[ Spock is getting used to how tactile humans are and he doesn't move to take his arm away, though he remains stiff. It's clear she's unaware of Vulcan culture and even when humans are, it tends to only go so far. Between growing up with his mother and Michael and then his time in Starfleet, he's prepared for such gestures and if it brings her a sense of comfort, Spock can see no reason to refuse that. ]

Violence cannot always be avoided. I am trained in a style of combat that minimizes the likelihood of ending lives and my commission aboard a science vessel has involved additional defensive training.

[ He does not like violence, but he does not fear it. He only fears that he may misjudge when it is necessary, but the recent events before he'd come to this place have settled some of those concerns. The fight had been necessary then and it had not felt as if it could even be a question. Perhaps not every instance will be met with such clarity, but for now, he can comfortably dedicate himself to the preservation of other lives. ]

As for my words, I am quite comfortable with them, however I have been informed that many humans do not appreciate my straight-forward approach. I have been told that I lack tact, which is a fair assessment. My people do not value nice words over truthful ones.

[ And not one he cares to change. He's the stiff Vulcan to humans, but among Vulcans he is loose and emotional to an almost unacceptable degree as it is. ]