Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are all absolutely lovely.
We survived our joint mission with the VSA with minimal casualties. Now we get a few days in New Vulcan right around Valentine's Day. This should be fun.
Day 361: Happy, Almost Valentine's Day
From: Legal Queen
To: kitten_loverJJMU
Subject: Happy not quite Valentine's Day.
Time arrived: 02/13/2261 00:00:01
Hey, happy almost Valentine's Day. If I am doing the math right, you will probably get this near the holiday. Although I still don't get why these letters now take so long. Liz said most messages used to arrive close to the same day before the incident in San Francisco a few years ago. At least that's what she mentioned in her letter yesterday.
I'm looking forward to Valentine's Day for the first time in forever. I actually have a date this year. Chloe asked me when she helped me pick out my new apartment a few days ago. I have no idea what she's planning, but I'm looking forward to it. I regret that Liz is several light-years away and can't help me pick out my new outfit. I have a week and a half, so I am sure I'll think of something. With work being so chaotic, I wonder if I have time to go shopping. This is probably why Chloe gave me more than two weeks' notice for our date.
I have attached pictures of my new apartment. I decided to rent. I don't have the energy to buy two properties within six months of each other. If/when the judge somehow gets out, moving will be easier.
He's still in detention, per my bosses. He'll stay there for a while due to recently discovered extremely illegal transgressions. However, one can never be too careful with the judge.
I had tea with Liz's mom Ming a couple of days ago. She's back on Earth and brought me your Christmas presents. Your painting was brilliant. I love it, and it's in my office. Chloe says you have a lot of talent. Cory wants a similar painting for his office. Thank you so much for sending it to me.
I am happy I sent you more art supplies. They are waiting for you when your ship goes in for repairs. Liz's mom says that's going to be in a few weeks. I heard something about a tour of the base and a trip to an amusement park. Don't forget to send me pictures.
So today, I found out I will be taking the Vulcan bar exam this summer at the Embassy in Yorktown. Initially, I thought this was Liz's mother pulling strings, but it is not. It's all part of the christening of the newest Vulcan Embassy. I'm not going to question why that's part of the festivities.
After studying the law code for several months, I have discovered that the Vulcan system is very different than what I am used to. Yes, it's in everybody's best interest that your mom is a citizen. Mine as well, since it's part of why I managed to get a spot this summer to take the exam. Your grandfather is my sponsor. I will be spending most of my time studying for the next five months, but I think it will be worth it.
Anyway, I loved all of the pictures of your Lego collection. I'm glad you guys are having fun. Do you guys have anything planned for Valentine's Day? Or are you just waiting to have fun at the base?
Xxxx
From: Legal Queen
To: Doctor Bones
CC: NyotaUM
Subject: Happy almost Valentine's Day to my favorite brother-in-law.
Time arrived: 02/14/2261 00:00:01
Whom I like more than my actual sister. May she rest in peace.
Surprisingly your letter arrived just a little after Josephine's. I'm happy they're lining up now, considering they were a few days apart. However, we will see if these get to you simultaneously.
I have an update about my unfortunate sperm donor. I promise I would've sent a rapid message if it was critical. However, I think this news can wait a week and a half. So, the guy is not getting out of jail anytime soon because, besides stepmom number whatever stealing all his money, she also stole all his computer files. She turned all of them over to the authorities. So we now have proof he paid off the judge in your original custody case and your shit family too. I suggest setting up a news alert so you can see videos of them getting arrested for being part of the biggest judicial conspiracy in Georgia history. Arrests will be happening very soon.
They are also investigating the possibility that the judge had someone killed. Actually, it might be multiple potential murders. He may have arranged for some of his enemies to have "accidents." He is not getting out of jail anytime soon. Thank the universe for your decision to join Starfleet. It kept you far away from him so he couldn't touch you. Who knows what the man would have done otherwise? My sperm donor is unhinged.
In better news, I received your Christmas presents from Lizzy's mother. Thank you for the Vulcan tea-tasting collection. Also, thank you for several data chips on how to study for the Vulcan bar exam. They contain different information than the version they give to non-Vulcans. That explains why until the implosion, very few non-Vulcans ever passed the Vulcan bar exam equivalent. It's hard to pass a test when you're not given the correct information.
In addition to getting my Christmas presents from the admiral, I also got to talk to her about some work-related things. Yes, she tried to get me to join Starfleet Legal. I never said no faster in my life. Moving to New Vulcan is one thing, but not living on a ship full-time. I can't do a ship. I need the ground. And sunshine. I don't know how you guys do it for years at a time.
She also mentioned that the Minors on Enterprise program is getting reevaluated in February. It makes sense since that's the one-year mark of this voyage. However, she is concerned. I heard from Liz already about Loki the bitch and stupid attempts to get back at Liz for beating her at a test which just seems so ridiculous. Mainly because, unlike when your boy did this, there was a legitimate possibility of winning. However, Princess Loki is upset that the two people that did the best were legacies.
Sorry, I'm literally shaking my head as I dictate that. She thinks there are people at Starfleet that are going to help their disgraced former head's niece beat the exam. Or, in this case, almost beat the exam. I'm not even Starfleet, and I know how much everybody hated Marcus. I heard there were parties when he died. Chloe went to one because her then-husband was celebrating. Considering how much of it prick her ex-husband was, that is saying something. Even the dicks hated Marcus.
Sorry, I got on a tangent. The admiral worries that the Enterprise program might be targeted for political reasons. For a test, seriously, a test? If that does happen, one, Shawn will sue the hell out of everybody on your behalf. Two, pursuant to passing the New Vulcan bar exam, I would be open to moving to the planet to care for Josephine so you and Nyota don't have to leave Starfleet.
I know you wouldn't want her returning to earth because my father is a sociopath. But New Vulcan is an option. It's part of the reason why I'm renting and not buying. I want to be able to move.
OK, renting that apartment also led to having a Valentine's Day with Chloe. So, there were many reasons why renting was the best option. I now live in the same building as Chloe. That's just purely coincidental. It's close to work.
I love my new job and many of my coworkers, but if Josephine needed me, I would relocate to New Vulcan in a heartbeat. I still feel like I let her down. I should have got her away from my sister a long time ago. I even feel worse about it now that I know for sure that the judge bought my sister custody. It was probably just another means to control her. I don't know because she's not alive to ask. This was one of the few things not in her diary. Maybe she didn't want to incriminate herself. She just gave you enough stuff to make sure the judge didn't get her daughter. I'm not sure. My sister remains a highly complex person, even in death.
On that sad note, I will end this letter. I hope all goes well with the inspections. But if it doesn't, we'll be ready to sue the fuck out of them.
Xxxx
From: NyotaUM
To: Legal Queen
CC: Doctor Bones
Subject: Re: Happy almost Valentine's Day to my favorite brother-in-law.
Time sent: 02/14/2261 07:23:18
Sorry, I'm writing today. The boyfriend was exhausted by dealing with too many people due to "toddlers thinking with their dicks instead of their heads." Leonard practically collapsed when he got back from shift this morning. He didn't even stay up to have breakfast with Josephine like he normally does after a night shift.
I've heard my boyfriend complain about Starfleet stupidity many times, but not right before shore leave. Usually immediately after. Although maybe a few people celebrated the last day of our joint mission with the VSA a little too hard last night. His night shifts are always crazy, and this one was no exception.
We wrapped up yesterday and are heading to New Vulcan to drop off the team. There are a few follow-up meetings tomorrow and the next day, but I won't be part of that.
I am glad that you liked your Christmas presents. With everything going on with your dad, I knew you could use the various relaxation teas. This was the first harvest on the new colony, so there were many lovely blends this year. Once you finish the teas, you will at least have the teapot. Drink in good health.
It was Spock's father that recommended we send you the data chips for the bar exam. I suspect he knew the study materials for individuals off planet were incomplete. Which doesn't surprise me after the kids' winter break project. Vulcan history is so whitewashed. It's a joke. Let's say we had to classify my kid's research paper.
Thank you for the offer to come to the new Vulcan colony. I don't think we'll need to take you up on it. Spock and Jim will care for Josephine on New Vulcan if worse comes to worst. Being the practical Vulcan he is, Spock already has a teaching position lined up at the VSA if things go south. And since half of the visiting scientists have fallen in love with Jim, I'm sure he would get an offer too. He's also thinking about getting his doctorate.
Part of me wonders if they are already half out the door. I am almost positive they won't stay past the current five-year mission. I think Peter has changed their priorities. They have no desire to be Starfleet lifers, even though I know they would've been that way in another life.
However, that doesn't mean that I won't fight if the powers that be try to end the program. I've been meeting with many of the other Enterprise parents, and we are ready to sue if we must to keep the program. Especially if it's apparent that they're ending it for political reasons, and it would be political reasons. It's why they ended it the first time. They just used what happened to Jim as a baby to push it through. So, I'm glad Shawn and the others are ready to go if we need it. I'll know more about that in a week. But I will message Shawn if I have to. Let him know to watch out for my messages.
Leonard is not surprised to find out his family members really were paid to badmouth him at the custody hearing. He was mad enough to break his PADD. This is another reason why I am the one writing today. I am glad you CCed both of us.
He is also not surprised at all about the murder. It seems like something the judge would do. Especially considering that he is stalking you. Please tell me your new place has good security? We are worried about you being alone back on Earth. You should consider moving to New Vulcan anyway if the man gets out.
We are doing a video call with my mom on the 27th. Which theoretically will be after a decision is made about the program. You are invited to join. I expect you'll get an email or text message from my mom any day. We would love to speak with you then. Hopefully, it won't be about custody plans and lawyer arrangements.
I wish we could've done it tomorrow. We are going to be arriving in New Vulcan later today. The kids will get to spend a couple of days with their grandfather. On the other hand, I will have to stay on the ship and be in charge. Jim, Spock, and Sulu will be participating in briefings with the VSA. Scotty is still not back. Otherwise, it would be his job. He's not joining us again until our second day on the Starbase.
Anyway, I look forward to speaking to you then. Josephine got super excited when I told her we were trying to get you on the video call with her grandmother. She hasn't spent much time with my mom, so I think you being there will help. I hope you will be available.
PS: Yes, we have set up a News filter and are looking forward to various family members getting arrested on various corruption charges. Although, please send relevant video files to us in case this doesn't make the interplanetary news. We don't always get the local feeds from Earth.
Xxx
From: kitten_loverJJMU
To: Legal Queen
Subject: Re: Happy not quite Valentine's Day.
Time arrived: 02/13/2261 12:43:32
Your letter managed to get here on the 13th, so good timing. Dad also got his letter from you, which is better than usual. They usually arrive a few days later.
I am so excited you have a date for Valentine's Day. I'm happy for you. I hope everything goes well with Chloe.
I love the new apartment. It's so cute. It's big, and you have a nice patio. Is it secure, though? I don't want the judge to burn this place down again if he ever can afford a lawyer to get him out on bail. I'm glad he's still locked up.
The fact that he is still locked up makes me wonder if he's being charged with other things beyond the stalking and arson. Although the judge no longer having money is also a factor. I'm glad step-grandmother number nine took him to the cleaners. Good for her.
I've been making good use of the Christmas art supplies, and I've done more paintings. We plan to send you a few when we arrive at Starbase 39 in a few days. There might be one for your boss in there too.
I'm looking forward to Starbase 39 and not looking forward to it at the same time. The amusement park will be fun; hopefully, nothing terrible will happen afterward like last time. You remember I found out mom wrapped her car around the tree after spending the day at Disneyland of Georgia. I don't want a repeat of that trauma.
I'm also looking forward to getting to talk to you live. Mom is working out arrangements. I am also supposed to be talking to Grandma. I'm a little apprehensive about talking to her in person, but her notes with her gifts have been good. Mom and Grandma are getting along well right now. Which, from what I've gathered, is a minor miracle. I am hopeful it will continue.
At the same time, it's time for our Minors on Enterprise program to be re-evaluated. The head of the local Starfleet International School is going to be evaluating us. This might be a disaster considering our project topics. I am worried. I know we won't get shoved off to boarding school, but Mom and Dad love being in Starfleet, and I don't want them to leave.
Uncle Jim and Spock love Starfleet and Enterprise but would be happy on the New Vulcan colony. A contingency plan is in place for me to live with them on the settlement if things go to hell. You can be their neighbor if you do well on the bar exam. I'm glad your test is happening on Yorktown, and you won't have to go to the colony to take it. That's usually what happens.
So that you know, the Sulu wedding might get moved. It's either going to be a little earlier or a little later. Although if it's later, I'll still get to see you because I think we'll get dropped off to live with Grandpa while everybody else is going to the Federation Gen. Assembly.
My current theory is that Liz's mom's scheme to get us all to Yorktown at the same time backfired. Enterprise has escort duty for the Federation Gen. Assembly, which was supposed to be moved to Yorktown. Unfortunately, the conference center isn't done yet. That's not even mentioning the incomplete housing.
We're not doing anything for Valentine's Day because it's more of an Earth holiday. However, Dad is already dealing with idiots that were celebrating the end of our time with the New Vulcan delegation. He regrets having the night shift last night. I think I will get another lesson about barrier contraceptives and STI protection. I am 12. I do not need another version of that lesson right now.
Although Gina's girlfriend did bring us cookies for lunch. Heart-shaped sugar cookies because she is Vulcan, after all. OK, and now my teacher is crying, but it's happy tears because the girlfriend just proposed to her. The cookie said will you marry me. That's adorable.
I'm taking pictures for Liz and Sue. Gina and Sue have known each other since kindergarten. They are platonic soulmates. Liz is like another little sister. They're going to want pictures.
I'm sending you one picture of the whole class together. I hope we get to stay together. I may not be best friends with some of my classmates, but we've become a family over the last year. I don't want that to end.
Anyway, this proposal happened today because we are all headed to New Vulcan for two days. This was the girlfriend's last day with us, or it was. I think the proposal was part of their backup plan if we do get split up by Starfleet. I hope not, anyway.
Wish me luck during the inspection. I'm gonna need it.
To be continued…