Snippet 5d

"Making humans laugh," Sybok said pointedly. "That should tell you a great deal."

"Ah," Spock said in realization. "As Peter Griffin does."

The mixture of Spock's expression and the words could not have been more perfect of a set-off for Sam to start rolling in laughter.

Sybok's mouth twitched dangerously at the sight, before he quickly composed himself and looked back at Spock. "You see? Humans have the strangest sense of humor."

Spock was watching Sam in confusion while the other wiped tears from his eyes. "That...was...hilarious. Spock, you are officially awesome." he said, clapping him on the back before standing and looking at Sybok. "So, Jim and I are thinking of going out this weekend. We'd like you two to come with us."

"Now that you are certain that we are not going to collapse?" Sybok said challengingly, raising an eyebrow. "Where were you planning on going?"

"I dunno," Sam said, leaning against the counter. "Movies, maybe. Maybe a bar. Or some of the more downtown'ish streets have got some cool attractions this time of year. Starfleet's really going all out with their promos so they have free rides in their newest flyer gadgets."

"How riveting," Sybok said, giving him a blank look. "I remember some of the fairs that your mother used to force us to go to when we were children."

"Well we're not in Ohio anymore, Toto."

Spock frowned at the reference. "Toto?"

"It's a dog's name - don't worry about it."

"He is calling me a dog," Sybok said, turning to Spock with a raised eyebrow. "I do not think we should accompany them this weekend."

"Nonono, it's a quote!" Sam said quickly, stepping toward them. "It's not - alright look, let's just go out and see if we can't have some fun. K? Really? Yes?"

Sybok folded his arms. He glanced at Spock, then looked back at Sam with an acquiescent look. "Very well. But only if you refrain from coming to check on us for the remainder of the week."

Sam grinned. "Deal. I'll see you two Friday." he said with a wave, closing the door behind him.

Sybok turned to Spock afterward with a look. "Would you prefer to refuse?"

Spock looked toward the door in consideration. "I do not believe I would. It seems like it would be an educational outing."

Sybok shook his head slightly. "I suspected you would say that."

*

"Scotty is in the BAG," Mel said, clinking her wine glass with Christi's that evening on their balcony. "That went SO well. We're amazing at life."

Christi nodded with a smile as she took a long sip. "Oh god that's good," she said, making a few more sounds of joy before turning back to Mel. "Now the rest of them. I heard through the grapevine that the two sets of brothers are going to be making an outing of the Starfleet promo."

"Seriously?" Mel said, looking a little taken aback. "...Sam's that good?"

Christi looked very pleased. "Just a lucky guess I think."

"I'm impressed," Mel said, an admiring smile coming to her face. "This just might be easier than we thought it'd be! That freeze-the-Vulcans idea might've just done the trick!"

Christi shook her head. "Can't believe it."

"Yeah you can. It was mostly your idea."

"Don't remind me."

"Why? Getting a guilt complex now?" Mel challenged, sipping her wine again. "It WAS a good idea, you know."

Christi shrugged. "Maybe. It still could have gone horribly wrong...I just got lucky."

---**---