[ He does not allow himself to be pleased by the human's whistle, but there is some satisfaction to be found in it. Though they are allies, the Terran Empire has not been made aware of the prototype Spock has been overseeing. He anticipates Kirk's reaction when he sees what the stealth technology actually consists of — the Romulans and Klingons have managed the upper hand many times thanks to their cloaks. Now, that will change.

(Spock is not so selfish that he has destroyed blueprints for the ship. Retrieving it from the shipyard will not put Vulcan or Terra in danger from the simmering tensions of their neighbors in space.)

Spock removes earrings, then starts on the long, beaded strands of ribbon woven through his hair. He eyes them; they are worth millions of credits, but they are also highly traceable. Less traceable than the clothing, though, and if they stop for a black market exchange close enough within the sphere of Vulcan space, it will not give away their destination. That decided, he pockets the jewelry rather than leaving it behind. And then he turns to Kirk, tipping his head toward the door as he leads the way out. ]

I had thought to become something of a wandering researcher. However, I do not object to the occupation of pirate.