Dear Uncle Chris,
Title: Dear Uncle Chris,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy, Jo/Savas
Rating: All Ages
Type: Series #19/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: Random disease symptoms, Mentions the events of Tarsus IV, death of a minor character (or two)
Word Count: 2168
Summary and Notes: Cadet Jo is properly outfitted, ghosts of the past haunt the Enterprise, Jo considers her potential career paths, Vulcans can be good friends, and Jim Kirk is... Jim Kirk. Thanks to my sister for providing the French translation and thanks to kadollan for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
I'm seriously loving this series. You know why? It's because of the people reading it. Homahgosh, y'all. This fic is dedicated to you, you, you, and... hey! you! In the back! Don't be shy. C'mere for a squishy hug. ::squish::
P.S. Fixed the French - thanks, guys!
Dear Uncle Chris,
School is fine. Stupid Luanne Campbell is in my class, though, and she always says the dumbest things. Uncle Jim did just fine in his interview and thanks for helping me with the questions. I think it was a great idea to ask about why he likes daddy. He explained the chain of command to me and I acted like I didn't already know 'cause you already explained it to me, but does Admiral Archer's dog really outrank him? I let him sweat it out some before I said it was okay. He and Daddy kissed, so I reckon it's official.
I'm still talking to Savas. We're playing chess and I keep losing, but I'm gonna win one of these days!
I'm reading a book on diseases. There's a whole chapter on parasites that eat you from the inside out.
I was eating my cheerios and saw they had a Starfleet athletic department shirt you could send in for, but you could tell it was fake. Do you reckon you could get me a real one? I've got almost 20 credits saved up from doing chores and I can pay for it myself.
Tell Aunt Vina I said "Bonjour." That's French for "Hi," right?
Love,
-Jo
---
Cadet Jo,
You are correct. The Admiral definitely loves that dog more than Captain Kirk. In fact, that dog probably outranks me, as far as he's concerned. Maybe next time you're in San Francisco, I'll introduce you to both of them. I assume you'll be returning next summer. Vina and I look forward to having you again and I think she's got a menu half-planned already. She asks me every night, "Penses-tu qu'elle va aimer ça?" which means, "Do you think she will like this?" In fact, right now, she's asking me how you feel about ratatouille.
Regulations state that all cadets must be properly outfitted, so I'm sending you a shirt from the athletic department - no charge. Am I to assume you will one day be enrolling in Starfleet medical? Command track suits you as well. You remind me of a certain Enterprise Captain.
I've been looking into Vulcan language programs, but I regret to say that our best instructor is also aboard the Enterprise. There's a six-month immersion course on Cerberus, but you'd have to speak with your mother. It's a good program and came highly recommended by our mutual friend, Ambassador T'Pau. I will send your mother the information.
Good luck with your chess game. I am glad you are still communicating with Savas. Either you will be a very good influence on him or a very bad one, but my money's on the former. We look forward to his visits as well.
-Uncle Chris
---
[Official transmission: Starfleet Command]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Jim,
Your request to re-route to Planet Q has been authorized, but I expect you're already halfway there by now. I hope Dr. Leighton can deliver what he's promising. If not, you're to deliver aid directly to Cygnia Minor.
Be safe out there,
-Pike
[End Transmission]
---
[Official transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Admiral,
Transmission acknowledged. En route to Planet Q.
-Kirk
[End Transmission]
---
Mom,
I think I found the bastard. Tommy's dead. Remember the little Irish boy? Kevin? I should have known. I should have made the connection, but I didn't. You weren't there. You didn't hear him crying for his parents as Kodos watched them die. Turns out he's one of my Lieutenants, a good officer, and now he's in sickbay and might not make it. Bones has promised to do everything he can and if anyone can save him, he can. I can't tell you how many times he's brought my ass out of the fire. Anyway, I'm being careful. I want to make sure it's him before I do anything. Maybe the dead can rest a little easier when I know.
Love,
-Jim
---
Jim,
Sweetheart, Kodos is dead. That's all there is to it. I was hoping we could put that terrible chapter of our lives behind us and I'm sorry about your Lieutenant, but whoever you think this person is, he's not Kodos. I know it was hard on you, being so young, but we only wanted a more stable life for you. There was no way we could have known. Be careful. Even if it is Kodos, show compassion where he did not. Killing him won't bring Frank or any of the others back.
Bones is a good man, surely he can talk some sense into you. Of all the people for you to have as a best friend, I'm glad you two have each other. You always tell me how cautious he is and that's a good balance for you. Listen to him and listen to that Vulcan first officer of yours. I can't protect you, but maybe the two of them can. Maybe they can help you see reason.
I talked to Sam. He and Aurelan and the kids are doing well. He tells me there's an opening on Deneva for a research biologist. I hope he gets the job. It's beautiful there and a nice place for the kids to grow up. I've got my fingers crossed for them.
I worry about you out there in space. Be careful, Jim.
Love,
-Mom
---
[Official transmission: Starfleet Command]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Jim,
Request to divert to Benecia Colony denied. Proceed directly to Cygnia Minor as ordered.
My ass is on the line here, Jim. How the hell am I supposed to explain this to Starfleet Command? Are you aware of the severity of the accusation you're making? This is not the first time I've defended your actions and, frankly, your loose association with the chain of command is beginning to wear thin. Do not make me regret my recommendation regarding your promotion to Captain.
-Admiral Pike
[End Transmission]
---
[Official transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Admiral,
With all due respect, sir, I do understand the implications. We will only be delayed by two days and the provisions on Cygnia Minor will hold out at least that long. You said yourself that Starfleet needs someone like me and that's what you've got. Dr. Leighton is dead. Lieutenant Riley and I are the only surviving eyewitnesses and the Lieutenant is in critical condition. You will have my full report in two days.
-Kirk
[End Transmission]
---
Hey, Kiddo!
I saw a play with your dad a few days ago- Macbeth. You would have liked the part with the three witches, I think. We had a touring company aboard and got a chance to see Macbeth and Hamlet. The man that played Macbeth and the ghost of Hamlet's father was a very good actor and it was probably also the best Ophelia I've seen in a long time. This production was definitely "intriguing."
We just got finished delivering humanitarian aid to Cygnia Minor. The best part of this job is when we can really help people in need. There was a major food shortage, so we sent provisions and a medical team to help. Your dad is doing a brilliant job of things, of course. He's helping people, saving lives, all that jazz. When I said he's the best doctor in the fleet, I meant it. So, whatever you hear about your crazy Uncle Jim, know that he's got the best doctor in the known universe keeping him sane. Between him and Spock, it's a wonder I get anything done!
Make sure you're getting enough protein, okay? I know you're doing the no meat thing, so that's something you need to watch out for. I'm sure your dad probably already told you and I know you've done your research. I just want to make sure you grow up big and strong so that you can take over the universe with your awesomeness.
Love,
-Uncle Jim
---
Dear Daddy,
Uncle Jim says you're doing a humanitarian aid mission. I looked up starvation in one of my books on diseases and even though it's not a... what's the word for it patha-something? I forget. It means like a germ or something. Anyway, even though it's not a germ, there's lots of information on it. It's pretty awful, Daddy, so I'm glad you could help those people. There's psychological effects that go along with malnutrition, so make sure you look into that too. Maybe I ought to do some psychology, too. I read that this one time a man killed half a colony because there wasn't enough food. I don't know how I feel about that. On the one hand, you don't want people to starve to death, but on the other hand you don't just kill people. I'd have to ask Savas what the most logical thing to do is. It sure helps having a friend that's a Vulcan.
Like the other day, Luanne was being dumb like she usually is and I've been trying to be nice to her, but for some reason she thinks me being nice to her is mean - which I don't get, by the way. Well, anyhow, I didn't punch her in the face like I wanted to, but I asked Savas what to do and he said that not only was she being illogical but that if I kept on being nice to her, there's no way I'd get in trouble! And that's what happened. She hit me right in front of Mr. Phillips - which is dumb, by the way. If you're going to hit somebody, you don't do it right in front of the teacher! Well, anyway, I concentrated real hard and instead of punching her, I told her that it was illogical and then Mr. Phillips took away her recess privileges for a whole week!
One of these days I'm going to be a doctor like you, but now I don't know if I want to do psychology or diseases. I think diseases are much more interesting. What do you think, Daddy?
Love,
-Jo
P.S. I hope Uncle Jim is being a good boyfriend. Please don't tell me about any kissing or anything, but if he messes up, I'll give him what-for!
---
Dear Jo,
I prefer surgery to pathology and psychology, but you'll do great at whatever put your mind to. Don't worry, we're doing a psychological evaluation of each patient as we see them. Each one handles trauma differently and it's helpful to know a little bit of psychology, even if that's not your primary field of study. You don't just treat a disease, you treat a whole person. People trust their doctor in a way they don't trust anyone else.
I'm glad you have Savas as a friend. I'm getting used to Mr. Spock and we don't always agree, but he's a fine officer. Sometimes I think they try too hard, but when it really comes down to it, they work remarkably well together.
You'll be pleased to know that your Uncle Jim is being a perfect gentleman. We saw Macbeth together and he didn't once fall asleep. In fact, I daresay we had a good time. He's not a bad dancer, either, so I let him lead half the time.
I'm sorry this is such a short note, but I've got a lot of people to take care of. I love you, babydoll. You keep out of trouble and make sure you eat right.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Uncle Chris,
I got my shirt today! It's just perfect and is way better than the dumb fake one on the back of the cheerios box. I heard the Enterprise is on a humanitarian mission and that Daddy is helping people with malnutrition and psychological effects. I finished my book on diseases and I don't get the ones that are about logic, so I'll just ask Savas for help with it. He explains it better than the books can anyway. The ones on Vulcan physiology all say the same stuff and it ain't much to be honest. I don't get half of what those say, either, but I've decided to figure them out. I already finished the one on Chess and the one with poems in it, so I reckon I'll read The Art of War next. Uncle Jim said that I'd like it and I might just, so I'll give it a try. Don't worry, though, I'm not going to make war on anybody, not even Luanne.
Of course I'm coming to your house this summer! How else am I going to see Savas? I think he might just be my best friend. Do you think I could just skip the dumb parts and hang out with Savas instead?
Tell Aunt Vina that I don't even know what ratatouille is, but I'd be willing to try anything she makes. Ask her if we're having cake for breakfast next time. Mama never lets me have cake for breakfast.
Love,
-Jo
Part 18: Hey, kiddo! (#2)
Part 20: Dear Mrs. McCoy,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy, Jo/Savas
Rating: All Ages
Type: Series #19/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: Random disease symptoms, Mentions the events of Tarsus IV, death of a minor character (or two)
Word Count: 2168
Summary and Notes: Cadet Jo is properly outfitted, ghosts of the past haunt the Enterprise, Jo considers her potential career paths, Vulcans can be good friends, and Jim Kirk is... Jim Kirk. Thanks to my sister for providing the French translation and thanks to kadollan for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
I'm seriously loving this series. You know why? It's because of the people reading it. Homahgosh, y'all. This fic is dedicated to you, you, you, and... hey! you! In the back! Don't be shy. C'mere for a squishy hug. ::squish::
P.S. Fixed the French - thanks, guys!
Dear Uncle Chris,
School is fine. Stupid Luanne Campbell is in my class, though, and she always says the dumbest things. Uncle Jim did just fine in his interview and thanks for helping me with the questions. I think it was a great idea to ask about why he likes daddy. He explained the chain of command to me and I acted like I didn't already know 'cause you already explained it to me, but does Admiral Archer's dog really outrank him? I let him sweat it out some before I said it was okay. He and Daddy kissed, so I reckon it's official.
I'm still talking to Savas. We're playing chess and I keep losing, but I'm gonna win one of these days!
I'm reading a book on diseases. There's a whole chapter on parasites that eat you from the inside out.
I was eating my cheerios and saw they had a Starfleet athletic department shirt you could send in for, but you could tell it was fake. Do you reckon you could get me a real one? I've got almost 20 credits saved up from doing chores and I can pay for it myself.
Tell Aunt Vina I said "Bonjour." That's French for "Hi," right?
Love,
-Jo
---
Cadet Jo,
You are correct. The Admiral definitely loves that dog more than Captain Kirk. In fact, that dog probably outranks me, as far as he's concerned. Maybe next time you're in San Francisco, I'll introduce you to both of them. I assume you'll be returning next summer. Vina and I look forward to having you again and I think she's got a menu half-planned already. She asks me every night, "Penses-tu qu'elle va aimer ça?" which means, "Do you think she will like this?" In fact, right now, she's asking me how you feel about ratatouille.
Regulations state that all cadets must be properly outfitted, so I'm sending you a shirt from the athletic department - no charge. Am I to assume you will one day be enrolling in Starfleet medical? Command track suits you as well. You remind me of a certain Enterprise Captain.
I've been looking into Vulcan language programs, but I regret to say that our best instructor is also aboard the Enterprise. There's a six-month immersion course on Cerberus, but you'd have to speak with your mother. It's a good program and came highly recommended by our mutual friend, Ambassador T'Pau. I will send your mother the information.
Good luck with your chess game. I am glad you are still communicating with Savas. Either you will be a very good influence on him or a very bad one, but my money's on the former. We look forward to his visits as well.
-Uncle Chris
---
[Official transmission: Starfleet Command]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Jim,
Your request to re-route to Planet Q has been authorized, but I expect you're already halfway there by now. I hope Dr. Leighton can deliver what he's promising. If not, you're to deliver aid directly to Cygnia Minor.
Be safe out there,
-Pike
[End Transmission]
---
[Official transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Admiral,
Transmission acknowledged. En route to Planet Q.
-Kirk
[End Transmission]
---
Mom,
I think I found the bastard. Tommy's dead. Remember the little Irish boy? Kevin? I should have known. I should have made the connection, but I didn't. You weren't there. You didn't hear him crying for his parents as Kodos watched them die. Turns out he's one of my Lieutenants, a good officer, and now he's in sickbay and might not make it. Bones has promised to do everything he can and if anyone can save him, he can. I can't tell you how many times he's brought my ass out of the fire. Anyway, I'm being careful. I want to make sure it's him before I do anything. Maybe the dead can rest a little easier when I know.
Love,
-Jim
---
Jim,
Sweetheart, Kodos is dead. That's all there is to it. I was hoping we could put that terrible chapter of our lives behind us and I'm sorry about your Lieutenant, but whoever you think this person is, he's not Kodos. I know it was hard on you, being so young, but we only wanted a more stable life for you. There was no way we could have known. Be careful. Even if it is Kodos, show compassion where he did not. Killing him won't bring Frank or any of the others back.
Bones is a good man, surely he can talk some sense into you. Of all the people for you to have as a best friend, I'm glad you two have each other. You always tell me how cautious he is and that's a good balance for you. Listen to him and listen to that Vulcan first officer of yours. I can't protect you, but maybe the two of them can. Maybe they can help you see reason.
I talked to Sam. He and Aurelan and the kids are doing well. He tells me there's an opening on Deneva for a research biologist. I hope he gets the job. It's beautiful there and a nice place for the kids to grow up. I've got my fingers crossed for them.
I worry about you out there in space. Be careful, Jim.
Love,
-Mom
---
[Official transmission: Starfleet Command]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Jim,
Request to divert to Benecia Colony denied. Proceed directly to Cygnia Minor as ordered.
My ass is on the line here, Jim. How the hell am I supposed to explain this to Starfleet Command? Are you aware of the severity of the accusation you're making? This is not the first time I've defended your actions and, frankly, your loose association with the chain of command is beginning to wear thin. Do not make me regret my recommendation regarding your promotion to Captain.
-Admiral Pike
[End Transmission]
---
[Official transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
[Enter Authorization Code]
Admiral,
With all due respect, sir, I do understand the implications. We will only be delayed by two days and the provisions on Cygnia Minor will hold out at least that long. You said yourself that Starfleet needs someone like me and that's what you've got. Dr. Leighton is dead. Lieutenant Riley and I are the only surviving eyewitnesses and the Lieutenant is in critical condition. You will have my full report in two days.
-Kirk
[End Transmission]
---
Hey, Kiddo!
I saw a play with your dad a few days ago- Macbeth. You would have liked the part with the three witches, I think. We had a touring company aboard and got a chance to see Macbeth and Hamlet. The man that played Macbeth and the ghost of Hamlet's father was a very good actor and it was probably also the best Ophelia I've seen in a long time. This production was definitely "intriguing."
We just got finished delivering humanitarian aid to Cygnia Minor. The best part of this job is when we can really help people in need. There was a major food shortage, so we sent provisions and a medical team to help. Your dad is doing a brilliant job of things, of course. He's helping people, saving lives, all that jazz. When I said he's the best doctor in the fleet, I meant it. So, whatever you hear about your crazy Uncle Jim, know that he's got the best doctor in the known universe keeping him sane. Between him and Spock, it's a wonder I get anything done!
Make sure you're getting enough protein, okay? I know you're doing the no meat thing, so that's something you need to watch out for. I'm sure your dad probably already told you and I know you've done your research. I just want to make sure you grow up big and strong so that you can take over the universe with your awesomeness.
Love,
-Uncle Jim
---
Dear Daddy,
Uncle Jim says you're doing a humanitarian aid mission. I looked up starvation in one of my books on diseases and even though it's not a... what's the word for it patha-something? I forget. It means like a germ or something. Anyway, even though it's not a germ, there's lots of information on it. It's pretty awful, Daddy, so I'm glad you could help those people. There's psychological effects that go along with malnutrition, so make sure you look into that too. Maybe I ought to do some psychology, too. I read that this one time a man killed half a colony because there wasn't enough food. I don't know how I feel about that. On the one hand, you don't want people to starve to death, but on the other hand you don't just kill people. I'd have to ask Savas what the most logical thing to do is. It sure helps having a friend that's a Vulcan.
Like the other day, Luanne was being dumb like she usually is and I've been trying to be nice to her, but for some reason she thinks me being nice to her is mean - which I don't get, by the way. Well, anyhow, I didn't punch her in the face like I wanted to, but I asked Savas what to do and he said that not only was she being illogical but that if I kept on being nice to her, there's no way I'd get in trouble! And that's what happened. She hit me right in front of Mr. Phillips - which is dumb, by the way. If you're going to hit somebody, you don't do it right in front of the teacher! Well, anyway, I concentrated real hard and instead of punching her, I told her that it was illogical and then Mr. Phillips took away her recess privileges for a whole week!
One of these days I'm going to be a doctor like you, but now I don't know if I want to do psychology or diseases. I think diseases are much more interesting. What do you think, Daddy?
Love,
-Jo
P.S. I hope Uncle Jim is being a good boyfriend. Please don't tell me about any kissing or anything, but if he messes up, I'll give him what-for!
---
Dear Jo,
I prefer surgery to pathology and psychology, but you'll do great at whatever put your mind to. Don't worry, we're doing a psychological evaluation of each patient as we see them. Each one handles trauma differently and it's helpful to know a little bit of psychology, even if that's not your primary field of study. You don't just treat a disease, you treat a whole person. People trust their doctor in a way they don't trust anyone else.
I'm glad you have Savas as a friend. I'm getting used to Mr. Spock and we don't always agree, but he's a fine officer. Sometimes I think they try too hard, but when it really comes down to it, they work remarkably well together.
You'll be pleased to know that your Uncle Jim is being a perfect gentleman. We saw Macbeth together and he didn't once fall asleep. In fact, I daresay we had a good time. He's not a bad dancer, either, so I let him lead half the time.
I'm sorry this is such a short note, but I've got a lot of people to take care of. I love you, babydoll. You keep out of trouble and make sure you eat right.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Uncle Chris,
I got my shirt today! It's just perfect and is way better than the dumb fake one on the back of the cheerios box. I heard the Enterprise is on a humanitarian mission and that Daddy is helping people with malnutrition and psychological effects. I finished my book on diseases and I don't get the ones that are about logic, so I'll just ask Savas for help with it. He explains it better than the books can anyway. The ones on Vulcan physiology all say the same stuff and it ain't much to be honest. I don't get half of what those say, either, but I've decided to figure them out. I already finished the one on Chess and the one with poems in it, so I reckon I'll read The Art of War next. Uncle Jim said that I'd like it and I might just, so I'll give it a try. Don't worry, though, I'm not going to make war on anybody, not even Luanne.
Of course I'm coming to your house this summer! How else am I going to see Savas? I think he might just be my best friend. Do you think I could just skip the dumb parts and hang out with Savas instead?
Tell Aunt Vina that I don't even know what ratatouille is, but I'd be willing to try anything she makes. Ask her if we're having cake for breakfast next time. Mama never lets me have cake for breakfast.
Love,
-Jo
Part 18: Hey, kiddo! (#2)
Part 20: Dear Mrs. McCoy,