Wish You Were Here – Part II
(Unless otherwise specified, all mail messages are video recordings)
Stardate 44588.42 (Thursday, 3 August 2367)
6:36 PM Pacific Time
To: Stevek Mairaj, U.S.S. Berlin
From: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
Hey, Tev…
Well, you've been gone again for like four days now, and somehow it doesn't hurt as much as it did after my birthday. Does that mean we're really over each other - romantically – or does it just mean we're growing up? I'm guessing a little of both.
Anyway, I'm just dashing this off between class and dinner, and I'm late for the latter. I loved hanging out with you in San Francisco, and I'm glad Theo didn't feel threatened by you being here. It shouldn't matter that the two of you get along, and yet somehow it does, at least a little.
But how dare you tease us about being the new power couple of 'fleet brats? Aren't you the boy with five – FIVE – different girls pinging your padd all the time?
Really, Tev, if I'd known you were such a player…
But… I guess it's good you have options.
And…I still miss you like crazy.
I should go.
Give your parents my love, and I promise to be better about keeping in touch if you are. Deal?
(=A=)
Stardate 44589.98 (Friday, 4 August 2367)
08:13 hours, ship's time
From: Lt. Cmdr. Deanna Troi, U.S.S. Enterprise
To: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
Hello, Zoe, I hope this message finds you well.
Data says you and he have been corresponding regularly – no, he hasn't provided any details of what you've talked about – so I bet you know that we're still on our mapping and charting mission. Commander Riker is back from his away mission – I think I mentioned that in my last letter, if someone else didn't – and I hope you don't mind, but I shared the recordings of your music with him. He says any time you want to switch to jazz, you're welcome in his band. Take him up on it – he could use the challenge.
I'm glad to hear you're not struggling so much now that you've been at ACT a while longer.
Remember that even though it's a pre-professional program, you are not committed to a career in theatre if it's not what you want. This is just a time for you to explore possibilities. If you look at the experience that way, I think you'll find the pressure eases.
Perhaps I wasn't clear, Zoe, but you are welcome to contact me any time. As long as your mother is part of this crew, you are a part of the Enterprise family. Something tells me there are people – including a certain android of our mutual acquaintance – who would consider you a part of the 'family' even if your mother were to transfer to a different posting. Not that that's at all likely, as far as I know.
Enjoy your last few weeks on Earth, Zoe. I look forward to seeing you again in person, and hearing your adventures over some kind of chocolate.
(=A=)
Stardate 44592.92 (Saturday, 5 August 2367)
10:00 AM Pacific Time
To: Lt. Commander Data, U.S.S. Enterprise
From: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
Hi, Data -
I looked at the time as I was getting up just a few minutes ago, and the first thought that entered my mind was, "Oh, god, it's almost ten in the morning and I'm going to be late for my Saturday Session with Data!" Then reality penetrated my brain, and I remembered I was still in San Francisco. No, I'm not crazy (Counselor Troi says so) it's just that Saturday mornings with you have been imprinted into every part of my being.
Translation: I miss you. I miss my routine. I even miss the ship, but don't you dare tell my mother I admitted that.
On the other hand, things here have completely turned around. Last Friday in class (a week ago Friday, not yesterday-Friday) I got so fed up with all the 'find your inner truth, tell your deepest secrets' stuff that Lach – Lachlan Meade - was pushing us to share that I blew up at him.
I mean, I really blew up at him.
I told him I thought he sucked as a teacher, and not everyone was supposed to be a method actor, and anyway, he'd already said the kids of celebrities, community theater brats, and people who've had the leads in school plays didn't belong at ACT, so why would he want us to share truths that amounted to name-dropping?
And the weirdest thing happened.
He started laughing.
I mean like belly-laughs, from the deepest core of himself, and then he started to applaud.
As I'm sure you can imagine, I was confused. Actually, the whole class was confused. Then we all started laughing, too – it was like some invisible wire had snapped, and suddenly there was no more tension.
(Whenever she's quoting Lachlan Meade, Zoe imitates his Scottish brogue.)
Then Lach looked at me, and said, "Zoe, just because it happens that ye match ev'ry category I ticked off on m'fingers, doesna mean ye're not s'pposed t'be here. Sharing yer truth isna about the facts of a story; it's about finding the universal truth in all of us. And fer yer information, almost ev'ry one of ya has some celebrity in the family tree. So now, I'm gonna ask ye again t'tell us yer scariest moment, and this time, 'stead of worrying yourself silly over droppin' names, just open yer pretty mouth and tell the fookin' tale."
So, Data, I did. And do you want to know something? It wasn't about Lore, after all. And it wasn't about the Borg, either. And… and I just realized that breakfast ends in an hour, and Lach is leading an improv bootcamp today, and I kind of really want to go.
Tell Spot I'm bringing her a special present.
(=A=)
Stardate 44596.12 (Sunday, 6 August 2367)
(The following is neither text nor video, but printed on monogrammed paper, delivered by courier.)
2:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: Admiral Alynna Nechayev, Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco
To: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco
Ms. Harris
The pleasure of your company is requested at the Historic Cliff House at 11:30 A.M. local time on Sunday, August 13th, for a farewell brunch honoring my nephew Theodore. RSVP at the above address.
(Below the printed invitation, the following note is handwritten in peacock blue ink.)
Zoe, dear,
Theo insisted that you'd appreciate a written invitation, and we use paper so seldom these days that I was happy to indulge him. Send me a note at the office, and I'll make sure a ground car picks you up and returns you to ACT on the day.
It's not a surprise, of course, but I'm not sure if Theo remembered to tell you he was heading back to campus on the 14th – he has a chance for a better position in the housing lottery, but only if he's present on the day.
You are, of course, still welcome to spend the rest of August at the house, if you like. In fact, if you let me know when your showcase performances are, I'll extend an invitation to your parents to come as well.
I've enjoyed getting to know you, Zoe, whatever you decide.
Regards,
Alynna.
(=A=)
(This message is text-only.)
8:30 PM Pacific Daylight Time
To: Admiral Alynna Nechayev, Starfleet Headquarters, San Francisco
From: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco
Alynna,
(You keep telling me to use your first name, so I really hope you mean it.)
Thanks so much for the invitation to brunch. The formal paper made me smile. Of course I'll be there. Thanks for including me.
I'm not sure of the performance dates, yet, but should know in the next day or so.
Whether or not my parents can make it, I hope you'll come.
- Zoe
(=A=)
Stardate 44620.46 (Tuesday, 15 August 2367)
11:15 AM Pacific Time
To: Lt. Commander Emily Harris, U.S.S. Enterprise
CC: Zachary & Gia Harris, Beach Haven, Centaurus
From: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
I'm pretty sure you've all received messages from Admiral Nechayev already, but you know I had to tell you in person. Theo and I eloped two days ago right before he went back to school, and we know it'll be hard and everything but…
Yeah, I wouldn't buy that either, if I were you.
Although it's true that you should all have personal notes from Alynna (yes, she told me to call her that). Why? Because they've announced the dates for the ACT Summer Showcase – not whole plays, or anything, more like our own plot that we all wrote, but using scenes and musical numbers from established productions.
Anyway the dates are the 24th-26th of August, and I'd really love it if some or all of you could come. Mom, Ed is invited, too, if he wants to come. Or can. I was thinking maybe you could beg for leave and we could spend the last week of August together, here in San Francisco or somewhere else.
Alynna says she has room for up to seven people in the house, if you uniform-y types don't want to slum it in 'fleet housing. Um, her words were probably a lot more gracious than mine.
Anyway…I have to dash off for lunch, then a dance rehearsal, then a vocal rehearsal and then we're taking a picnic dinner to the Fort Mason Green to watch the sailboats. Lach said if we're off-book by Friday he'll take our group sailing on Saturday.
I love that he knows just how to bribe us (he calls it an 'incentive') to make us rehearse.
Hope you're all hale and hearty. Gia – I want a new belly-pic!
Love you, miss you…can't believe my time here is almost over.
(=A=)
9:53 PM, Pacific Daylight Time
To: Lt. Commander Data, U.S.S. Enterprise
From: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
Hi, Data –
I think I was a little sappy in that last note. Call it a creative buzz and forgive me if I was out of line?
This message is a quickie, because I've got to dash out to lunch and rehearsal.
Anyway, they've set the dates for our showcase, and I know you're Very Busy and Important and all, but I'd love for you to come if you can.
I've attached a file with the calendar details. Also, Admiral Nechayev said I should extend her offer of housing to you, too, as long as I'm inviting you.
P.S. I thought I saw Lore at the Marina Green earlier today. I'm probably just being paranoid, but I got it on video. Also attached.
(File attachments: calendar of events, invitation from Adm. A. Nechayev, video of crowd at Marina Green)
(=A=)
Stardate 44627.35 (Thursday, 17 August 2367)
(The following is a live text-based chat between Zoe and Theo)
10:47 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Chat Request initiated by MadRussian/MIT
Chat Request accepted by CelloGirl/ACT
CelloGirl: Theo! Did you get the dorm assignment you wanted? I meant to send you off with a proper message and failed utterly.
MadRussian: I did. I'm in a 2-person suite. Each of us has our own room, with a common area between them, and we share a bathroom with the suite across the hall. Visitors are allowed, you know.
CelloGirl: And you know my mother is unlikely to allow it, but I'll ask. I'd like to see Massachusetts before I'm forced to go back to the ship. Or Boston, anyway. Is it true the swan boats are still there?
MadRussian: They are, and I'd be happy to take you on one. *sigh* You only want me for my connections; now I see it clearly.
CelloGirl: Yes, it's true. Your connections… and your rowing prowess. Um, you do have rowing prowess, don't you?
MadRussian: I'll have you know, I'm on the crew team.
CelloGirl: Well, that's a relief. I could never be with someone who can't handle a canoe.
MadRussian: Do you want to… be with me… Zoe?
CelloGirl: …
MadRussian: Zoe?
CelloGirl: I do, and I don't. I'm afraid of going too far, too fast with you…
MadRussian: The way you did with T'vek. Doesn't he have around seventeen girls hurling messages at him?
CelloGirl: At last count it was only five. But… yeah. I mean, at the time neither of us had any clue his parents were being PCSd, but still…
MadRussian: I know… I DO know, Zoe. Think about it… meanwhile, I'll see you on the 24th.
CelloGirl: You're coming to showcase?
MadRussian: As if I would miss it.
CelloGirl: I'll talk to the parental units. I'm sure we can figure something out. Good to chat with you, Theo.
Session Ends.
(=A=)
Stardate 44627.78 (Friday, 18 August 2367)
03:22 hours, ship's time
From Lt. Commander Data, U.S.S. Enterprise
To: Zoe L. Harris, Fort Mason Hostel, San Francisco, Earth
Zoe,
After viewing the video footage that you sent, I can assure you that you are not being paranoid. However, I remain certain that you are in no direct danger from Lore. Nevertheless, I would advise caution. Secure the door to your room when you enter and leave, and avoid being alone in public spaces.
I have just processed your mother's leave request – I do not think she will mind me telling you that it has been approved – and have made a request for leave for myself. If the captain approves it, then your mother, Professor Benoit, and I will travel to Earth together to see your performance. I will confirm this with you as soon as I am able.
Regarding your concern that you were 'too sappy' or 'crossed a line,' let me remind you that I cannot be offended, nor was there anything improper in what you said. I, too, am aware of the absence of our established routine, and anticipate your return to the ship so that it may resume.
As a further attempt at 'casual interaction,' I would like to relate a personal anecdote:
I was in Ten-Forward with Geordi yesterday attempting to 'cheer him up' as he has recently met one of the ship's original designers. Their encounter did not go as he had hoped, although their differences were resolved by the time she left this morning.
We had not been there long when Guinan joined our conversation. She asked after you, and I relayed your story about Lachlan Meade. She laughed, as did Geordi, and then asked if I had been imitating Meade or you. I explained that I was drawing on your habit of changing your voice for dramatic effect, and she smiled, and nodded, and made the observation that you were 'good for me.'
If she meant that you are helping me to see new sides of humanity, and stretch further beyond my programming, then she is more correct than she knows.
Guinan asked me to send her regards, and Geordi also sends greetings.
I hope to 'see you soon.'
Data out.
Notes: This chapter involves a time jump of a couple of weeks. It takes place after "Galaxy's Child" and before "Identity Crisis." Not a great time for Geordi. (Revised 25 September 2016)
