Letters II
Compiled and Edited by: CyberMum
Written by the Voyager Season 7.5 Writing Staff

"They're coming through now, Lieutenant." Megan re-inserted the blank PADD into the slot in her console, waited for a moment and removed it with a slight flourish. "Here's the next one."

Harry hastily shoved his own letter into the bottom of his mail pouch and took the proffered PADD. He read the heading and then handed it to Neelix. "This one's for Tuvok. He's on your route, isn't he?"

"He is indeed." Neelix replied. "He's at the top of my list. Is your mother well, Harry?"

"She's just fine, Neelix. She's just the same as she's always been. Just the same." Harry repeated, and couldn't quite suppress a sigh. "But I miss her anyhow."

"And here's the next one..." Megan Delaney reclaimed their attention as the rest of the letters began to arrive via the data stream.

Tuvok studied the delicate bloom carefully. The pale violet orchid had been grafted onto the new rootstock only a day earlier. Although it was still too early to say definitively, he decided it was showing signs of adapting and should soon be thriving in its new environment. He slowly added the nutrient solution to the soil and worked it in, taking care not to unduly disturb the fragile rhizomes.

The door signal sounded. "Enter," he said, and crossed over to the sink to wash his hands. In the reflective wall surface he noted his visitor. "Yes, Mr. Neelix, what may I do for you?"

"Mail call," the Talaxian said cheerfully. He waited until Tuvok had finished drying his hands before holding out the PADD. "I believe it's from your wife T'Pel."

"Indeed it is," Tuvok said, quickly perusing the first few lines. Although he did not lack for patience and did not feel the need to immediately read his letter, he knew from experience that the simple act of delivering mail and watching the reactions of the recipients netted Neelix as much satisfaction, if not more so, as the recipients of the letters themselves. And despite the fact that he would never openly admit to doing so, Tuvok made sure each month that he permitted Neelix this singular pleasure.

"How is she? Family all well?" asked Neelix.

"So it appears from her opening statements. She sends her regards."

"Really?" If Neelix had been smiling before, now he was positively beaming. He quickly recollected himself. "Well, I have a number of other deliveries to make. Enjoy your letter from 'Mrs. Vulcan.'"

"I shall certainly endeavor to do so," Tuvok responded and tried not to think how his wife would react to her new title. Then again, perhaps she would consider it eminently logical.

Alone once more, he settled back with a cup of steaming spice tea, picked up the PADD and began to read.

From: T'Pel cha'Selev
Sector 001; Vulcan; ShiKahr
To: Lieutenant Commander Tuvok,
Chief of Security, U.S.S. Voyager
NCC-74656
Pathfinder Project
Stardate: 54649.8

Greetings, my husband,

I trust that this missive finds you in good health and that you are completely recovered from the injuries you received during your recent battle with the Borg Collective. Yes, I do find it curious, as you remarked, that Mr. Neelix showed up at the torpedo launch bay, particularly as he had no way of knowing in advance that you did indeed require his assistance. A fortuitous coincidence, perhaps, but I think you are too quick to dismiss another possible explanation of the events. Having never studied with the masters of the temple of Amonak, perhaps my knowledge of these matters is less than yours. However, it occurs to me that the link between the two of you, from the time you were combined into the single entity Tuvix, has been maintained. Perhaps it is only noticeable during extreme circumstances. Regardless of the reason, I am grateful that he was present and able to convey you to safety. As the Humans are fond of saying, please express to him my regards.

Our family members are all well. As you doubtless expected, our granddaughter T'Meni's kahs-wan was successfully completed. The Examiner agreed that she showed remarkable foresight and endurance in one so young. The child has always been slender and looked far younger than her years, but it did not have an averse effect upon her either from a physical or mental standpoint.

Sapock, the son of Skon, your friend Stelen's eldest, is of the same age as T'Meni and completed the ordeal at the same time. I suppose it may have been chance, or the long-standing amitas between our two families, but Stelen has inquired informally as to the possibility of a bonding between our grandchildren. They are of the proper age to consider a betrothal; I have always felt the old custom of bonding shortly after the kahs-wan is preferable to waiting until the children have reached the Time of pon farr. There are enough issues to deal with then; far better for them to learn about the bond when it can be contemplated rationally. It also removes some of the uncertainty of one's Time to already be familiar with one's bondmate.

I suspect that T'Meni has already given thought to the next stage of a young Vulcan girl's life and this will not come to her as a completely unexpected development. The two children are well acquainted with each other; I am not incorrect in assuming that T'Meni herself has written to you about Sapock, as they have 'crossed lirpas' on numerous occasions.

I can see your eyebrow rise from here, my husband, and sense your question: but if the child appears to dislike the boy, surely another would be more suitable. Indeed, Sek asked the same thing, which leads me to wonder how well he knows or understands his own daughter. The very fact that T'Meni treats Sapock almost as if he were beneath her notice makes me suspect that she thinks of him a good deal and not always disparagingly. Asil was present during one of T'Meni's most recent visits and commented to me afterwards that she found too many references to the boy during the course of the conversation for there to be simply a casual interest on T'Meni's part. Our daughter is an astute judge of character, as you yourself have frequently noted in the past.

Therefore, if you do not have any objections, I will inform Stelen that we look favorably on this new tie between our families. As to when the bonding ceremony should be held-rumors abound that Voyager's return will be much sooner than previously looked-for. In fact, we have been told informally by one of the Pathfinder scientists that there is a possibility that the ship may return within the next few months. You are in a better position to know if this is founded in fact or merely a product of wishful thinking. It would be most gratifying for your return to be early, and T'Meni would be most appreciative if her grandfather could be present at her bonding ceremony. I will hold off in making any further plans until I have your answer, or more information becomes available on this end.

Live long and prosper.

Your wife,

T'Pel

A postscript. Shortly before this letter was to be sent off, an unfortunate event has transpired. Your father Sunak passed away, not before his time. He was not ill with a specific malady, but had been slowly 'fading' for some time. Your mother stated that he had consulted several Healers during the past six months and each one said there was nothing to be done. I grieve with thee, Tuvok, and your mother T'Meni as well. Sunak was in good spirits at the end. Our sons and I were present at his bedside, and he told me he felt he had accomplished what he wished in this life. His only regret was being unable to see you again. His katra has already been released into the Hall of Adepts. Tomorrow morning, at sunrise, we will take his ashes to the Forge and scatter them on the plains of Gol as per his final wishes.

Tuvok closed his eyes. He thought of the gentle presence that was his father, and found some measure of comfort that his end was so peaceful. *Not before his time.* He turned back to the section of T'Pel's letter that dealt with his granddaughter's betrothal. It was time to concentrate on the next generation, the new links being forged in the chain.