Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last conversation. You are all fabulous. Onward we go.

Day 303: I need an actual vacation

From: PC_Enterprise_2260

To: SuluHG2260

Subject: I need a day off

Time arrived: 12/21/2260 00:00:01

I wish we were getting off-duty days. Technically the 25th is supposed to be an off-duty day, but I know we will be wrangling interns. Since it's not a holiday here, I'm sure they'll all be making good use of the shopping district. But at least if the over 18 interns end up at sex shops, I can completely ignore their presence like every normal shore leave.

The seminar was thankfully only in the morning. Supposedly this meant we would have the afternoon to ourselves. Olivia and I did have a beautiful kid-free lunch at some Vulcan Mediterranean fusion restaurant. Ashley was graciously invited by the ambassador to join his party. We couldn't say no to that. It's good for Ashley to make friends. She didn't have that many before coming to Enterprise. Those that she did have pretty much abandoned her when her parents died.

Anyway, after lunch, we decided to do some shopping. Olivia needed to get robes for the dinner because she didn't want to wear the standard-issue robes or her dress uniform. While she was shopping, I went to the store next door, which happened to be the Pleasure Room. Unfortunately, I managed to find Ashley one, Chris two, Reyes Junior, and two junior interns shopping. Granted, I would prefer them there than the cannabis tea house, but there are age limits in place. So I ended up having to take them all back to the dorms. Dr. Reyes had a video chat with her daughter. The doctor was fine with her wanting to go to such stores, but she wanted to be the one to take her next time. Her daughter was scarlet for hours. It was amusing.

I think Olivia is now negotiating with Jim for a three-day kid-free shore leave while the damage in engineering is being fixed. Ashley said she's willing to do a sleepover to give us some private time. She's mad at us because we wouldn't let her go to the sleepover at the ambassador's house. Apparently, she is not too old for sleepovers with her friends, especially because she has friends again. This I find reassuring.

Olivia wants her to actually be a teenager, and I agree with her. I don't think I ever had a childhood. I didn't get to do things like sleepovers because I was in college when I was Josephine's age and at the Academy by the time I was Ashley's age. No one really wants to hang out with a 12-year-old college Junior. Sometimes I wish my parents would have let me go at a more relaxed pace. I wish I had time for field trips like what Ashley is doing right now.

Maybe it wasn't good for me to be at the Academy so young. I am seeing that now with some of the younger cadets. They are smart enough to be here but not mature enough emotionally. They do not have people like you taking them under their wing and keeping them from doing really silly things like attempting to break into the Vulcan tea House a second time. Thankfully, it was Nyota that caught them.

Even though I will be watching the interns, I think I might have my days free when they're in classes. So we might be able to do some things. Olivia is going to be in seminars learning about Vulcan anatomy. At this point, we just need to stay at the dorms to make sure they don't have orgies in the common room.

Therefore let's make plans to go back to the gardens again. I really didn't enjoy it because I was busy keeping the three Chrises from attacking one another. That has essentially been my job for most of this trip. This is why I worked with Chris two and three on their project at the cultural center. Although maybe it was good for me to participate in some of this. Again I did nothing like this as a teenager. I wanted to do a semester on another planet. However, my parents wouldn't let me because it would slow down my graduation. This is why I rarely send them letters.

Ashley likes me being there with her. We're getting along better. I think it helps that she no longer has a crush on me. Although she may have a crush on one of our junior cadets. I'm still trying to figure out who that is. Fingers crossed, they're under 18. I also hope they're part of the group leaving after New Vulcan, but I feel like I would not be that lucky.

Xxx

From: NyotaUM

To: Doctor_bones

Time arrived: 12/21/2260 00:00:01

Subject: I'll be home soon

Yes, I did get to go to one of the shops. I'll show you my purchases when I get home on the 22nd. There are actually three different adult stores in the shopping complex. Thankfully, I did not go into the one that the kids tried to sneak into. That was a little more low-end than the one I went to. Pav did and had to take them back to the dorms. It was probably for the best since they were selling the unauthorized Jim and Spock "merchandise." I just can't buy anything from a store that does that. I question the ethics of everything they sell just on principle.

Although I did catch wayward interns breaking into the teahouse at lunch. Thankfully I was able to take care of that and be back for dinner. We had a wonderful dinner. I really miss Dr. Suarez. She is much funnier outside of sessions.

The best part of dinner was older Spock trying to pass off stories of his own childhood as stories from our Spock's childhood only to learn that things were really different. Peter kept correcting him. Let's put it this way I'm starting to really believe in the butterfly effect. Just one little change can affect everything.

Today the kids had their first day at the VSA. I have already gotten text messages from Josephine because she's not having a good time. She is not in the same group as Peter and is upset. She also thinks she's in the stupid group. I texted her back and reminded her that she is taking classes with people three years older than her and working on the same level. She said that if Peter is in the high Group, she should be in the high Group. At 12, everything is the end of the world.

You know that I have applied for Vulcan citizenship after the mess that happened on Vulcan history day. We had enough rapid messages about it. However, I have to go tomorrow and do the second half of the process. Because I have a mental bond, I don't have to go through the naturalization exam. It is good because I think I would only pass the language portion. Good news, my grasp of Vulcan curse words is greater than I thought it was. I've only been exposed to Vulcan curse words through bureaucratic idiots, not with anybody I am working with.

Anyway, I'll see you in a couple of days. Miss you.

PS: I sent you a ton of pictures from yesterday. Unfortunately, not my purchases because I'm 99% sure everything's being screened.

XXXX

From: kitten_loverJJMU

To: Spock' s_cuddlebunny; Jim's_cuddlebear

Subject:

Time arrived: 12/21/2260 00:00:01

Thank you for writing, Uncle Spock. It's always good to hear from you. You need to write more often. Although you might be here by the time you get this letter.

I am sad to say that Peter and I did not enjoy government day to the fullest. At least not like the other Enterprise kids did. They got to take a tour. Ashley 3 showed me pictures. It was definitely more fun than watching mom and Peter fill out their citizenship paperwork. Although I now know all the benefits of Peter having citizenship. Did you do this so it would be harder for Peter's mom's family to contest the custody arrangement? Because apparently, it is extremely hard to get custody of an adolescent Vulcan citizen when you're not a Vulcan citizen. Or maybe you just wanted Peter to have the actual history of your culture and not the sanitized for human consumption version. The history books whitewash everything, don't they? Now Peter and I actually have to write a paper comparing the two versions of history. Do you have an event for us to focus on?

I am 90% sure that government day got moved up because of something that happened that morning at the cultural center. My grasp of the Vulcan language is shaky, but I think the curator didn't believe that Peter was your son by Vulcan standards. He was not happy and kicked us all out. At least that's what I got from overhearing a conversation between mom and grandpa. I think we may have had an interplanetary incident on our hands if grandpa did not step in. We really had no choice but to fill out the emergency paperwork after that.

Grandpa said we would get to do the tour after the 25th when you and uncle Jim are doing meetings. I'm looking forward to that. Ashley three said she would come with us because she is not spending her free week in the lab with the other interns. At least the non-Jackie interns. I think there might be something going on there. Or maybe Jackie is the only one Ashley doesn't find annoying. Ashley two made a lot of jokes about it. Ashley two also wants to stay with us, but her mom said no.

So yesterday, we had dinner with your grandfather and Dr. Suarez. Dr. Suarez has the best uncle Jim stories and lots of pictures. However, I feel like I need to put grandfather in parentheses. Mostly because of all of your remarks about how that's not how time travel works. So is he your variant, or are you the variant? Are you even allowed to answer that question? That might not be a question you can answer.

So while we were shopping, we may have run into some of the cousin's absolutely horrible classmates. I promise I did not lay a single finger on them. Although Ashley two and three may have freaked the hell out of them by holding hands. Some other things may have been said that I didn't pick up on because I was far away. I promise no weapons were brought out.

The shopping district feels like it's more geared towards adults than kids. There were no toy shops but at least three shops that none of us under 18 were allowed to go in. That's not counting the special tea houses. Although Ashley one, Reyes Junior, and Chris two did try. Two of the three will be grounded when they get back. Reyes has a different punishment in mind. I promise I did not try to go into any of those stores.

Oh, Ashley one says that you should know they have items with your and Uncle Jim's picture on them. Are you aware of that? I am definitely going to assume it was unauthorized. You should ask my aunt to help you. She's done IP lawsuits before.

Anyway, because we did government day early, we started at the VSA today. I just spent my morning getting tested, and my mind is fried. Obviously, I didn't do well because I'm in the stupid people group without Peter. This is so unfair. I don't think the next few days are going to be fun. I'm with that Chris. It will be a miracle if I don't smack him upside the head. Saavik is in the other group too. Apparently, I am the only one too dumb to be there.

We're taking a tour of the VSA after lunch. I'll send you pictures.

PS: Is it true that you told the VSA to go fuck themselves. Apparently, you're a legend and the only person to ever turn down a spot at the VSA. I knew you turned them down, but I didn't think you were the only one.

Xxx

"Oh God, our pseudo-niece knows about the sex toys. And apparently, you're a legend at the VSA." Jim said as he passed his PADD to Spock.

"She also correctly guessed your real motives in getting Peter Vulcan citizenship. Also, for the sake of classified information, stop correcting time travel theories. That girl is smart." Jim was currently trying to enjoy a cup of coffee before shift as he read through the important emails. Jim had an hour-long meeting with the interim head of engineering that he was already dreading. He misses Scotty so much right now. He's going to need coffee to get through it.

"I am not surprised she correctly surmised why I was pushing for Peter to have Vulcan citizenship. She can easily understand legal documents and legislation. Also, I am well aware of my reputation at the VSA. Did she also attempt to gain access to the pleasure room?" Spock asked, taking a long drink of tea.

"No. One of the kids who did try told her about it. Apparently, Pav didn't get them out before they saw some stuff. Although honestly, he should've just left them there because I feel like all of them can get into less trouble in the pleasure room than at the teahouse."

"I think he was concerned that some of the older cadets may take advantage of the presence of the Enterprise teenagers at that particular establishment," Spock remarked as he finished the last of his tea.

"Not an unreasonable assumption, especially considering what happened a few days ago. OK, so how do I respond to Josephine's questions?" Jim asked his husband.

"You could tell her that we have already secured counsel and are currently litigating the matter," Spock suggested.

"Or you could write the response yourself. You should talk to JoJo directly about the custody thing. Also, you have to tell JoJo the true VSA story. I mean, you did tell them to go fuck themselves but in a very Vulcan way. It was very sexy."

"I will do so in person sometime during our trip. It's your turn to draft the response. Also, I have a video conference in 10.3 minutes that I must leave for in 2.5 minutes." Spock said, giving Jim his PADD back.

"That's so unfair," Jim said as he reached over to kiss his husband goodbye. He would never be annoyed enough not to kiss his husband goodbye. "I am making you answer all the questions that I can't reply to in writing tomorrow night."

"Of course, James."

XXXX

From: Spock' s_cuddlebunny

To: kitten_loverJJMU; Jim's_cuddlebear

Subject: we will see you tomorrow

Time sent: 12/21/2260 07:06:01

Hey, it's Uncle Jim this time. Unfortunately, my other half had a 7 AM video conference. Spock is busy getting ready for a week away from the ship. He's like an anxious parent leaving the kids with the babysitter for the first time. We completely trust your mom, although we are worried about engineering. If my engineering meeting goes badly today, I will ask Spock if we can bring Chekov back up to take over engineering. Although I am 100% sure he will say no. There's a 50-50 chance he will quit if we ever made him head engineer again. This is why we got so many people that could work in that capacity.

I hope you have a good time at the VSA. I will not confirm nor deny what your uncle said to the VSA entrance committee. He said he would tell you the story once we're on the planet, but you can always ask grandpa in the meantime. He was there. But you know that they were highly xenophobic, and they acted like letting him go to that school was doing him a favor.

But let me just say you are not in the stupid group. You figured out the reason why we're getting Vulcan citizenship for Peter. You have to be very smart to figure that out. If anybody there said that you are in the stupid group, give me their names.

You're in a group of people who are three years older than you. You're working on the same level. Actually, I know you're doing better than a few of them. I think Peter only made it in the other group because he grew up on a science colony. You know you don't have to compete with the other Enterprise kids. You can work on your own level. It's OK for you to be 12. You don't have to compare yourself to other people. I think they broke you guys up into different groups so they would have an idea where to start.

I'm so sorry government day wasn't what it was originally supposed to be. I think we knew it was going badly by the time Spock wrote his response. We had to have some emergency video conferences with the museum. Yes, you were kicked out because Peter had access due to being Spock's ward and the curator being a moron. I'm also sorry that you were stuck doing paperwork with the others. It's probably best that you're going to get your own tour with your friends.

I expect Ashley three to be spending a lot of time with you guys. None of you are going to have preplanned activities after the other kids leave. This is a vacation for her, just like you and Peter. Unfortunately, her guardians are still working. So we're going to have to keep her entertained. Would you be mad if we went to the animal sanctuary again? I want to pet an actual version of Annie.

Yeah, I've been told that the shopping district is definitely more geared towards adults right now. Which is a little sad that there are no toy stores. Spock told me before that toy stores have never been a big thing in Vulcan culture. Vulcans do more learning aids than toys; this predates the colony. Although he did have something similar to Legos. It was called a building engineer simulator or something like that. We should check out the learning store to see what things they have.

Thank you for letting us know about the unauthorized merchandise. We are aware and are suing. Your aunt's law firm is representing us. I don't know if she is personally working on the case. Although she has intellectual property experience, so it is possible. Actually, there is a lot of unauthorized use of our images, including actual toys. My mom is bringing something called Heroes of the Federation playset.

Winona is looking forward to being with you guys. This is good because you can hang out with her when Spock and I are stuck in boring meetings. We're going to be doing a lot of boring meetings. You can also hang out with Liz, Kevin, and the babies. I expect you really want to be with the babies.

Anyway, I bet this reply will get to you after we see each other. Some of your questions will have to be answered in person. Although again, you're very smart because you figured out some things that are really, really classified. See, this is why you should never call yourself stupid.

XXXX

From: SuluHG2260

To: PC_Enterprise_2260

Subject: You definitely need a day off

Time sent: 12/21/2260 12:23:01

You definitely need a break. I heard about the shopping incident from Reyes. Sue couldn't stop laughing. Honestly, I wouldn't have even bothered to take the kids out of the store. I would've just told them that I was rapid messaging their guardians.

On a positive note, at least you didn't run into your girlfriend's kid there. Although I feel like you definitely would have walked out of the store and pretended that she wasn't there. Hopefully, you'll have time for another shopping trip later. We will make Liz and Kevin watch the kids. Or my sisters. If they are going to show up at the colony, they should definitely get babysitting time.

Let's go to the gardens on the 26th. From what I gathered, you're really just on call if the interns do silly things like actually trying to have an orgy. Your days are free, no more keeping Chrises from attacking each other. However, your girlfriend is going to be taking extra training classes. We're going to have more Vulcan crew members soon, so we need to be prepared.

I was happy to look out for you. I think it came naturally because I have a little sister and a big sister. I just felt like you needed someone. Maybe it was a good thing that we ended up roommates. Actually, I think they purposely put you with an older roommate for that reason. It's obvious stuff like this isn't happening with the newer Enterprise cadets. Maybe that's part of the reason why they brought them here.

We leave tomorrow in the morning for the colony. Fortunately, we are beaming down, not taking a shuttle, thank the universe. It's faster that way since we're much farther from the planet right now. Also, only five of us are going down. I'm already packed. Honestly, I'm looking forward to being off the ship for a few days. The fact that I'm going to see my daughter and fiancé again is the cherry on top. (I have mixed feelings about seeing my sisters.) Thankfully, I am on actual leave for most of our time. Although I do think I have a few meetings with the botany department at the VSA. But for me, that feels like vacation time. That's not going to be until the 27th.

I am glad that you're bonding with Ashley. I think it's good for you even if you will never think of her as a stepdaughter. I just realized that she's the same age as your sister would have been. That must be hard. Maybe you have more of a big brother relationship with Ashley. That's OK. It is obvious you're freaking out at the prospect of her being interested in someone. We can have Liz find out who. She's very good at that sort of thing.

Anyway, we'll see you tomorrow. We are finding a nice Vulcan teahouse. We deserve all the Vulcan tea.

Xxxxx

From: Doctor_bones

To: NyotaUM

Time sent: 12/21/2260 21:29:01

Subject: re: I'll be home soon

Only one more day now until you're back. I am extremely grateful for that because I really miss you. This place is way too empty without you and Josephine. There's a 50% chance I'm going to kiss you the moment you step off the transporter pad regardless of who is there. I'm sure you also have some stories that you couldn't share in writing. I look forward to them all.

I still think you made the right decision getting citizenship. Even if you have to do more paperwork. It saved Jim's life on a mission.

At the same time, I don't know how I feel about the prospect of us moving to the planet of the Spocks. Especially because I realize that Spock is one of the less stuck-up ones. And apparently, we've been surrounded by liberal Vulcans. If these are liberal Vulcans, what are the conservative Vulcans like? Probably like the guy filling out your paperwork who insulted you until he realized you were fluent in Vulcan.

I'm glad you had a good dinner the other night. I miss Suarez too. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Dr. Margarita and Reyes, but Suarez was a good woman to have on the ship. She's a very capable psychiatrist. She definitely wouldn't take shit from anyone. I miss that, although Reyes is similar. Margarita is too sweet, which makes her perfect for JoJo. The woman has us all calling her by her first name, so she doesn't trigger our bad memories of her predecessor.

I blame Josephine's self-esteem issues on the ex-wife. Anything but an A+ was a complete and utter failure to the witch. I thought Josephine was doing better with that, but it looks like there was a little setback. I'll see what her letter says in a few days. Hopefully, I'll get it tomorrow, if the pattern holds at least.

I'm glad you at least like your coworkers on the colony. Work has not been as nice for me. It's miserable, and we are down a doctor. At least we're not doing planetside missions, so I'm mostly dealing with training accidents and STI outbreaks right now. There are vaccines for 95% of STIs, and yet some people don't take them. I am surrounded by idiots. Seriously, take the vaccine. I do not want to be dealing with your case of Romulan gonorrhea. Not at all.

I hope you picked up some massage oil from the pleasure room because I could use it. I need to relax. But I can't relax with you gone. I really can't wait until you're here. I miss you and love you.

To be continued…