Having a Wonderful Time – Part II
(Unless otherwise specified, all mail messages are video recordings)
Stardate 44487.49 (Tuesday, 27 June 2367)
10:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Zoe L. Harris, Suzuki Institute, San Francisco, Earth
To: Zachary & Gia Harris, Beach Haven, Centaurus
CC: Lt. Cmdr. Emily Harris, U.S.S. Enterprise
CC: Lt. Cmdr. Data, U.S.S. Enterprise
Please forgive the mass mailing, but it was easier to record this once and send it to all the people who matter. I just got back from tonight's recital where I played the Prelude from Bach's first suite for solo cello – the one in G major – and I killed it. I mean, yeah, I know, it's one of those pieces that every cellist plays, but Cooper has this knack of pulling stuff out me - musically, I mean – that I don't even know where it comes from.
We worked on it nonstop for a week, and I even canceled my weekend plans with Theo and Wes (yeah, Wes has been hanging out with us when he gets weekend passes) to practice more. I know, you're all in shock. Remember to breathe, those of you who need to.
Anyway, Cooper says she's contacting Dad and Data herself to tell what she thinks I ought to be doing. We also talked a lot about the fact that I'm NOT doing music for the second half of summer, but going to an acting program instead, and she actually thought it was a good idea.
Specifically, she said, I should let one thing inform the other, that acting would help me be a better musician, and vice versa. She is officially the first teacher I've had - sorry, Data, but it's true, if only because you and I have never had this discussion – who doesn't think I'm being somehow disloyal to my instrument (does anyone think that could sound really dirty in the wrong context? Oops, sorry, forgot who I was talking to.) or not serious enough by wanting to do different things. She also said I should consider an academic institution for college, rather than a conservatory, but that I should look at all my options.
No, Mom, Starfleet Academy is still not on the list. Data, back me up on this? You know it's not a life I'm suited for.
Anyway, it's hard to believe this is my last week at Suzuki. I think I could stay here forever and not get bored.
At the recital tonight there were a couple of boys from Oberlin who played rock and roll cello duets – covers of a song by some ancient Earth group called 'Metallica' and a newer piece by an all-cello rock band called 'String Theory.' Dad, you and Uncle Zane would love them. Data… I've got a data-solid with some of their stuff, but I'm not sure you'll appreciate the glory of ACID CELLO.
(The door opens, and another young woman - one with cocoa-colored skin and a head full of braids – leans over Zoe's shoulder and peers into the camera. Her accent is faintly British.)
- Hello, Zoe's parents or friends or whatever. I'm Ronnie. If she hasn't told you ALL about me, you're missing out. Need to borrow your girl for a couple hours. There's cheeseburgers a-waiting and less than 90 minutes to curfew.
(Laughing, Zoe pushes Ronnie out of frame.)
Ronnie, I need to finish this!
(She returns her attention to her letter.)
Alright everyone, you heard her… there are cheeseburgers. Sorry, but junk food trumps letter writing every time.
Love you! Mean it!
(Message attachment: a clip of Zoe playing the Bach Prelude.)
(=A=)
Stardate 44487.90 (Wednesday, 28 June 2367)
2:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Zoe L. Harris, Suzuki Institute, San Francisco, Earth
To: Dana Swensen, U.S.S. Enterprise
Okay, I admit it: I've been a horrible friend. I've been so focused on music and music, and did I mention music? And I kept meaning to send you another letter, but then all the news was of the old kind and…forgive me?
So, it's my last week at Suzuki, and I've met some people and my playing is better than ever, but more than one of my teachers here has asked me if it's what I really want to do with my life, and the thing is, how are you supposed to know what you want to do with your life at sixteen? I mean…really?
I mean, I love music. But… what if they're right?
What if I don't love it enough?
Okay, this is already way too serious.
So, you and Josh… Josh and you. I don't know; you seem to fit together so well. But I guess I met you both at the same time, so I think of you in the same breath half the time. The two of you together just seems right.
But if you're not ready, you're not ready.
I mean, Tev and I – we were. But now with Theo, I'm… not…
I'm really not helping, am I?
I've only got three days left here at Suzuki, and then I'm back at Theo's for the North American Independence Day holiday, which is apparently some ancient celebration that involves fireworks and backyard barbecues. I'll be there for a week after that, actually, before I move to ACT's summer dorms, which are actually in the hostel at Fort Mason.
It will be weird not doing music every day. I know pretty much how I stack up with other musicians, but against other actors I have no idea.
Tell me I won't suck?
Hug Josh for me.
Kiss him for you.
(=A=)
Stardate 44494.41 (Friday, 30 June 2367)
(Another series of text messages)
11:05 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time
From: Zoe Harris (cellogirl)
To: Theo Nechayev (madrussian), Wesley Crusher (cadet_crusherw)
Okay, boys. The final recital is tonight. My ensemble got picked for the opening. Are you both coming? Can I get a head count?
11:07 A.M.
From: madrussian
To: cellogirl, cadet_crusherw
At the advanced age of eight-days-from-twenty, I do not believe I still qualify as a boy. Wouldn't miss your concert for the world, CelloGirl. Auntie is coming as well.
11:08 A.M.
From: cadet_crusherw
To: cellogirl, madrussian
I requested an early-start weekend pass, but it hasn't been approved yet. Will let you know ASAP.
11:09 A.M.
From: cadet_crusherw
To: cellogirl
If I don't get a pass, please don't hold it against me? It's a really big weekend for off-campus requests.
11:12 A.M.
From: madrussian
To: cellogirl
Aunt Alynna wants me to tell you not to be put off when she shows up in full dress uniform. Suzuki Institute is a respected school, and this concert is an annual event.
11:13 A.M.
From: cellogirl
To: madrussian
Is this the part where you tell me I committed some social faux pas by inviting her so casually?
11:14 A.M.
From: madrussian
To: cellogirl
She's a friend of the family to you, at least now. If you were a cadet it'd be different. Are we allowed to take you home with us, or do you have to wait until morning to check out?
11:15 A.M.
From: cellogirl
To: madrussian
Morning, sadly. Between ten and noon. Are you coming to fetch me, or should I sign up for the Institute's ground shuttle? Public transport with cello and luggage is kind of a hassle.
11:16 A.M.
From: madrussian
To: cellogirl
I'll come collect you at 10:30, and bring you home so you can unpack. We'll plan the rest of the weekend together.
11:23 A.M.
From: cadet_crusherw
To: cellogirl, madrussian
I was just informed I am Admiral Nechayev's body man for the evening, and that formal dress is in order. Gee, Zoe, I thought you said we were FRIENDS?
11:37 A.M.
From: cellogirl
To: madrussian, cadet_crusherw
I swear I had nothing to do with this.
11:38 A.M.
From: madrussian
To: cellogirl, cadet_crusherw
Hey, it got you off-campus on a Friday night of a holiday weekend didn't it? Aren't you plebes supposed to be honored by such assignments?
Also? I had nothing to do with it either.
(=A=)
Stardate 44498.86 (Sunday, 2 July 2367)
2:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time
To: Stevek Mairaj, U.S.S. Berlin
From: Zoe L. Harris, Casa Nechayev, San Francisco, Earth
Tev!
So, we haven't talked since April or early May, and so much is going on. First, I'm writing this from the home of one Admiral Alynna Nechayev. Yes, that Admiral Nechayev.
(Zoe does her best deadpan I'm-being-completely-serious tone and expression.)
Apparently hanging out with officers, wannabe officers, and 'fleet brats eventually sinks in. T'vek, I'm actually at a Starfleet Academy summer program for prospective students.
(She takes a beat.)
Also, I'm dating Wesley Crusher.
(She stares into the camera daring it to contradict her. It does not.)
(Time passes.)
(She bursts out giggling.)
Okay, that's totally bogus, but I wish I could have seen the expression on your face when I said it. So, truth: I've been on Earth since the end of May, staying with Theo – I think I mentioned he was on the Enterprise for a semester in space thing from MIT? Well it turns out that he's the Admiral's nephew, and he's here for the summer, and he invited me to spend the summer with him.
Of course there was no way my parents - well, my dad, maybe, but definitely not my mom – were going to let me spend the whole summer with a boy. (Theo says he's technically a man since he turns twenty next week, but whatever.) So, for the last month I've been eating, sleeping, and breathing music at the Suzuki Institute, and I'm here for a week, and then I move to Fort Mason, for ACT's summer program, and then there might be a few days here again before I head home.
Or… back to the ship.
Or… you know what I mean.
The music part's been stellar, of course. I got to work with members of the Tantalus, I've learned a little bit of Vulcan lyre technique in a workshop here (see, I promised your mother), and the rest…
The admiral, when you're not her underling, is really all shades of cool. She's much smaller in person than she seems on a vid-screen, and kind of soft-spoken, and she's been very welcoming, not pushing the whole 'consider the Academy' agenda on me at all.
And Theo… Theo is… nice. He's funny and kind and I like spending time with him – he's introducing me to his friends, and taking me to lots of his favorite places, but we've agreed to keep things casual. Light.
At least for the summer.
(Her tone changes from light and chatty to somewhat darker. Worried.)
I need to tell you something. Well, I need to tell someone something, and I'm picking you because you're not likely to put me under house arrest or redirect a starship.
You know I told you about… about Data's brother and what happened after you left? Well, it's probably nothing. Or nerves. Or… Anyway, I could have sworn I saw him at the final Suzuki concert last on Friday. Just for a second.
I'm probably just imagining things, right?
(She forces her breezy style again.)
Oh! I forgot. My suitemate, Ronnie, says to ask you if you know a guy on the Berlin - Harley Babigian? He's a year or so ahead of us in school, and they used to date or something. Well, they used to 'get together,' but I'm not entirely sure which meaning of 'get together' was meant.
It's really late, and we're doing brunch with bunches of people I don't actually know tomorrow, so I'd better hit send.
This summer's been amazing, Tev. I miss you… I think I'm always gonna miss you… but I'm okay.
Better than okay.
Great even.
(She flashes her happiest smile, the one that goes all the way to her eyes.)
Give my love to your parents.
And send me a note when you have time.
(=A=)
Stardate 44505.87 ( Tuesday, 4 July 2367)
15:35 hours, ship's time
From: Stevek Mairaj, U.S.S. Berlin
To: Zoe L. Harris, Admiral Nechayev's residence, San Francisco, Earth
Look at you, Zoe, hanging with the Admiralty. Wow, and to think I knew you when…
Okay, I know, you wouldn't care if Theo's family were janitorial workers, as long as they kept you in coffee… you are being kept in coffee, aren't you? I'd hate to think what you'd be like if not.
(He schools his smiling, laughing face into a more serious expression.)
I'm glad you're doing something for you this summer. I'm going to a summer program on Earth as well, that starts in a couple of weeks. The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts is hosting an intensive for prospective architecture students and they liked my application enough to get me in. No promises, but maybe we can meet up. I'd love to see you.
(He takes on a concerned, lecturing sort of tone.)
So, about the other thing you mentioned. The brother - are we talking in code for a reason, or can we say his name? I feel like I'm in a spy vid.
(In a conspiratorial whisper)
The sehlat yowled at moonrise.
(In a normal voice)
I don't know what to tell you. If it was just one time, then maybe it was just your imagination… You can be a little… creative, sometimes. Don't be paranoid, just be aware. But if you see him again, Zoe, you have to tell someone. Your mother, at least. Or Data.
Is it wrong that I hope it's just you being a little crazy?
Not crazy-crazy, but… you know.
Anyway, I'll append my trip details so you have them. Hopefully our schedules will mesh. I want to meet this Theo-person, see if he's good enough for you.
Oh, and Harley's in my lit class - or was - I'm not sure what classes will be when school starts again. He's… kind of awesome actually. Trouble, but in a good way.
(He holds his hand up, favoring her with the Vulcan salute, but then flashes the ASL sign for 'I love you,' right after.)
(=A=)
Stardate 44507.34 (Wednesday, 5 July 2367)
04:23 hours, ship's time
From: Lieutenant Commander Data, U.S.S. Enterprise
To: Zoe Lauren Harris, Admiral Nechayev's residence, San Francisco, Earth
Good morning, Zoe.
At your request, I am attempting to be more casual in my personal correspondence with you.
Do you find that 'good morning' is a better greeting than 'dear Zoe?' Does the fact that it may not be morning in your location when you receive this missive lessen the effect of the greeting? Is there a specific greeting you would prefer I use for future letters?
You have asked before for news of the ship. We have been under a communications blackout for the last three point seven six eight days, but I am afraid the reason is classified information. Let me assure you that we are all well.
Prior to the blackout, I had the experience of serving as 'judge and jury' in a trial between Captain Picard and a 'con artist' attempting to pass herself off as a legendary being in order to lay claim to an entire world and all its people and assets. I do not mind admitting that I was somewhat concerned about the possibility of ruling against the Captain, but with the help of Commander LaForge and many others aboard the Enterprise – including your mother, whose knowledge of folklore was quite handy – the truth was found, and the woman was arrested.
It is possible you have seen mention of this on the news networks, as she has been 'scamming' people throughout the Federation for… the better part of a decade.
In regard to your last letter, I am honored to be included with your family among people who 'matter' to you. Perhaps you are aware of this already, but, as I have often had to remind you that we are friends, I will clarify for you: you also 'matter' to me.
I have heard from Cooper, who has suggested that if you are to move forward as a musician, even if you do not eventually make a career of it, you would benefit less from a teacher and more from a coach and partner. She has further suggested – as you, yourself, have – I believe the word is 'grumbled' – that you have moved beyond what Lieutenant Starker can teach.
As we have already agreed to continue meeting weekly to continue your study of music theory, I would suggest that we expand our time together by one hour, and focus part of that time on technique and repertoire. I have observed that reactions to my own performances are much warmer since we have begun working together, and believe we should capitalize on what is clearly a mutually beneficial arrangement.
However, if this plan is not acceptable to you, or if you would prefer to work with someone who understands the emotional component of musicianship, I will understand, and will begin the search for a likely candidate.
When I mentioned your complaint about my 'writing style' to Counselor Troi, she suggested that I include some inconsequential chatter in my next letter, so I will share that as I record this, Spot is curled up on the couch, but not in 'your place.'
Instead, she has taken a liking to the place I generally occupy when you and I are having tea together, and I must dislodge her if I wish to sit down. After I do so, she invariably waits until I have picked up a padd or my oboe (You have stated more than once that you think the oboe sounds like a 'duck call' but it is a necessary component of certain chamber ensembles. Having now listened to the calls and songs of eight hundred seventy-three distinct types of water fowl, I believe that you either made an error in identification, or are using 'duck call' in a way with which I am unfamiliar. Please elaborate?) and then jumps into my lap, where she will remain until I move her again. This behavior typically repeats itself until I cease my planned activity and focus my attention on her, or until she exhibits signs of being hungry.
(As if on cue, there is a loud meeoooowwwrrrrr from out of frame, and then orange and white fur obscures Data's image.)
No, Spot. You must not jump onto the console.
No, Spot. You must not bat at the control keys.
No, Spot –
(There is a screen full of static for about 30 seconds, during which Data's cajoling and Spot's meowing can be heard. Then the image resolves into Data's face again. His last three sentences are uttered very rapidly.)
I am afraid I must end this letter now, Zoe.
I look forward to your next communication.
Data out.
Notes: Episodes that take place during this chapter are "Devil's Due," and "Clues." The piece of music Zoe mentions playing solo is the Prelude from Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007. A video of Yo-Yo Ma playing it has been added to the CRUSHING ON CELLO playlist (link in my profile.) Rock cello is not a new thing, though it's safe to say it was new to Zoe. My own first intro to it was via the group Apocalyptica, which really did start out doing all-cello covers of Metallica tunes. Their version of "Fade to Black" has also been added to the playlist. And before you ask, no, Tev and Zoe are NOT getting back together. (Revised 25 September 2016)
