Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are all absolutely lovely. So a reminder that while we are at Yorktown there will probably be at least one chapter per day. There's just a lot of stuff going on especially because Yorktown coincides with the one-year anniversary of the events of Star Trek Into Darkness in this universe. We have a lot of baggage to unpack.

Day 103: B-Day

From: mental_health_help_desk_Suarez

To: Spock's_cuddlebunny

Subject: Just Checking in

Time arrived: 6/04/2260 00:00:01

OK, so if I calculated things correctly, you should be getting this letter on the day after baby Sulu's first birthday also known as the day your father figure was killed. I thought you could use all the encouragement you can get today.

I know these anniversaries are rough especially the first one. As you know from way too much experience, the first one is always the worst. It's part of the reason why I know I have to reach out today. And not just to you, but also to Nhi, so don't worry she's getting her own letter and possibly a chocolate bouquet. I feel like it's my requirement as a fellow member of the widows club. I really wish they would deliver those to this planet.

I also understand things from your perspective. Not only have I lost a spouse, I have lost a parental substitute and mentor. I didn't have the best family life. I didn't even know that family could be somewhat functional until I got married and then I ended up inheriting a bunch of nieces, several of them who wanted to be therapist. I don't get it either, but here we are.

Dr. Matteson believed in me when no one else did. She helped me stay in school when I felt like I couldn't make it. She even made sure I wasn't living on a Ramen diet. Even as a somewhat utopic society, we still have a little way to go when it comes to food security. She even helped me get into Starfleet. I cried more when she died then when I lost my mom. I always promised myself I would pay it forward by being like her.

So just remember I'm always here for you. It may take me a few days or even a couple of weeks to respond, but I'm always going to be here. I think I told you before that you're kind of like my kid. Which is totally why I can't be your therapist anymore, but I'm happy to be one of your mom figures. I think you have a whole village of them.

PS: I better get some party pictures. I've heard baby Sulu is the cutest from Kevin. He writes, but forgets to send pictures.

Hey McCoy-Uhura family.

It's so weird writing this on actual paper, but apparently cards are still a thing. Enjoy this care package. I thought you guys could use more goodies. Theoretically, you probably got my last care package less than a month ago, but you can never have enough chocolate unless you're allergic to the stuff.

In addition to the chocolate, cookies and other edibles, I've included more art supplies as well as some entertainment chips, including the first 100 years of Marvel comics. I've been informed that streaming entertainment doesn't always work when you're deep in space. Therefore, entertainment chips are crucial. I also included supplies for arts and crafts such as real paint. The replicator stuff just isn't the same.

To update you on me, I am still not talking to dad. He has the new trophy wife to keep him warm. Actually, I am thinking of getting the hell out of Georgia. I stayed before to stay close to Jo Jo, but she is now millions of miles away in space. The new therapist thinks it's a good idea. Yes, I am fully aware I'm kind of a hot mess, but the therapist you suggested is helping. Leonard, thank you for the recommendation.

Anyway, shoot me a message when you get a chance.

From: LeonardUM

To: Legal Queen of Atlanta

Subject: Thank you for the update and the care package

Time sent: 6/04/2260 08:34:01

I'm sorry I didn't send a thank you note when we got your last package. We were kind of in the middle of a diplomatic crisis. I really thought interplanetary incidents involving sexual misconduct wouldn't happen once Spock was in charge. Obviously, I'm an idiot.

However, now that I am stuck on this snow globe hanging in the middle of nowhere, I have time to do stuff. I would've written yesterday, but I had to make sure that Jim's brother didn't accidentally knock up his girlfriend. No just the misfortune of catching some weird space virus on the shuttle here because space is a disease infested cesspool. The entire family would've been sick within 24 hours if I didn't start sticking them with preventative hypos. That would have ruined tonight's birthday party. Jo Jo is looking forward to it. I am there to make sure Jim doesn't eat all the cake. He stress eats when he is depressed or under a lot of pressure and well tomorrow is going to be the one year anniversary of the death of his good dad. So I expect a lot of stress eating at today's birthday party.

Jo Jo appreciates the arts and craft stuff. She's glad you sent more with the shipment. She agrees real paint is better than replicated paint. And yes, streaming entertainment can be sketchy and at least under Marcus, they were cheap with what the ship had in the databanks. The new people are slowly improving things, but they have bigger problems to worry about beyond ship entertainment.

I'm sure she'll write you when she's not busy hanging out with her baby best friend. It is just she thinks baby Sulu is the best baby in the world. I think this might be because your sister never let her play with dolls. Sure she had them in her room, but she wasn't really allowed to play.

I think getting out of Georgia might be good for you. Your old man has his hands in too many pots, even though people are starting to see him for the monster that he truly is. Maybe a fresh start will do you good. I hated leaving Jo Jo behind, but I think going into Starfleet saved me. Not just financially, but emotionally. I think I would've drowned in the bottle otherwise. Jim's experiences with his alcoholic mom helped me keep things in perspective.

I'm also happy to hear that you're talking to somebody, especially with the anniversary fast approaching. I hope you're able to find peace. We all have our ghosts. Some more than others.

From: Spock's_cuddlebunny

To: mental_health_help_desk_Suarez

Subject: Re: Just Checking in

Time sent: 6/04/2260 10:15:54

Actually, your calculations were a little off. Your message arrived the day of baby Sulu's birthday celebration. I think the fact that I am now on a space station means I'm getting emails a little earlier.

Right now I am trying to focus on baby D's party. They've already totally fucked up the cake. It contains strawberries. That means I can't eat the cake and I really wanted a slice of cake. Part of me thinks Bones did it on purpose, but I know he wouldn't risk something like that. Thankfully Spock said he would get me a separate cake. At least I found out about the strawberries before I ate it. I hope the baby is not allergic. Bones would be so upset.

But everything else is going well. We were able to secure the venue and all the decorations have been replicated. We are doing a Disney princess theme with a focus on Mulan because that's the baby's favorite. Also, Spock only thinks I'm slightly crazy, but he understands how ridiculously important this is all to me. He is well aware of my birthday issues. Thanks, grandma.

I had dinner last night with Winona, Kevin, and Liz. I think my mom likes Kevin's girlfriend better than my husband, but that's probably because she has known Liz since Tarsus hell. That was a bonding experience. She's pleasant enough around Spock, but less guarded than last time. Definitely, less openly hostile than before. It probably helps that Winona is really sober. Mom and Kevin have been telling me that for months, but I didn't believe it until I saw it with my eyes. I'm actually glad that she's making progress.

OK other updates: Yorktown is lovely even if it is still under partial construction. I kind of like the bustle of it. If I ever get tired of starship life, space station life maybe an option. Spock can do science and I can probably do some sort of managerial job. We can figure that out down the road.

Maybe I should work on my doctorate again. The teenagers are being less awful and Spock is better at doing captain paperwork than I was so maybe I'll have time to work on my dissertation. It's totally an option.

Yes, I'm dealing with my birthday blues, but in June apparently. Maybe I should refer to it as my daddy died blues since obviously it's related to that. I'm sure it will get better tomorrow. Or worse. There's always alcohol, but I am trying to set an example so mom doesn't fall off the wagon. You know we are in the danger zone since the anniversary of my death is in five days. That's going to be really hard to deal with.

I got to go. I will email again later. Apparently, Spock is having trouble putting up the pinata. It's in the shape of Enterprise. The kids are going to love it.

PS: Pictures Attached. I will send birthday related ones later.

To be continued.