Letters II

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

"That was so..." Jenny paused for a moment.

"It was so Robbie." Megan finished for her. "Can you believe that our little brother is going to be a 'phud'. He always used to tease me about my 'quest for eddication'. And now look at him."

"I think we'll have to do a little teasing of our own in our next letter home." Jenny said. She glanced down at the chronometer on her wrist. "I've got to go Meg. Do you mind keeping the PADD for now? I don't have any pockets, and I'm already late for my shift."

"Sure, no problem." Her sister replied. "Go on. I'll see you later."

"I'm gone!" Jenny replied and headed toward the door.

Megan turned back to her console and began the next download procedure.


"Good afternoon, Icheb. Hope I'm not interrupting your studies," Neelix said brightly as he entered Cargo Bay 2.

Icheb looked up from the console where he was working. "I am permitted to take 'a break,' as Lieutenant Paris calls it. My report concerning human-Vulcan relationships prior to the formation of the Federation is almost complete. I will be sending it to Commander Tuvok shortly."

"Ah. That explains why you weren't in Astrometrics earlier today when the letters started coming in from the Alpha Quadrant."

The hint of smile that had been on Icheb's face vanished. "I anticipated they would arrive today."

"Did you? Everyone else lost track! You know, there was a letter for you this month."

"A letter? Are you certain it's for me?" Icheb's astonishment was evident. Since the only letter Icheb had ever received from the datastream previously had been his official letter of acceptance to the Academy, this reaction was not a surprise to Neelix.

"Absolutely Icheb." Neelix replied smiling. "This one's definitely got your name on it. Here, see for yourself."

Neelix activated the PADD and handed it to the young man.

He watched him as Icheb turned it on and read it, tickled at the way the shocked expression suffusing the young man's face nudged away any trace of Borg impassivity. When Icheb placed the PADD back on the console without comment about the letter, however, Neelix couldn't help himself. "Who is the letter from?"

"Don't you know? Naomi says you always do," Icheb said, a small smile appeared on his lips, making him look even less Borg than before.

"Well, I . . . uh, I have to check which letter is which, you know, and sometimes I can't help but see the entire heading, you see . . ."

"Neelix, it's all right. You can read it if you like. It's from Admiral Paris."

"Well, I knew that, actually . . . " Neelix admitted sheepishly, accepting the PADD from Icheb and perching himself on the cot Icheb often used, now that he rarely regenerated and needed more sleep.

As much as Neelix enjoyed mail day, he found it a bit tiring. Rushing around the ship, trying to deliver everyone's mail in a timely fashion was harder than he would admit. And he'd had a particularly active morning. He was, to use one of Tom Paris' favorite twentieth century idioms, 'pooped'. Settling himself into a reasonably comfortable position, Neelix began to read.

From: Admiral Owen Paris, Starfleet Command
APO San Francisco. Earth
To: Cadet Icheb, U.S.S. Voyager
NCC-74656
Stardate: 54682.4

Dear Cadet Icheb,

Congratulations upon the completion of your first semester's work in Starfleet Academy's "distant learner" program. It's quite a challenge for anyone to work on basic course work so far from home. To make the Dean's List under these circumstances is remarkable. I remember Commander Tuvok well from his days as an instructor at Starfleet Academy. He always grades his students fairly, adhering strictly to Academy standards; I know you earned those high marks. You have achieved much in the short time you have been on Voyager.

One other thing about completing on your studies out in deep space: you are gaining a wealth of practical experience the average Academy student can only dream about. The normal cadet's short training missions, invaluable as they are, can in no way compare to your time on Voyager. Captain Janeway is one of our finest captains and can teach you much about command that cannot be learned in formal classes. Serving with her is certain to enhance your credentials for a successful career.

If you have any questions at all about your Academy course work or anything connected with Starfleet itself, feel free to contact me at Starfleet Command. I will be following your progress with great interest. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Owen Paris, Admiral, Starfleet Command

By the time he had finished reading Neelix was beaming.

"This is wonderful, Icheb! Admiral Paris taking an interest in your career-that's quite a friend to have in a high place! Looks like you'll have a lot to look forward to when we get to the Alpha Quadrant."

"Perhaps," Icheb replied as Neelix returned the PADD to him. As Neelix began to leave, however, Icheb stopped him, asking, "Neelix, did Naomi receive a letter, too?"

"Yes, she did. From her father." Neelix added, in a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm sure she'll tell you all about it over dinner."

After Neelix had gone, Icheb turned back to work on his report for a few more minutes, then hit "pause" on his console.

Reactivating the PADD, Icheb reread its contents, virtually committing them to memory. Tonight, he'd have a letter of his own to discuss in the mess hall.


To: Kim, Harry, Lt. (j.g.)/USS Voyager
From: Patel, Sunil/San Francisco Public Library/
Earth/San Francisco
Via: Project Pathfinder
Stardate: 54651.6

Dear LIEUTENANT HARRY KIM:

Our records indicate that you failed to return "THE TIME MACHINE" by H.G. WELLS on its due date of JANUARY 31, 2371. Please be aware that the San Francisco Public Library charges a late fee of 0.75 credits per day for each day a book is not returned following its due date. Your current late charge is ONE THOUSAND, TWO EIGHT HUNDRED FORTY-ONE POINT FIVE (1,841.50) CREDITS.

This late charge will continue to accumulate until such time as the book is returned to the Library. We urge you to do so at your first opportunity. Books are a valuable asset to the community and it harms us all when one is withheld from circulation, even though an oversight. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Sunil Patel

Asst. Head Librarian,

Circulation Division


Chakotay stared at the PADD, astounded that Starfleet had even authorized the transmission of...

Of what? Drivel? There was only a limited amount of space and he hated to think that someone's legitimate letter hadn't been sent because of this...

Drivel.

"Commander?" He glanced up.

"Good morning, B'Elanna." He smiled at her, the letters briefly forgotten. "How are the final preparations for connecting the transwarp coil going?

"They're coming along. Still a few glitches, but Icheb thinks we'll be ready on time. And I agree with him." She motioned toward the PADD asshe sat down across from him. "I see Harry has been making the rounds."

"A letter from my sister and some other..."

She smiled at him. "Maya is a remarkable young woman."

"Yes, she is. She has done remarkable work on Dorvan."

"I look forward to seeing her again. Who else wrote you?" B'Elanna leaned forward, so he moved the PADD just enough to prevent her from seeing it.

"Nobody."

"Nobody sent you a letter?"

"That is correct...Perhaps we should ask Starfleet to put restrictions on mail not from authorized personnel."

"Why?" She reached for the PADD. He reluctantly let her have it. She read for just over one second then pushed it back to him with a laugh. "I think this one deserves a response."

"I'd rather ignore the letter completely. It's embarassing."

"You're famous. She sounds like quite a woman."

"I am not going to marry her, no matter what her attributes are."

B'Elanna closed her eyes and laughed. Chakotay shook his head, but she was right. The whole situation was absurd enough to be funny. "Read the third page."

"Three pages?" She glanced down and started to read. "I knew it was love the moment I saw your face on the news. So strong, so handsome..." She thrust the PADD back toward him. "It's personal."

He hit the delete button. "I hope her husband doesn't find out." He laughed at the look on B'Elannas face. "That's why I suggested page three."

"I'll mention it to Reg. The datastream was full again this time." She stood. "Anyway it wouldn't have worked. She's not your type." B'Elanna nodded to her right.

"B'Elanna..." Kathryn was walking their way.

"What? Come on Chakotay. We all know who you have your heart set on. I'll see you at the staff briefing. Good morning, Captain." B'Elanna continued to chuckle as she left.

"Captain," Chakotay said as Kathryn sat down where B'Elanna had been sitting.

"What did B'Elanna find so funny?"

"Nothing." No way would he tell her.

"Just one of those pregnancy things?"

"I guess so." He took a sip of marok tea. He always found it hard to lie to her. She stared at her cup of coffee. "Is there a problem?" He wondered if she'd received bad news from home.

"No...I'll be in my ready-room." He watched as she walked away. Something was wrong. He wondered just what her mail had brought.