"Yeah, their blood is copper-based, instead of iron, like with humans." He figures he shouldn't have to explain that too much further, for someone with a medical background. "Vulcans value logic over emotion to the point where most people think they're stoic and arrogant, but they're one of the more accepting and understanding cultures we've met. They have this philosophy called Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations and it pretty much applies to everything." He debates whether or not to mention another quirk of Vulcan physiology, and figures it can never hurt to be prepared. "They're also touch-telepaths, so physical contact is never casual. Romulans aren't, but I don't know why. Maybe it's a discipline thing."

History's not one of Jim's stronger points, but the history of interstellar conflicts is one area where he paid close attention at the Academy. After all, it wouldn't do to be a captain and not know what's shaped your government's relationships with others. "The last official war between us and the Romulans ended in 2160, so it's been ninety-nine years. We've never declared war on the Klingons, it's more of a cold war kinda thing, even today. A lot of posturing and some skirmishes, but no coordinated military assaults."