby?"

"No."

The Designer stared at him dumbly, as though he had just asked for all the possible locations to place a Christmas tree, obviously he hadn't been recognized. It wasn't too surprising, "Then where is it going?" he asked.

Suran blinked before responding, "The Privet Residence of the Vulcan Ambassador, Soval." The designer stared at him, his green eyes widened as his jaw hit the floor, which was the response he had gotten several times that day. However, this man's impression of an Earth fish was rather impressive and was certainly one of the better one's he had seen.

"The Ambassador… the VULCAN Ambassador… the VULCAN AMBASSADOR SOVAL," he stammered in sheer terror.

Suran nodded as he clasped his hands before him, "One in the same," he said simply. Obviously this was going to be a rejection as well, there was only one thing that this trip was going to prove, that a majority of designers on Earth were terrified of the Vulcan Ambassador. That, and it was impossible to get a tree due to their fear of the man. Suran wasn't sure if he should be amused or annoyed by this.

The designer closed his mouth and asked, "What is he going to do with a Christmas tree?" Suran stared at the man blankly, "What do humans do with it?" he asked. His knowledge was bleak at best when it came to the trees, he still didn't understand why humans brought them inside when they looked just as nice outside, if not better.

The brunet blinked and replied, "There's not really a protocol for one," his voice drifted off after that. The pair were silent as the designer rubbed the back of his neck nervously, "Okay, I guess I can do it, not like I have anyone else, I finished those tree's a few days ago, including he monster in the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan and the other one in Macy's," he stated. Suran had seen images of both trees and found them both to be acceptable, in fact, he had read comments that a number of people found them to be the most beautiful trees they had ever laid eyes on. He knew he was getting a good designer, at least according to the 3,456 reviews he had read online.

"So how big of a tree do we need?" asked the young man, "I'm Nick by the way," he stated. Suran nodded and replied, "I would suggest a tree that is no greater than nine feet, five inches," he stated, "I'm Suran." Nick stared at the Vulcan, "You guys are precise all the time aren't you?" he asked dumbly.

Suran nodded and the designer hummed, "Well at least we don't have to guess with the lights and stuff, we better get cracking, nine footers are hard to find, and I might have to let you borrow one of my fake ones this year." The Vulcan watched as Nick pulled out a pad of paper, it was odd but it seemed to be the medium the designer preferred, "Okay, any idea on the theme? This year is all about glass and bronze, but I have a feeling you are looking for something more traditional with some English influence," he stated.

Immediately Suran was lost, he stared blankly, "How about we look at colors and then we go from there," said the designer nervously. Suran could tell this was going to be a very long day.

~*CW*~

Minister Kuvak was quiet as he watched the flame in his meditation lamp flicker. He had intended to search for a possible solution, only to find his mind taking him back to something he had witnessed earlier that day. He had taken a walk in an attempt to find a quiet place to meditate, that wasn't one of the meditation rooms and wasn't too cold. Even though he was able to control his internal thermostat biologically, it was impossible to do so when in the great depths of meditation.

Gray eyes watched the flame flicker, it was unusual, his mind was usually tranquil and yet it wasn't. He had been on Earth for a few days and only now did he have trouble entering the meditative state. Kuvak had little experience with humans, however, Soval's reaction to Major Forrest's distress was certainly sobering. The typically stoic Vulcan had displayed concern and a hint of guilt. While these emotions weren't condoned on Vulcan, he realized that perhaps because of Soval's long exposure to earth culture that these responses weren't quite as off kilter.

Yet, it wasn't the Ambassador's expression that stuck with him, but one of another individual. A tender and warm smile, that had curled lush lips, causing crystal blue eyes to glisten brightly, and the way long blonde hair seemed to fall down her back. He could still see her kneeling on the floor before the pair of young boys. Her voice was soft and melodic, graceful and oddly soothing. It was the first time Kuvak had seen a glimpse of Major Forrest who didn't look as though she were in agony.

The two young boys were oblivious to this. He could tell they honestly saw her as just an odd human, not understanding just how precious that moment truly was. In the hallway he watched the warrior kneel before a child and offer them affection, something that many Vulcans were deprived. She spoke of human innovation but in such a way that made both boys keen to learn more. She had encouraged them to look past logic and marvel at the leaps and bounds of humanity.

Major Forrest was similar to her father in that way, he had met the Admiral once. It was a long time ago on a planet with a bright red sky. Admiral Forrest was the first human he had ever met, he had been walking through the science academy when he noticed a child crying. Kuvak was trained to not comfort a child, they had to learn the Vulcan way. Yet the Admiral, against his advisement walked over to the young girl, and asked her to look at him. The Minister remembered the confusion he felt at his soft command only for her to obey. She had received a harsh bruise and split lip, green blood tinted her chin and her eyes welled with tears. For a split second he saw terror in her face, it was probably the girl's first time meeting a human.

Kuvak remembered how the Amdiral smiled a little and knelt before the child. "You know, I have a daughter who's your age, named Kate," he started. Vulcans were never for small talk, he wondered if the Admiral had known this at the time, or if this was his way of diffusing the tension. "She's pretty like you are, and very smart. I bet you're smart too," he said with a smile as he sat on his haunches and clasped his hands before him. His blue eyes never left the girl's face, "She came home one day upset, do you want to know why?" he asked. The girl didn't respond and the Admiral sighed, his gaze became a little sad and yet he continued, "She was told by the boys at school she couldn't be a scientist or an officer because only boys could be those things."

Recognition lit up in the girls eyes as she slowly uncurled and leaned slightly toward him, "Do you want to know what I told her?" he asked. The young Vulcan looked to Kuvak, her brown eyes seeking permission to respond and at that point Kuvak was more curious as to what the human was going to say next. She turned her attention back to the Admiral and nodded hesitantly, still nervous of him. The Admiral smiled and said firmly, "I told her she could be what ever she wanted. If she wanted to discover a cure for a disease then I would send her to Med-School, if she wanted to fly a starship and seek new life then I would teach her how to fly." His words seem to ring in the hallway, and he noticed a few other young Vulcan girls listening, "It doesn't matter who you are, as long as you are passionate about your work, and desire to do it to the best of your abilities. As long as you do that, you can do anything," he finished.

Kuvak was silent, that wasn't a response he expected. "After all, we aren't that different, you know. We both have minds and fingers and toes, why should a boy be better at something like that than a girl?" he asked. The girl's expression brightened and she nodded enthusiastically. Kuvak remembered how the girl had stood before the Admiral, she seemed to feel more pride and responded, "Thank you."

Years later he met the same girl, she was currently a research scientist and one of the best in her field. She still remembered the Admiral and he had heard her tell the story of her childhood to other children who didn't think they were able to achieve their dreams.

A small smile curled Kuvak's lips, they weren't that different. Kate was very much like Max. It was then that he decided he would help Ambassador Soval and learn just a little more about what made these humans so strong.

~*CW*~

The haunting ring of glass hummed in the ears of the feared Vulcan Ambassador Soval. It was sickeningly sweet sound as he entered he instrument shop. His eyes fell on it's source, a large box contraption with wine glasses filled with water. A young man was rubbing his fingers around the lips of them. A number of children had gathered, however the pitch irritated him, his sensitive ears couldn't take it and his teeth set on edge, now he regretted his decision.

The young man stepped away from the contraption and looked rather apologetically at the Ambassador, he clearly could tell he had caused him discomfort. "Ambassador Soval, what can I do for you?" he asked curiously as he wiped his fingers on a towel. Soval pulled out a PADD and held it out to the young man, "I was looking for that," he said simply. The shop owners eyes stared at the screen as he nodded. "Alright, I have her, however she's expensive," he warned.

Soval ignored the warning, "Show me," he said simply. The shop owner walked into the back and returned with the item he was searching for. In that moment he knew what it would take for her to smile, and he was prepared to give her that reason. "I'll take it," he said rapidly as he held out a credit stick connected to his privet account.