Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. All of you are so wonderful.
Please note that this email was written about two days previously, on the 16th.
Content warning: continuing allusions to dubious consent statutory rape situation.
Day 300: Somebody's getting kicked out
From: PC_Enterprise_2260
To: SuluHG2260
Subject: I am still never volunteering to be a chaperone again
Time arrived: 12/18/2260 00:00:01
Did you have to put that in your response? I had to tell the entire story to Gina and my girlfriend, who kept laughing. She also promised never to leave me tied to any furniture. Unfortunately, Ashley arrived at that moment. That was one very awkward conversation.
Although Olivia would love to include the section on safe words in the Enterprise kids curriculum, she is aware that some of the other guardians would not be OK with that. Obviously, we've already had that talk with Ashley where I had to tell her the entire story of what happened. Although Olivia did say safe words will be covered in the cadet version, along with Federation statutory rape guidelines and enthusiastic consent. That seminar is currently scheduled for the free day. Obviously, I won't spend the day with Olivia now because she no longer has a free day.
In addition to catching three cadets at the cannabis tea house, we saw two cadets "together" in the stairway. This would not have been an issue if one of the cadets was 15 while the other person with her was my age. Initially, I felt like a hypocrite since Olivia, and I have a much larger age difference, but I am an actual adult. Then I realized that the 15-year-old cadet wasn't comfortable with the situation, and that is all I can legally say. The girlfriend is handling the case along with a few others from the ship and Legal.
Yes, I'm glad I haven't caught Ashley doing anything extremely inappropriate. Actually, all the Enterprise kids outside of Chris three have been well behaved. Well, relatively well behaved. It's probably best that the 12-year-olds are not staying with the 15 and 16-year-olds.
I suspect they are getting into the Vulcan headache medication, but they're better at not getting caught. They also stay in their rooms and don't do things like try to have sex in the stairwell. Or in the showers. That happened as well, but at least both parties were of age.
We have the Vulcan Museum of culture and heritage today and tomorrow. Then we have a free day on the 18th for everyone who's not a responsible adult. I feel this is going to involve me keeping the underage out of the cannabis tea house. After they get out of their mandatory sexual misconduct seminar.
The ambassador has invited many of the Enterprise kids for shopping and lunch that day, including my Ashley. I hope nothing goes horribly wrong. I think I'm still able to go unless Olivia needs me. But she may prefer that I stay with our Ashley.
Only the Enterprise kids are going in back after the banquet on the 23rd. The interns are staying on New Vulcan until the end of the year. Originally Olivia and I were supposed to go back with them. But after yesterday's incident, we are staying another week. Ashley will remain with us. I think she's doing this so she can see the babies again. She adores them.
I think Ashley is starting to be OK with me dating her aunt. At least she's no longer trying to set up her aunt with other people or flirting with me. That is a significant improvement.
We should go back to the gardens and bring the kids. I think they will enjoy it. It's really beautiful there. I'm surprised they managed to get so much done so quickly.
Anyway, I hope all is going well with you, and we will see you soon.
XXXX
From: kitten_loverJJMU
To: Spock' s_cuddlebunny; Jim's_cuddlebear
Subject: Vulcan museums were more fun than I thought they would be
Time arrived: 12/18/2260 00:00:01
Thanks for writing me back Uncle Jim. No, you don't want to know why Chris three is breaking out in hives constantly. Although we are indoors for the rest of the trip, so I hope things will get better for Doctor Olivia, if nothing else. She's exhausted.
The next two days are going to be spent at the Vulcan Cultural Center/Museum. There are no live performances, unfortunately. But they do have an archive of many previous performances pre-implosion. I think there is an emphasis on preserving the past, rebuilding the population, and continuing scientific work. They're not quite ready to work on creating new things yet. They're too caught up in saving the past to move forward.
I think maybe in a few years, the arts will come back. Although it may be a while. Perhaps when the current generation of babies being born grows up. I hope it doesn't take that long, but it could. At least, those were the talking points from the lectures this morning.
We're currently exploring the center on our own until closing. Gina wouldn't let me and Peter work together. So I have Ashley two and three along with Chris one in my group. She wouldn't let Jay work with us either. I think she wants to keep Jay and Ashley two from each other because of a certain incident that happened in a supply closet. At least they didn't do anything on the stairs or in the showers. Accounts of the stair incident made Ashley two throw up, but she won't give me details, and neither will anyone else.
I am really thankful that I am staying at grandfather's house and not with the other students. Ashley three wants to know if he has space for her. Chris two is a wonderful person but a lousy roommate. She likes to study naked. Also, let me say I am very thankful for my own room at grandpa's house.
I am typing this email as we are watching a couple of symphony and orchestra performances, not full performances but exerts from several. It hurts to see how much is gone because of one person's actions. Some of the kids, especially those who lost parents on the Vulcan of old, are having a hard time here. It feels like a weird version of survivor's guilt. Yes, they lost a parent in the battle, but they didn't lose their home or culture. Savik lost everything.
She's in Peter's group right now. Along with Ashley one and Reyes Junior.
Poor Jay is with the other Chrises. Considering the Chrises don't like each other, I will have to get him a chocolate bar. Well, not chocolate since that's a controlled substance here, but maybe a lemon cookie or cake. Lemon flavor foods are really popular. Also, sugar-free candy is the default here, for the underage anyway. Vulcans do much better with sugar alcohol than sucrose.
After a morning at the Cultural Center/Museum, I will stick with my original idea to do food for my project. Yesterday was a very enlightening culinary experience. I loved all the different foods we were trying. Also, I excelled at Vulcan Food etiquette. But that's because I knew the number one rule of not eating with your hands. That was the judge's number one rule when eating. Grandpa, on the other hand, is a bit more relaxed. Again he served us grilled cheese sandwiches and did not put on food gloves.
Good news, I now know how to eat a roll with a knife and fork. Or rather the utensil equivalent. I wish I paid more attention during that part of language training. However, I can ask to use the restroom in perfect Vulcan. That's come in handy. Mom and grandfather are helping me work on it after classes.
So after the two days at the Culture Center, we have our free day when we're going to get to go shopping. Grandpa says we need more weather-appropriate attire as well as outfits for the banquet. Then we have a day touring the government buildings. After that, we are stuck in the labs for the rest of our time.
We're also going to have to go through the banquet. Although I don't know if all of us are going, I definitely don't think the interns are. I know I am because Peter is going. The captains' child must be there.
Do you know that Peter has Vulcan citizenship or at least qualifies for it? It won't be official until government day.
Anyway, write back when you can.
Xxx
From: NyotaUM
To: Doctor_bones
Time arrived: 12/18/2260 00:00:01
Subject: I miss you too
Oh, I miss you too so much. It does feel weird being on an assignment without you. The actual work part is great. We're making a lot of progress on the project. I convinced Spock to send somebody else down from the team to help for the rest of our time in the system. I'm not volunteering to stay myself because I don't wanna be away from you and JoJo for another month.
I am also very grateful I don't have to actually be a chaperone. However, I do keep on walking in on people during intimate moments. The second time was more serious and a breach of Starfleet policy. I'm also thankful that time happened with Pav, so there was a witness. We had to fill out some paperwork. Somebody's getting kicked off the ship.
Before that traumatizing incident, we had to escort some cadets back from the Vulcan cannabis tea bar. I'm sure they were there just for the food. [Rolling eyes emoji.] Since we can't prove anything because the bar actually does serve stuff that's not infused with cannabis, we just escorted them back to the dorms.
When Pav was walking me to the transport waiting to take me back to the ambassador's house, that's when we walked in on something really inappropriate in the stairwell. I am not paid enough for this bullshit. Gina is furious. She made Spock promise to never make her oversee the cadets again. She is once again not happy.
Olivia wants to smack somebody, especially because the guilty party attempted to use her own relationship with Pav against her. Pav is an actual adult.
So I'm sure you got tons of pictures from us. I wish I could do all the cool things the kids are doing. They're having so much fun. We've been having some interesting dinners. We're going to try a couple of restaurants. I'm glad that the culinary scene is recovering. That's actually one area that is coming back faster than expected.
There were a lot of Vulcan restaurants throughout the Federation pre-implosion. So many of those surviving chefs have come to the colony. Part of rebuilding Vulcan is to bring the food and the stories of the food back to people. So restaurants are popping up. Also, now that there's a shopping district, there must be food.
There are plans for a concert hall and performing arts center within the next 5 to 10 years. There are plans for more schools as the Vulcan diaspora settles on the colony and other support staff. It's an interesting experience seeing how much things have expanded since we were here last year. The growth is remarkable. It's possible that within the decade, it will look like any other city in the Galaxy. One can hope.
I heard from my team what happened in engineering. The silver lining, we're probably going to have to have a shore leave in February. Maybe will end up at a starbase with amenities like an amusement park. We can have an actual family vacation. It's a little unfair that you're going to be stuck on the ship the entire time when we are exploring the planet.
I'm glad that Jim and Spock are looking out for you when I'm not there. I don't want you to feel alone. I hope all the pictures and everything else we're sending you makes you a little less lonely. Plus we're going to the shopping district in a couple of days. Many of the Enterprise kids will be with us, but I hope I'll get a little time alone to pick up some goodies. Let's just say New Vulcan is emphasizing rebuilding the Vulcan population, which means there are certain stores. I'm looking forward to exploring the Vulcan version of a sex shop.
Anyway, I'll write you soon and possibly send pictures.
XXXX
From: SuluHG2260
To: PC_Enterprise_2260
Subject: I am still never volunteering to be a chaperone again
Time arrived: 12/18/2260 13:21:12
What type of friend would I be if I didn't tell your girlfriend and potential stepdaughter extremely embarrassing stories. I'm sure you are going to have some interesting ones for Ben and even Sue. I've been informed that traumatizing your kids is perfectly normal. I'm sure baby D will be extremely traumatized when we tell her the story of how she actually came into existence. I wonder at what age we're going to tell her the real story. Probably about the same age Ashley is now.
I believe that the Enterprise kids are probably doing some stuff. However, they're much better at not getting caught or doing things that will actually get them kicked out. It helps that they are under a slightly different policy than the cadets. Although I'm sure you're aware of that because we've done some video calls in the two days since you probably wrote this email.
It's better that I'm dealing with this than Jim. No, you should not feel like a hypocrite for enforcing the policy in the situation. It's not the same thing—one, you are 20. Two, Olivia never ever pressured you into doing something you were uncomfortable with. Finally, you and Olivia actually have an extremely healthy relationship.
Although maybe it's a little more serious than you thought it would be, which is fine. Kevin is only a little older than you, and he's pretty much engaged. Don't tell my daughter's grandmother anything. She would absolutely freak out.
Anyway, I hope you have an actual free day. Although I've seen pictures of you from Peter being part of their group at the Vulcan Cultural Center. How did that happen? Or were you there to keep Chris two and three from punching each other out? That seems highly likely. Although Gina hasn't sent Sue anything about breaking up a fight yet between the Chrises, I will take that as a positive sign.
I am glad that you and Olivia will get to spend more time on the planet. As well as get to see the kids. Of course, Ashley can spend as much time as she wants with the babies. It might be good for her. I've heard taking care of small children is the best form of birth control. I think that might be why Ming was perfectly OK with Kevin and Liz having custody of baby D for a while.
Anyway, we will see you in a few days, and we will probably have more video chats in the meantime. The asshole cadet is back on the ship and confined to quarters. We want to put him in the brig but can't right now because of regulations. Jim is definitely mentioning that to Ming.
I'm glad I will have a few non-duty days on New Vulcan. I could use it. I'm so sorry you're going to be spending more time with the cadets. My apologies.
XXXX
From: Jim's_cuddlebear
To: Spock' s_cuddlebunny; kitten_loverJJMU
Subject: Re: Vulcan museums were more fun than I thought they would be
Time arrived: 12/18/2260 22:54:01
I am aware that Peter qualifies for Vulcan citizenship. I am actually the one who initiated the procedure. It will provide Peter with additional benefits from the New Vulcan government as well as my family. He has already experienced some of these benefits. I hope you will learn about these benefits during your government day, as you call it. I understand that due to circumstances, it's happening earlier than originally planned and was condensed to half a day.
I am pleased to see that you are learning more about Vulcan heritage and culture. I hope you had a wonderful day and a half at the Culture Center. I am sorry your time there was abbreviated due to the actions of the historian at the cultural center. What other things did you learn about during your time there? I am sure they covered more than just the performing arts. Although that being said, is it possible for me to get copies of any of the performances you watched? I am hopeful I will have time to take James to the cultural center. There is a certain curator we would like to speak to in person. There is no need for such prejudice in cultural preservation.
For the moment, preservation is more important. More things are likely to survive if they act quickly. But eventually, the focus will return completely to rebuilding again. It seems highly probable that time will coincide with the end of our five-year mission.
I understand if you want to do your project on food as a reflection of culture. There are many dishes that tell the story of my people over time. Maybe you can talk to my father about various family recipes and how various events influence their development. I know a few, and I have typed them out and attached them to this email. We may prepare a few of them on the 25th when we decorate the various gingerbread houses.
I know that you are upset about not working with your friends, but you do not always work with your friends in life. It is crucial to learn how to work with people that you do not necessarily like. It is critical to learn how to manage people who do not like each other. Although I have seen from Peter's pictures, Ensign Chekov was added to their group to possibly prevent bloodshed. From what I have heard, that was necessary.
Yes, all of the Enterprise children are invited to the banquet. However, you and Peter will be sitting with James and me as part of our family. The others will be seated in a different section of the banquet. This is why the etiquette dinner was mandatory for your group. This may also be why my father took all of you shopping for proper Vulcan dinner attire.
I'm looking forward to seeing which outfits were chosen. I'm sure we will receive pictures tomorrow.
Please continue to send pictures. We do enjoy them. We look forward to seeing you on December 22.
XXXX
From: Doctor_bones
To: NyotaUM
Time sent: 12/18/2260 23:43:12
Subject: Re: I miss you too
I know I said this to you during our emergency conference call, but I'm really sorry that you have to deal with the incident. At the same time, I'm really glad the two of you decided to take the stairs. You kept something really bad from happening. The situation is working itself out. Focus on JoJo right now. You can discuss more with Dr. Margarita when you get back.
Although I wish I was with you and JoJo right now, I'm perfectly happy staying on the starship. All the consults with Olivia about Chris three allergic reactions is as much Vulcan wildlife as I can take. I have no desire to experience it in person. The pictures are enough. Thank you for sending them. They do make me feel less lonely.
Although it's nice to see that they're doing safe indoor activities like watching symphonies, as I can tell from the pictures. That is definitely preferable to more quality time down on the farm or in nature. I'm surprised more people did not get hurt. Or ended up with sunstroke.
I think we're going to Starbase 39, which does not have an amusement park in itself but is next to one that's privately owned. Since it's an actual shore leave, we can go. Even though I feel like most amusement parks are death traps. But you need a break.
I know it's been a hard couple of days. I've gotten lots of messages from Olivia. But I'm glad you're OK. I know you're probably worried at this point about leaving Josephine behind, but I know Jim and Spock will look after her as their own kid. They are oddly very protective. It's a good thing.
Also, Olivia is now staying through the end of the year. So at least we know there's medical support in case Jim has an allergic reaction. I'm sure he will. But she will also be there to take care of JoJo.
Anyway, I definitely still miss you and look forward to trying out anything you will purchase on the colony.
To be continued