Disclaimer: See Chapter 1. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed.

It was well past midnight before my parents stumbled in from their dinner, and though we finished up around 2230, Soval and I agreed that it would be good to wait up for them. I thought our outing was a grand success, and my mother thanked the ambassador for his help three times before we got out the door. In their gratitude, my parents extended an official invitation for him to join our family at Thanksgiving, and dad encouraged my exchange partner to bring a few Vulcan dishes for us to enjoy.

As Mom's family lived out-of-state (nearly three hours by aircar), and all of Dad's family would be getting together for Christmas, we would be celebrating Thanksgiving on a smaller scale, just Mom and Dad, Max and Emily and Callie, my brother Oliver, and me and Soval. Sometimes one of Dad's colleagues who didn't have family or didn't live near their relatives joined us, but this year it seemed Soval was the lucky guest of honor. A part of me hoped Gardner would stay away from our gathering and leave me in peace, but another part hoped he had more information for me, so I could finally make an educated guess as to what the Vulcans were hiding from us, from me. But we didn't know the admiral's plans and I wasn't about to invite him as well. His distaste for Soval would make the meal very awkward.

I was quiet from my mother's house to the Consulate, still pondering what Gardner had told me So I had tea with Timok the next afternoon and tried to be sly in my questioning.

"How are the humans on Vulcan liking the program?" I asked him. "Are they doing well?"

"Yes, they are exceeding our expectations, actually, especially those chosen to teach a class. The selection process was, as your people say, spot-on?"

I nodded. "Have there been any accidents or injuries? Anything out of the ordinary?"

Perhaps I had pushed too far; his eyes clouded with suspicion. "Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious," I replied with a shrug. "Gardner voiced some valid concerns yesterday, and I'd like to put them to rest."

"Gardner?" His eyes narrowed. "What does he have to do with the exchange?"

"He thinks you're hiding something." And so do I, but I'd never say that to your face.

Timok shook his head and sighed. "We have nothing to hide from you, Genevieve, not where this exchange is concerned. Vulcan business, however, is a different matter and cannot be disclosed."

"I know," I said sweetly, dismissing the subject, though perhaps Timok was a bit more curt with me after that.

And I suppose my suspicious behavior was passed along to Soval, who confronted me Saturday night at dinner.

"Do you have some questions for me, Genevieve?" he asked, his voice stiffer than usual. I shook my head. "Then you don't believe we are trying to deceive you?"

I shook my head again. "You have been quiet these past two evenings, ever since Gardner spoke to you. Has he made you doubt us?"

I sighed. "He thinks...you're not using this exchange as a cover for a science experiment, are you?"

He blinked rapidly, his expression faltering for a moment, and I may have just shocked him. "How could you think that?"

"He asked first, not me," I said, putting my hands up.

His eyes narrowed as he held my gaze, but I simply shrugged. "I'm just trying to clear up any confusion, ambassador," I said in my defense. "And you have to admit...well, this exchange seemed kind of hastily put together. I mean, I got my first letter, what, in June? So we had two months to prepare, which is great, but considering it came out of the blue..."

"Legislation on the matter did not pass until April, and the details were not finalized until the end of that month. And then the selection process began, and considering everything required for this exchange to begin smoothly, it was astounding we finished the preliminary work by June. The selection process was lengthy and tedious, and we made absolutely sure every member we chose fit a rigorous set of criteria."

He paused, then shook his head at me. "What made you think we were using this as a cover for a science experiment?"

"I didn't think you were, I was just making sure!" I insisted. "I don't think you're capable of...questionable experiments, even in the name of science, but with all the evidence...I can't speak for your government just by looking at you as an example, the same way you couldn't speak for my government by knowing me. I trust you well enough, but your leaders...does that make sense?"

He bowed his head. "I believe I understand your point, Genevieve, and I am pleased you trust me. And no matter what Gardner thinks, my government does not condone immoral science experiments. It is illogical and against Surak's principals to engage in such activity."

Well, that threw my theory out the window, but on the bright side, he wasn't getting on my case about Gardner, though I wasn't fully satisfied with his answer.

"May I ask you a question?"

Soval frowned for a moment. "That question is...somewhat redundant, since you have already asked me a question."

"Said question implies that whoever is asking will ask about something you may not be comfortable sharing."

"Is that so?" An eyebrow rose towards his hairline, and the chair squeaked as he leaned back in it. "Then I will prepare myself for your inquiry."

I took a deep breath. "Why am I here?" Before he mistook my question as philosophical, I clarified. "Why am I here in this Consulate, and not on Vulcan?"

A part of me hoped he would have an answer ready, that he would ease my suspicion with reason as he was apt to do. But he took a minute to respond, and when he did, his reply was slow and halting.

He cleared his throat. "I...heard you were chosen for the exchange...and when I realized the benefits of bringing you here, you had already been assigned...I convinced the High Command that you would be of better use to Vulcan by helping me...and you are the daughter of a man I respect, one of the only humans who tolerates me..."

And with a few words and a look of despondency on his face, my previous suspicions gave way to compassion. I still knew he was hiding something, but damn that Vulcan for toying with my sympathies!

"I know who else tolerates you," I said gently.

His expression relaxed. "You, Genevieve?"

"I was going to say Pollyanna Mackleroy."

Laughter spilled out of my mouth at the look of surprise and indignation on his face. I rose from my seat, taking my empty dishes with me. I held out my hand for his plate, and as I passed him, I rubbed my palm down his back, cooing in sympathy.

My hand came to rest on his shoulder, and he stared up at me with an unreadable expression, his eyes fixed on mine, and I leaned down towards him.

"You're not so bad, and I'm glad to be here," I continued. My thoughts were stalling, my higher reasoning not kicking in as I tried to comfort him. "In fact, I daresay that Ambassador Soval is a very good person, a man of conviction and strong moral fiber."

He raised an incredulous eyebrow, his gaze briefly flicking down to my hand. Upon realizing that I was still touching him (probably making him very uncomfortable), I tore my hand away and took a step backward, continuing on to the sink. I avoided looking at him, staring resolutely at the dirty dishes, but when I made to start the water for him, a strong, olive hand moved mine away.

"You're sure about this?" I asked, knowing he would chide me for trying to help clean up. "I don't mind doing dishes, you know, and a few extra minutes of housework isn't going to affect my study habits or my grades. I'm just trying to be helpful."

He raised an eyebrow, and I thought I spied a smirk on his lips. "Your willingness to help me speaks volumes of your character, but in this case, I believe your Earth saying applies: my house, my rules. I do not wish you to engage in domestic duties, not in this critical stage in your education. So please, sit and study, and do not take this as me thinking less of you or doubting your abilities. It is simply how I wish things, and I hope you understand."

"I understand that you are incredibly stubborn," I countered, but I conceded to his wish and relaxed on the couch.

He turned around and frowned at me. "I just heard you say I was a man of conviction."

"You can be a man of conviction and stubborn as hell at the same time. They aren't mutually exclusive, you know. In fact, it's probably because you're so set in your opinions that you're so stubborn. And being an ambassador and so skilled at debate isn't helping."

"But an ambassador must also be adept at negotiation and compromise."

"And yet, your people always seem to get what you want." I sighed. "So you can see why Gardner might be suspicious...you always come out on top and it's hard to make you concede a point. It makes you seem invincible, and I think that scares a lot of people. It also makes it easy to think you might be hiding something because you would be pretty skilled at hiding something if you're so good at smooth-talking your way out of anything and everything. Does that make sense?"

He simply frowned, and I pressed on. "In the duration of our alliance, you've told us we're childish and unprepared for the dangers of space, and suddenly we're your equals? Apropos of nothing? It just looks strange...and that's all I want to say about that."

Several beats of silence passed between us, until he turned to me with a deep frown.

"You were always equals with us."

"It didn't feel like it." I shook my head and leaned back into the couch, deciding to drop the subject, and we didn't speak about it for the rest of the evening.

…

Thanksgiving morning dawned bright and cold, and I blessed my hoodie as Soval and I packed a few vegetable dishes (including the ambassador's now-famous veggie casserole) and our overnight bags into the aircar. As I strapped myself in, my PADD buzzed.

Hey, where are you? -Oliver

We're leaving now, I replied, and Soval glanced over at me. I caught his eye and offered a small smile; I knew seeing Max, my eldest brother, again after the fiasco of an encounter during Dad's birthday party would be uncomfortable, especially since he had threatened physical violence on the ambassador if I wasn't happy. My happiness was not Soval's problem and would never be his problem. He was an irritating snob sometimes, but Max's threats made me feel ashamed of my family and ashamed to be human. Hopefully Oliver would make a better showing.

"I will meet your other brother today, will I not?" Soval asked, his voice steady despite the path I suspected his thoughts were going down.

"You will," I said, "and I think you'll like him. I think he'll be tickled to talk to you, considering you both like intellectual conversation and debate."

"Truly?" He raised an eyebrow. "I was expecting another Maxwell Jr."

"Oliver won't judge you, because he doesn't feel like he has the right to judge anyone. He's the black sheep of the family, the odd one out, and he's got a bit of a shady past. He's done things he's not proud of, but he's better now and a stronger person for all the crap he's gotten himself into."

Soval nodded in satisfaction. "Then I look forward to meeting him," he said just as Oliver replied to my message.

Are you bringing your Vulcan friend?

Yes, I typed, and he's looking forward to meeting you. I think you'll like him.

Oliver's reply made my expression soften, and I was fairly sure Soval caught it. Dad says he's cool, and I trust Dad. Not all of us will be dicks to your exchange buddy.

I giggled despite myself. New rule, we will refer to Soval as my 'exchange buddy' from here on out.

New rule acknowledged and approved.

I smiled and tucked my PADD away, and Soval glanced sidelong at me. "I appreciate Oliver already, if he can make you smile like that."

"He's a good brother," I muttered, leaning back in the seat.

And like a good brother, Oliver was waiting for us on the front porch as Soval landed the car. His golden hair was getting long and hung down in his eyes, and he had donned his favorite pleather jacket and his aviator sunglasses as a defense against the bright sun and chilly wind. I climbed out of the aircar and made to get our things out of the back, but Oliver came forward and opened his arms. "Hey Genie," he said warmly, wrapping his strong arms around me. I returned the hug and squeezed him tight, and I could almost feel Soval's gaze as he hung back next to the car, awkward and silent.

"You must be the ambassador," Oliver said, letting go of me and holding out his hand for my partner to shake. Soval hesitated, and for a moment I thought he wasn't going to comply with the proffered olive branch, but then his hand clasped my brother's, making Oliver grin.

"See, I don't bite," he said, his voice jaunty, light and teasing. "Anything I can carry in? If Genie gets the food, I think you and I can handle the rest."

"No need," the Vulcan replied firmly. "I will carry in the luggage if you carry the food, and Genevieve will be free to open the door for us."

My brother shrugged. "Whatever works for you."

And with a bow of Soval's head, the two got to work diving the load between them, and I stayed close by in case they overestimated their abilities. But sure enough, Oliver looked like he had a handle on our food and Soval lifted the luggage onto his shoulder like it was made of feathers. I chewed my lip at the sight, and for a moment I forgot I was supposed to get the door.

"Genevieve," my partner chided gently, nodding to Oliver, who was struggling with his load. I flinched, breaking out of my daze, and I ran to hold the door open for Oliver and Soval. I quickly apologized to my brother and made to take one of the dishes from him, but he high-tailed it to the kitchen, leaving me at the door.

"You seemed lost in thought." I heard his voice behind me at shoulder-level, as if he were leaning down to whisper in my ear. I whipped around in time to see him put the luggage down, and his warm brown eyes bored into me, dark and curious. "May I ask what distracted you?"

"I forget sometimes how strong you are," I confessed, which was not a total lie. At least it was believable, half-truth or no.

He raised an eyebrow, and I swallowed thickly around the lump in my throat. Before he could reply, though, my dad came out of the kitchen and pulled me into a hug.

"It's so good to see you here!" he said. "Both of you! Was traffic too bad?"

"Not as congested as we anticipated," said the ambassador. "As you can see, we are here ahead of our estimated time of arrival."

My dad smiled at him and patted me on the back. "Good, good...we've got the guest room and Oliver's room ready for you, but I thought we'd let you choose which one you wanted."

"The bed in the guest room is more comfortable," I warned him. "Just so you know."

"Comfort is subjective, Genevieve. Where is the guest room?"

"Right around the corner," Dad said, pointing towards the hallway. "Do you want to see it?"

"That depends. Where is Oliver's room?"

"Next to my room." I jabbed my thumb towards the second floor. "So I'd be next door to you, and Max and Emily and Callie are right down the hall. And you'd have to share a bathroom with all of us."

To my surprise, he immediately replied that he would take the room next to me. "In case something happens in the night," he said softly, "I would like to be there. I am charged with your care and safety, and I intend to carry out my duties even when we are not in the Consulate."

Dad looked incredulous. "You're sure about this?" he asked, and Soval raised an eyebrow at him. "I thought for sure you'd take the guest room."

"Yes, Maxwell, I am absolutely serious about this. Oliver's room will do fine."

Though my dad seemed like he might argue on this point, he finally just sighed and gestured vaguely upstairs, and ultimately walked away, leaving me to show Soval where he would be sleeping.

Oliver's room was in the corner of the second floor, its door directly in front of the top of the stairs. To the immediate right was my room, and then next to that the bathroom and finally Max's room. I quickly directed my roommate's attention to the facilities at his disposal and offered (while blushing madly) a tutorial on how to operate the systems, to avoid the awkward situation I had found myself in when I had first moved in to the Consulate. He politely accepted my offer, assuring me that he knew how to operate everything but the shower. I led him into the bathroom so I could make a quick demonstration before Max and his family arrived.

"Ok, so basically you press this button here," I pointed to a large, silver button beside a built-in screen for adjusting temperature, water flow and the like, "and adjust everything how you like it. Once you're done, just press the silver button again and it'll shut off. If you press it by accident, just press it again to turn it back on. Got it?"

I made to turn to him and get a response, but I froze as his arm reached past me. He was close enough again for me to feel his warmth, the fringe of his outer robes brushing lightly against my back. I bit my lip and focused on his fingers, which pressed the silver button.

And as soon as the water spurted forth from the showerhead, the moment was broken, and he quickly retreated from the spray. I frowned at him.

"What, it's just water," I said, tapping the button so the shower would turn off. He said nothing, but as I turned back to him, I noticed something dark in his eyes as he stared at the shower. It wasn't anger or fear or anything negative, but something...I couldn't help but feel like it was a primal look behind his eyes that I saw. And that look stayed in his gaze as he stepped forward again behind me, closing me in once more, as if I wasn't even there.

"Hello?" I said, scooting back to the wall to give him space. "Earth to Soval, anyone home?"

He blinked rapidly, that look in his eyes dying, and he turned to me with eyebrows raised in apology.

"Forgive me, Genevieve, but I...I was expecting sonics. On my homeworld, bathing in water is a luxury most never experience."

I stared at him for a moment. "You've never taken a water shower?"

He shook his head. "I have bathed in water in the springs at the capital, but that was...almost a century ago."

"Well then," I said, offering him a smile, "I insist you use the shower while you stay here."

"I only brought cleansers for sonics. I did not think to realize your parents owned this."

"We've probably got unscented shampoo around here somewhere. Unless, of course, you want to smell like," I reached for the bottle of body wash in the shower caddy and quickly read the label, "moonlight and lilac. Which is totally different from regular lilac, I promise you." I grinned and opened the cap, sniffing the contents. "Just think, ambassador, you can smell like our sun's rays reflecting off a natural satellite. It's fantastic, don't you think?"

He raised an eyebrow, his tone dry even though I thought I saw the corners of his lips twitch. "No, thank you. I much prefer unscented products."

I sighed in exaggerated exasperation and put the bottle back in the caddy. "Suit yourself." I couldn't think of anything else to say, so I shrugged and drummed my fingers against my thigh. "So, yeah...that's the bathroom. I guess I'll show you your room now?"

"Please," he said, and his voice lowered in that way that made my gut feel unnaturally warm. He turned with me as I brushed past him (and strangely he didn't take a step backward to give me more space to maneuver), and even as I quickly made my way to Oliver's bedroom, I could still feel his proximity clinging to me like perfume, the memory of his touch coming back to haunt my thoughts.