Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are so fabulous. I realize again that emails are really out of sequence. In-universe, I'm blaming it on travel and time differences. I think we will get back to normal on the next cycle of letters. I hope anyway.
All timestamps are ship time, not New Vulcan time. The settlement where the kids are staying is four hours behind ship time.
Day 302: I'm on my way
From: KirkWX
To: Spock's_cuddlebunny
Time arrived: 12/20/2260 00:00:01
Subject: I never thought I would be writing from a Starfleet ship again
I never thought I would be on a Starfleet ship again. Yet here I am with a brand-new email address at that. Since I officially graduated from Wellness Hills, I thought it was time for a change.
I can't tell you what ship we're on for security reasons. Liz's mom has a lot of people that hate her. There's definitely something rotten in Starfleet. Rebecca's father-in-law was a piece of shit. Just because he's dead doesn't mean he didn't leave some surprises.
I got roped into helping with a surprise inspection. I rather be babysitting. No, I can't talk about it. I'm sure you understand because you probably can't talk about what you discovered during the Hamilton investigation. I'm certain it was nothing good. However, I'm always up for helping to weed out corruption and avoid another Tarsus-level disaster.
It's so weird I got both your and Peter's letters tonight, even though I'm sure you both sent them at different times. They both showed up in my inbox at midnight. Is that normal? Ming said something about the fact that they are controlling emails a little more right after the incident. Also, due to your justified paranoia, you encrypt the hell out of all your emails. This sends up all sorts of flags in the system.
So legal update first: Your husband is definitely planning something for the hateful relatives. Not that Shawn will tell me any details since I will not be a party to the suit. You should definitely speak to your husband about that. I am perfectly OK with the lawsuit because they all deserve it. However, my name shouldn't be on it. If I'm a party, they'll think I'm forcing you to do it out of pettiness when I'm not.
Also, you should probably expand your unauthorized likeness lawsuit beyond the adult toys. I'm pretty sure there are some unauthorized children's toys as well. I've attached pictures.
By the way, I discovered that my son had his own vibrator when I picked up a bridal shower gift for a former roommate at Wellness Hills. You know that I go into sex shops, especially because I haven't been with anybody since the asshole ex-husband. Honestly, toys never let you down.
I did go to San Francisco a few weeks ago and went through all of the storage lockers. Yes, we brought a few of the best Lego sets and a bunch more. This is why I was in the toy store and found a lot of Heroes of The Federation merchandise. There's no way those figures are not you and Spock. The ears are adorable. I may have picked up a set for research purposes.
I'll tell you now we brought a lot of toys and other supplies. Not just for your kid. I feel like the other Enterprise teenagers can use some entertainment. Otherwise, they're just gonna keep breaking into botany for the cannabis.
Honestly, I'd rather Peter get into that than alcohol, but I hope you have at least a few more years before you're dealing with that. At least, unlike me, you'll be sober and won't feel like an absolute hypocrite when you have to give the lecture. I am just grateful that Kevin never really touched the stuff.
I won't lie and say that going through all the storage containers was easy. It wasn't. I don't even think I was the one who packed up Sam's things. Sam's room was ready for Kevin when we landed. Was it you?
I am pretty sure that everything has been in storage since Tarsus. But I wanted Peter to have something of his father. So I went through the comic book collection and picked out the best pieces. I also went through the action figures.
I now know what happened to Sam's teddy bear. It appears he gave it to Arlene before we left. She gave it to Peter. It was in a box of his toys. So at least he had one thing of his dad's. I'm glad he had it, that it wasn't lost. Needless to say, I did a lot of crying that day. But I didn't go to a bar and drink myself into unconsciousness. I think that's progress.
Sobriety is hard, especially when you're contending with so many ghosts of the past. Now I'm dealing with them in human form. But I am trying as best I can to not go back to the alcohol. I don't know how successful I will be, but I am trying.
I brought all the materials we will need for making gingerbread houses. I'm going to make the gingerbread there. I know I didn't bake nearly enough when you were a kid (too drunk), but that's something I'm good at. Actually, I brought ingredients to make a lot of goodies. I even got a stasis box to bring fresh ingredients, at least what I know I can't get on Vulcan. Seriously, chocolate is a controlled substance there. Also, apparently, so is brown sugar.
Anyway, I will be there soon. This might get to you after we're there because the email server is weird. Anyway, I love you and look forward to seeing you soon.
XXXX
From: KirkWX
To: Peter_K
cc: Kevin KR; Elizabeth_Chen
Time arrived: 12/20/2260 00:00:01
Subject: I'm on my way.
Hey baby. It's great to hear from you again. Although unfortunately, this letter got to me once we were already on our way to New Vulcan. Although it's because we had to leave a little bit early due to some unforeseen issues. But they've been handled.
I did get you a bunch of junior science stuff. They're all activities that you can do with Spock. Actually, it's best if you have adult supervision. Especially if you're anything like your uncle. I feel like you are.
Sorry, we already bought you new Lego sets, but you can share them with the other kids. However, we did bring a bunch of your old sets too. The ones that were in good condition anyway. Unfortunately, we can't bring everything. Also, some things got damaged in storage. Thanks to climate change, Iowa is now prone to flooding. Unfortunately, your mom didn't get the best unit. Thankfully nothing irreplaceable was lost.
I know you said that there was not a bear, but we found one. Although maybe he was your mom's teddy bear? He belonged to your dad, and I guess he gave it to Arlene to remember him by. We're bringing it. I hope that's OK. If you don't want it, I think your Uncle Jim would like it himself. When Jimmie was little, he would sometimes steal the bear from your dad, especially when he had nightmares. Sometimes Sam would take the bear back but not always. I have attached a picture of Jim sleeping wrapped around the bear with Sam wrapped around him. I didn't even know I still had that, but we found it in storage.
So if I'm doing the math right, you are probably already on New Vulcan. What have you been doing on the planet? Did you do anything fun? Have you met any new and interesting people? I want to hear all about what you're doing.
It is probably for the best that New Vulcan is your first time really exploring. I kind of agree with James's decision not to let you onto the Hamilton. It wasn't the best place for a kid during his investigation. But I'm sure as you go on, you'll get to do more cool things. But trust Jim and Spock's judgment. They know what they're doing.
I really hate being on a Starfleet ship, but I'm doing it just for you. I've been helping Liz's mom with some projects, but I've also been hanging out with Ben and the kids. They're so cute. I've attached pictures.
Anyway, we will see you soon.
XXXX
From: Peter_K
To: Kirk WX
cc: Kevin KR; Elizabeth_Chen
BCC: Spock' s_cuddlebunny
Time arrived: 11/20/2260 01:23:01
Subject: I look forward to seeing you soon
I think you'll be here in about three days. I don't know if you will get this message before then. Josephine's mom says the emails are behaving strangely because of Uncle Jim's encryption. Although maybe this way you can reply to me in person. Although your new email seems to be Starfleet so perhaps that would help.
They push to me at midnight ship time. Which is like about 8 PM here. So I actually got to see this before the end of the day my time. I've been having so much fun here. Grandpa is the best. Also, I like this concept of having cousins. I was not looking forward to continuous life as an only child with no family. So I'm glad to actually have a family now.
I sent you a bunch of pictures of everything we've done so far. I got to visit an animal sanctuary on my first day. I got to pet an actual sehlat. Although grandpa gave me an animatronic one, he said every child deserves a pet. I named her Annie. I have lots of pictures from there. They are doing such great work with the animals.
We also got to visit the Vulcan botanical Gardens. Again it's pretty. Also, unlike uncle Jim, I am not allergic to everything. If Uncle Jim goes to the botanical garden, Uncle Bones will make him wear a mask just in case. I've heard stories about away missions that have gone wrong because of his allergies. Although still not as bad as Chris three.
We got to tour a Vulcan farm which is slightly different than farming in Iowa. Although they are doing a lot of earth crops right now as they work on trying to re-create Vulcan species. Some of that was fun. The actual tour part, not the lecture part. That was boring, and they treated us like we were dumb babies. Also, we got to try a bunch of food. I never turn down food.
We also had a day and a half at the Vulcan cultural Center. That started out good with getting to watch a bunch of musicals and plays. It ended badly because the curator is a moron. Although I am now a Vulcan citizen.
That's a long story. I don't even know exactly what happened. However, grandpa used a lot of Vulcan words I'm not allowed to repeat.
Why Uncle Spock pushed for this, I don't know. However, I now have access to the uncensored history of Vulcan. This, I like. Although now Josephine and I have a group project where we compare the public version of Vulcan history to what I now have access to being a Vulcan citizen. Josephine's mom suggested that we just choose one historical event and compare and contrast. I don't know what to pick. I'll ask Spock later or maybe grandpa. It's nice having a grandfather that is not a sociopath.
On free day we went to the shopping district and had dinner with Spock's grandfather. He looks like Spock's clone, but as a senior citizen. They even eat the same way; it's a little spooky. I have questions.
Oh, I got to meet your old doctor. She was so cool, and I heard all sorts of crazy stories about Uncle Jim from the boarding school years. I wonder if mom knew about that stuff, and that's why she was so against sending me to boarding school. Or maybe she just wanted to keep me close to her. I don't know. Unfortunately, she's not around for me to ask.
Today we began our time at the VSA. I tested into the advanced group, which I'm thankful for. I did not want to do a repeat of the Vulcan farm plant genome lecture. Josephine is sad because she didn't. She's 12 and didn't grow up around scientists like me. So, of course, Josephine is not in the advanced group. However, she was able to explain the provisions of mom's will to me in plain basic. She definitely knows her way around a legal document.
Today after our test, we took a tour of the facilities. We even got to visit the Wing under construction. Then went over some of the various research projects that they're working on. Tomorrow will begin the more active participation part of our time at the VSA.
Tomorrow's astrophysics day. The second is what we would call Earth science. I don't know the Vulcan term yet. Then we have biology day. I'm excited for this because it looks like we won't be talked down to and will actually get to do some stuff. I also think we're going to get to spend some more time at the VSA after everybody else leaves. I don't know what grandpa has planned. I've discovered it's best not to ask too many questions.
Yes, the bear was more moms than mine. Although I did sleep with it a lot as a toddler. With her gone, the bear is mine. She thought she lost it on the way to Devon. So I'm glad it just got mixed in with my other toys.
Let me say thank you for all the junior science kits. I am looking forward to using those with Uncle Spock. I agree with the adult supervision point for now. But eventually, I will be able to do science on my own. Or at least maybe with Chris one. They love the stuff just as much as me. They are also in my group. (BTW, Chris one is gender non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Which I found out is actually really common on New Vulcan.) Also in the group is Ashley one, cousin Saavik, Jay, and Reyes Junior. Jay is sad that he's not working with his girlfriend. I'm just happy to have friends and not be in the same group as Chris three. He's horrible.
OK, now I'm glad you did buy new Lego sets because I can give them to my cousin. She loves Legos. Unfortunately, that is not something you can get here. They don't have a store for children at the shopping center. That seems weird since Vulcan is in the middle of a baby boom. Lots of kids clothing and educational learning products stores but no toys for kids. Although they did have three for adults. Ashley one tried to get in but got caught by Ashley three's future stepdad. Which just added to the embarrassment. Ashley three was very grateful she was with our group.
You're right; it was for the best at my first time exploring was here on Vulcan. I think it was a lot more fun here than being on the Hamilton. Even if it is an educational vacation. I'm have written too many papers and as you're aware I have more to come.
At the rate I'm going, I should be done with the high school curriculum by 15. Then I can apply to the VSA with my cousin. I'm going to look into the entrance requirements tomorrow.
Anyway, we will see you in three days. I look forward to making gingerbread and possibly cookies. Please tell me you smuggled in some chocolate chips? Everyone could use a chocolate chip cookie, especially the Vulcans.
XXXX
From: Spock's_cuddlebunny
To: W_Kirk_wellness_Hills
Time sent: 12/20/2260 06:43:01
Subject: Welcome back to the insanity that is Starfleet
I'm also surprised you're back on a Starfleet ship. You always said they would have to sedate you first. Although I assume you're doing it just so you can see your grandbaby. Peter is definitely excited to see you, even if he's having way too much fun on the colony. He gets to do fun things instead of being stuck in diplomatic negotiations. Being an adult is so unfair.
I finally got pictures from the dinner he had a few days ago with Spock's dad, grandfather, and Suarez. I gave her permission to tell Peter some of my more embarrassing stories. But I don't know if she did. I just want Peter to learn more about me. We're still trying to build our relationship. It's hard raising a traumatized preteen, even with Spock as my co-parent.
As for the situation with the tell-all book, I know Spock is up to something. He rapid messages Shawn at least once a week. I've decided not to ask questions. Spock can deal with the idiot relatives. He is adorable when he's defending my honor. I like it.
I was contacted by the lawyers regarding the bootleg toys. We're not as upset about that as we are about the vibrator. The heroes of the Federation playset never claimed to know what my husband's penis looks like.
We just want to make sure the toys are safe. Although considering they're not willing to pay for our likeness, I am inclined to think not. The lawyers are working on it, and I leave that in their hands. Although I am going to check out the samples you're bringing. If they're not horrible, we might turn them over to the kids. Maybe. Toy pocket Spock is adorable. I think I'm going to keep that.
My husband has reminded me that you are an adult, and you are completely entitled to a personal life and to use any toys you should like. I respect that. Also, I may have had the same cynical mindset before Spock, but he made me realize that maybe people aren't awful. That maybe, love actually exists. Perhaps you already had that with dad, and you don't think you can find it again. I get that part because I don't think I would want to remarry if I lost Spock. I would be a broken mess.
Peter and I already had the be careful with alcohol because you come from a family of alcoholics talk. Just so you know, it's both sides. Although I did tell him we could talk about Vulcan Blondies when he hits 18. With the other Enterprise kids, really 16 is the most I can hope for. He might actually be in college by that point. But I'm not going to get them for him until he's at least 18.
Yeah, it's probably best that you brought some projects for the Enterprise kids. They could use distractions. They're definitely getting in less trouble if they're constantly busy. Or maybe they're just better at covering it up compared to the cadets. I can't talk about all of their shit behavior over the last week and a half. However, I will be talking to Ming about imposing an actual minimum age for the semester on ship. Maybe 17. I was not prepared to deal with 15-year-old cadets or what 20-year-old pricks would do to 15-year-old cadets. Again I can't talk about it.
Because I can't talk about so many things, I respect your right to not discuss what you're working on. Besides, I feel like it would be best to have some sort of plausible deniability. Although I will say, I'm not surprised that Carol's dad left some surprises behind and that we're all cleaning it up.
Thank you for going through the storage units. I know it couldn't have been easy for you. Honestly, it wasn't easy for me to pack Sam's stuff in the first place. So I know it was hard for you to go through it. I think that's why I never went through the storage units.
Yes, I'm the one who packed everything, but I didn't have to do it alone. Alayna helped me along with her wife and your future doctor. Arlene was there too. I think that was the last time I saw her before what happened on Devon. If I'm doing the math right, Peter would have been three or four months old. But she didn't say anything. She just cried a lot and cuddled with the bear.
Sam didn't give her the bear; I did. It was the only thing that made her smile that horrible day. I wanted her to have something of Sam to hold onto. Now I am happier that I did that because that meant Peter had something of Sam's.
I'm proud of you for not just going through the storage units but also not drinking afterward. That had to be hard on you. But you made it. I know sobriety isn't one time thing. It's a constant battle, but I have learned enough that every battle makes a difference. That's all you can do.
Oh God, I am not surprised at all that the big boss is controlling outside messages. Not after what happened regarding the secret construction of warships. Also, I am not surprised my encryption is causing us to be flagged. I've already suspected that because I'm getting the kid's emails later than all the other parents. However, I'm not gonna remove the encryption. After what happened, I want to maintain my privacy as much as possible.
That being said, I have no idea when you'll actually get this email, but how about waiting until you're on your way back to Earth to respond. You can gosh about meeting your grandbaby and seeing the beauty of modern Starfleet ships. I bet you snuck into engineering on whatever ship you are temporarily stationed on, didn't you. Actually, I might have you take a look at Enterprise. Scotty is temporary Captain of the Hamilton, and his replacement kind of blew up parts of engineering. I don't want to talk about it.
Anyway, I am attaching a bunch of pictures from the kid's summer vacation on New Vulcan. Enjoy, and I hope you at least get the photos quick. Although we're supposed to be seeing you in like three days. I can't wait. Now I have to go prep for Nyota being in charge for a week. I'll talk to you later.
To be continued...