Summary: Peter Kirk is doing well in Starfleet Academy, and everything seems to be going his way... until he gets a new roommate. A Vulcan roommate. Thank Goodness he has the Enterprise Crew to help him along.

Author's Note: Okay, I have no idea if ANYONE is going to like this. This is just an idea that has been floating around in my head. Once again I actually HAVE a purpose... a direction/place that I want Peter to end up, but he needs a reason to get there. Thus this little fic... that does have a plot of sorts (but not very adventurous or near death or whatever)

I tried to keep our favorite crew involved, but obviously this is Peter's story. I want to incorporate how the Enterprise Crew (and the others connected with them) have had an impact on Peter's life (and his future life course which I haven't written up, but is firmly in mind) so hopefully that comes across, but if it bores you to tears... sorry. Go cleanse your brain with a TOS episode. One of my personal favorites is "The Doomsday Machine" watch that, it'll make you feel better :)

If you absolutely hate it tell me. Unlike life, fanfiction has a delete button.

And yes, once again I posted something incomplete. But I don't want to start blasting through this without some feedback. Hate the idea? Love the idea? Oh my gosh you've killed TOS worse than JJ Abrams? Let me know :)

Nerd Talk: Peter Kirk is canonical. The fact that he joined Starfleet Academy just seems like a no-brainer (and I believe DID feature in some random Star Trek book I read a hundred years ago, but I honestly can't remember.) Soral is my creation... again... man I like creating Vulcans. They are just SO MUCH FUN to play with :) *squeezes lovingly* I'm actually not a big fan of OCs but in this case he is a means to an end. He has purpose. Trust me.

Disclaimer: Don't own Star Trek or the "For Dummies" books. If I owned Star Trek, there would be a "Star Trek Live Experience" in my back yard. *Dreams happily* If I had any rights to "For Dummies" books there would be a "Star Trek TOS Fanfiction for Dummies"... First Chapter would be titled: LIKE IT? REVIEW!

Peter Kirk could remember his time on the Enterprise only in bits and pieces. Those memories were from a chapter in his life that he didn't care to recall. Now, though, he thought of the Enterprise with great fondness. It had become his life-line through the rigorous years at the Academy.

Everyone on the Enterprise had become like family to him.

When he wrote to his uncle about the broken coffee dispenser in his dorm, it was Scotty who called to tell him exactly how to fix it and then proceeded to teach him all the tricks to modifying one for a stronger brew.

When he gleefully told Kirk that his roommate was in to fencing, it was Sulu who sent him his very own rapier so that he could join in the fun. After an epic battle (where he'd been thoroughly whipped) Sulu started calling him weekly with helpful tips and tricks. A month later he owned his roommate in a duel, earning him the right to get first shower each morning!

When he started having some… "issues" involving a very pretty cadet who wouldn't give him the time of day, it was Chekov who gave him some well-meant advice. He'd appreciated the Epic Russian Music chip anyways, and the two had a good laugh about women. Later that week, when a shapely young lady approached him with the words, "My mom's friend, Uhura, told me a lot about you…" Well, let's just say: Best. Spring. Break. Ever!

Bones became the sounding board whenever he felt like cussing out his classmates or teachers. He liked that McCoy never counseled him or tried to get him to calm down. Instead, he usually threw in his own choice phrases. Then the two would laugh, and the problem didn't seem so big anymore.

Spock was always there, any time night or day, to explain whatever subject he was having trouble wrapping his brain around. He sometimes had to ask six times for the definition of some word or the formula for an equation, and Spock simply kept explaining and demonstrating until he got it. He was also, surprisingly, very good at offering advice on how to deal with personality conflicts. For someone *allegedly* without emotion, he seemed to understand how best to deal with conflicting ones.

And of course Uncle Jim… Jim knew every nook and cranny of Starfleet Academy. He knew which teachers were fun, which were good, which were strict, which were boring. He knew where the secret cash of party supplies was kept, where you could go for some privacy without having half the school see you, and where NOT to go for your second date with the most beautiful girl on campus.

As if life couldn't get any better, he was set to graduate early (as long as he kept his grades up), and he was getting a new roommate… a Vulcan Roommate.

My new roommate is a Vulcan, obviously, and I am pretty stoked about it. He might be able to help me with Quantum Mechanics so I won't have to bug Spock as much. By the way, tell him I said thanks for the tip and that I DID remember R2+3MRG/1 this time.

Talk to you later,

Peter

Kirk smiled and saved the communiqué. It was a nice way to begin a day that was already shaping up to be a long one. There were three cases of extremely toxic, highly flammable, and incredibly delicate ore in the cargo bay. Kirk frankly couldn't get rid of it soon enough. Unfortunately their destination was still 6 hours away at their current speed… which was all but Impulse Power. Regulations. Any little "bump" as they warped along at 5 or 6 could easily blow up their cargo bay and half the Enterprise. Thus they were putting along like a freighter, and it was insanely dull.

Captain Kirk sauntered onto the Bridge relieving Mr. Spock who returned to his post. No doubt he was bored out of his mind too, considering there was essentially nothing to scan except Space Particles floating very slowly pass them as they meandered along.

Kirk strode over and leaned against the Science Station console, "Anything exciting Mr. Spock?"

"I remind you that I do not get "excited." However, there has been nothing of interest for the past 5.6 hours."

"Lucky for us, you don't ever get bored either, Mr. Spock," Kirk grinned.

Spock gave him a long-suffering look.

"Well, just got a letter from Peter. He's in for some excitement; getting a new roommate, a Vulcan."

"Interesting."

"His name is Soral."

Spock plugged the data into the computer console and pulled up the records for Soral.

"Admirable grades, has lived off-Vulcan for 6 years. Parents are Scientists stationed on a research vessel near Triangula 4."

McCoy walked on the Bridge just as Spock finished his analysis.

"What? We going to Triangula? Cuz at this speed we'd be 100 years old by the time we got there."

"Actually, Doctor, at this rate of speed it would take us exactly 78 years 6 months and 2 days to reach Triangula 4. Adding that to your already mature age would make you—"

"So help me Spock, I'm gonna make it my life's purpose to outlive you! You just watch me. Seriously, what are we talking about?"

"Peter," Kirk beamed.

"Oh. What's new in his world?"

"Vulcan roommate."

"Poor Devil!"

"Thought Spock could give him some tips."

"I'll give him some tips," Bones snorted, "Starting with which foods he should leave lying around…"

Peter groaned as he closed the last of his homework assignments. Life stunk worse than a Klingon Cargo Bay. He looked over at his austere roommate, who neither glanced up nor spoke.

They had problems the minute that pointy-eared snob walked into the room. The first thing he figured out was that Vulcans don't like you to bring the hottest girl in school back to your room. Never mind if it was just so she could borrow your Epic Russian Music Chip.

Vulcans also stay up late, study like maniacs, never go to parties, basically don't talk to you, don't ever bring pizza in the room, don't listen to music, don't offer advice on girls, don't skip classes, don't help you with homework, and basically don't want to be your roommate; they just happen to have a bed in your room that they sometimes meditate on. Ridiculous.

"All he does is study his brains out and ignore me," Peter whined, "I was hoping he'd be a nice guy and help me out like Spock does. But he essentially tells me to go figure it out myself."

"Imagine that. The guy wants you to learn instead of cheat," McCoy said sarcastically.

"Hey! I thought you'd be on my side!" Peter chuckled.

"Oh I am. I ain't saying Vulcans aren't an ever-loving-pain-in-the-backside. But you can't get mad at the guy for not wanting to teach your thick skull stuff he learned in grade-school."

"True… but seriously! He treats me like I'm some weird-colored alien!"

"You are a weird-colored alien. I got the records to prove it," Bones smirked, "Red blood, ears are rounded, and your skin is pale and covered in red spots."

"By the way, thanks for that cream it did help."

"Not that you need any help. I swear the ladies would still go for you, even if you were covered in purple polka-dots. Kirk thing I guess."

"I wish… but anyway this guy is starting to really annoy the crap out of me. Spock ever annoy the crap out of you?"

Bones snorted, "Are you nuts? You ever seen a time when we weren't annoyed with each other?"

"I dunno, seems like you both kinda enjoyed the argument."

"Shhhhh," Bones winked conspiratorially, "That's a little secret between you and me."

Peter grinned, "Still… I don't think this guy would appreciate me calling him a hobgoblin, little-green-elf, and… what was the other one?"

"Walking computer. Don't use that one too much, Vulcans view it as a compliment I think."

"Right. Well thanks for the gripe anyway. I seriously needed to cuss something out, other than the wall."

"I'm always good for a cuss," McCoy grinned, "Now hurry up and get back to that math homework you told me you had. And if that pretty little gal of yours shows up, tell her to make small talk with your new roommate while you study. THAT is the way to annoy em!"

"I would, except she'd probably dump me. Thanks Bones! I'll catch ya later."

McCoy ended the transmission, and then turned back to his work. Moments later Spock walked in with the data he'd asked for an hour ago.

"About time."

"The data you requested would be delivered to you in a more efficient manner if you phrased your request less vaguely."

"What? I thought I was pretty clear."

Spock held up the data-pad:
Spock, please send me the data on the gooey-gunk that the blond gal in your department is working on. You know, the one with the freckles and the nice smile. Thanks.

"Seems clear to me," Bones snorted.

Spock gave him a raised eyebrow then turned to leave.

"Hey, ya oughta call Peter if you can," Bones said casually, "Try to explain to him why you are the only Vulcan in the galaxy who would help a Kirk cheat."

Spock whirled around, "I do not enable him to cheat, Doctor, I merely endeavor to help him understand the mathematical principles behind his subjects."

"I wasn't talking about helping Peter cheat, I was talking about Jim. He's managed to get a hold of some cake and ice-cream when I specifically recall putting him on an all veggie diet last week. Care to explain?"

Spock's face took on the I-am-Vulcan-we-don't-discuss-such-things look.

Bones rolled his eyes, "So help me if Kirk gains any more weight YOU get to be in the room when I tell him. Now get outta here, you're distracting me from this gooey-gunk analysis. Oh, and Spock? Seriously call Peter would ya? He needs a crash-course in how to deal with a high-functioning sociopath roommate."

"I spoke with your nephew today," Spock said as he placed his Rook in position.

"Having problems with Math again?"

"No… he is experiencing issues of a more… personal nature."

"Ah… yeah he told me his roommate was being… well… Vulcan."

Spock nodded.

"Hope you helped him out."

"It was a difficult conversation."

"I don't doubt it. Still you are the best one to offer advice, since you've been on the other side. Check," Kirk grinned as he placed his Queen in position.

Spock leaned back and studied the board, "I gave him my parent's personal contact information."

Kirk coughed, "What?"

"The nature of his problem suggests he needs a more… emotional… solution to his conflict. The Lady Amanda is a Human who has lived comfortably with a Vulcan for a very long time. She ought to have insights that neither you nor I can provide."

"Uh… yeah I guess…" Jim said smiling, "But uh… you know… they're married."

"I was aware of that fact, Jim."

"I know, I know. I'm just saying... It's a little different."

"The principles are the same."

"True. But you sure Ambassador Sarek won't mind?"

"Fortunately, it is usually Lady Amanda who answers incoming transmissions from Earth. Checkmate."

The Top 100 Reasons my Roommate Drives me Berserk

#1 I had to ask him how to spell Berserk.

#2 He refused to tell me. Something about knowing my own language. Moron.

#3 He stayed up til 1:00 am studying

#4 He doesn't even look tired!

#5 He told me it was illogical for me to-

Peter was cut off from his typing by a transmission from Vulcan.

"Speak of the Devil," he said. He had left a message for Lady Amanda to call him back. He was a little nervous, actually. What was he going to say? "Hi, my name is Peter. I sort of know your son, and he told me you could help me deal with this roommate of mine who is acting like… well like a Vulcan…"

His Uncle had said Lady Amanda was a sweetheart, and Jim usually didn't use that word. So apparently it must be true. At least she was Human.

He put on his best smile and opened the communiqué. The smile fell right off of his face. Instead of a sweet, absolutely charming, beautiful Earth Woman… he was greeted with a stern, austere, and very Vulcan looking… Great Jupiter's Rings! Was that the Ambassador of Vulcan? They had just studied the Babel Conference last quarter… looked like the same guy... what the heck was his name again?

"Uh… Uh…." Peter stammered.

"I received a message from this personal number. May I ask what your intentions are for calling?"

"I… must've got the wrong number… I was trying to get a hold of Spock's Mo... I mean Lady Amanda."

"Your number was not in error. What was the nature of your communication with her?"

"Uh… well you see I… uh… My name is Peter Kirk!"

"I see," the Vulcan shifted position, "I will tell The Lady Amanda that you called. She is out at the moment, but can contact you in 2.5 hours if that is convenient for you."

"Uh yeah… thanks."

"What is the subject you wish to discuss with her?"

"Uh… Vulcans. I mean uh!… I'm doing a study on Vulcan/Human interactions and I thought she could offer some input."

"An intriguing topic. I am sure she will have some valuable data to share with you. I will inform her of your needs. Ending Transmission."

Peter let out a long puff of air. He then hurriedly typed a message to his Uncle.

Spock could have MENTONED his dad is the blasted Ambassador of Vulcan! Heck, YOU could've mentioned that!

Kirk chuckled as he read the hasty transmission. Peter was right, he could have mentioned that fact. He, of all people, knew that Spock often left out that little detail of his family life. Well, at least Peter had broken the ice with Sarek… or at least… got through the initial glare-of-death. It was good practice for him anyway.

"His name is Soral," Peter said nervously.

"I see," Lady Amanda smiled, "Well it can be difficult at first, for both of you, to get used to your unique habits. But, I speak from experience when I say it is possible to reach a sort of… truce… on some issues."

"So how do I get him to at least talk to me?"

"Do you try?"

"Yes!... Well sort of… not really."

Amanda smirked, "Try talking about something that would interest him. What is he studying? What are his areas of expertise?"

"He's a Vulcan. He's an expert at everything."

"Not at Humans. You have to realize he is probably having as difficult a time understanding you, as you are understanding him. Maybe approach it from that angle. Try to learn a little more about where he's from."

When the transmission finally ended, Lady Amanda couldn't help but look over at her husband (who was apparently very interested in the Planetary Report, even though it was three days old).

"Your advice was sound," he said bluntly.

"Well, I've had a few years to figure that out," she walked over and smiled lovingly at the Ambassador. He looked up, setting the Planetary Report (still on page one, paragraph one) aside. "I am due to travel to Earth next week. Perhaps you would care to visit Captain Kirk's nephew in person to offer more advice."

"Wouldn't miss it," she grinned, "You might offer some advice to Soral."

"I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to fully comprehend the mind of a Human," he said with dead seriousness, "Particularly Human Females."

Amanda chuckled, "He's probably figured out that part already."

"Indeed? I was never informed of that fact until after I married you."

"Admit it; you are grateful that you know someone you can never really place a mathematical formula on," she winked.

"It has been… intriguing."

Peter had taken her advice, and now Soral was his new study project. He started with devouring all he could on Vulcan Culture. About two hours after he started The Teachings and Words of Surak Vol I he hated life.

"Great Nebula! I wish there was a Vulcan for Dummies Book."

Soral actually looked up from his studies and gave him a raised eyebrow. First expression he had seen the dude make.

"You know," Peter said, "Haven't you ever read a… never mind you probably haven't. I bet Vulcans don't even need those kinds of books."

"Why do you wish to know about Vulcan?"

"Well you know… thought it'd be nice to know… where you are coming from."

"Do you wish to know about the history, culture, or philosophy of Vulcan?"

"Uh… Culture I guess."

"Then I would suggest you discard that information, as it contains our philosophies, and instead attempt to find a book that discusses our cultural heritage."

Peter tossed the data-pad on his bed and huffed, "Why don't you explain it to me?"

"I am studying."

"Yeah… for next year! You've finished your homework for this entire semester."

Soral look over at him, "Why do you wish to hear it from me?"

Peter growled, "For crying out loud! My Uncle's best friend is a Vulcan! So there's got to be something our societies share in common! Is it so bad to want to get to know the guy who shares a 12 by 12 room with me?"

"Vulcans do not have Best Friends."

"Tell that to First Officer Spock of the USS Enterprise. If you ever seen him and my Uncle together you'd rethink your whole philosophy on friendship! They are like… the most amazing thing! I don't even know how to describe it. But it's like Spock has what my Uncle doesn't and vice-versa and they somehow just… complete each other… or something. I don't know how to say it without making it sound weird, but that is the way it is."

Soral got very quiet then said, "It is possible you are basing your analysis by a Human schema."

"Oh you think so? Then why don't you look up the Public Files on the Enterprise Missions? Pay attention to how many times it is Spock and Kirk who end up beating the odds and kicking butt. THEN tell me that Vulcan and Humans can't be friends."

Soral seemed to be thinking something over. Then, to Peter's surprise, he sat aside his studying and pulled up the Mission Logs of the USS Enterprise. The two started with the Galactic Barrier Incident… and watched everything they could find until well into midnight.

Spock,

Thanks for the help with Gravitation Fields. I actually sort of get it now. My Teacher was impressed anyways. So thanks.

Yes, I am starting to understand Soral better. I don't know what he thinks of me. We started watching some of the Public Files on the Enterprise Missions. I was trying to prove that You and Jim work good as a team. He's finally starting to see it my way, I think. He said something about you two "embodying the spirit of IDIC."

Mind explaining what IDIC is?

Thanks again for all your help.

-Peter

PS Your mom is sweet. She sent me some sort of Vulcan Cookie thing. Soral actually ate a few. Shockingly. They were pretty tasty. You're lucky you still have a mom.

"Wow," Kirk said reading over the message, "That's… a nice compliment."

Spock was sitting with his fingers steepled, "I am… perplexed… by Soral's statement. Though I do agree with it. I am merely… curious… how he was able to deduce the nature of our rapport through the imprecise Public Records."

"I guess that is just something people pick up on. I mean you have to admit, most Vulcans wouldn't put up with (much less risk his life for) someone like me."

Spock pondered that, "True."

Kirk laughed, "Anyway, if it helps Peter and Soral at least attempt to understand one another, that is good enough for me. Now about this mission. Do we really have to wear protective clothing? I mean the stingers are only 6 inches long…"

Ambassador Sarek hadn't set foot on Starfleet Academy's Campus before. He had not approved of Spock's decision to join Starfleet all those years ago, therefore he had never felt compelled to see the place.

Quite a few students stopped their studying, recreation, and conversation as he walked past. He was quite used to being surrounded by silent stares, although he found the effect here was more striking than usual.

Lady Amanda smiled at them and continued walking slightly behind her husband. She eagerly took in all the details of the campus. This was where Spock had gone. He had walked those same sidewalks… likely with the same stunned silence following him… for years. She glanced over at her husband and wondered if he was thinking along those same lines. Judging by the way he kept glancing over at the building that had been Spock's Dorm, likely so.

Peter was knee-deep in The Chemistry of Gaseous Anomalies, when he got the hasty text from Samantha:

OMG LOOK OUT YOUR WINDOW!

He looked over. "Oh Crap!"

Soral glanced up.

"Hurry and help me clean!" Peter shouted, as he began scrambling across the room. He started shoving arm loads of pizza crusts, pop cans, and paper under his bed.

"Why should I endeavor to clean what is clearly your mess?"

"Because the Ambassador of Vulcan is about to walk RIGHT IN HERE!"

Soral's face actually took on a you-have-lost-your-mind look. Then he looked out the window. Both eyebrows reached his hairline.

"...Even if the Ambassador were to be coming to visit this particular room, which is highly improbable, it is still your mess. I need take no responsibility for-."

Peter grabbed a sack of potato chips and chucked it onto Soral's bed. Chips exploded everywhere.

Soral dove for the carnage and began hurriedly gathering up the chips. "This is your fault!" he said loudly and threw the chip bag back towards Peter, just as Sarek entered the room.

Should've locked the door.

Soral stood straight up and blurted something out in Vulcan. The Ambassador merely gave him a condescending look. Peter stared wide-eyed at the suspicious green color working it's way up Soral's face.

Lady Amanda was holding back a snicker. It would've been amusing to him, too, had it not been for the death-glare that was shot his direction.

"Mr. Kirk," Ambassador Sarek said plainly, "I wished to express my interest in your studies. I understand your Senior Project will be due in three months time. I have spoken with the President of Starfleet Academy and he has agreed to allow you to present your findings in a speech at the commencement ceremonies."

Peter's mouth dropped, "My… Senior Project?"

"You did say that you were studying Vulcan/Human Interactions."

"Uh… yes… I did… I am… Uh…"

"Then I look forward to hearing your report in three months. I have also arranged to have it broadcast to Vulcan. I think it should be most… interesting."

Peter swallowed, "Yes, sir."

With that the Ambassador left. Silence filled the room, broken only by the crunch of a potato chip as Soral took a step backwards.

"I. Am. Dead," Peter finally whispered.

Soral turned to him, "You have been in communication with the Ambassador of Vulcan prior to this?"

"Yeah… well I was trying to get to know you, and since you weren't helping out I thought I'd ask an expert on Vulcan-ness."

Soral stared hard into Peter's eyes. It was kind of creepy, that stare was so intense.

"Then you must work hard in your studies. This will be a very important speech."

"You're telling me!" Peter shouted, "Don't think you're off the hook in this. This whole mess started the day you moved in here. This is YOUR baby too!"

Soral raised an eyebrow then sat on his bed (after wiping away the last of the incriminating chips) "In that case, we shall begin with the concept of IDIC"