Year 1

Amanda was bursting with news for her husband. She'd had calls from both Spock and Jim that day, which was a rare occurrence and always made her happy, especially when they both had positive reports to give.

"My adun'a, you seem very pleased this day," Sarek remarked, upon returning home and finding her humming in the kitchen as she prepared bean stew.

"I am most pleased, my husband," she replied, greeting him with a light touch of the fingertips. "Spock is recording the highest grades of her class and thriving at the academy. In more serious news, She also told me several Starfleet officers are being dishonorably discharged and facing prison time for accepting bribes to ignore trafficking or actual rape. Spock said Admiral Pike led a thorough investigation and the officer whom Jim encountered is one of those in serious legal trouble."

"That is a sign of progress that Starfleet is starting to discipline corrupt officials and Spock's success is not surprising. She is after all, your daughter."

Amanda flushed at the rare compliment.

"That's sweet of you, honey. But she's been smarter than me for a long time. I also heard from Jim, as well."

"Oh? How is he faring?"

"He looks quite healthy and content. He said he's on track to graduate in three years, like Spock. He talks like they're communicating a lot and it makes me wonder..."

"Wonder what, my wife?" Sarek inquired.

"If they're interested in each other romantically. He talked about her quite a bit, seemed more excited about her accomplishments than his own. I had to pry it out of him what he's been up to: A lot of law and order with a bit of diplomacy and also psychology and Interspecies Ethics."

Sarek heard this with his usual placid response. "An excellent course load for his future profession, but I do not see how romantic involvement will be possible with their varied careers."

"I know," Amanda sighed. "But Jim clearly trusts her and feels safe with her in a way he doesn't with most humans. Time will tell whether they'll be able to overcome the distance or not."

(Video message to Jim)

"James, before you become agitated at my bruised physical appearance, it was minor. I regretfully miss timed a defensive maneuver and was struck during hand to hand combat training. Dr. McCoy has regenerated the split lip and blackened eye, but the marks have not faded completely yet. In more positive news, I have been asked by Professor Cato to assist in the tutoring of his Federation History pupils. Some of them are startlingly ignorant of the basic facts surrounding the founding of the Federation. I frequently must "bite my tongue" as mother says in order to refrain from appearing overly harsh to them. I am pleased to hear of your improvements in Interspecies Ethics. Understanding the cultures and morals of so many varied species will be crucial to your harboring good will as you police the galaxy, even though right now it is making your brain metaphorically spin, as you told me. I thought of you last night as I meditated: specifically your blue irises looking peaceful instead of pained as they once did. I do not believe there can be a more beautiful or satisfying sight than that. Rest well, T'hy'la. Live Long and Prosper."/i

(Video message to Spock)

i"Hey, Spock, that's quite a shiner you had there. Glad you weren't hurt, though. Things are going well, here, though there's a contingent of bitter individuals who think I'm being treated with favoritism because of my last name. I know it's BS because I work my tail off for every single grade, but their illogical jealousy won't let them see it. Today, they decided to go digging around in my past and find some dirt. Of course, they found plenty and decided to start telling people that I was an Orion whore. Ella heard them throwing insults around in the cafeteria and lit into them at lunch and before I knew it, two humans, an Andorian and a Caitian were backed against the wall getting the dressing down of their lives. By the time she was through with them, they were about to pee themselves and got out of there in a heartbeat. Much as I prefer to fight my own battles, it's awesome to have friends to stand up for me. I bet you would've nerve pinched those losers if you'd been there. Anyway, classes are plodding along and I'm still meeting with L'Rem every week. Have fun on the survival training next week. I hope you'll hardly ever need to use it when you're flying around space and exploring strange new worlds.

I miss you, gorgeous. Can't wait until our next in person visit. Peace and Long Life."/i