The first thing new crewmembers on the Bill of Rights learn is "Don't Ask About the Ears". Everybody knows, of course, that Vulcans are supremely logical and perfectly in control of their emotions, and that despite his stern demeanor, Dr. Stehpan is friendly and fair. Just - don't ask about the ears.
Sometimes it's whispered in corners that Vulcans have a very strong privacy taboo, and any breach of the privacy veil will be punished by death. Some say that the reason Vulcans master their emotions is that if anything triggers a loss of control, they go into a killing rage. And so you don't ask about the ears.
The sickbay staff still tell each other the legend about how Nurse Bobby asked about the ears once, and then he got eaten. (Sure, there was an invisible bugblatter beast loose on the ship at the time, but they're pretty sure it was because he asked about the ears.)
There's a rumor among the ensigns that Ensign Meg knows. Whether she got it from him, or overhead something, or broke into the ship's computer - the most audacious of the rumors says she that when she was posted to Enterprise, she asked Commander Spock - but whatever it is, she won't talk. If asked, she mutely just shakes her head.
And if you happen to wander into the observation deck, or recreation, or the officers' lounge, and see Lieutenant Stewart petting them -- just back out. Back out, and pretend you were never there.
no subject
Sometimes it's whispered in corners that Vulcans have a very strong privacy taboo, and any breach of the privacy veil will be punished by death. Some say that the reason Vulcans master their emotions is that if anything triggers a loss of control, they go into a killing rage. And so you don't ask about the ears.
The sickbay staff still tell each other the legend about how Nurse Bobby asked about the ears once, and then he got eaten. (Sure, there was an invisible bugblatter beast loose on the ship at the time, but they're pretty sure it was because he asked about the ears.)
There's a rumor among the ensigns that Ensign Meg knows. Whether she got it from him, or overhead something, or broke into the ship's computer - the most audacious of the rumors says she that when she was posted to Enterprise, she asked Commander Spock - but whatever it is, she won't talk. If asked, she mutely just shakes her head.
And if you happen to wander into the observation deck, or recreation, or the officers' lounge, and see Lieutenant Stewart petting them -- just back out. Back out, and pretend you were never there.