Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last chapter. You are all absolutely lovely. We are back with Enterprise with this chapter. Remember, the ship is getting these letters about two days behind. It really would be one, but the time difference messes everything up.

Warning: Grab Tissues.

Day 308: Post-Christmas bad news

From: kitten_loverJJMU

To: Doctor bones; NyotaUM

Subject: Mom, I miss you

Time arrived: 12/26/2260 00:00:01

Hey,

Mom and dad.

I miss you both. Although more mom since you just left two days ago. I'm glad to know that you got back safely. I'm doing well on planet by myself. I am now happy school is over with until the New year. Also, I now have the babies to play with. Toddlerhood is interesting.

Because of the banquet, I didn't get to see the babies until this morning. They stayed at grandpa's house with Gina and Nana Lin. They're so big. And chatty. Katie bear talks in little sentences, and baby D is getting there. I missed so much. The videos don't do them justice.

I got to bring them to the spaceport to meet all of my friends before they returned to Enterprise. Everyone says they're just so adorable and super cute. We took lots of pictures. I'm sure you probably have them by now because Ashley 2 said she would send them to you once she was on the ship. Therefore, it would be a local message.

I got an all-safe email from Ashley and Jay about five minutes ago, a.k.a. midnight ship time. I really do think our emails are being screened. Although it's probably because of Uncle Jim's encryption. But even Nana Chen says he should keep things encrypted. Uncle Jim added the encryption to her personal PADD so she can send messages to Liz and Sue when they are on Yorktown.

I asked Gina to bring you the presents from Aunt Lena. Did you get them? What did you get? I was a good girl and didn't peek. I won't know what I got until tomorrow. They don't even celebrate Christmas in this house, but the Nanas that be want to wait until tomorrow to open all the gifts. Nana Lin does anyway, and Nana Chen backed her up. Winona just wanted hot chocolate and Santa Peeps.

You should definitely write to my aunt. First of all, it would be polite. Also, before my biological mom died, this was the worst time of the year in the family. So she could use kind words. I know the judge is still causing her problems because I can read between the lines. He was always at his worst around Christmas. I feel like her being in a different state won't change that.

So we couldn't open our Christmas presents until tomorrow. However, grandpa was perfectly okay passing out gift cards. Therefore we did a lot of shopping with the babies. They are good shopping partners, especially at the Learning Store, a.k.a. the Vulcan version of a toy shop.

In addition to the building of the gingerbread houses, we're going to do something called a secret Santa gift exchange. It was Nana Lin's idea. Yes, I've been instructed to call her that. I got Spock's grandfather, so I picked him up a copy of The Time Traveler's Guide to Living In the Past. I know no one will confirm or deny my hypothesis, but it's a good gag gift nonetheless.

I also picked up some presents for auntie. Lizzy's mom is going to deliver them once she gets back. Which might be February because she's going to do a couple more inspections. She's been doing a lot of work. Not Evil Nana Kirk has been along for the ride. We really want her to go by Grandma Kirk, but she refuses to on principle.

I sent you pictures of everything I got. Also, I put your name on the card because it's only polite. Technically you paid for it since I bought a lot of the stuff with the money you gave me. I used the gift cards from grandpa to buy a full Vulcan wardrobe. We might need more closet space. Sorry, Dad. I had to get a new suitcase because I got so much stuff.

Anyway, I promise to send you pictures from the gingerbread festivities. I have to go because we're watching old 20th-century Christmas/holiday movies. They're all favorites of Spock's mom. We're watching the Nightmare Before Christmas first with caramel popcorn.

I need to write Aunt Lena, but I'll probably do that in the morning. Or after gingerbread time. That way, I can send her pictures.

Anyway, I miss you. Please write back soon.

XXXX

From: Spock's_cuddlebunny

To: NyotaUM;

CC: Jim's_cuddlebear

Time arrived: 12/26/2260 00:00:01

Subject: Never agree to a working vacation

Spock says thank you for being so considerate. He promises to write soon. It's been a long day workday. We both equally hate the concept of a working vacation. The work part has been exhausting, and we haven't got to the vacation part yet. Smiling at ambassadors that I don't like is just draining. At least when I am with Spock, I can lie and say I don't smile for my husband's sake.

I want to be having lunch with my brother or at least my husband. Instead, I had lunch with a diplomat who tried to pinch my ass. The keyword is tried. The Vulcan representative with me nerve-pinched the fuck out of him. Sexually harassing somebody else's T'hy'la is a big cultural no-no. It was probably best that Spock wasn't there because he is mad he didn't get to do the nerve pinching. I would like to avoid a diplomatic incident on vacation.

I'm thankful the Admiral put her foot down on dinner meetings, and we actually have family time. We got to have a home-cooked meal because at least a few of the others have cooking skills. Winona can only bake, but now we have gingerbread.

After dinner, we started going through Amanda's favorite winter/Christmas movies. The fact that her absolute favorite was the Nightmare Before Christmas makes me really, really sad that I never got to meet my mother-in-law. I feel like she was probably the coolest person.

The other one on the list was Love Actually. The original, not the remakes. It feels like there are like 10,000 remakes of everything because we probably ran out of original ideas a long time ago. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Although Vulcan teen dramas are hilarious. I got us a bunch of data chips for various teen dramas that came out when Spock was a teenager. None of the recent stuff because everything ended on a cliffhanger due to genocide. Vulcan night is going to be entertaining.

So far, things have been okay. Spock does not have to be chocolate stoned to be in the same room with his father. I am getting along with my father-in-law, and he has yet to poison me. More importantly, my mom, the Admiral, and my father-in-law are all getting along. It's like they're all old friends. This is not outside the realm of possibilities, at least for the Admiral and Ambassador.

Your child has been ridiculously well behaved, per Kevin and Liz. They took her shopping today, and she bought a bunch of educational toys. She also purchased a more Vulcan-appropriate wardrobe. Which honestly is probably good if we ever have diplomatic missions where we might need to bring the kids again. This honestly could happen as they get older. They did well at the dedication ceremony.

However, I promise they will never go to a Starfleet dog and pony show remembrance celebration. Thank the universe Vulcan sensibilities are keeping the events around the Vulcan genocide to a minimum, but we're still going to try to avoid them as much as feasible. I'm glad Kelvin memorials are no longer really a thing. At least until we hit the 30th anniversary, and maybe Peter will be away at college by that point.

Possibly the VSA because the father-in-law wants one of his grandchildren to go there. He's perfectly cool if it's the human one. Spock has been very happy about his new attitude.

Anyway, we have a long day tomorrow that will not involve diplomatic ass-kissing. So I'm going to call it a night. My body still isn't quite used to the time difference. I have baby K sleeping on my lap as I type this. I think I'm going to join her.

Xxx

From: NyotaUM

To: kitten_loverJJMU

cc: Doctor bones;

Subject: Re: mom, I miss you

Time sent: 12/26/2260 07:46:01

Hey sweetie, it's so good to hear from you. Your dad decided it was my turn to write to you. Although that might have something to do with the fact he had to start his shift early today. With Olivia gone, he's been spending more time in sickbay. He's really looking forward to January 1 at this point.

I loved all the pictures from the last few days. Yes, Ashley 2 did give me everything from the drop-off. The babies are getting so big. It seems like you had a really good time yesterday. You had the best gingerbread fortress. I love the use of gummy bears. I bet you had a lot of fun.

I cannot confirm nor deny your hypothesis, but I will say your secret Santa gift was brilliant and might be more useful than you think. Even though it was meant as a fictional book. The last few years have proven reality is stranger than fiction.

What did you end up getting in the secret Santa Exchange? Who was your secret Santa? Do you need another suitcase to bring your presents back in? I think we're going to have to start using space saver cubes for all the stuff you're bringing back. They really should've made the family quarters bigger. Or at least they should have given us decent closet space.

Yes, Gina did stop over long enough on the 24th to drop off presents before heading off to her girlfriend. Your aunt got me a very nice blanket along with a luxury robe and bath set. There were a lot of bath oils and similar things in the bath set. I will enjoy that as soon as we're somewhere where I can actually take a bath.

Fingers crossed that happens on our next shore leave. Apparently, there's an amusement park next door. We're taking vacation time. Actual family vacation time. I'm even locking up my Starfleet PADD. We need it. I enjoyed our time together on New Vulcan, but we didn't get to do that many fun things together because I was working and your dad was still on the ship. I do hope you get to do fun stuff with your uncles. Please tell me they're behaving.

Yes, we will send your aunt a thank you note. Your dad will write it after his shift. She gives great gifts, and your dad is really enjoying the gourmet gift basket he received. I'm not sure how much of it will be left when you get here, but at least he's sharing it with me.

Anyway, keep sending pictures. I would write more, but I have to be on the bridge in 15 minutes. Being in charge is not as much fun as you think it would be. I have way too many meetings, but at least engineering has not blown itself up again. Fingers crossed for another good day.

PS: The babies are adorable. Jim and Spock promise they will find a way to get them here. We shall see. I want baby cuddle time.

XXXX

From: Doctor bones
To: Legal Queen

bcc: NyotaUM
Subject: Happy holidays, thank you for all the presents (especially the slippers)
Time sent: 12/26/2260 19:21:08

I just want to thank you for all the presents you sent. You really didn't have to. The care packages have been enough. Although Ny loves her self heating blanket. She refuses to share it with me. Although because of it, I get to keep the room at my preferred colder temperatures, so I like it as well.

The gift basket is appreciated. I enjoyed some good chocolate in addition to the regular supply of Hershey. I also enjoyed my new massaging slippers. They're the perfect thing after an entire shift on my feet. You have good taste in presents.

I'm sorry that they couldn't work it out so you could come, but I hope that you really do make it to Yorktown during the summer. You're the only family member that I like. I'm not even talking to anyone on the McCoy side of the family. They're all awful and have no sense. This was proven by the fact that the judge could pay them to testify against me at the first custody hearing. At least they haven't written a tell-all book yet. I know you know what Jim's family did.

How are things in San Francisco? Do you like the new job better than the old one? I'm sure it's probably better not to have the judge breathing down your neck. That was one of the things I enjoyed about leaving for Starfleet. He couldn't keep messing with me. It was freeing in a way.

I hope the judge is staying the hell away from you. You always deserved better than him.

Anyway, lots of pictures are attached from Nyota from her time on New Vulcan. I think she took so many pictures because she felt bad that I was stuck on the ship. She didn't want me to miss a thing.

XXXX

Starfleet priority message from Captain James Grayson-Kirk to Acting Captain Nyota Uhura

Subject: Hey, can you do a Voice chat?

Just so you know, the kids are fine. Our Spock is also fine. As far as I know, but Olivia will make sure that's the case soon. I just need to chat.

XXXX

"Okay, what happened?" Nyota asked as Jim picked up. It must be important if he wants to talk by voice. "Also when did you guys decide to switch your last name again?"

"Nothing happened," Jim answered a little too quickly. "I think honeybun is experimenting."

"I don't believe you. You started your message by saying the kids were okay and our Spock was okay. So that means somebody is not okay. It's not the doctor?" Nyota asked.

"No, she's well, happy even. Suarez is doing great on the planet. We are still having dinner tomorrow, despite her niece now being here. She was ecstatic that her niece was here because she didn't think she would see her for a while. So, she's happy that she stopped by on her way to her new assignment on Yorktown."

"That's good. Your father-in-law?" Nyota asked.

"Also, in good health. And in high spirits, because Saavik will be starting the international school in January. Granted, there will only be like 10 people in her grade level, but at least she can avoid the evil classmates from the learning pods. We ran into them this morning at Spock's demo. Thankfully Ashley three managed to keep a fight from breaking out.

"Then that leaves the other Spock. That would make your other comments make more sense. You guys were supposed to have tea today."

"Yep, and it's probably good that I have large quantities of cannabis tea right now. I'm gonna need at least three pots to process." Jim sighed. He sounded exhausted.

"What happened?" She asked, concerned.

"Other Spock is sick. Terminally ill sick. I almost threw up when he told me." Jim confessed, and she wasn't expecting that. That explains why he needed to talk to her.

"I understand why you don't want to talk to your Spock about this just yet."

"I will eventually, probably. But I need to talk to you first."

"I'm happy to be your sounding board. What's wrong? Very few things are terminal now."

"Heart failure," Jim answered simply.

"So that's easy to fix. Artificial hearts exist." If you dated a doctor long enough, you learn some things.

"He doesn't want to undergo a transplant," Jim explained. "He wants to go as naturally as the world intended or as naturally as you can living a second life in a different timeline. It is a small miracle I didn't start screaming at him when he said that. I don't want him to leave me."

"Why doesn't he want treatment?" She did her best to keep her anger out of her voice. "By Vulcan standards, he is quite young. He has at least another 40 or 50 years."

"He has his reasons, and there are actually good ones. Because he's a hybrid, there's only a 32% chance that the transplant would work like it should without modification. There is also a 21.2% chance he would die on the table." Jim explained.

"Which is a higher probability than I am comfortable with."

"I'm not either. So I get why the elder doesn't want to undergo an artificial heart transplant, and I respect that. Also, I think he already feels like he is living on borrowed time. That he should've died when Vulcan did." Jim explained.

"Or maybe when you did. The elder outlived your counterpart by a lot, right?" Nyota asked, well aware that Spock does not want to live in a world without Jim.

"Yes. He outlived everyone. Although he was still in contact with Sulu's kids and grandkids when he crossed over to us." Jim responded.

"First, I am surprised he told you that much."

"He didn't. Things slip out during mind melds. Although what I saw didn't make sense until D was born." Jim explained.

"That makes more sense. The idea of baby D having kids is just so hard to process. She's a squishy little baby."

"More like a squishy toddler right now." Jim retorted.

"I've seen pictures. Ashley 2 had dozens of images from the drop-off at the spaceport. Will I get to see the babies in person soon?" Nyota asked.

"Yes. I've managed to convince everybody to come to the ship on the first when the family will force us to do a joint birthday party. The family will leave from there, but it will give everybody a day on the ship, which means baby time." Jim explained.

"Thank you for being willing to go through a birthday party just to give me baby time. We can all use baby time, especially you."

"I don't know what I feel right now. I'm still trying to process it." Jim acknowledged. "Although the tea is helping."

"I bet it is. You're probably hurt and confused. You're also worried about our Spock." To be honest, so was she. Genetically they are the same person. Genetics plays a large part when it comes to many cardiac issues.

"You're not wrong," Jim said with a sigh. "Olivia and I are coordinating to have our Spock do a physical at the VSA before we leave. Full workup. Possibly tomorrow if we can get enough meetings moved around."

"You're going to try to get other Spock's medical records to Leonard, aren't you?" Nyota asked.

"They might already be on their way there. Although I didn't get them by the most ethical means."

"You're not supposed to do that." She admonished.

"Do not cast your stones at me. You weren't supposed to read my personal emails to my future husband that I was never planning on him actually reading, but you did."

"Because I was worried about both of you, and I already lost one friend to death by suicide. I didn't want to lose another one."

"I know, which is why you were never kicked off the ship."

"I'm grateful for that. I know you're just being really protective, so I'm going to leave your punishment to your husband."

"How's captain life?" Jim asked, obviously changing the subject.

"Good. It helps that engineering hasn't blown anything up yet."

"I feel like the new interim head knows what they're doing. Now I really miss Rebecca." Jim sighed.

"I do too, but she absolutely loves London." Nyota got an email from her when she got back to the ship. "She said that they're planning to do Christmas dinner with Nhi. Carol celebrates but the other two don't. However, they're cool with turkey."

"Other than the vegans, most people are cool with turkey. The hubby prefers a cranberry nut roll. Which we had yesterday. Mom brought all the varieties of nuts I am not allergic to."

"Aren't you allergic to most earth tree nuts?" Nyota asked.

"Yes, Earth tree nuts. However, I can eat non-Earth tree nuts. Especially planets near the neutral zone. Which seems weird because they're genetically similar."

"Maybe it's for the same reason everything on New Vulcan causes Chris three to break out in hives, but none of it showed up in the Earth allergy testing."

"Possibly."

"Are you going to be okay?" Nyota asked.

"I don't know. I am still processing. I just realized this is going to be one long goodbye. I'm not even sure how to deal with that. I'm going to have to tell the kids eventually. They all love their great-grandpa. Shit." Josephine is going to be devastated. She just got a picture of other Spock hugging her after receiving her gift.

"How long?"

"A year, maybe two. It's the reason why the elder pushed for the father-in-law to adopt Saavik instead of adopting her himself. Also, why he didn't want to contribute to the Vulcan sperm bank."

"Because he didn't want any children out there without a father since he wouldn't be around."

"Right. He's trying to get the colony as settled as possible. The elder being sick explains why things are moving so quickly."

"Because he doesn't have time left."

"Not a lot of it."

"He is trying to make the best of it."

"He doesn't want me to tell Spock," Jim confessed just as Nyota got another rapid message on her PADD. This time from Spock.

"Which isn't going to happen because he already knows something's not quite right. I got a rapid message from him. Your emotions are all over the place, and he knows you're upset. Your husband also knows that if it was really bad, you would contact me first."

"Are you telling me I need to text my husband?"

"Yep ."

"I don't want to have this conversation, but I know I need to."

"Yes. Let me know how things go with the spouse. Just so you know, I did get your email this morning, but I'm counting this is my response."

"Completely understandable. I'll message you after I get done with Spock.

"Old fashion email. Let me have time to adjust. And maybe convince my boyfriend not to be mad at you for violating various medical privacy laws."

"From a certain point of view, I have the right to access the files. He's a version of my husband, and I have power of attorney."

"Yeah, I'm not sure how Lena would interpret that part of the law. The card on her gift stated that she is taking the Vulcan bar exam in a few months."

"Oh good, it will be nice to have someone we trust that understands Vulcan law. I'll talk to you later. Spock bear is texting."

Xxx

Spock bear: I feel that you are quite distressed.

Jim: Extremely distressed. Lunch did not go the way I thought it would. Although I do have cannabis tea— Lots of cannabis tea.

Spock bear: Are you drinking any right now? I think you might need it. Also, should I schedule an emergency session with Dr. Margarita?

Jim: Yes, yes, and yes. I'm still in our private room at the tea room. They don't kick you out if you buy enough tea, even if you start crying.

Spock bear: Does this have anything to do with the fact I now have a physical at the VSA medical facilities tomorrow morning? Several of my meetings have been rescheduled for the 28th

Jim: Yes, and the Admiral's assistant is the best. Can we poach her?

Spock bear: Her regular assistant did not come with her. Kevin has been functioning in that capacity, and unfortunately, your brother cannot serve on our ship.

Jim: I thought you could have a sibling under you. They just couldn't report to you. Not that Kevin would want to serve under me. I know he doesn't.

Spock bear: The regulation applies to all family numbers, including relatives by marriage. Unfortunately, with both of us being in command, there is not an alternative chain of report.

Jim: I am not surprised.

Spock bear: I am currently standing outside the restaurant. Do you want me to come in?

Jim: No, I'll come to you although I'm warning you now I really need a hug.

Spock bear: Of course.

Jim: Also, I need you to promise me that you will stay healthy and around for Peter and me for as long as possible.

Spock bear: My counterpart is unwell?

Jim: Yes. Terminally so.

Spock bear. I'm coming to you.

Jim: I really love you.

To be continued…

You may now commence throwing cyber tomatoes at your writer. Keep in mind that I'm trying to stay somewhat canon-compliant. These are just significantly more emotionally healthy versions of the characters.