Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last chapter. You are all absolutely fabulous. More from the kids in this chapter.
Continuity notes: The letters from Peter and Josephine below were written on day 309, but we're not seeing them until today. The letter that Jim wrote to Nhi was written on day 310. Basically, we broke the rules a little bit. In the last chapter, you saw a letter that wasn't written on the Enterprise.
I was working on the rewrites of this chapter when the news broke of Betty White's passing. I just got to Jim's letter to Nyota and realized that "thank you for being a friend" would be the perfect subject line. Yes, that is the theme from the Golden Girls. Since I didn't have a title for the chapter yet, I decided to make it the chapter title as well.
Day 311: Thank You for Being a Friend
From: Peter_K
To: Magnificent Ashley 2.0; J fabulous
Subject: Sorry I didn't email you earlier
Time arrived: 12/29/2260 00:00:01
Hey, I'm so sorry I did not write you earlier. It's kind of chaotic meeting brand new family members for the first time in person. You know how nervous I've been about this. I've mostly been trying to process that. So I didn't have the energy to do anything else until today.
The good news is the new family members are nowhere near as evil as the old ones were even after meeting in person. I knew that wasn't possible with Liz and Kevin, but I was wary of Winona. Primarily because of what happened with the last grandmother. I was used to dealing with an angry shrew of a human being who tried to hide that behind a kind, grandmotherly facade. Winona is exactly who she says she is. She's a little damaged on the inside, but I still got lots of hugs and kisses. I prefer that.
They brought me so many presents. Not all of them are Legos. I did get a bunch of snacks which I will share. They also brought some selections from my father's comic book collection. I'm happy to actually have something of his. It makes him real to me. Before, he was primarily a myth. I knew I had a father who died before I was born, but I knew very little about him. Mom didn't like to talk about him because it was too hard.
Liz and Kevin even brought me my mom's old teddy bear. Mom never told me that it belonged to my father first. That does explain why she cried so much when she thought she had lost it. I'm glad it accidentally got left in the storage locker on earth. If it would've been on Devon, we would've lost it. I had to leave almost everything behind there.
Did you get the video from yesterday? I had no idea Uncle Spock was that strong or skilled. He is a badass. Bonus points for his opponent being a complete dick. I am just learning Vulcan, but I'm sure he called my uncle a human fucker. Accurate but rude. Although that seems like the norm for this planet. I really have to work on my Vulcan.
Not that I want to think about what my uncles do in their bedroom together. I spent the night in the baby wing with the Sulu girls because the parents needed grown-up fun time. I'm pretty sure I saw rope marks this morning. They allegedly needed private time after great-grandpa told uncle Jim something that made him cry a lot. I don't know what was said, but Uncle Spock had a physical this morning. So it's probably health-related. I can't tell you in writing why my great grandfather being sick would affect Spock. That's definitely a conversation that we will be having later.
Uncle Kevin made a safe word joke at the breakfast table. I literally tried to climb underneath the thing. It was all just too much for me. Even though it was traumatizing, it was good to see them goof around with each other. It reminds me a little of mom and my aunt before everything went to hell. It made me feel like I really do have a family where I belong, even if they're ridiculously embarrassing. Ashley 3 heard that.
We are going to the animal sanctuary again, but with the Nanas and the babies. The babies are so cute. I don't think the animal sanctuary is really supposed to be a petting zoo, but the babies saw it that way. There are so many pictures. We're doing the botanical gardens again tomorrow. However, this time we're going to get a behind-the-scenes tour since Sulu will be with us. I hope they take us to the part that is still under construction. I want to see what they're doing next.
The next day we're doing a picnic on the cliffs, along with a hike. The grown-ups are still planning that. I don't even know who's coming with us yet. That will be fun and something that we didn't get to do with our classmates. We didn't do this earlier because everybody was worried we would push Chris 3 off the Cliff. Their fear was possibly justified.
Hey, is Chris three in the brig right now? I kind of overheard bits and pieces of a call between Spock, Josephine's mom, and the Admiral this morning. Unfortunately, I didn't get everything because Liz caught me listening in and made me leave. I also got the "do not listen to classified conversations because there are just some things you don't want to know" lecture. I will say hers was more interesting than the version I got from Spock.
So, what's going on with you guys? Did you have a good Christmas/Winter Solstice? Although it seems weird doing Winter Solstice when we're on a planet during the height of summer. We're actually doing a morning hike to the cliffs, so I guess we probably should say we're doing brunch there. Lunch would be way too hot, and I burn easily. If I wasn't using Uncle Jim's special sunscreen, I would be a lobster right now.
xxx
From: kitten_loverJJMU
To: Doctor bones; NyotaUM
Subject: I have yet to get sunstroke
Time arrived: 12/29/2260 00:00:01
Hi mom and dad:
I miss you guys, and I'm glad I'll be back in a few days. I'm happy to hear you emailed Aunt Lena. She can use all the support. Did anybody tell you that the judge broke into her house and caught her study on fire? Apparently, she's moving again. Although I didn't quite get all the details. I found out that much due to Aunt Lena cutting the camera off but not the microphone. Liz refuses to give me more details. Or maybe she doesn't have them. I am inclined to go with the former because that is what usually happens. But perhaps it could be the latter. I don't know.
I also don't know why Uncle Jim was upset last night. I know he had lunch with Spock's "grandfather" alone, and then he was a crying mess for most of the afternoon. Nana Winona also left to yell at the Elder. Which is why we ended up having dinner on our own. Do you know what happened? I know something's wrong. The adults are being extra quiet which is never a good sign. Uncle Spock having a physical today is also not a good sign.
Because of that, Nana Chen will no longer be joining us at the animal sanctuary. She has to do meetings instead. Nana Chen was really looking forward to seeing the babies with the animals, but it's not happening. She scheduled a meeting to discuss how Starfleet could help the sanctuary preserve and rescue species once indigenous to Vulcan. Unfortunately, that meeting got killed, which is sad because that's actually more useful than most of the meetings she's been going on. She didn't even get to take off yesterday like uncle Jim and Spock. She's only got evening baby time. That's kind of sad.
I got so many holiday presents that I need a suitcase just for those. Thank you for the sweaters and blanket you left behind for me to open on Christmas day. How did you get them? Did you have Liz bring them? Although I'm glad you realized that I'm always cold when I'm on the ship. I prefer old-school sweaters to modern self-heating uniforms. I know Uncle Spock uses the heated uniforms, but I just prefer the texture of the fabric.
Anyway, I'll probably write at least one more time before we get back. I'm not entirely sure if we're leaving late on the 31st or early the morning of the first yet. I know Nana Kirk plans to do a joint birthday party for Uncles Jim and Spock. Uncle Jim is not amused. I see this as an excuse to get the babies more cake; I hope nobody dives into it headfirst this time.
PS: We're going to the cliffs on the 29th for brunch. I will send pictures.
XXXX
From: Spock's_cuddlebunny
To: NyotaUM;
CC: Jim's_cuddlebear
Time arrived: 12/29/2260 00:00:01
Subject: Thank you for being a friend
Hey, I just wanna say thank you for being my sounding board yesterday. I really needed you, and I'm glad you were there. You're my voice of reason.
I know I completely freaked out Spock. He knows. (Obviously now since I'm CCing him.) But I think you knew that before because he messaged when we got back to the house. Also, you had that call with him this morning, which caused his blood pressure to go a little high. Seriously they were really trying to kill my husband? Well, not really because they sucked at it, but they were trying.
I'm so proud of our Enterprise kids tipping us off. I'm bringing them so many goodies when we arrive because the kids deserve it. We have the best kids.
I know Spock didn't tell you about what was going on with me because you had to talk shop. So I will tell you now. Ben, Sue, and Sulu took the kids for the night, so we could work through everything. He and the significant others volunteered because my father-in-law, Kevin, and Liz were with Winona. I don't know exactly what happened with mom, but she returned sober. It really is the most I can ask for.
By working through things, I mean we broke the headboard in the bedroom. My father-in-law actually asked us how that happened, and Spock answered him truthfully. I'm just glad that happened before the kids arrived. (OK, Ashley 3 was there, but she is not one of my kids.) I'm trying to decide if my father-in-law's expression was pride or confusion. Spock can read his father better than me but refuses to confirm. Although I'm now confident that the signature eyebrow raise came from daddy dearest.
Spock had his physical, and he's in pretty good shape. The only thing we're worried about is his borderline high blood pressure. That might be stress-related, so he will work on that. We also had our mental bond checked out by a mind healer on the colony, which is doing well. The mind healer thinks that Spock could create a parental bond with Peter if he wanted to. Apparently, being part human makes him better suited to form mental bonds with humans. However, I don't think Peter is ready for that just yet. I don't want him to think that we will replace his mom. I don't want him to ever think that.
I'm still trying to figure out what we're telling the kids. Peter anyway. I will tell Josephine whatever you want me to say. She's your daughter, and I'll respect your wishes on that. Although if I tell Peter, my child is going to tell her. So, keep that in mind.
To be honest, I'm less concerned with how Josephine will deal with this information. I feel like maybe she's more resilient, or perhaps she's just dealt with less trauma than Peter. Not that having your mom wrap her car around a tree isn't traumatic because it is. But her aunt wasn't murdered. Her dad didn't die before she was born. Even though her mother died, she didn't end up with complete strangers. The event didn't take a lot of her other friends simultaneously. It feels like Peter has lost everybody important in his life one way or another up to that point.
I'm just starting to realize how traumatic that was for Peter. He knew the biological mom of Sulu's nieces. I overheard him telling Sulu's sister a few of the best stories over the last few days. He cried afterward. In a way, I'm happy about it because crying means that he's processing it.
The elder sister has been spending a lot of time at the compound planning both weddings. (I don't know where the younger Sulu's sister is, and I think it's best I don't know.) My father-in-law is trying to convince Liz and Kevin to get married on New Vulcan. Thankfully, in winter but the man still thinks that they should have the ceremony here. I decided to stay out of this even though the rose garden would make an excellent photo op. There are ways to use that and not get fried. This is the 23rd century, after all.
The elder Sulu sister is also planning our massive birthday party. I received an itinerary. I hate this, and no one will listen to me about it. Even Spock is going along with it for "morale" reasons. We come back to the ship on January 1 after having a goodbye breakfast. Once we get back, Spock and I will take the bridge immediately after dropping our luggage off. That way, you can have quality baby time for the day.
I tried to volunteer to cover the bridge during my own birthday party, but the Admiral will not let me. Neither will Winona, and I would like for us to part on good terms, so I'm not going to throw a fit. I actually think Sulu will take over. Lucky bastard. Sue offered, but she isn't allowed to due to bureaucratic bullshit. Honestly, I could totally see the Admiral taking over just long enough for the party. It entirely feels like something she would do. They will be heading back to their own ship the following day.
Spock and I will also be back full-time. I have the 4th off. Spock refuses to take the six off because birthdays are illogical, and I agree.
Did I mention how much I love my husband today? I genuinely love this man. He completely put up with me being ridiculously irrational. He went through the physical because I asked him to. No complaints. Just to make me feel better, even though we're probably now going to be really late for our dinner tonight with Suarez. Oh, I gotta text her about that.
I'll talk with you later.
PS: You are doing a great job with the ship. Keep up the good work.
XXXX
From: J fabulous
To: Peter_K
cc: Magnificent Ashley 2.0
Subject: Re: Sorry I didn't email you earlier
Time sent: 12/29/2260 08:27:30
It's OK that you haven't written to us before. It's been a hectic few days for you with your day of gingerbread and meeting your grandmother and uncle for the first time (in person). I completely get that that was a lot. I didn't meet some of my family members until the funeral. This was a much preferable situation. I'm glad that all your interactions were much happier. That's always better.
I am the one responding because today is a Margarita day for Ash. She definitely needs quality time with Dr. Margarita. Actually, she's been spending a lot of time with Dr. Margarita since we got back. You know that some of the things that happen on the planet were hard on her. Unfortunately, she encountered a few triggers here as well.
So, Chris 3 isn't technically in the brig, but that's probably because he's a minor. He should be. He's confined to quarters, complete with a security team member standing outside the door. His mom was moved elsewhere. We saw her crying in the hallway, asking what she did wrong. I'm going to go with let him hang out with really horrible people. We all warned her.
You should know most of those people he was hanging out that we didn't trust are now in the brig. I don't know why they're in the brig, but the rumors are not good. I think they don't like that your uncle Spock is not entirely human and were planning to do something about it. What that something is, I am not sure.
However, it's enough that the head of Starfleet has been on the ship for the last two days. Ash also spotted Lieutenant Sulu's sister is with her. The one that we're all convinced is really a spy. I assume that that is not a good thing. But if you want to know what's really going on, you probably need to talk to your uncles. I feel like they would be the types of parents that would actually tell you the truth. Well, they would tell you eventually.
Anyway, I hope you have a good rest of your visit with your grandmother and your uncle. You really deserve to have family time. Also, I was told to tell you to bring us more sweets and pastries. The bakery by the VSA was so good. We've already finished all our provisions. Please bring more.
XXXX
From: NyotaUM;
To: Spock's_cuddlebunny
CC: Jim's_cuddlebear
Time sent: 12/29/2260 21:02:01
Subject: Re: Thank you for being a friend
No, I did not get to ask your husband any questions during our emergency calls. I know better than to ask those sorts of questions on a work call, especially because the situation was so serious. The only thing non-work he told me was regarding the mess with Leonard's former father-in-law. That feels like something that meets the emergency threshold. I'm glad we're far away from him, and I wish Lena would leave the planet too.
I told you to get rid of your temp, but you didn't listen to me. Now that I got that out of the way, I won't say anything else about the situation. After all, this is a personal letter, so I will not include details. Honestly, I don't know most of them anyway since Chen is handling it. She's on the ship again today with the younger Sulu sister. She is pissed. I would be, too, if I was losing quality Grandbaby time due to human supremacist assholes. She is not amused at all.
So, the kids know something's going on up here and down there with the Elder. At least, that's what I gathered from my letter from Josephine and something that Jay told me. I think you should let them know that the Elder is at least sick. Maybe not terminally so, because we might pull off a miracle. Leonard's looking through the med history to see if he can find something. He may try to bring the Elder up here to examine him himself.
Unlike you, he actually contacted the Elder before looking. He doesn't want to violate anyone's confidentiality. He was promptly given permission. I'm pretty sure you were set up. The Elder knew you needed to keep busy. Instead of handing his medical records to you, he just made it easier to get them via the Jim Kirk method. That seems like a very Spock thing to do.
Also, the kids on the planet know that Chris 3 is incarcerated. Somebody overheard some of my conversation with Admiral Chen. So you need to tell them something. Maybe not about the murderous temporary assistant, but I think it's going to be worse if they hear rumors. You know the Enterprise kids will tell them everything.
I get why you hate your birthday. There are definitely many dark emotions that you associate with it. It's another excuse for cake, but our crew needs cake right now. Morale is down currently because of the incident.
That being said, I'm glad you're actually taking your birthday off. You need an actual vacation, even if it's just reading books in your quarters all day. You've been working this entire time, possibly more than Spock. You need rest.
I trust you with my kid. That means I trust you to tell them both what they need to know. You are right; if you tell Peter, then Josephine will know. So I think it's better if you tell them both simultaneously. I think you took the thing with the Elder so badly because you were alone. Let them be there for each other.
How are things going with your mom? Hopefully good. Are you getting to spend time with her? Is it easier for you to interact with her because you have Peter? I know it's easier to talk to my mom now that I'm a mom. I have a better understanding of why she made the choices she made, I'm able to forgive her for those choices.
You love Josephine so much. She treats her like any other grandbaby; I'm thankful for that. I got a whole suitcase of presents from the woman. A few of them we have not opened yet. If I don't hear from her before you guys get back, I will have to send a thank-you note. She sent all the best snacks.
Anyway, I hope your last two days on New Vulcan are good. The pictures from the Botanical Gardens yesterday look very promising. I'm sorry you couldn't be there with the kids. But we will all be back together on the first.
I look forward to seeing you then.
XXX
From: Doctor bones
To: kitten_loverJJMU
cc: NyotaUM
Subject: Re: I have yet to get sunstroke
Time sent: 12/29/2260 22:29:13
Hi sweetie. It's your dad this time. I am so happy you had time to write. I'm glad you're having a good time, and you're getting to do some different things. I got your pictures from the botanical gardens. I'm happy to hear nobody broke out in a rash this time.
Please make sure you use your sunscreen and take your allergy meds before surrounding yourself with Vulcan botanical life again. Also, make sure you stay hydrated. I don't want Olivia to have to beam you back here because of dehydration.
I know you won't see this before you go to the cliffs because you're probably there right now. However, you still have two more days on the planet. The place is just one big heatstroke waiting to happen. Don't let your guard down just because you're leaving soon.
I was the one who noticed you were Cold all the time. If the tricorder didn't say otherwise, I would think you were sick with the amount of shivering you were doing. That's why I made sure Liz brought you a sweater. I'm glad you got it, but that was actually one of the presents you were supposed to open here. I guess they got mixed up. Oh well, we'll figure it out later.
We did know about the situation with your aunt. Spock informed your mother during one of their emergency calls. There was a minor situation on the ship which required a real-time call. Let's just say I'm happy you were not friends with Chris three. He definitely got involved with the wrong crowd. He'll be leaving Enterprise early along with several of his acquaintances. Most in handcuffs. You can get the rest of the details from your uncle Jim. He has my permission to tell you.
Yes, your uncle Jim did find out some awful news during his lunch with the Elder. I think he's taking a moment to process it, and he'll tell you when he's ready. But don't push him, OK? He'll let you know when he's ready to.
I know you think the adults are keeping things from you. But sometimes, we're just not able to talk about it yet. I can't speak for the others, but I will try not to keep secrets from you. But I may take time to process the situation for myself before I talk to you.
Anyway, we love all the pictures we've been getting. I'm glad you got to go back to the garden again. It looks beautiful there. It looks like you got to go somewhere a little different than last time. I'm also glad your uncle Jim didn't go with you because he probably would've broken out in hives.
Anyway, we'll see you soon.
PS: I give you permission to bring your mom those lemon bars. She needs a few lemon bars right now. Actually, have your uncle Jim pick up the lemon bars. He knows what to buy.
To be continued…