Thredbo, New South Wales, Stardate 77628.4

“Now that your board is properly strapped on, the first thing you’re going to do is jump in place.” Izi leaped high and gracefully.

Sorek glanced around as he noticed the group of curious onlookers growing in number. Maybe they had seen an Andorian or two on the slopes, but certainly not a Vulcan. Though with as much cold-weather gear as he was wearing, they probably couldn’t tell.

Sorek jumped only a few inches, his right foot higher than the left. When he landed, his board slipped forward and he fell on his bottom.

“That’s okay,” said Izi with a giggle. “Try again.”

Sorek got up and jumped. His feet were still uneven, but he didn’t fall.

“Again,” said Izi.

Another jump, but this time it was even.

“Again,” said Izi.

After several more, Sorek was leaping almost as high.

“Good! You’ve got it.” Izi smiled, her antennae in a happy jitter. “The next moves you need to know are important for stopping.” She leaned forward on her toes and back on her heels.

After several tries, Sorek had the moves.

“Now lean forward toward the front of the board and then lean back. These are moves to help you balance.” Izi watched Sorek. You’ve got it, Commander. It’s not so bad, is it?”

“I have not tried boarding down a slope,” said Sorek.

“We’re on the beginner hill,” said Izi. “It’s barely a slope.”

“That is comforting, Lieutenant.” said Sorek.

“Let’s practice what you’ve learned so far.”

Sorek followed Iziraa’s lead, but his skill was nowhere near hers. The more times he did each maneuver, the better he got.

“Now follow me.” Izi moved like she was walking. While going forward several meters, Sorek’s board slid in place and he remained where he started.

“Again.”

“This better be agreeable to Torvak,” said Sorek in a mutter.

“What’s that, sir?”

“Nothing, Lieutenant.”

Izi shrugged. “Now we’re going to get you started. Unbuckle your right foot and use it to move sideways to your left. Watch me.”

Izi glided across the snow. Sorek inched along. After a half hour of practicing, Izi stopped and studied the commander.

“Iziraa?”

“I was wondering something, sir.”

“What’s that, Lieutenant?”

“Why did you change your mind? This is clearly out of your comfort zone. Why did you decide to come out here with me.”

Sorek thought for a moment. “An old… friend, made me realize that sometimes it is necessary to experience the way others do things instead of always living by Vulcan traditions. There is so much more to the journey.”

“I’ve been learning the same thing,” said Izi. “With my people being a clan-based society, and because of the harsh conditions of our home world, traditions and doing things a certain way, often meant the difference between surviving and not. It’s so ingrained in us, it’s not easy to accept there just might be a better way.” She thought about that day Petty Officer Torell attacked her. He said she was pushy and always forcing her way on others. She had taken that to heart.

“Break time is over, sir. Are you ready to try this?” said Izi.

“It would seem I have no choice,” said Sorek, nodding his head towards the crowd watching them. “I can’t disappoint my fans.”