Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thank you so much to Laura 2468, dinopoodle, isfoss86, and Lll for reviewing.

It was getting dark by the time we left the restaurant, saying our goodbyes in the parking lot before climbing into Soval's aircar. He had been quiet since I left him in the kitchen, and a part of me was afraid to ask what my brother had said to him. He had thrown Max furtive glances throughout the meal and he hadn't eaten very much.

"What did Max tell you?" I asked halfway over the Bay. The ambassador sighed.

"He made threats to my person, should I prove to be...an unfriendly host to you."

"He said he'd beat you up or kill you if you didn't stop being mean and grouchy?"

Soval glanced sidelong at me. "Something to that effect."

I rolled my eyes. "You know that's illegal, right? Unless it's in self-defense, battery is not a threat he should be throwing out lightly, especially not to a visiting ambassador with diplomatic immunity."

He shifted in his seat. "He did not mean it lightly, Ms. Forrest. He was serious."

"If that's the case, that's even worse."

"Genevieve, if I were ever to mistreat you, I deserve the punishment Maxwell detailed for me."

I glared at him, incredulous. "Mistreat me? In what way?"

He was silent on the matter, but I pressed on. "Look, it's not your job to make me happy. I was under the impression that this was a cultural exchange. We've had disagreements, sure, but you taught me about the V'tosh ka'tur, and me and Emilia have brought you up to speed on football. Slow progress for a month, but it's a start."

Soval had nothing to say in reply to that, and we fell back into a thick silence, with only the sound of our breathing and the soft hum of the aircar to fill the space between us.

"But about Hester..."

He turned and shot me a warning look. I continued carefully.

"If you change your mind about her visit...would you please let me know?"

The ambassador glanced over at me, then nodded. I smiled at my victory, small as it was; I had very little hope for Hester's plea to be approved, but I need not tell her that just yet. I would let him sleep on the matter and let it be...for now. I was sure Timok had his own opinion on this matter, and I was eager to hear it. I'd seek his advice tonight, were it not for the late hour. He probably wasn't awake.

But no matter. There was always tomorrow.

…

As the chances of Soval changing his mind about Hester were slim to none, so I decided to come up with a back-up plan, a consolation prize for my soon-to-be disappointed cousin. I didn't know of any library in the area, not even the Great Library, that carried a book about Vulcan flora. Most libraries were concerned only with storing Earth's knowledge, not so much about alien information. But there was one place that might have a book about Hester's new obsession, and it was worth bending Soval's rules to get it.

The Consulate library was well-lit by a row of large windows, and what heat could be gleaned from lazy September afternoon streamed in with the bright sunlight. It was quiet and warm and empty, and I briefly entertained the idea of sneaking down here for naps before I turned my attention to the man at the front counter, whom I assumed was the librarian.

He had dark hair graying at the temples and thin lines on his face. He was about Sorak's age, perhaps older by a decade (my skill at determining Vulcan ages was shoddy at best), and he frowned as he caught sight of me.

"I did not expect to see you here," he murmured, his voice deep and soothing. I smiled politely.

"Well, I'm looking for a book. This is obviously the place to go."

Real witty, Forrest, I thought to myself with a mental wince. Stay on task.

The librarian, however, offered me a shadow of a smile and leaned against the counter. "What kind of book are you looking for?"

"Do you have anything on Vulcan plants? Maybe a catalog of what grows here in the Consulate garden?"

"I don't have a catalog of what grows here, but I have several books on Vulcan flora."

"Awesome!" I said with a bright smile. Then I paused. "Are any of them in English?"

The man blinked slowly, furrowing his brow, perhaps accessing his mental catalog. Soval had proven plenty of times over our short acquaintance that he had a remarkable memory, and the ability to bring up any tidbit of information in a matter of seconds.

"We have a detailed catalog regarding Vulcan flora, but it is in Vulcan. I would offer to translate it for you, however, someone has already checked it out."

My heart sunk and I shook my head, but I didn't allow myself to give up hope just yet. "When will this person return the catalog?"

"Not for another week."

I could wait that long, but I wanted to explore other options. "Do you know of any libraries in this area that have a similar book in their stocks? And maybe in English?"

"No, T'Sai. Even if they had such a book, no one that I know of has attempted a translation."

I breathed in, pushing away that awful sinking feeling in my chest. "I know you probably can't tell me this, but who checked out the book?"

"Ambassador Soval called for it this morning."

I blinked and quickly thanked him for his help, then hurried to the turbolift. I was alone in the elevator, and I remembered the ambassador telling me his office was on the third floor, and how to get there, should I need anything when he was not in our shared quarters; I shifted my weight from one foot to the other...I was so close to my prize, but I had my doubts. It was possible I could convince the ambassador to part with that book, but then again, if my powers of persuasion were so good, why hadn't I been able to convince him to let Hester visit for a few hours?

No, I told myself. He said there were extenuating circumstances to visits. I just want this book...that's not asking much, is it?

I couldn't assure myself of the answer to that question.

And then, of course, there was the matter of translating the text. I thought of Timok, then dismissed the idea. He was too busy. The librarian? A possibility...he had offered to translate for me, but Soval had strictly forbidden me from fraternizing with his staff. But I wasn't fraternizing...I was taking the man up on his offer, using his skills and services. But what if he wanted compensation? He probably would demand payment for all that work...I dismissed the idea. Maybe Sorak would be willing to help me.

When I approached the aide's desk, I put on my sweetest smile and straightened my posture. "Hello again, Mr. Sorak," I said politely. "Is the ambassador in?"

"Yes, he is in a meeting. He will be concluding his business shortly. Is something wrong?"

"No, I just wanted to ask him something. Better to catch him now in between things rather than wait til tonight...I might forget about it by then. I won't take long, I promise."

I invited myself to take a seat outside the office without waiting for permission, but Sorak didn't seem to mind. I rather liked the man, even though he often didn't say much to me, restricting his conversation to the barest of pleasantries. He almost seemed afraid to say much more than that to me, and I had the strangest feeling that it wasn't by choice.

But those thoughts skittered back into the dark recesses of my brain as Timok and Soval exited the ambassador's office. The elder Vulcan's hands were wrapped carefully around a thick, heavy tome, and I immediately stood, meaning to apprehend my friend before he could escape the vicinity.

"Timok, what book is that?"

He glanced at me, a tiny smirk on his lips. "It is a catalog of Vulcan flora. Soval believes it will be beneficial for me to read it, considering the circumstances."

"What circumstances?" I asked, but he shook his head and nodded to the ambassador.

"Osu," he murmured. His eyes twinkled as he bowed his head to me in farewell, leaving me confused and in the uncomfortable position of being frustrated with the old man.

"Ambassador," I began, but I couldn't find the words to express myself. Timok had been right there, that damnable book in his hands, and I hadn't even told him that I wanted to borrow it. How hard was it to just ask for some educational material for my cousin? The old man would understand, but today of all days he distracts me and leaves me with questions. Then again, he always did that. Bugger it all.

"Ms. Forrest." The ambassador had spoken a few words with his faithful aide while I stared dumbfounded after Timok, and he probably knew that I had asked to speak with him. Soval ran on a schedule, and he didn't have time to waste.

"The thing I wanted just walked away in Timok's hands," I said, my voice thick with frustration. "And what was he talking about, considering the circumstances?"

"For that, you will have to step into my office. I must discuss something with you."

His voice faltered for a moment, and my heart started pounding in nervous anticipation. I wasn't uncomfortable with his presence, but somehow being called into his office to discuss something sounded like I was about to be reprimanded, and I was in no mood for that today. Still, I brushed past him and waited for him to close the door before turning around.

"Look," I said before he could get a word in edgewise, "I know you're not enthusiastic about Hester coming to visit, so I thought I'd do the next best thing and get her that book. There is the translation to think of, and how I'm going to get it to her if you don't let people take books outside the Consulate – and I understand if you wouldn't allow that – but there has to be some way I can further this girl's education without offending you or your staff."

He blinked several times, and I privately thought to myself that he looked kind of adorable when he looked confused. "Genevieve, there is no need for you to translate that book...though I appreciate that you sought alternative solutions to this dilemma instead of persisting. In any case...what would be a good day for Ms. Forrest to come visit the gardens?"

It was my turn to blink in confusion. I tilted my head to the side, proceeding with caution. "You...changed your mind?"

He raised an eyebrow. "I decided a visit from your cousin would not be unacceptable, as long as she had a proper guide. Timok volunteered to give her a tour and supervise her while she visits."

I might have complained about his notion that Hester needed supervision (the girl was almost twenty-one and knew how to behave in a civilized manner), but instead I gave him my biggest, brightest smile and clapped my hands together.

"Ambassador, thank you! You have no idea how much this will mean to her...seriously, this visit will make her year." I shook my head at him in relief, my apprehension melting away. "Thank you."

If he was adorable when he was confused, Soval was absolutely endearing when he blushed. He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it, then opened it again and took a deep breath.

"You may not be so happy when you hear my stipulation."

"Hester will comply with any rule you lay down, as long as she gets to see those flowers. So name it," I replied, raising my chin. He shook his head.

"Not for her...for you."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He sighed and narrowed his eyes slightly. "I will allow Hester to come visit the Consulate garden, so long as she is supervised by Timok...and in exchange...you will accompany me this Friday to an event."

I had to let my mind catch up to his words, and I blinked. "What kind of event?"

"Senator McCabe is hosting a dinner for select Starfleet personnel and his fellow senators, and their spouses. He has invited me as well, and suggested I bring a guest. You will be that guest."

Well, that wasn't too bad. Sure, it would probably be incredibly tedious, but at least Soval would be there. Oh bother...I knew it had to be boring when talking to Soval sounded more appealing than listening to big brass and the uppercrust drone on about nothing. Although I was sure my presence at the ambassador's side might cause for a somewhat awkward evening, I could see myself being quite useful to him, whispering the hidden meanings of every colloquialism to come out of the big brass' mouth. What a thought, being useful to a Vulcan.

"What time is this dinner?" I asked, pulling my PADD from my jacket pocket. I pulled up Friday's schedule and saw a meeting with my adviser in the morning, then lunch with one of my friends, and a clear evening.

"1900 hours." He frowned. "You are accepting the terms, then?"

"Yes. I'll have to get back to you regarding Hester, but what do you want me to wear to this dinner? Is it casual or formal?"

"Somewhat formal...a dress will do. Something simple."

"I'll rifle through my closet and see what I can find. Anything else?"

He blinked several times, maintaining silence for over a minute before he answered me. "You are not adverse to this arrangement?"

I stepped closer to him and looked him straight in the eye, offering up another sweet smile. "You let Hester visit...so you've got yourself a deal. Thank you, ambassador. Anything else we need to discuss while I'm here?"

"There is nothing else we need to discuss at this time, but if you will excuse me, I must inform Senator McCabe that I am bringing a companion to his event."

"I've never met him...what's your opinion of him?"

The ambassador frowned once again. "I believe ambitious would be a fitting description of him. Some may find him charming, I suppose."

I smiled. "Well, I look forward to mingling with the big brass with you, ambassador. Have a pleasant afternoon."

His brows twitched inward for a brief moment before he raised them, apparently in surprise. "And you, Ms. Forrest. Until tonight."

"Until tonight," I repeated, the smile touching my lips a genuine one. He was being unusually sweet, and it filled me with the freshest sense of optimism I had felt in a while. It was a beautiful day outside, and I was aching for a brief jog before dinner, to take in the crisp autumn air and revel in life's simplicities, in my victory for Hester.

I nodded politely to him and took my leave, swinging my hips in satisfaction as I sauntered out of his office.

…

I straightened the hem of my navy blue dress and adjusted my curls, trying to get a good idea of how I looked from the small mirror I had hung on the wall when I moved in. The bathroom didn't have a mirror, as Vulcans saw them as instruments of vanity; they, with their disciplined minds, could tell if their clothes were straight or their hair neat enough to be seen by the public, but as I was a mere human trying to look elegant enough for a VIP dinner, I needed my little mirror now more than ever.

I looked down at myself with a skeptical frown. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion, but unfortunately Timok was off running an errand for Soval and wouldn't be back until we were halfway through the third course. So my only recourse would be to ask Soval...and I'd have to ask him about my outfit anyway, considering he knew more than I what would be appropriate to wear to this event. There was nothing for it then. I left the sanctuary of my room and found Soval already dressed and ready to go, adjusting the collar of a set of brilliant silver robes. These were more elegant than his usual garments, embroidered with stunning blue needlework. Vulcan script and IDICs swathed the back and the hems, and I thought privately to myself that he looked rather dashing in his getup. I hoped I looked as elegant as he did.

"Well, what do you think?" I asked, feeling under-dressed and childish in my simple lace and bangles.

He turned to look at me, and his neutral expression melted into something unreadable. It almost looked like concern, or maybe shock, but with him it was hard to tell; he hid any potential emotions under a mask of neutrality laced with a dash of ire, but I did not see irritation in his features. His eyes bloomed dark and followed my body from my hair to my heel-encased feet, probably coming up with a laundry list of reasons why my outfit was unacceptable and tacky, and I predicted I would have to change into something else before he approved my attire.

"You look..." he murmured, then coughed. Was he clearing his throat? Why? "Your attire will do," he announced, then quickly looked down at himself to continue adjusting his collar. I blinked, surprised that he was at all agreeable towards my outfit, but one did not look a gift horse in the mouth, especially where Soval was concerned.

"Well, I'm glad you approve," I said, trying to keep my voice pleasant. He looked back to me, albeit reluctantly, and sighed.

"You will attract plenty of attention tonight, Genevieve. I do not disapprove of that dress. It meets the stipulations I placed on you...even if it is not what a Vulcan would wear."

"I don't know if you've noticed, ambassador, but I just so happen to be human," I replied with a smirk. He sighed again.

"A fact of which I am constantly aware." He paused. "Your dress is elegant and simple and flatters your figure. As I said, it will do."

I smirked, fighting the urge to blush. "Right. You look way more elegant than I ever could. Let me get my clutch and let's be off."

He blinked, obviously unsure of how to respond. "You are correct – we should be leaving if we are to be on time."

"God forbid I make you even a few seconds late, ambassador," I adjusted the sleeve of my dress and straightened my posture, and followed him out the door.

…

The click of my heels echoed on the wide flagstones that made up Senator McCabe's drive and front entryway, and I lifted my chin and straightened myself once more as I caught the strains of music coming from the backyard. A man was waiting for us at the entrance to McCabe's large abode, and Soval, to his credit, slowed his pace and supported me as we climbed the steps, as there was no handrail.

The man at the door was McCabe's butler, and he led us through the house to a back courtyard, where tables and chairs were set up around a sleek stone fountain. Soval had told me that fewer than fifty people would be in attendance, and indeed, it was a small crowd who mingled amongst the statues and topiary that decorated the senator's backyard.

A tall, slender man of forty or fifty broke away from his conversation with another guest and made a beeline for us, smiling up at the ambassador as he helped me down the steps. The man's hair was brown, graying at the temples and hairline, and his face was slightly lined with age. He had a stately look about him, a patrician nose and dark eyes, and high cheekbones. His teeth were very white and almost glistened in the light of the soft lanterns that lit the courtyard.

"Ambassador," McCabe said with a wide grin. "When you said you were bringing a companion to this little get-together, I assumed I'd be seeing one of your aides! I wasn't expecting a beautiful woman." His eyes bored intently into mine. "Do introduce me."

I could see why Soval had dragged me along to this affair. From a certain standpoint, McCabe seemed like an insufferable conversation partner, yet I found his speech oddly endearing.

"This is Genevieve Forrest, senator. Her father is Admiral Forrest...she and I are in the exchange program together."

I smiled at the human and held out my hand for him to shake, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips and brushed a kiss across my knuckles. I was flattered (just a little), but mostly surprised at his actions, and my smile rose slightly higher.

"A pleasure to meet you, senator," I said as warmly as I could. No one would say Genevieve Forrest made a bad first impression. Not tonight.

Soval glanced sidelong at me, but I ignored him, pressing on. "And you are Senator McCabe?"

"In the flesh. Welcome to my home."

I glanced around at the splashing fountain and all the greenery and sighed in contentment. "It's lovely out here. Thank you for inviting us."

McCabe looked rather pleased with himself and helped me down the rest of the stairs into the sunken stone yard. "I think she's charming, ambassador! Come, my dear, there are so many people you should meet."

And so my effort to make a very good impression on our hosts resulted in nearly half an hour of introductions to the rich socialites and big brass in the senator's inner circle. Almost everyone in attendance was older than me (except for some very young senate aides and a few trophy wives), but thankfully everyone at least pretended to like me, making positive comments about my hair and my dress, and asking a barrage of questions regarding my relationship to the ambassador.

As for my Vulcan companion, he spent those thirty minutes of introductions hovering in the background, looking sullen each time I glanced his way. I wasn't sure what was putting him in such a foul mood, but I hoped I could do something to dispel it once I broke free from McCabe's relentless gauntlet through the small crowd of guests.

Finally I begged off to get a drink and find my date, and I located him standing alone by the fountain, no drink in hand, staring at the crowd behind me with dark, narrowed eyes.

He sighed. "They adore you," he murmured, raking his eyes over me.

"Just as much as I adore them," I retorted, and he raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, do you think every single one of those people was really that impressed with me? They only pretend to like me because my father counts as a low-level connection, but mostly because I'm here with you. There might have been one or two who actually think I'm charming and pretty, but the rest are faking it."

His expression did not relax. "The senator is not faking it."

"Well, I was especially nice to him. He's the host, after all, and I won't have people saying I didn't know how to make a good first impression. And since McCabe is the host, I think you fail to realize he's supposed to pretend to be delighted to see everyone here."

Soval shook his head. "In any case, they will be discussing the two of us behind our backs for the rest of the night."

"Why?"

His eyes were even darker as he turned his gaze to me. "Can you truly not see?"

"I suppose you bringing some random woman is bound to create some buzz, but I explained that we're exchange partners. For all they know, you brought me here to give you a hands-on lesson in etiquette and small talk."

"Or I brought you here solely because I desire your company."

I rolled my eyes. "Half an hour in, and I can see why. This must be so tedious for you."

He blinked slowly, then glanced back at the reflection of the windows in the rippling water. "Yes, Ms. Forrest, it is...difficult. Earth forms of socialization often confound me."

"Well, thank God you brought me along. At least we can be confounded together, hm?"

He didn't look at me, but he seemed amused by my statement. "Allow me to get you a drink," he said finally, turning my way. "What would you like?"

"Oh, anything non-alcoholic. I'm not in the mood to drink tonight."

"Water will suffice?"

"Yes, thank you."

I watched him walk away, and indeed, many of the guests were throwing discreet glances towards him, and towards me. I hadn't noticed if they had been watching our interaction (yet something told me they had been straining their ears to hear what we were discussing), but now that I was turned towards them, I saw several of them steal a curious look in my direction. I chose to watch the fountain and admire the topiary, and soon enough, Soval was back at my side, a wine glass filled with water in his hand.

I thanked him and took a long drink of it, relishing the cool liquid trickling down my parched throat. "They're watching us," I murmured behind my glass as I took another drink. He nodded ever so slightly, his brown eyes clouded with thought.

"What are you thinking about?" I inquired, tilting my head. He blinked, clearing the distant look from his eyes.

It took him a minute to answer me. "I am debating the merits of bringing you here. Perhaps it was not the best choice."

"Oh, are you already bored with my company?" I quipped, and he glared at me.

"An intelligent person is never bored. And no, Genevieve, I have not tired of your companionship."

I smiled at him, sighing in relief. "Well, I'm glad of that. So why are you suddenly so conflicted about bringing me along?"

"There are several higher class humans here who have an affinity for gossip. You may find your name in the tabloids come morning."

Despite the lack of appeal of such a notion, I laughed. "Ambassador, I didn't know you cared so much about me. Don't worry about it...you know they're having a slow news day if the best they can come up with is two exchange partners going out in public together." I gasped sarcastically for full effect. "Shocking, I know."

His eyes glittered in amusement, or what looked like amusement, and he shook his head with the barest hint of a smirk on his lips. "You are correct in that regard, Ms. Forrest. If you insist that it does not bother you, then you and I will ignore whatever gossip sprouts from this gathering. I only wished to warn you."

"And I appreciate that," I said sincerely. "More than you know."

He did not look at me, but somehow I knew he was pleased, and it showed in the minute softening of the lines around his face. He looked more relaxed, and straightened his posture without stiffening it. The gesture struck me as strangely attractive. Was this the charming Soval that Timok insisted was hidden away beneath the cantankerous exterior?

"You really do look nice in those robes," I muttered. "I can't imagine how long it must have taken to complete all that embroidery. The silver goes quite nicely with your hair."

He stared at me, blinking several times as a bright green flush spread over his cheeks and tinged the tips of his ears.

I stopped fighting my smile and opened my mouth to press on, but McCabe sauntered over and announced that dinner would be served in about ten minutes, and that he would like us to sit down. The courtyard had been decorated with seven circular tables that sat seven each, and the guests were breaking off into little groups, each claiming a table for themselves.

"How long are we supposed to stay?" I muttered to Soval as we waiting for a couple of senators' wives to step aside and let us pass.

"Only a few hours," he assured me. "I never linger too long at these events."

I sighed and braced myself for a very long evening, but even I didn't miss the sidelong glance my date threw at me, that endearing flush still painting his cheeks green.