Dear Daddy #33: T'nar pak sorat y'rani, Captain James Tiberius Kirk,
Title:Dear Daddy #33, T'nar pak sorat y'rani, Captain James Tiberius Kirk,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Jo/Savas, Kirk/McCoy
Rating: Teen, 13+
Type: Series #33/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: Some cussin'
Word Count: ~3400
Summary and Notes: Savas is not "worried." He is "concerned." That's different. Special thanks to kadollan, arcane_lark, and cybermathwitch for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
Dear readers,
December is made out of stressed out for me for a number of reasons, many of which are because it's the end of the semester and there are all the holidays in the world to celebrate with all of the family ever. O.O
Anyway, hope this gets me some time off for good behavior.
Love,
-Jess
T'nar pak sorat y'rani, Captain James Tiberius Kirk,
Please forgive the intrusion of my unsolicited correspondence, but I wish to address a matter that is of concern to us both. My understanding is that because she uses the epithet "Uncle" when referring to you, Joanna considers you a very close friend. I consider her a close friend as well. I have not received a letter from her in several weeks and the news feed this morning made mention of a food shortage on Cerberus where she is attending the Language Immersion Program. There was little information in the news feed itself and my attempts to research the matter have been in vain. I had hoped that, as a Starfleet Captain, you would have more extensive knowledge of the situation or access to information unavailable to me. My only query is whether Joanna is well. I would also like to know the nature of her condition if she is unwell or worse.
Live long and prosper,
-Savas, son of Varin
---
T'nar jaral, Savas,
Spock tells me that's the proper response to the greeting you used, but since I'm Jo's friend and you're Jo's friend, there's no reason you and I can't be friends, got it? So call me Jim. We are literally on our way right now to get Jo. We had to stop for some E-rations at Starbase 16 and we'll be at Cerberus colony in just a few hours. Her dad's got the medical staff ready to go and we'll let you know how she's doing as soon as we find out, okay? Don't worry, my man, we'll keep you in the loop.
_\\//
Peace and long life,
-Captain Jim, son of George.
---
[UNN News Feed: 10 March, 2260]
>Federation Scientist, Dr. J. Wallace discovers similarities in Andorian, Human neurotransmitter binding sites.
>Dylan Labs confirm solution moving along air currents.
>USS Enterprise dispatched to Cerberus Colony. No cause yet determined for subspace blackout.
>Dr. Roger Korby finds medical records in ruins of ancient Orion city.
---
[Official Transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
Report #: NCC-1701α4596
Reporting Officer: Captain Kirk, James T.
Mission Type: Humanitarian
Stardate: 2260.69
Attachments: List of deceased colonists, Five (5) supplemental reports
Summary: Under orders delivered to me at 2260.68 10:15FST, Enterprise arrived at Starbase 16 2260.68 13:08FST to acquire a shipment of E-rations before proceeding to Cerberus colony. Proceeded from Starbase 16 at 13:49FST, warp 7. Arrived at Cerberus Colony 2260.69 07:32FST. Away team consisted of Cmdr. Spock, Lt. Cmdr. Scott, Lt. Uhura, myself, CMO Lt. Cmdr McCoy, Head Nurse Lt. Chapel, and medical technicians Sanchez, Tracey, Greye, and Rósza. Lt. Sulu commanded the bridge for the duration.
Cmdr. Spock determined the cause of the food shortage to be an infestation of a type of mold living in symbiosis with an airborne bacteria, both species undescribed. Complete DNA sequences and descriptions to be included in Cmdr. Spock's report. It was determined by Dr. McCoy and Cmdr. Spock that the organisms fed upon starches and sugars present in most foodstuffs as well as fats and proteins, breaking them down into unusable wastes. Infected food became non-nutritive within 24 hours of innoculation. In some cases, toxins produced from the bacterial element of the symbiote caused illness and, in thirty-six cases, death. List of deceased colonists attached. Dr. McCoy will be reviewing each case to determine whether there are any commonalities in their medical histories that may have resulted in their deaths. Medical team, in conjunction with planetside medical professionals, organized food distribution and care for the severely malnourished.
Infected food has been disposed of and growing crops are being treated with Compound#7D, easily manufactured locally. Compound #7D has been approved by the Federation Department of Agriculture for use on food crops and is considered safe for use on most M-class planets. Environmental impact, minimal.
Repair of subspace array underway, supervised by Communications Officer, Lt. Uhura. Recommend investigation of Comcast Company's inspection protocols. Subspace array was reported to meet Federation minimum standards, but clearly did not. Repairs to take four days. Details to follow in the Lieutenant's report.
E-rations, if properly distributed, should last ten days. Fresh growing food to be harvested in fourteen days. Current infrastructure does not support installation of food slots. Lt. Cmdr. Scott is working with planetside engineers to boost power plant output, but the Enterprise is ill-equipped to install food slots on a large scale. Recommend deployment of the Potemkin or Excalibur to deliver additional aid.
We have taken on one passenger, Ms. Joanna Rose McCoy, daughter of Dr. Leonard McCoy. Her condition is stable.
[End Report]
[End Transmission]
---
Jocelyn,
I have our girl. She's malnourished and dehydrated, but otherwise alright. We beamed her up to the ship and I put her on IV nutritive fluids. She pitched a hell of a fit before we beamed her up and it took me, Jim, and Spock to get her to calm down. A friend of hers is in critical condition still and she refused to leave his side, saying that she was his attending medical technician. Commander Spock finally convinced her that going up to the ship was the logical thing to do and she straightened up right away. I was surprised, but pleasantly so. Spock is a good man. She's in stable condition, but I've got her sedated for the time being while her body repairs the damage from the toxin that was in the food. It's going to take some time, a couple days, maybe, before she's ambulatory, but she's going to be just fine.
You should be proud of her. She doesn't know it yet, but she saved that boy's life. He reacted violently to the toxin, but the doctor at the facilities there tells me that she sterilized all of his water. I've been looking at the pathogen in my lab and the toxin is ten times more potent in the waterborne form of the bacteria.
We ain't meant to be together, Joss, but damn we made a beautiful baby. For what it's worth, I know I fucked things up after Dad died. I didn't know what to do except drink and work and you and Jo suffered because of it. Now, I see our little girl sleeping here and I'm reminded why I wanted to be a doctor and a father. She's the world to me and I don't want to lose that again.
I'll have her write to you when she's up to it.
-Leonard
---
Savas, my man!
We've got Jo. She's going to be alright. Her dad's got her in the medbay and she's sleeping right now, but she should be awake pretty soon. I'll make sure she writes you as soon as she can.
_\\//
Live long and rock out
-Captain Jim
---
Dear Mama,
I'm still woozy from being sedated, so I hope my letter don't sound too weird. I've been sleeping a lot. Daddy says I still got toxin in my system and I need to sleep it off so my body fixes my cells. I ain't hungry at all and I've got a damn tube in my arm. I hate this damn tube in my arm. Mama, is Hippo okay? Scratch his ears for me, okay? I had a dream that he was howling for me, but I couldn't get to him. I gotta get back to sleep. Daddy says I won't be so sleepy tomorrow.
I love you, Mama,
-Jo
---
Dear Jo,
Oh, baby! I'm so glad to hear you're okay! I was so scared for you and I don't know what I'd do if anything had happened. Hippo's just fine, sweetie, he stayed right by me the whole time. Your daddy told me about what happened, and you mind good, Jo. You do what your daddy tells you to, I don't care if it ain't logical. And don't cuss. I'll let you off easy since you're not feeling good, but I don't want you cussing. You know better.
We were all praying for you, Mr. Phillips, Reverend Barrett, Miss Johnson, Miss Cosgrove, and even Miss Julia Higgins came over. Your principal was here and so was Mrs. Beverley, and Miss Eloise from work. I can't even remember who else, but I'm pretty sure Roberta from the bakery came over because there's one of her braided breads here. Isn't she Bill and Lenny's mama? Never in my life have I seen our house so full.
I can't tell you how proud I am of you. Your daddy told me what you did for your friend and this is one of those times that I'm so glad you're like he is.
I love you, baby. Write me again when you're feeling better.
Love,
Mama
---
Dear Savas,
Uncle Jim said you were worried about me, but I've been sedated for most of a day 'cause Daddy had to stick a tube in my arm. I hate it and I just want to yank the damn thing out, but Daddy says I'm malnourished and dehydrated and I got to have it in for a little while. I'm so mad, I could spit, except I can't spit 'cause I'm dehydrated! I hate how I feel when I've been sedated. My head gets all swimmy.
Anyway, I'm okay. Some of the kids didn't make it, but Victor and Rachel and Fatima and Mei Lien were all okay. Victor was in the worst shape of all of us, but they've got him on tubes down on the planet now and Daddy said he'd be okay. I sterilized all his water for him 'cause even though my tricorder didn't pick up any bacterial pathogens, I figured it was better safe than sorry 'cause I didn't know what was making us sick. Alexis didn't make it and I'm pretty upset about that. I didn't like her much, but ain't nobody gotta up and die like she did. Some of the kids in the Klingon program died, too, but I didn't know any of them. I knew Alexis and I feel bad for her mama and daddy. I wish I could have done something to help her.
Daddy's going to sedate me again. Ugh! I still don't feel so good, but he says I can leave the medbay in a couple days. Did you know I got to meet Spock?
Gotta go.
Ll&p
-Jo
P. S. We've got to start a new chess game.
---
Dear Jo,
I am most relieved to hear that you are well. When someone has died, we say "S'ti th'lactra." It means "I grieve with thee" in Standard. It is my understanding that the word "thee" is archaic, but it is the most precise word. I grieve with thee, Jo, for the loss of your classmate. S'ti th'lactra. In the first few weeks after the loss of Vulcan, I became very emotional upon hearing this phrase. Sometimes the emotion was sadness, as you might guess, but sometimes there was also anger. I cannot share sadness with you in a way you would be familiar with, but because you are my friend, your loss is my loss as well. I fear I am not explaining this sufficiently. I hope you understand my meaning.
Captain Jim, as he wishes to be called, is a fascinating individual. What is the meaning of "rock out?"
Rest well, Jo. I await your next transmission and when you are ready, we can begin a new game of chess. Perhaps then, you can tell me more about meeting Commander Spock.
Peace and long life,
-Savas
---
Dear Savas,
I think I kinda know what you mean. It makes sense, anyway. You're a Vulcan, you ain't gonna cry your eyeballs out, but that don't mean it doesn't hurt when somebody you know dies. You just feel it on the inside, is all.
I can't wait to get off this danged biobed. The beeping is driving me bananas. I've been having visitors all day long, though, so it's not as boring as it could be. Aunt Nyota says that Comcast put together the subspace array on Cerberus and that it ain't no better than a tin can and a string assembled by untrained brain-damaged monkeys. I'm not real sure what she means by that, but it wasn't nice. I always thought her voice sounded pretty when I talked to her before, but she's really pretty all over and she's so sweet to me. She snuck me in some chocolate pudding when Daddy wasn't looking. Mr. Chekov came by, too and said I could call him "Dyadya" because that means "uncle" in Russian. I can't hardly get my mouth around that word, but I'm gonna try. He's real nice and asked me if I wanted to play chess later, if it's okay with Daddy. Daddy said it was. He also said I could call Mr. Sulu "Uncle Hikaru," but Mr. Sulu didn't say anything. I think he's shy, which I don't get 'cause I'm just a kid and I ain't gonna bite. I told him that, too, and he just kinda laughed and looked uncomfortable. Mr. Chekov just looked at him like he was being dumb.
I'm still mad because I was helping the other kids when they got here and Daddy won't let me go back and help out. He says I gotta stay put, but that don't mean I have to like it. I got some meditating in today 'cause there ain't nothing else to do. I don't even have any books to read 'cause all my stuff is down on the planet and I can't get into the ship's memory banks yet.
Mr. Spock was kinda scary at first because he's really really tall and looks like he could step on a puppy and not be sorry about it after. Turns out he ain't like that at all. He's real logical. I'm trying to remember what he said, but it was something like that I couldn't help my friend if I was working myself to death and that Victor was in capable hands. That's not exactly it, but it made sense the way he said it. Aunt Nyota asked me if he could come by later so I can keep up my lessons in Vulcan. She said he's a real good teacher.
Uncle Jim is weird. I don't think I can explain to you what "rock out" means, so you'll have to ask him. I haven't got to talk to him much since they got here, but I reckon he's busy. Daddy says he comes by a lot, but I'm always sleeping.
Anyway, I gotta get. Daddy's standing right in front of me with his arms crossed and his eyebrow up and a hypospray in his hand. I got a feeling he's gonna sedate me again. I'm going to tell him that I object, but I don't think that'll stop him.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
---
Dear Jo,
I am consistently surprised (pleasantly so) by your ability to accurately and concisely summarize your thoughts on emotional expression. This is a talent I do not possess. I do, indeed, "feel it on the inside," as you say.
Since the completion of my kahs-wan, my guardians have not attempted to find a new bond-mate for me and I have been progressing in my studies at a reasonable pace. I completed Major Tom and the Dilithium Dilemma, but I am waiting to discuss the events of the story until you have also completed it. I have heard many things about Commander Spock, but never that he was "scary." Curious. My guardians both hold him in high regard for his actions during the attack on our home planet and show disdain for his heritage, as though he were able to rescue the Elders in spite of the fact that he is half-human. I find this point of view illogical. It is my opinion that he was able to save so many of us because of his human heritage. The opinion is not well-formed because of a lack of information. I only know that he is the only Vulcan to have turned down acceptance to the Vulcan Science Academy and that he did so in order to attend Starfleet Academy. I do not know the reason, but he chose to live as a Vulcan among humans. Now that I know it is possible, perhaps I can do the same when I have completed my regular course of studies here. But this is several years in the future for me, so it is illogical to make such plans until my basic studies are closer to completion. None can know what the future may hold.
The length and syntax of your letter is consistent with those I received before your ordeal and so I must surmise that your health is improving. Do you recall your offer to steal a Federation starship in order to ensure my safety? I must return the sentiment. Were it possible for me to do so, I, too, would have commandeered a vessel for purposes of retrieving you, in spite of regulations that prevent me from doing so. I was not "worried" or "scared" as such, but I was concerned. You are my only friend and though it is not logical in the least, I do not give permission for you to be harmed in any way.
Are you going to be on Earth in time for the summer program? I have already submitted my application.
Peace and long life,
-Savas
---
Dear Savas,
I don't rightly know if I'll be back on Earth in time. I surely hope so! Daddy took the tube out this morning and I'm eating real food again. Well, it ain't Mama's cooking, but it'll do. I had some oatmeal with applesauce in it and cinnamon on top. Miss Christine is so sweet to me and let me have honey on it and gave me a chocolate bar for later. Daddy fussed about the chocolate bar, but she gave him what-for and let me have it anyway. I like her.
Rachel and Mei Lien beamed up to the ship today with all my stuff. They're here right now. Everybody says, "Tonk'peh, Savas!" Anyway, Mei Lien says that Victor's doing much better now and that he's awake and everything. I'm gonna ask Daddy if it's okay to go to the planet to see him. Daddy says I can leave medbay tonight and that he's gonna get a little bed for me to set up in his quarters. He's down on the planet right now and I think I might sneak out and show Mei Lien the engine room. I gotta find it first. I'm gonna go for now 'cause Mr. Chekov, I mean Dyadya, is here.
Don't you worry, Savas, I won't do anything dumb.
Ll&p
-Jo
---
Dear Savas,
Dyadya and Uncle Scotty are my favorite uncles in the whole universe (except for Uncle Jim), even though they're not really my uncles and I can't understand about half of what either of them is saying. Miss Christine pretended not to be watching me when Dyadya snuck us out to see the ship. He showed us the transporter room where he saved Mr. Sulu and Uncle Jim. I saw it before when we beamed up, but he wanted to tell the story, so we listened to it anyway 'cause he was so excited. Then we went to the engine room. I thought Mei Lien was gonna DIE. I think she's still having sandwiches with Uncle Scotty. Anyway, we were halfway to the bridge when Uncle Scotty commed Dyadya to tell him that Daddy and Uncle Jim were beaming up, so I didn't get to see the bridge, but we didn't get in trouble or anything. I'm plum wore out now, but boy, howdy, that was fun!
Then, Daddy and Uncle Jim came back and I was all tucked up on the biobed, playing chess with Dyadya like I was being good and Uncle Jim introduced himself to Rachel and I thought she was gonna bust, she was so excited. To tell you the truth, I'm just glad they weren't all kissyface in front of her. That would have been embarrassing. She's still here, but she's got to go back down to the planet soon. She says to tell you "Tonk'peh" again.
I'll ask Mr. Spock about the Science Academy when I see him. He's supposed to come by after dinner so I can have a lesson. I'll let you know how it goes, okay?
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
Part 32: Dear Capricorn,
Part 34: Bones,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Jo/Savas, Kirk/McCoy
Rating: Teen, 13+
Type: Series #33/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: Some cussin'
Word Count: ~3400
Summary and Notes: Savas is not "worried." He is "concerned." That's different. Special thanks to kadollan, arcane_lark, and cybermathwitch for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
Dear readers,
December is made out of stressed out for me for a number of reasons, many of which are because it's the end of the semester and there are all the holidays in the world to celebrate with all of the family ever. O.O
Anyway, hope this gets me some time off for good behavior.
Love,
-Jess
T'nar pak sorat y'rani, Captain James Tiberius Kirk,
Please forgive the intrusion of my unsolicited correspondence, but I wish to address a matter that is of concern to us both. My understanding is that because she uses the epithet "Uncle" when referring to you, Joanna considers you a very close friend. I consider her a close friend as well. I have not received a letter from her in several weeks and the news feed this morning made mention of a food shortage on Cerberus where she is attending the Language Immersion Program. There was little information in the news feed itself and my attempts to research the matter have been in vain. I had hoped that, as a Starfleet Captain, you would have more extensive knowledge of the situation or access to information unavailable to me. My only query is whether Joanna is well. I would also like to know the nature of her condition if she is unwell or worse.
Live long and prosper,
-Savas, son of Varin
---
T'nar jaral, Savas,
Spock tells me that's the proper response to the greeting you used, but since I'm Jo's friend and you're Jo's friend, there's no reason you and I can't be friends, got it? So call me Jim. We are literally on our way right now to get Jo. We had to stop for some E-rations at Starbase 16 and we'll be at Cerberus colony in just a few hours. Her dad's got the medical staff ready to go and we'll let you know how she's doing as soon as we find out, okay? Don't worry, my man, we'll keep you in the loop.
_\\//
Peace and long life,
-Captain Jim, son of George.
---
[UNN News Feed: 10 March, 2260]
>Federation Scientist, Dr. J. Wallace discovers similarities in Andorian, Human neurotransmitter binding sites.
>Dylan Labs confirm solution moving along air currents.
>USS Enterprise dispatched to Cerberus Colony. No cause yet determined for subspace blackout.
>Dr. Roger Korby finds medical records in ruins of ancient Orion city.
---
[Official Transmission: USS Enterprise NCC-1701]
Report #: NCC-1701α4596
Reporting Officer: Captain Kirk, James T.
Mission Type: Humanitarian
Stardate: 2260.69
Attachments: List of deceased colonists, Five (5) supplemental reports
Summary: Under orders delivered to me at 2260.68 10:15FST, Enterprise arrived at Starbase 16 2260.68 13:08FST to acquire a shipment of E-rations before proceeding to Cerberus colony. Proceeded from Starbase 16 at 13:49FST, warp 7. Arrived at Cerberus Colony 2260.69 07:32FST. Away team consisted of Cmdr. Spock, Lt. Cmdr. Scott, Lt. Uhura, myself, CMO Lt. Cmdr McCoy, Head Nurse Lt. Chapel, and medical technicians Sanchez, Tracey, Greye, and Rósza. Lt. Sulu commanded the bridge for the duration.
Cmdr. Spock determined the cause of the food shortage to be an infestation of a type of mold living in symbiosis with an airborne bacteria, both species undescribed. Complete DNA sequences and descriptions to be included in Cmdr. Spock's report. It was determined by Dr. McCoy and Cmdr. Spock that the organisms fed upon starches and sugars present in most foodstuffs as well as fats and proteins, breaking them down into unusable wastes. Infected food became non-nutritive within 24 hours of innoculation. In some cases, toxins produced from the bacterial element of the symbiote caused illness and, in thirty-six cases, death. List of deceased colonists attached. Dr. McCoy will be reviewing each case to determine whether there are any commonalities in their medical histories that may have resulted in their deaths. Medical team, in conjunction with planetside medical professionals, organized food distribution and care for the severely malnourished.
Infected food has been disposed of and growing crops are being treated with Compound#7D, easily manufactured locally. Compound #7D has been approved by the Federation Department of Agriculture for use on food crops and is considered safe for use on most M-class planets. Environmental impact, minimal.
Repair of subspace array underway, supervised by Communications Officer, Lt. Uhura. Recommend investigation of Comcast Company's inspection protocols. Subspace array was reported to meet Federation minimum standards, but clearly did not. Repairs to take four days. Details to follow in the Lieutenant's report.
E-rations, if properly distributed, should last ten days. Fresh growing food to be harvested in fourteen days. Current infrastructure does not support installation of food slots. Lt. Cmdr. Scott is working with planetside engineers to boost power plant output, but the Enterprise is ill-equipped to install food slots on a large scale. Recommend deployment of the Potemkin or Excalibur to deliver additional aid.
We have taken on one passenger, Ms. Joanna Rose McCoy, daughter of Dr. Leonard McCoy. Her condition is stable.
[End Report]
[End Transmission]
---
Jocelyn,
I have our girl. She's malnourished and dehydrated, but otherwise alright. We beamed her up to the ship and I put her on IV nutritive fluids. She pitched a hell of a fit before we beamed her up and it took me, Jim, and Spock to get her to calm down. A friend of hers is in critical condition still and she refused to leave his side, saying that she was his attending medical technician. Commander Spock finally convinced her that going up to the ship was the logical thing to do and she straightened up right away. I was surprised, but pleasantly so. Spock is a good man. She's in stable condition, but I've got her sedated for the time being while her body repairs the damage from the toxin that was in the food. It's going to take some time, a couple days, maybe, before she's ambulatory, but she's going to be just fine.
You should be proud of her. She doesn't know it yet, but she saved that boy's life. He reacted violently to the toxin, but the doctor at the facilities there tells me that she sterilized all of his water. I've been looking at the pathogen in my lab and the toxin is ten times more potent in the waterborne form of the bacteria.
We ain't meant to be together, Joss, but damn we made a beautiful baby. For what it's worth, I know I fucked things up after Dad died. I didn't know what to do except drink and work and you and Jo suffered because of it. Now, I see our little girl sleeping here and I'm reminded why I wanted to be a doctor and a father. She's the world to me and I don't want to lose that again.
I'll have her write to you when she's up to it.
-Leonard
---
Savas, my man!
We've got Jo. She's going to be alright. Her dad's got her in the medbay and she's sleeping right now, but she should be awake pretty soon. I'll make sure she writes you as soon as she can.
_\\//
Live long and rock out
-Captain Jim
---
Dear Mama,
I'm still woozy from being sedated, so I hope my letter don't sound too weird. I've been sleeping a lot. Daddy says I still got toxin in my system and I need to sleep it off so my body fixes my cells. I ain't hungry at all and I've got a damn tube in my arm. I hate this damn tube in my arm. Mama, is Hippo okay? Scratch his ears for me, okay? I had a dream that he was howling for me, but I couldn't get to him. I gotta get back to sleep. Daddy says I won't be so sleepy tomorrow.
I love you, Mama,
-Jo
---
Dear Jo,
Oh, baby! I'm so glad to hear you're okay! I was so scared for you and I don't know what I'd do if anything had happened. Hippo's just fine, sweetie, he stayed right by me the whole time. Your daddy told me about what happened, and you mind good, Jo. You do what your daddy tells you to, I don't care if it ain't logical. And don't cuss. I'll let you off easy since you're not feeling good, but I don't want you cussing. You know better.
We were all praying for you, Mr. Phillips, Reverend Barrett, Miss Johnson, Miss Cosgrove, and even Miss Julia Higgins came over. Your principal was here and so was Mrs. Beverley, and Miss Eloise from work. I can't even remember who else, but I'm pretty sure Roberta from the bakery came over because there's one of her braided breads here. Isn't she Bill and Lenny's mama? Never in my life have I seen our house so full.
I can't tell you how proud I am of you. Your daddy told me what you did for your friend and this is one of those times that I'm so glad you're like he is.
I love you, baby. Write me again when you're feeling better.
Love,
Mama
---
Dear Savas,
Uncle Jim said you were worried about me, but I've been sedated for most of a day 'cause Daddy had to stick a tube in my arm. I hate it and I just want to yank the damn thing out, but Daddy says I'm malnourished and dehydrated and I got to have it in for a little while. I'm so mad, I could spit, except I can't spit 'cause I'm dehydrated! I hate how I feel when I've been sedated. My head gets all swimmy.
Anyway, I'm okay. Some of the kids didn't make it, but Victor and Rachel and Fatima and Mei Lien were all okay. Victor was in the worst shape of all of us, but they've got him on tubes down on the planet now and Daddy said he'd be okay. I sterilized all his water for him 'cause even though my tricorder didn't pick up any bacterial pathogens, I figured it was better safe than sorry 'cause I didn't know what was making us sick. Alexis didn't make it and I'm pretty upset about that. I didn't like her much, but ain't nobody gotta up and die like she did. Some of the kids in the Klingon program died, too, but I didn't know any of them. I knew Alexis and I feel bad for her mama and daddy. I wish I could have done something to help her.
Daddy's going to sedate me again. Ugh! I still don't feel so good, but he says I can leave the medbay in a couple days. Did you know I got to meet Spock?
Gotta go.
Ll&p
-Jo
P. S. We've got to start a new chess game.
---
Dear Jo,
I am most relieved to hear that you are well. When someone has died, we say "S'ti th'lactra." It means "I grieve with thee" in Standard. It is my understanding that the word "thee" is archaic, but it is the most precise word. I grieve with thee, Jo, for the loss of your classmate. S'ti th'lactra. In the first few weeks after the loss of Vulcan, I became very emotional upon hearing this phrase. Sometimes the emotion was sadness, as you might guess, but sometimes there was also anger. I cannot share sadness with you in a way you would be familiar with, but because you are my friend, your loss is my loss as well. I fear I am not explaining this sufficiently. I hope you understand my meaning.
Captain Jim, as he wishes to be called, is a fascinating individual. What is the meaning of "rock out?"
Rest well, Jo. I await your next transmission and when you are ready, we can begin a new game of chess. Perhaps then, you can tell me more about meeting Commander Spock.
Peace and long life,
-Savas
---
Dear Savas,
I think I kinda know what you mean. It makes sense, anyway. You're a Vulcan, you ain't gonna cry your eyeballs out, but that don't mean it doesn't hurt when somebody you know dies. You just feel it on the inside, is all.
I can't wait to get off this danged biobed. The beeping is driving me bananas. I've been having visitors all day long, though, so it's not as boring as it could be. Aunt Nyota says that Comcast put together the subspace array on Cerberus and that it ain't no better than a tin can and a string assembled by untrained brain-damaged monkeys. I'm not real sure what she means by that, but it wasn't nice. I always thought her voice sounded pretty when I talked to her before, but she's really pretty all over and she's so sweet to me. She snuck me in some chocolate pudding when Daddy wasn't looking. Mr. Chekov came by, too and said I could call him "Dyadya" because that means "uncle" in Russian. I can't hardly get my mouth around that word, but I'm gonna try. He's real nice and asked me if I wanted to play chess later, if it's okay with Daddy. Daddy said it was. He also said I could call Mr. Sulu "Uncle Hikaru," but Mr. Sulu didn't say anything. I think he's shy, which I don't get 'cause I'm just a kid and I ain't gonna bite. I told him that, too, and he just kinda laughed and looked uncomfortable. Mr. Chekov just looked at him like he was being dumb.
I'm still mad because I was helping the other kids when they got here and Daddy won't let me go back and help out. He says I gotta stay put, but that don't mean I have to like it. I got some meditating in today 'cause there ain't nothing else to do. I don't even have any books to read 'cause all my stuff is down on the planet and I can't get into the ship's memory banks yet.
Mr. Spock was kinda scary at first because he's really really tall and looks like he could step on a puppy and not be sorry about it after. Turns out he ain't like that at all. He's real logical. I'm trying to remember what he said, but it was something like that I couldn't help my friend if I was working myself to death and that Victor was in capable hands. That's not exactly it, but it made sense the way he said it. Aunt Nyota asked me if he could come by later so I can keep up my lessons in Vulcan. She said he's a real good teacher.
Uncle Jim is weird. I don't think I can explain to you what "rock out" means, so you'll have to ask him. I haven't got to talk to him much since they got here, but I reckon he's busy. Daddy says he comes by a lot, but I'm always sleeping.
Anyway, I gotta get. Daddy's standing right in front of me with his arms crossed and his eyebrow up and a hypospray in his hand. I got a feeling he's gonna sedate me again. I'm going to tell him that I object, but I don't think that'll stop him.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
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Dear Jo,
I am consistently surprised (pleasantly so) by your ability to accurately and concisely summarize your thoughts on emotional expression. This is a talent I do not possess. I do, indeed, "feel it on the inside," as you say.
Since the completion of my kahs-wan, my guardians have not attempted to find a new bond-mate for me and I have been progressing in my studies at a reasonable pace. I completed Major Tom and the Dilithium Dilemma, but I am waiting to discuss the events of the story until you have also completed it. I have heard many things about Commander Spock, but never that he was "scary." Curious. My guardians both hold him in high regard for his actions during the attack on our home planet and show disdain for his heritage, as though he were able to rescue the Elders in spite of the fact that he is half-human. I find this point of view illogical. It is my opinion that he was able to save so many of us because of his human heritage. The opinion is not well-formed because of a lack of information. I only know that he is the only Vulcan to have turned down acceptance to the Vulcan Science Academy and that he did so in order to attend Starfleet Academy. I do not know the reason, but he chose to live as a Vulcan among humans. Now that I know it is possible, perhaps I can do the same when I have completed my regular course of studies here. But this is several years in the future for me, so it is illogical to make such plans until my basic studies are closer to completion. None can know what the future may hold.
The length and syntax of your letter is consistent with those I received before your ordeal and so I must surmise that your health is improving. Do you recall your offer to steal a Federation starship in order to ensure my safety? I must return the sentiment. Were it possible for me to do so, I, too, would have commandeered a vessel for purposes of retrieving you, in spite of regulations that prevent me from doing so. I was not "worried" or "scared" as such, but I was concerned. You are my only friend and though it is not logical in the least, I do not give permission for you to be harmed in any way.
Are you going to be on Earth in time for the summer program? I have already submitted my application.
Peace and long life,
-Savas
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Dear Savas,
I don't rightly know if I'll be back on Earth in time. I surely hope so! Daddy took the tube out this morning and I'm eating real food again. Well, it ain't Mama's cooking, but it'll do. I had some oatmeal with applesauce in it and cinnamon on top. Miss Christine is so sweet to me and let me have honey on it and gave me a chocolate bar for later. Daddy fussed about the chocolate bar, but she gave him what-for and let me have it anyway. I like her.
Rachel and Mei Lien beamed up to the ship today with all my stuff. They're here right now. Everybody says, "Tonk'peh, Savas!" Anyway, Mei Lien says that Victor's doing much better now and that he's awake and everything. I'm gonna ask Daddy if it's okay to go to the planet to see him. Daddy says I can leave medbay tonight and that he's gonna get a little bed for me to set up in his quarters. He's down on the planet right now and I think I might sneak out and show Mei Lien the engine room. I gotta find it first. I'm gonna go for now 'cause Mr. Chekov, I mean Dyadya, is here.
Don't you worry, Savas, I won't do anything dumb.
Ll&p
-Jo
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Dear Savas,
Dyadya and Uncle Scotty are my favorite uncles in the whole universe (except for Uncle Jim), even though they're not really my uncles and I can't understand about half of what either of them is saying. Miss Christine pretended not to be watching me when Dyadya snuck us out to see the ship. He showed us the transporter room where he saved Mr. Sulu and Uncle Jim. I saw it before when we beamed up, but he wanted to tell the story, so we listened to it anyway 'cause he was so excited. Then we went to the engine room. I thought Mei Lien was gonna DIE. I think she's still having sandwiches with Uncle Scotty. Anyway, we were halfway to the bridge when Uncle Scotty commed Dyadya to tell him that Daddy and Uncle Jim were beaming up, so I didn't get to see the bridge, but we didn't get in trouble or anything. I'm plum wore out now, but boy, howdy, that was fun!
Then, Daddy and Uncle Jim came back and I was all tucked up on the biobed, playing chess with Dyadya like I was being good and Uncle Jim introduced himself to Rachel and I thought she was gonna bust, she was so excited. To tell you the truth, I'm just glad they weren't all kissyface in front of her. That would have been embarrassing. She's still here, but she's got to go back down to the planet soon. She says to tell you "Tonk'peh" again.
I'll ask Mr. Spock about the Science Academy when I see him. He's supposed to come by after dinner so I can have a lesson. I'll let you know how it goes, okay?
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
Part 32: Dear Capricorn,
Part 34: Bones,