Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are all wonderful. It is family group chat time and this is going to be crazy. Because of how far out the Enterprise is, there are a limited amount of lines. So groups of people will be sharing the same designation. Things will be clarified in the messages themselves.
Day 159: Kirk-Chen-Pike-Sulu-Kim family drama
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Hey, this is Jim and Spock here. This is Jim typing or dictating, rather. You'll know that Spock has taken over when the contractions disappear.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I do use contractions on occasion.
Team Liz/Kevin: I don't think we will have any difficulties telling you to apart when typing. This is Liz typing. Mostly because Kevin is kind of trying to get Desi to eat breakfast. Cheerios are everywhere. I don't even want to talk about what happened to the banana.
W Kirk: Jim was the same way. I didn't even know it was possible to get smashed banana on the ceiling. Jimmy was always an over achiever.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Sue as well. I have pictures I'll send you later. However, as adorable as this is, we should probably find out why this near live chat is happening.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: That must be our fearless leader Admiral Chen. Thank you so much for getting Jeremy off my ship. If it was allowed, champagne would be popped.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Instead botany will be harvested as soon as possible. I'm sure you're looking forward to your bumper crop of herbal Vulcan headache medication.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: That would be Nhi.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Get on with it, Jim. Some of us have to chair meetings in like 30 minutes.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I have been debating whether I should take the band-aid approach or gradually go into this. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to do gradual in this case and apparently everyone else has places to go and I would like to get to sleep, so band-aid approach, it is. A couple of days ago during a mission I ran into Sam's ex-girlfriend Aurelian and her son Peter, who was born about 40 weeks after Winona and Sam left for Tarsus hell.
Team Liz/Kevin: What? Shit! History repeats.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Aurelian was on Devon?
W Kirk: How? I put all of you on contraceptive hypos early.
Team Liz/Kevin: Not that Jim needs it.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Now I know that is Kevin because Liz knows better. This is not the time for infertility jokes. Although, congratulations mom on actually getting biological grandkids. No one thought it was going to happen because we all know my sperm got fried during the Vengeance fiasco.
Team Liz/Kevin: I meant you wouldn't need it because you kind of have a husband. I know you're still upset about the fertility thing.
Team Liz/Kevin: I'm sorry my boyfriend is an insensitive idiot.
W Kirk: Are you sure the child is Sam's?
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Bones is 100% sure I am the uncle. Unless you had a secret biological child I don't know about, Peter is definitely Sam's kid.
W Kirk: Why didn't she tell us about Peter? I know correspondence to Tarsus was just awful, especially once the crops failed, but she could've told us this when we got back. I called her personally to tell her that Sam died and she never said a word.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: She probably wasn't mentally able to. Ming and I agree she was probably too shocked by finding out that Sam was gone to say anything. I know you had your number changed after you got back because the media was just awful, so she probably wasn't able to try again once the shock wore off.
W Kirk: And yet until about this time last year, I was still living at the farm house. She could have told me any time during the last decade plus. I want to talk to her right now.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: That's not possible because she's dead. Yes, she was on Devon and one of the casualties, but she did help us keep it from being worse.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Chen, how much can I say about what happened on the last mission?
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Everybody here, including your mom, has at least a secret clearance, so keep your briefing at that level.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Yes, Admiral. A few days ago, a distress call was received from the Devon research colony. We arrived there to find out everybody was being attacked by what I will refer to as the killer parasites from outer space. They've been slowly spreading from planet to planet in that area and because of nebulizers and communication difficulties, nobody knew about this swath of destruction.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Good news, we stopped the infestation and saved what remains of the colony. Sad news, a lot of people died before we could fix the situation, including Aurelian and the biological mom of Sulu's nieces, Alicia.
Team Liz/Kevin: That is so awful.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Very awful. Sulu actually wrote a personalized letter to his brother-in-law. Liz, I know you're in contact with the Sulu siblings. Do you know if they received the letters?
Team Liz/Kevin: Probably not. I think I would've been called in to provide advice on losing a parent like that, as well as how the break the news. Mom can give me a readout and I'll try to deliver the letters myself. I can do a more personal touch.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: The letters arrived to HQ, but we haven't dispatched an officer to deliver them in person. Many of the scientists who did die were on a detail from Starfleet. But if Liz is willing, then I'm okay with her taking over this duty. It's better coming from someone you know.
Team Liz/Kevin: I am willing to do it, but in civilian attire. I want us to be there as family and not as Starfleet representatives.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Good call. Also maybe bring some chocolate and teddy bears. Or maybe some alcohol and or Vulcan headache medication in brownie form. Just be gentle.
Team Liz/Kevin: We will. Kevin will be coming with me.
W Kirk: Did Peter survive?
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Yes. Peter is currently sleeping on a temporary bed in Spock's meditation corner. This is totally why we're dictating from Spock's office instead of our quarters right now even though it's after hours and we're supposed to be off duty outside of a catastrophe. He's as good as can be expected right now under the circumstances. Peter has been spending most of his days with Jo Jo who is trying to acclimate him to ship life.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: OK, she's trying to give him some sort of routine, so he doesn't think about his mom dying in front of him since that's going to cause some issues. So many issues. But hey at least this must be better than Aurelian's parents. Her will, explicitly stated that Peter is not to go to them.
W Kirk: That's understandable considering they murdered her sister.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: What?
W Kirk: A couple years ago, her father killed Aurelian's younger sister and her mother covered it up, but not well. He got a life sentence and she received 20 years. It was the scandal of Riverside.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Why am I just finding out about it now?
W Kirk: We were only talking about Kevin at that point. Also, it was all over the media.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Point. And I was kind of trying to get through four years at the Academy in three so I didn't exactly have free time to read the net. But that's neither here nor there. However, due to that very unfortunate family situation, our choices are one of us taking custody of Peter or Federation child services stepping in. I don't want Federation child services to be involved right now.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Of course not. I assume, you want Peter to take Jeremy's old spot in the pilot program?
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Yes, if possible. I know he's younger than the normal age, but his dad is dead, his mom is dead, his aunt is dead, and apparently his maternal grandparents killed her. Wait, why did they kill her?
W Kirk: Having a girlfriend. They were also charged with a hate crime.
W Kirk: I would also like to add that Jim probably should get special permission to have Peter on board because Peter's other grandma is an alcoholic with severe PTSD, and a host of other mental issues. Also, her PTSD happened because of a very classified Starfleet fuck up and they owe her big time. Making sure her grandchild grows up in a stable environment is the least of what they owe her.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I hate that I'm right about this. I always knew they were evil.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: At least I now understand why you wanted me here. It's a possibility, but you're going to be the first command team with family on board. That's going to be difficult to sell to some of the others. However, me and Pike are on board with this possibility. Besides, I think this is another thing we need to look at during the pilot program.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Thank you. Didn't you take care of Liz the entire trip back to Earth after Tarsus hell? We're already taken care of like 1000 kids, what's one more?
Team Liz/Kevin: Yes, but one more dealing with a ton of trauma?
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: That's what we have Margarita and Gina for. Also, still better than Jeremy.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: I'll talk to Rodriguez, who is in charge of the program and give my recommendation. Hopefully she will agree, but it's going to be her call.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Thank you for that. I hope she says yes because I want to at least present Peter with more than one choice. If worse comes to worse, I was going to call the father-in-law. He is a registered foster parent. I think he's gained a few Vulcan kids, but it wouldn't hurt.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: You should probably talk to your father-in-law anyway. Especially because you don't know that he is fostering a young Vulcan Romulan girl, Saavik.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I am totally not surprised that my father-in-law gets the biracial child. Yes, we will talk to him next to see if he's willing to be an option. Actually we are close enough for a voice chat. What about everyone else?
W Kirk: As I pointed out earlier, I'm definitely not qualified. I would love to meet my grandkid and I will shower him with presents, but I am a mess. Less of a mess than I was last year, but not as healthy as I should be. I'm barely taking care of myself, I can't add another person right now. Honestly, I don't even know sometimes how Kevin came out so well-adjusted. I am pretty sure it was your fault, Jimmy.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: That's the other reason why I am willing to support Jim and Spock raising Peter on ship. After what happened on Tarsus, it is a small miracle that Kevin came out so well-adjusted and I know, Jim, you were the reason for that.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: In the event that it's decided Peter can't stay on ship I will make sure there is a place for Peter on Earth even if it's my own apartment.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: OK that was probably Pike.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Sorry that would be Chen. Although, Pike would be up for it as well if necessary. She also says that if you are going to be raising Peter on board, then you're definitely not coming to London for three months when she gives birth. Honestly, I'd rather keep my best command team together. Once you drop off the kids, there will be several exploratory missions waiting for Enterprise, which is what you're supposed to be doing.
Team Liz/Kevin: Kevin and I are also willing to try for a teenager this time. I'm sure he won't try to throw Cheerios down my bra.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: If he did, it would be a whole different set of issues.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: OK this is good. This gives Peter options. Chan and Pike can work on the things from the Starfleet perspective. Spock and I will call the father-in-law and see if he's willing to be another option. That will give Spock a chance to meet his new foster sister as soon as it's an appropriate time to call New Vulcan.
Starfleet HQ "Nhi" Pike & N. Chen: Agreed. OK if everybody has their assignments, I have a meeting to get to. I will work on getting Peter Kirk in the minors on Enterprise pilot program and will try to let you know something before you leave the Star base.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I'm not sure he's going to want to use the Kirk last name but put that down for now at least. Thank you.
W Kirk: I expect pictures. Maybe even video files. I'd love to do a live chat if you can pull it off the next time, you're in range.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Video files can be pulled off. Maybe a video chat can happen when we're at a Star base, but at the very least Nhi is going to have to pull that off.
W Kirk: I have known her since her last name was Una. She will say yes.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: So that's what her maiden name was and I can totally see why she decided to go with Pike after the marriage. I mean if my husband came from a culture where they did last names, I probably would've taken his due to the Kirk baggage. OK, maybe Peter should keep his current last name.
W. Kirk: I'm going to let you work that out on your end. I'll talk to you later sweetie. I need to leave for campus in the next 15 minutes.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Bye mom. I'll try to write you in a few days and send you the pictures. Lots of pictures.
Team Liz/Kevin: OK they have disconnected so we can talk. Kevin is making sure this is not on the record. Could one of you please call Sulu. There's some things I need to pass on from the boyfriend.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: We just called for him. He will be here in five. Actually, if you could make sure none of it is on the record that would be lovely. I would prefer people not know that I am taking advantage of my brother dating the head of Starfleet's Daughter.
Team Liz/Kevin: Oh you're not taking advantage of that. You're taking advantage of the fact that you're going to get custody of a kid whose father died due to Starfleet incompetence and you know the Federation put the asshole in charge of Tarsus. A megalomaniac genocidal asshole. The organization as a whole owes you a lot. They owe the memory of Sam, a lot.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: OK, so Starfleet owes Sam a lot apparently.
Team Liz/Kevin: So much. I wouldn't be alive without him so Mom owes him a lot as well. Making sure his kid is taken care of would be part of that. So this is not about you, it's about Sam.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Well that makes me feel slightly better. Not that the nepotism comments aren't going to happen anyway. You know, apparently, I only became a captain because of my blow job skills.
Team Liz/Kevin: Assholes. Unfortunately, those nepotism comments are always going to come out no matter what. Susan gets it all the time and she goes by her dad's last name. And well, even I've heard the blowjob remark once or twice a semester.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Your sister works with idiots. Also, even I get the blowjob comments, especially being gay. This is Sulu typing now. I assume that you want to give me an update on Ben's custody situation with his ex-in-laws?
Team Liz/Kevin: After months of repeatedly saying that a gay single parent can't raise a little girl and making Ben feel awful at every turn, the Johnsons drop the case. They don't even want visitation anymore.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: What? Why?
Team Liz/Kevin: You're going to have to talk to Ben. It's complicated and honestly, Shawn is expecting additional litigation from the Johnson family, but they don't want K anymore. They're just awful people. I don't even know why Ben keeps that last name.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I'm not even surprised. They've been awful for a while. It's because he doesn't want to lose that part of his husband and his pre-married name was worse. Let Ben know that he has my support in any way that he needs.
Team Liz/Kevin: You can do it in person. I am going to set up one of these near live text sessions for tomorrow 600 hour ship time. Really you have to hear everything from him. This is pure soap opera stuff.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Which will just be later today for you guys. But thank you for doing this.
Team Liz/Kevin: Because he needs it. He wrote you about it already, but I heard you guys just got out of a blackout zone.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Yes, and Spock is telling me that we're going to have to cut this short, but I'd love to get an update on my sister and the baby before ending our chat.
Team Liz/Kevin: Baby D is covered in Cheerios and milk. I'm glad we decided to have breakfast before I dressed her for the day. We have playgroup and then we're going over to Ben's house for me to set up your call. There might also be mimosas in there somewhere. Ben's going to need a lot of mimosas and I will too because I'm going to be going over to your sister's tonight to break the bad news to her and the husband.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: Thank you for doing that.
Team Liz/Kevin: You're welcome. It's what family does.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: What are his in-laws doing?
Team Liz/Kevin: Being horrible people. The Dad anyway. The mom is just going along with it. We'll talk later. D loves and misses you.
Enterprise command Kirk/Spock: I love her too. Jim says he'll be in touch and yes, he will send pictures of Peter regardless of the outcome.
Team Liz/Kevin: Wonderful. I have to go change your toddler. Seriously, Cheerios everywhere.
To be continued