Dear Daddy #35: Dear Savas
Title:Dear Daddy #35: Dear Savas,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Chekov/Sulu, Jo/Savas, Kirk/McCoy
Rating: All Ages
Type: Series #35/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: All my Russian comes from the internet and so much fluff you could stuff a mattress with it.
Word Count: ~4800
Summary and Notes:If Joanna McCoy and Savas, son of Varin were spies, the Federation wouldn't stand a chance. Special thanks to kadollan, cybermathwitch and arcane_lark for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
Dear Savas,
I got to go down to the planet and see Victor today. He's still on tubes, but he's awake now and Mei Lien said she'd take care of him 'til they get back to Earth. They're all going on the Potemkin in a little while, but I'm going on the Enterprise with Daddy, of course. I think I said that already. Anyway, Victor said I saved his life and I thought he was exaggerating, but Daddy said that I really did save his life and he told me about the pathogen in the water and how it multiplied more in the water than in the food and there was something about how the toxin ate up whatever we tried to eat. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but anyway, we coulda eaten all day long and never got any nutrition from it. Anyway, 'cause I sterilized Victor's water (and mine, and Mei Lien's, and Rachel's too), we didn't get as sick as the other kids. At first the nurses that were taking care of Victor said I was being- I can't remember the word, but it means that you always think you've got some disease or another and you're paranoid about germs.
Hypochondriac!
That's the word I meant. I knew if I thought about it long enough, it'd come to me. Mama used to say that Daddy was a hypochondriac, but I don't know how you could be and be a doctor at the same time.
Anyway, we leave tomorrow and Uncle Jim said that I could help Dyadya take us out of orbit. Dyadya says that I have to make sure to tell Uncle Hikaru to disengage the external inertial dampeners before we break orbit 'cause sometimes he forgets. Daddy didn't want to let me because what if I crashed the ship into something? But Dyadya said he'd help me and we both asked please, so Uncle Jim said yes.
I found out today that Dyadya don't eat bacon 'cause he's Jewish. We had bacon with breakfast - well, I didn't have any, but there was bacon there anyway, and Dyadya only got eggs and toast and coffee and doughnuts and a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk and a muffin with nuts in it and some fruit. Uncle Hikaru had pancakes and Uncle Jim had a big ol' pile of bacon - so much that Daddy said he had to give some to Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley's Irish, so he can eat bacon.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
d2-d4
---
Dear Jo,
Fascinating. I had not considered other forms of dietary restriction amongst humans. I have many questions, but perhaps you can ask him why he does not eat bacon and he will explain his reasoning to you. I have not had much time for research lately. The instructors at my primary school recommended a more intensified study program now that my emotional control has strengthened and I have successfully completed the kahs-wan. I have not yet adjusted to the new schedule, but I still have a few hours of unstructured time each day that I can use for continuing my research on human cultures.
I am not permitted chocolate until I reach the age of majority because it is an intoxicant for Vulcans. We are particularly sensitive to the phenethylamiline present in small amounts. We do not metabolize this chemical in the same way as humans and even small amounts cause euphoria by causing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This is not conducive to the study of logic. I hope this explanation is satisfactory. I do not know what the difference between Vulcan and human metabolism is that causes such a reaction, only that a difference exists. Perhaps it is an enzyme of some sort?
I do not know if my mother would be "proud" as Commander Spock's mother had been, but perhaps she would want me to pursue a career that was best suited to my skills. That is the most logical course of action and my mother was a logical woman. I believe that T'Lia cares for me, but she is not my mother and I am not her son. I have not touched minds with her since before my kahs-wan and I fear that because my mind was so disjointed at the time that the experience was unpleasant for her. Although, in the past few weeks, Sovess has begun to touch the back of my hand when he approves of something I do and at seemingly random intervals. He also did so when I was concerned for your well-being and reassured me that a lack of information could only be solved by seeking out a source of more information. This surprised me at first, but it is... I do not know the right word to express it. "Comforting" is close. We have begun to form a rudimentary connection that is similar to that which I had with my own parents, though not as strong.
How are your Vulcan language lessons progressing?
Live long and prosper,
-Savas
d7-d5
---
Dear Savas,
MR. SPOCK KISSED AUNT NYOTA ON THE MOUTH!
See, this morning, Aunt Nyota came by to fix my hair, even though I said it wasn't necessary, but she wanted to, so it was alright. She put it up in a french braid. Anyway, Daddy had already gone to sickbay before I woke up, so she was going to take me to breakfast. We met Mr. Spock in the turbolift and HE KISSED HER RIGHT ON THE LIPS!! Then he said hello to me in Vulcan and I said hi back and he asked me if I was going to breakfast, which is a dumb question because where else would I be going? Anyway he asked it in Vulcan, so I said something back which was all wrong and he corrected it. I was embarrassed, but he said he knew what I meant, so that means I did good.
I saw Dyadya at breakfast and asked him about the bacon and he said that a real long time ago, when the Jews were wandering around in the desert, they got a bunch of rules about what to eat and what to wear and how to talk to God and how to behave and even though they don't need most of them nowadays, he tries to follow the rules because it's tradition and makes him think of his family and feel like he's right with God. He also said that pigs were gross and disgusting animals and then Uncle Jim said that bacon tasted good and then Dyadya made a face. I think the less I eat meat, the less I like it - any of it.
I went to the bridge with Dyadya and Mr. Sulu, who like to be early, but Uncle Jim had to come along too 'cause he wanted to be the first one to show me it because it's his favorite part of the ship. I told him that I should have a shirt like his if I was going to operate a starship and that it was only proper. He asked me what color I wanted and I couldn't decide between a blue one like Daddy's or a gold one like his, so he got me a blue one because of being Victor's attending medical technician. I'm still wearin' it. After I got my shirt, I got to sit in Uncle Jim's chair and he showed me all the stations and I got to listen to subspace transmissions and I got to see the science station and everything. Then I sat on Dyadya's lap and he showed me where everything was where he works. It was so cool! Daddy came up before we had to break orbit and then I told Uncle Hikaru about the inertial dampeners and everybody laughed and even Uncle Hikaru smiled a little bit.
I have no idea what that was about.
Anyway, we had to wait until Uncle Jim said so because he's the captain and then Dyadya showed me how to break orbit. Uncle Hikaru did half the work and Dyadya let me push all the buttons. I think I did pretty good because we didn't crash into anything. We're going to Denobula. I got to punch in our heading and then Daddy took me to lunch. We spent the rest of the day in sickbay and I got to help a little bit, but mostly I was bored. I asked Daddy about Vulcans and chocolate and he said it was probably an enzyme or something that we've got and you don't, so you were probably right.
I don't know how Vulcan families are, but I think maybe Sovess wants to show you that he wants to be as much your daddy as he can be, even though he ain't really your daddy. Maybe T'Lia will come around one of these days. Did they have kids before? You never told me much about them.
Live long and Prosper,
-Jo
e2-e3
---
> Did you put her up to that?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] put who up to what?
> The crack about the inertial dampeners.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] maybe - your face was very funny
[Ens. Chekov, P.] HAHA! Your face is still very funny! Admit it, you thought it was funny too.
> maybe... a little.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I saw you smiling.
> okay, yeah. That was pretty good. You're so mean to me!
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Eh. You like it when I am mean to you.
> do not.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Do so! it is part of my charm.
> you are charming. That, I will admit.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] All very true.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I MISS JO ALREADY! ;___;
> It's been what, an entire minute since she left the bridge?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] 5 minutes, 38 seconds, Hikaru. She is so smart and fun. When we have babies, they should be like Joanna.
> Um, Pavel, don't you think it's a bit too soon to be thinking about kids?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] don't be rediculous! I am not getting younger, you know! Mama is almost forty and she will want grandchildren.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *ridiculous, sorry
> You're eighteen.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I know! So we must get started right away, but for now, we will take care of our little Yaninka.
> ??
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Joanna = Yaninka.
> Aaah.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Why are you strange with her? Is she not the best little Yaninka ever?! she plays chess - CHESS, Hikaru! How many little girls you know play chess?
> Considering that the only other little girls I know are my sisters, that would be none.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] so why are you weird?
> about Jo?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Yes, about Jo!
> I don't know. She just... intimidates me.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are dumb.
> Don't give me that look, Pavel! I am not dumb!
[Ens. Chekov, P.] yes, you are. and do not look at me like this. You jumped through space and killed Romulans with a sword, but you are scared of a little girl? She will not bite you. She even said so.
> It's not that. I mean, what if I do something that she doesn't like or I don't know, I feel like I'm going to break her or something.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are dumb. You will not break Yaninka. If you break Yaninka, Dr. McCoy will break you. And then there will be a line of people to break you and I will be in it.
> That's not reassuring, Pavel.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] She is tough, like her papa. You will not break her. Maybe you can sho her your flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *show her, sorry. I cannot spell today.
> What if she thinks they're stupid?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] she will not. She is a girl. Girls like flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] What? is truth. Girls like flowers.
> I like flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] So?
> Are you saying I'm a girl?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are being ridiculous! Of course not! After shift, ask Dr. McCoy if you may take her to see your flowers. I will go with you and protect you from the little girl
> Alright. Kirk is watching - look busy.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Aye, sir. Looking busy. Hapy to.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *Happy* to. конец!! It is easier to spell in Cyrillic! Stupid казака́ Roman letters!
> I'm guessing those are not things that I could say to your mother (even if I could read it)
[Ens. Chekov, P.] If you call Mama a Cossack, she will hit you.
> Duly noted.
---
Dear Jo,
Are you certain you saw Mr. Spock kissing Lieutenant Uhura with his lips? That is... atypical, but I do not wish to inquire further into the matter. Fascinating, but perhaps too personal to pursue, even in the interests of cultural exchange. I am pleased, however, that your study of the Vulcan language continues to progress.
What do the Irish eat? You mentioned that Mr. Riley is Irish and that he will eat bacon, but do the Irish have dietary restrictions?
I spoke with Sovess in regards to what his life was like on Vulcan. I had not asked before because I had assumed that they did not wish to speak of it. I learned that Sovess and T'Lia were not bonded to each other before and that Sovess had not yet become a father. T'Lia had one child. Sovess is an electrical engineer and T'Lia is employed at the Cultural Center. Their occupations were very much the same on Vulcan. After our planet was destroyed, adults were paired based on a mathematical probability of success in a pair-bond and then the remaining children, myself included, were matched with adult pairs. I do not think the same care was taken in estimating a successful match between children and pair-bonded adults.
My application to the summer program is still pending. I would very much like to see Earth again - and you, of course, but I do not know if my application will be approved. I hope you will be on Earth in time.
Live long and Prosper,
-Savas
Ng8-f6
---
Dear Savas,
I hope so, too! Then you can ask me and Uncle Chris and anybody you want to about Earth cultures and stuff and we can talk in Vulcan and meditate together and it'll be great!
I was thinkin' about it and you know what? I had a lot of trouble sleeping on the ship to Cerberus, but I sleep pretty good on the Enterprise. I miss my own bed, though, and Mama's cooking and Hippocrates. I don't miss Luanne, though. Reckon she misses having someone to pick on?
Yesterday, Uncle Hikaru took me to the botany lab and the arboretum. I had no idea you could grow so many things on a starship! He's got flowers and stuff from all over the universe and stuff from Earth, too! He's even got trees! He and Dyadya were a little bit kissyface, but not like Aunt Nyota! That messed me up, seeing a Vulcan kiss on the lips. You're right, too. I don't even want to ask about it.
I saw Mr. Riley at dinner, though, and asked him about what the Irish eat and you know what he said? Potatoes and cabbage. He also said that the Irish will eat whatever they get a-hold of on accounta they ain't picky. He also said he eats fish on fridays because he was raised by nuns in Canada. I asked if they eat a lot of fish in Canada and he said they did, but he eats fish on Friday because it's an old custom that Catholics used to have and that's what the nuns made him do when he lived there and now he's just used to doing it that way. I'm learning lots of new stuff, so you got any more questions I can ask?
I got two hypotheses you can test if you wanna. The first one is that maybe if you used the same math as your guardians did to figure out which little Vulcan girl you should bond with, you'd find somebody you could get along with okay. The second one is that maybe T'Lia doesn't want to talk about stuff with you because she misses her little boy or little girl that she lost.
Uncle Jim said that we're going to watch Julius Caesar today.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
c2-c3
---
Dear Jo,
What manner of plants does Lt. Sulu keep? Why does he keep them? Is this part of his duties on the Enterprise? I have more questions than you may be able to answer. Your environment includes such a broad cross-section of human cultures that I do not know where to begin. Perhaps you can tell me something of Lt. Uhura. Where is she from? What customs are important to her? What foods does she eat? I would also like to hear about Julius Caesar. A cursory search has provided me with the information that he was an emperor of Earth's ancient Roman Empire from 100 BCE to 44 BCE. Curiously, his death date is yesterday. Is this figure significant to Captain Jim?
I would like to attempt to prepare Irish food, but I do not know in what way the potatoes and cabbage should be cooked or if they should be eaten raw somehow? Perhaps Mr. Riley will know? I hope I am not burdening you with so many questions.
As for your hypotheses, the first has been attempted, but with no success. I have not tested the second.
I have much work to do this evening. I'm to assist T'Lia in cleaning our household and I must write a paper about the history of Vulcan prior to the Enlightenment.
Live long and prosper,
-Savas
e7-e6
---
Dear Savas,
I'm in sickbay right now, mostly being bored out of my brain. I ain't sick or anything. I'm sitting in Daddy's office. Daddy just doesn't want me to wander around the ship without a grownup with me even though I know how to ask for directions and use a turbolift by myself. I ain't a baby, you know! I asked Daddy if I could visit with Dyadya and Uncle Hikaru tonight. Aunt Nyota showed me how to use the intership comm system so I can send messages to people. I've got my own account and everything! I don't want to bother anybody, but maybe I can get some of your questions answered while I'm sitting here being bored.
Let me see what I can find out and I'll send you another message tonight, okay?
Ll&p
-Jo
Ng1-e2
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:22FST
Hi Dyadya! I hope I ain't bothering you. I know you've got things to do. I just wanted to ask you if you could ask Uncle Hikaru what plants he's got 'cause Savas wanted to know.
What are we going to do tonight?
Love,
-Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 09:25FST
YANINKA!! I miss you on the bridge! You should come navigate with me - I will show you how. It is very easy. You will make a good navigator one day, I think. As for Hikaru, you should ask him yourself. I don't know anything about plants. He will be glad you like his flowers.
Tonight, I think we can go to the Stellar Cartography lab after dinner and I will show you my stars or maybe the observation deck? We could play chess, too! What do you want to do? Later, I will read to you The Little Prince. You will like it. It was my favorite book when I was small. You could read it yourself, I know, but I want to read it to you like my papa read it to me. Do you know this book?
If your papa says "okay," you can stay with us for the night and I will do the tucking in. Okay?
Love,
-Дя́дя Павел
(This says: "Uncle Pavel" in case you don't know. Maybe I teach you Russian also?)
Ensign Chekov, Pavel Andreievich
Большо́му кораблю́ - большо́е пла́вание.
-Русская пословица.
(This says: "For a great ship - a great journey. -Russian proverb. Like the Enterprise! A very great ship!)
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:33FST
What's yaninka mean? Does it mean "niece?" 'Cause that would make sense if I call you "Uncle." Daddy won't let me leave without a grownup, so I can't go to the bridge. Besides, I don't want to get in the way.
We can do whatever you want to do, I don't mind. I never read The Little Prince. What's it about?
Daddy said it was fine as long as I'm not bothering you.
Love,
-Yaninka Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 09:38FST
No, no, no! Ha-ha! "Yaninka" means you. It is like a nickname for Joanna. My nickname is Pasha (but only Mama and Babushka call me this) and Hikaru is Hikarushka (I had to make that one up). Niece is "племя́нница" so I say Племя́нница Яника - you see? It is easy.
You are very smart and do not need to hold hands with grownups all the time. >:| But we will do what your Papa says, okay? I do not want you to be in trouble.
The Little Prince is about a prince and a flower and a very small planet. That is all. You will like it.
-Дя́дя Павел
---
To: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:35FST
Savas wants to know what kinds of plants you've got. Dyadya said to ask you.
Love,
-Jo
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:41FST
I can't read your letters, Dyadya. I don't know which ones make what sounds. Do you know Mr. Riley? I want to ask him about potatoes.
Love,
-Yaninka
P.S. I like that name! It sounds neat.
---
To: Lt. Uhura, N.
From McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:45FST
Aunt Nyota,
I hope I'm not bothering you. Savas wants to know where you're from and what your customs are and what foods you eat. You don't have to answer if you're busy.
Love,
Jo
---
> you have a message from Yaninka.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] I see it.
> So? Answer it!
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] what do I say?
> I am not writing it for you
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] but I don't know what to say
> fine. you say, Dear Yaninka, so nice to hear from you
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] should I call her "Yaninka?" That's kind of your thing.
> Call her Jo, I don't care. It doesn't matter.
> then you tell her all about your plants
> and say at the end, "Love, Uncle Hikaru"
> see? easy
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] Just give her a list?
> you are being ridiculous again
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] I don't know how to talk to kids, Pavel.
> I will make it easy. Pretend she is a person.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] she is a person
> exactly. Children are like people, only shorter.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] okay, here goes
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
16.3.2260 10:25FST
Dear Jo,
So nice to hear from you. I have several varieties of orchids, a Japanese maple, an ornamental crabapple tree, an orsic fern, some daffodils, several varieties of hyacinth, and a ratana tree. The weeper belongs to Yeoman Rand, but she lets me take care of her.
Love,
Uncle Hikaru
---
To: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 10:36FST
Uncle Hikaru,
You mean Beauregard? I think she likes me, but Beauregard's a terrible name for a girl - even a girl plant. Who ever heard of a girl named Beauregard? What's the W. stand for in your name? Do you have a list of your plants? I think Savas might want the scientific names for them so he knows what we're talking about. Is it your job to look after the plants?
I can't wait 'til our sleepover. We'll have so much fun!
Love,
-Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Lt. Uhura, N.
16.3.2260 11:19FST
Dear Jo,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, sweetie. I'll answer your questions very briefly while I have a break and we can talk more later. I was born in Kenya in the United States of Africa, so we spoke both Swahili and Standard at home. I like all kinds of chocolate, especially chocolate mousse. I also like french fries.
My favorite thing to do when I was little was to sing with my mother. She'd come up with songs in as many languages as we could think of, but my favorite will always be "Beyond Antares." I used to know a Klingon song about a mighty warrior, but I don't know if I remember the whole thing now. I'll try to remember so I can sing it for you.
Spock says you're doing really well with your lessons - you should be proud. He's a good teacher and doesn't say that very often about his students.
I've got to get back to monitoring subspace now, but I'll see you after our shift.
Love,
-Aunt Nyota
I'll be back though it takes forever
Forever is just a day.
Forever is just another journey
Tomorrow a stop along the way
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 11:22FST
Yaninka,
Sorry to take so long! Sometimes I must actually work! XD
Do not worry, I will teach you the letters. It will be easy, you will see. Why do you want to ask Riley about potatoes? I can tell you everything you need to know about potatoes. My favorite is pirozhki, but I do not know how to make them. I also like latkes for Chanukah. Riley will tell you that Irish potatoes are better than Russian potatoes. Do not believe him. Russian potatoes are much better, but if you want to ask him, write to Lt. Riley, Kevin T.
Remember - Russians make better potatoes! Do not let him fool you! He will try!
Hikaru is very excited about your visit and will tell you all about his plants this evening. I don't know anything about them.
Love,
-Дя́дя Павел
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 11:28FST
Dyadya,
I'll remember, don't worry! Thanks.
I guess I'll see you at dinner.
Love,
-Yaninka
---
To: Lt. Riley, Kevin T.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 11:39FST
Dear Mr. Riley,
I hope I'm not bothering you, but my friend, Savas, wants to know about how to cook potatoes and cabbage. He wants to make Irish food for his family.
Thanks,
-Jo
---
Dear Savas,
Here's what I found out:
Uncle Hikaru's got some orchids, a Japanese maple, an ornamental crabapple tree, an orsic fern, some daffodils, several varieties of hyacinth, and a ratana tree -that's exactly what he said. He also takes care of Ms. Rand's weeper plant that she calls Beauregard even though it's a girl plant. I'll tell you more later when I find out more. I'm gonna ask him tonight.
Dyadya says that Russians make the best potatoes and that he likes pirozhki and latkes. I don't know what those are, but he says you eat latkes at Chanukah. He also calls me "Yaninka" which he says is my nickname. He told me what "neice" is in Russian but I can't spell it because it's in different letters that I don't know yet. He's going to read The Little Prince to me later. I've never read it before.
Aunt Nyota was born in Kenya in Africa and grew up speaking Swahili and Standard. She likes chocolate mousse and french fries. I don't think that's African food, but she said it was her favorite. She also said that her favorite thing to do as a little girl was to sing with her mama and that she knows songs in all different languages, even Klingon! Her favorite song is "Beyond Antares."
I haven't heard back from Mr. Riley and I forgot to ask Uncle Jim about Caesar, but what we watched was a Shakespeare play, so maybe if you watched that, you would know a little bit more. Oh! and you could ask Uncle Jim yourself! Why don't you write him a letter? I bet he'd be tickled to hear from you.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
---
[UNN News Feed: 16 March, 2260]
>Comcast fined for negligence by FCC. Families of deceased colonists sue.
>Cerberus pathogen a mold-bacteria symbiote, point of origin unknown. Agricultural Affairs continue investigation.
>Spring training to begin at newly completed Winston Field for Cestus Comets. Gorn officials to attend first game.
>City of Chicago to "Paint the town green" in tomorrow's festivities, Mayor Daley states.
Part #34: Bones,
Part #36: Yaninka,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Chekov/Sulu, Jo/Savas, Kirk/McCoy
Rating: All Ages
Type: Series #35/? of the Dear Daddy series
Warnings: All my Russian comes from the internet and so much fluff you could stuff a mattress with it.
Word Count: ~4800
Summary and Notes:If Joanna McCoy and Savas, son of Varin were spies, the Federation wouldn't stand a chance. Special thanks to kadollan, cybermathwitch and arcane_lark for the beta. Archived at awfully_clever
Dear Savas,
I got to go down to the planet and see Victor today. He's still on tubes, but he's awake now and Mei Lien said she'd take care of him 'til they get back to Earth. They're all going on the Potemkin in a little while, but I'm going on the Enterprise with Daddy, of course. I think I said that already. Anyway, Victor said I saved his life and I thought he was exaggerating, but Daddy said that I really did save his life and he told me about the pathogen in the water and how it multiplied more in the water than in the food and there was something about how the toxin ate up whatever we tried to eat. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but anyway, we coulda eaten all day long and never got any nutrition from it. Anyway, 'cause I sterilized Victor's water (and mine, and Mei Lien's, and Rachel's too), we didn't get as sick as the other kids. At first the nurses that were taking care of Victor said I was being- I can't remember the word, but it means that you always think you've got some disease or another and you're paranoid about germs.
Hypochondriac!
That's the word I meant. I knew if I thought about it long enough, it'd come to me. Mama used to say that Daddy was a hypochondriac, but I don't know how you could be and be a doctor at the same time.
Anyway, we leave tomorrow and Uncle Jim said that I could help Dyadya take us out of orbit. Dyadya says that I have to make sure to tell Uncle Hikaru to disengage the external inertial dampeners before we break orbit 'cause sometimes he forgets. Daddy didn't want to let me because what if I crashed the ship into something? But Dyadya said he'd help me and we both asked please, so Uncle Jim said yes.
I found out today that Dyadya don't eat bacon 'cause he's Jewish. We had bacon with breakfast - well, I didn't have any, but there was bacon there anyway, and Dyadya only got eggs and toast and coffee and doughnuts and a glass of orange juice and a glass of milk and a muffin with nuts in it and some fruit. Uncle Hikaru had pancakes and Uncle Jim had a big ol' pile of bacon - so much that Daddy said he had to give some to Mr. Riley. Mr. Riley's Irish, so he can eat bacon.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
d2-d4
---
Dear Jo,
Fascinating. I had not considered other forms of dietary restriction amongst humans. I have many questions, but perhaps you can ask him why he does not eat bacon and he will explain his reasoning to you. I have not had much time for research lately. The instructors at my primary school recommended a more intensified study program now that my emotional control has strengthened and I have successfully completed the kahs-wan. I have not yet adjusted to the new schedule, but I still have a few hours of unstructured time each day that I can use for continuing my research on human cultures.
I am not permitted chocolate until I reach the age of majority because it is an intoxicant for Vulcans. We are particularly sensitive to the phenethylamiline present in small amounts. We do not metabolize this chemical in the same way as humans and even small amounts cause euphoria by causing the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This is not conducive to the study of logic. I hope this explanation is satisfactory. I do not know what the difference between Vulcan and human metabolism is that causes such a reaction, only that a difference exists. Perhaps it is an enzyme of some sort?
I do not know if my mother would be "proud" as Commander Spock's mother had been, but perhaps she would want me to pursue a career that was best suited to my skills. That is the most logical course of action and my mother was a logical woman. I believe that T'Lia cares for me, but she is not my mother and I am not her son. I have not touched minds with her since before my kahs-wan and I fear that because my mind was so disjointed at the time that the experience was unpleasant for her. Although, in the past few weeks, Sovess has begun to touch the back of my hand when he approves of something I do and at seemingly random intervals. He also did so when I was concerned for your well-being and reassured me that a lack of information could only be solved by seeking out a source of more information. This surprised me at first, but it is... I do not know the right word to express it. "Comforting" is close. We have begun to form a rudimentary connection that is similar to that which I had with my own parents, though not as strong.
How are your Vulcan language lessons progressing?
Live long and prosper,
-Savas
d7-d5
---
Dear Savas,
MR. SPOCK KISSED AUNT NYOTA ON THE MOUTH!
See, this morning, Aunt Nyota came by to fix my hair, even though I said it wasn't necessary, but she wanted to, so it was alright. She put it up in a french braid. Anyway, Daddy had already gone to sickbay before I woke up, so she was going to take me to breakfast. We met Mr. Spock in the turbolift and HE KISSED HER RIGHT ON THE LIPS!! Then he said hello to me in Vulcan and I said hi back and he asked me if I was going to breakfast, which is a dumb question because where else would I be going? Anyway he asked it in Vulcan, so I said something back which was all wrong and he corrected it. I was embarrassed, but he said he knew what I meant, so that means I did good.
I saw Dyadya at breakfast and asked him about the bacon and he said that a real long time ago, when the Jews were wandering around in the desert, they got a bunch of rules about what to eat and what to wear and how to talk to God and how to behave and even though they don't need most of them nowadays, he tries to follow the rules because it's tradition and makes him think of his family and feel like he's right with God. He also said that pigs were gross and disgusting animals and then Uncle Jim said that bacon tasted good and then Dyadya made a face. I think the less I eat meat, the less I like it - any of it.
I went to the bridge with Dyadya and Mr. Sulu, who like to be early, but Uncle Jim had to come along too 'cause he wanted to be the first one to show me it because it's his favorite part of the ship. I told him that I should have a shirt like his if I was going to operate a starship and that it was only proper. He asked me what color I wanted and I couldn't decide between a blue one like Daddy's or a gold one like his, so he got me a blue one because of being Victor's attending medical technician. I'm still wearin' it. After I got my shirt, I got to sit in Uncle Jim's chair and he showed me all the stations and I got to listen to subspace transmissions and I got to see the science station and everything. Then I sat on Dyadya's lap and he showed me where everything was where he works. It was so cool! Daddy came up before we had to break orbit and then I told Uncle Hikaru about the inertial dampeners and everybody laughed and even Uncle Hikaru smiled a little bit.
I have no idea what that was about.
Anyway, we had to wait until Uncle Jim said so because he's the captain and then Dyadya showed me how to break orbit. Uncle Hikaru did half the work and Dyadya let me push all the buttons. I think I did pretty good because we didn't crash into anything. We're going to Denobula. I got to punch in our heading and then Daddy took me to lunch. We spent the rest of the day in sickbay and I got to help a little bit, but mostly I was bored. I asked Daddy about Vulcans and chocolate and he said it was probably an enzyme or something that we've got and you don't, so you were probably right.
I don't know how Vulcan families are, but I think maybe Sovess wants to show you that he wants to be as much your daddy as he can be, even though he ain't really your daddy. Maybe T'Lia will come around one of these days. Did they have kids before? You never told me much about them.
Live long and Prosper,
-Jo
e2-e3
---
> Did you put her up to that?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] put who up to what?
> The crack about the inertial dampeners.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] maybe - your face was very funny
[Ens. Chekov, P.] HAHA! Your face is still very funny! Admit it, you thought it was funny too.
> maybe... a little.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I saw you smiling.
> okay, yeah. That was pretty good. You're so mean to me!
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Eh. You like it when I am mean to you.
> do not.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Do so! it is part of my charm.
> you are charming. That, I will admit.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] All very true.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I MISS JO ALREADY! ;___;
> It's been what, an entire minute since she left the bridge?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] 5 minutes, 38 seconds, Hikaru. She is so smart and fun. When we have babies, they should be like Joanna.
> Um, Pavel, don't you think it's a bit too soon to be thinking about kids?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] don't be rediculous! I am not getting younger, you know! Mama is almost forty and she will want grandchildren.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *ridiculous, sorry
> You're eighteen.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] I know! So we must get started right away, but for now, we will take care of our little Yaninka.
> ??
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Joanna = Yaninka.
> Aaah.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Why are you strange with her? Is she not the best little Yaninka ever?! she plays chess - CHESS, Hikaru! How many little girls you know play chess?
> Considering that the only other little girls I know are my sisters, that would be none.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] so why are you weird?
> about Jo?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Yes, about Jo!
> I don't know. She just... intimidates me.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are dumb.
> Don't give me that look, Pavel! I am not dumb!
[Ens. Chekov, P.] yes, you are. and do not look at me like this. You jumped through space and killed Romulans with a sword, but you are scared of a little girl? She will not bite you. She even said so.
> It's not that. I mean, what if I do something that she doesn't like or I don't know, I feel like I'm going to break her or something.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are dumb. You will not break Yaninka. If you break Yaninka, Dr. McCoy will break you. And then there will be a line of people to break you and I will be in it.
> That's not reassuring, Pavel.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] She is tough, like her papa. You will not break her. Maybe you can sho her your flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *show her, sorry. I cannot spell today.
> What if she thinks they're stupid?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] she will not. She is a girl. Girls like flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] What? is truth. Girls like flowers.
> I like flowers.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] So?
> Are you saying I'm a girl?
[Ens. Chekov, P.] you are being ridiculous! Of course not! After shift, ask Dr. McCoy if you may take her to see your flowers. I will go with you and protect you from the little girl
> Alright. Kirk is watching - look busy.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] Aye, sir. Looking busy. Hapy to.
[Ens. Chekov, P.] *Happy* to. конец!! It is easier to spell in Cyrillic! Stupid казака́ Roman letters!
> I'm guessing those are not things that I could say to your mother (even if I could read it)
[Ens. Chekov, P.] If you call Mama a Cossack, she will hit you.
> Duly noted.
---
Dear Jo,
Are you certain you saw Mr. Spock kissing Lieutenant Uhura with his lips? That is... atypical, but I do not wish to inquire further into the matter. Fascinating, but perhaps too personal to pursue, even in the interests of cultural exchange. I am pleased, however, that your study of the Vulcan language continues to progress.
What do the Irish eat? You mentioned that Mr. Riley is Irish and that he will eat bacon, but do the Irish have dietary restrictions?
I spoke with Sovess in regards to what his life was like on Vulcan. I had not asked before because I had assumed that they did not wish to speak of it. I learned that Sovess and T'Lia were not bonded to each other before and that Sovess had not yet become a father. T'Lia had one child. Sovess is an electrical engineer and T'Lia is employed at the Cultural Center. Their occupations were very much the same on Vulcan. After our planet was destroyed, adults were paired based on a mathematical probability of success in a pair-bond and then the remaining children, myself included, were matched with adult pairs. I do not think the same care was taken in estimating a successful match between children and pair-bonded adults.
My application to the summer program is still pending. I would very much like to see Earth again - and you, of course, but I do not know if my application will be approved. I hope you will be on Earth in time.
Live long and Prosper,
-Savas
Ng8-f6
---
Dear Savas,
I hope so, too! Then you can ask me and Uncle Chris and anybody you want to about Earth cultures and stuff and we can talk in Vulcan and meditate together and it'll be great!
I was thinkin' about it and you know what? I had a lot of trouble sleeping on the ship to Cerberus, but I sleep pretty good on the Enterprise. I miss my own bed, though, and Mama's cooking and Hippocrates. I don't miss Luanne, though. Reckon she misses having someone to pick on?
Yesterday, Uncle Hikaru took me to the botany lab and the arboretum. I had no idea you could grow so many things on a starship! He's got flowers and stuff from all over the universe and stuff from Earth, too! He's even got trees! He and Dyadya were a little bit kissyface, but not like Aunt Nyota! That messed me up, seeing a Vulcan kiss on the lips. You're right, too. I don't even want to ask about it.
I saw Mr. Riley at dinner, though, and asked him about what the Irish eat and you know what he said? Potatoes and cabbage. He also said that the Irish will eat whatever they get a-hold of on accounta they ain't picky. He also said he eats fish on fridays because he was raised by nuns in Canada. I asked if they eat a lot of fish in Canada and he said they did, but he eats fish on Friday because it's an old custom that Catholics used to have and that's what the nuns made him do when he lived there and now he's just used to doing it that way. I'm learning lots of new stuff, so you got any more questions I can ask?
I got two hypotheses you can test if you wanna. The first one is that maybe if you used the same math as your guardians did to figure out which little Vulcan girl you should bond with, you'd find somebody you could get along with okay. The second one is that maybe T'Lia doesn't want to talk about stuff with you because she misses her little boy or little girl that she lost.
Uncle Jim said that we're going to watch Julius Caesar today.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
c2-c3
---
Dear Jo,
What manner of plants does Lt. Sulu keep? Why does he keep them? Is this part of his duties on the Enterprise? I have more questions than you may be able to answer. Your environment includes such a broad cross-section of human cultures that I do not know where to begin. Perhaps you can tell me something of Lt. Uhura. Where is she from? What customs are important to her? What foods does she eat? I would also like to hear about Julius Caesar. A cursory search has provided me with the information that he was an emperor of Earth's ancient Roman Empire from 100 BCE to 44 BCE. Curiously, his death date is yesterday. Is this figure significant to Captain Jim?
I would like to attempt to prepare Irish food, but I do not know in what way the potatoes and cabbage should be cooked or if they should be eaten raw somehow? Perhaps Mr. Riley will know? I hope I am not burdening you with so many questions.
As for your hypotheses, the first has been attempted, but with no success. I have not tested the second.
I have much work to do this evening. I'm to assist T'Lia in cleaning our household and I must write a paper about the history of Vulcan prior to the Enlightenment.
Live long and prosper,
-Savas
e7-e6
---
Dear Savas,
I'm in sickbay right now, mostly being bored out of my brain. I ain't sick or anything. I'm sitting in Daddy's office. Daddy just doesn't want me to wander around the ship without a grownup with me even though I know how to ask for directions and use a turbolift by myself. I ain't a baby, you know! I asked Daddy if I could visit with Dyadya and Uncle Hikaru tonight. Aunt Nyota showed me how to use the intership comm system so I can send messages to people. I've got my own account and everything! I don't want to bother anybody, but maybe I can get some of your questions answered while I'm sitting here being bored.
Let me see what I can find out and I'll send you another message tonight, okay?
Ll&p
-Jo
Ng1-e2
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:22FST
Hi Dyadya! I hope I ain't bothering you. I know you've got things to do. I just wanted to ask you if you could ask Uncle Hikaru what plants he's got 'cause Savas wanted to know.
What are we going to do tonight?
Love,
-Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 09:25FST
YANINKA!! I miss you on the bridge! You should come navigate with me - I will show you how. It is very easy. You will make a good navigator one day, I think. As for Hikaru, you should ask him yourself. I don't know anything about plants. He will be glad you like his flowers.
Tonight, I think we can go to the Stellar Cartography lab after dinner and I will show you my stars or maybe the observation deck? We could play chess, too! What do you want to do? Later, I will read to you The Little Prince. You will like it. It was my favorite book when I was small. You could read it yourself, I know, but I want to read it to you like my papa read it to me. Do you know this book?
If your papa says "okay," you can stay with us for the night and I will do the tucking in. Okay?
Love,
-Дя́дя Павел
(This says: "Uncle Pavel" in case you don't know. Maybe I teach you Russian also?)
Ensign Chekov, Pavel Andreievich
Большо́му кораблю́ - большо́е пла́вание.
-Русская пословица.
(This says: "For a great ship - a great journey. -Russian proverb. Like the Enterprise! A very great ship!)
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:33FST
What's yaninka mean? Does it mean "niece?" 'Cause that would make sense if I call you "Uncle." Daddy won't let me leave without a grownup, so I can't go to the bridge. Besides, I don't want to get in the way.
We can do whatever you want to do, I don't mind. I never read The Little Prince. What's it about?
Daddy said it was fine as long as I'm not bothering you.
Love,
-Yaninka Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 09:38FST
No, no, no! Ha-ha! "Yaninka" means you. It is like a nickname for Joanna. My nickname is Pasha (but only Mama and Babushka call me this) and Hikaru is Hikarushka (I had to make that one up). Niece is "племя́нница" so I say Племя́нница Яника - you see? It is easy.
You are very smart and do not need to hold hands with grownups all the time. >:| But we will do what your Papa says, okay? I do not want you to be in trouble.
The Little Prince is about a prince and a flower and a very small planet. That is all. You will like it.
-Дя́дя Павел
---
To: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:35FST
Savas wants to know what kinds of plants you've got. Dyadya said to ask you.
Love,
-Jo
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:41FST
I can't read your letters, Dyadya. I don't know which ones make what sounds. Do you know Mr. Riley? I want to ask him about potatoes.
Love,
-Yaninka
P.S. I like that name! It sounds neat.
---
To: Lt. Uhura, N.
From McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 09:45FST
Aunt Nyota,
I hope I'm not bothering you. Savas wants to know where you're from and what your customs are and what foods you eat. You don't have to answer if you're busy.
Love,
Jo
---
> you have a message from Yaninka.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] I see it.
> So? Answer it!
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] what do I say?
> I am not writing it for you
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] but I don't know what to say
> fine. you say, Dear Yaninka, so nice to hear from you
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] should I call her "Yaninka?" That's kind of your thing.
> Call her Jo, I don't care. It doesn't matter.
> then you tell her all about your plants
> and say at the end, "Love, Uncle Hikaru"
> see? easy
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] Just give her a list?
> you are being ridiculous again
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] I don't know how to talk to kids, Pavel.
> I will make it easy. Pretend she is a person.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] she is a person
> exactly. Children are like people, only shorter.
[Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.] okay, here goes
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
16.3.2260 10:25FST
Dear Jo,
So nice to hear from you. I have several varieties of orchids, a Japanese maple, an ornamental crabapple tree, an orsic fern, some daffodils, several varieties of hyacinth, and a ratana tree. The weeper belongs to Yeoman Rand, but she lets me take care of her.
Love,
Uncle Hikaru
---
To: Lt. Sulu, Hikaru W.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 10:36FST
Uncle Hikaru,
You mean Beauregard? I think she likes me, but Beauregard's a terrible name for a girl - even a girl plant. Who ever heard of a girl named Beauregard? What's the W. stand for in your name? Do you have a list of your plants? I think Savas might want the scientific names for them so he knows what we're talking about. Is it your job to look after the plants?
I can't wait 'til our sleepover. We'll have so much fun!
Love,
-Jo
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Lt. Uhura, N.
16.3.2260 11:19FST
Dear Jo,
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, sweetie. I'll answer your questions very briefly while I have a break and we can talk more later. I was born in Kenya in the United States of Africa, so we spoke both Swahili and Standard at home. I like all kinds of chocolate, especially chocolate mousse. I also like french fries.
My favorite thing to do when I was little was to sing with my mother. She'd come up with songs in as many languages as we could think of, but my favorite will always be "Beyond Antares." I used to know a Klingon song about a mighty warrior, but I don't know if I remember the whole thing now. I'll try to remember so I can sing it for you.
Spock says you're doing really well with your lessons - you should be proud. He's a good teacher and doesn't say that very often about his students.
I've got to get back to monitoring subspace now, but I'll see you after our shift.
Love,
-Aunt Nyota
I'll be back though it takes forever
Forever is just a day.
Forever is just another journey
Tomorrow a stop along the way
---
To: McCoy, Joanna R.
From: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
16.3.2260 11:22FST
Yaninka,
Sorry to take so long! Sometimes I must actually work! XD
Do not worry, I will teach you the letters. It will be easy, you will see. Why do you want to ask Riley about potatoes? I can tell you everything you need to know about potatoes. My favorite is pirozhki, but I do not know how to make them. I also like latkes for Chanukah. Riley will tell you that Irish potatoes are better than Russian potatoes. Do not believe him. Russian potatoes are much better, but if you want to ask him, write to Lt. Riley, Kevin T.
Remember - Russians make better potatoes! Do not let him fool you! He will try!
Hikaru is very excited about your visit and will tell you all about his plants this evening. I don't know anything about them.
Love,
-Дя́дя Павел
---
To: Ens. Chekov, Pavel A.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 11:28FST
Dyadya,
I'll remember, don't worry! Thanks.
I guess I'll see you at dinner.
Love,
-Yaninka
---
To: Lt. Riley, Kevin T.
From: McCoy, Joanna R.
16.3.2260 11:39FST
Dear Mr. Riley,
I hope I'm not bothering you, but my friend, Savas, wants to know about how to cook potatoes and cabbage. He wants to make Irish food for his family.
Thanks,
-Jo
---
Dear Savas,
Here's what I found out:
Uncle Hikaru's got some orchids, a Japanese maple, an ornamental crabapple tree, an orsic fern, some daffodils, several varieties of hyacinth, and a ratana tree -that's exactly what he said. He also takes care of Ms. Rand's weeper plant that she calls Beauregard even though it's a girl plant. I'll tell you more later when I find out more. I'm gonna ask him tonight.
Dyadya says that Russians make the best potatoes and that he likes pirozhki and latkes. I don't know what those are, but he says you eat latkes at Chanukah. He also calls me "Yaninka" which he says is my nickname. He told me what "neice" is in Russian but I can't spell it because it's in different letters that I don't know yet. He's going to read The Little Prince to me later. I've never read it before.
Aunt Nyota was born in Kenya in Africa and grew up speaking Swahili and Standard. She likes chocolate mousse and french fries. I don't think that's African food, but she said it was her favorite. She also said that her favorite thing to do as a little girl was to sing with her mama and that she knows songs in all different languages, even Klingon! Her favorite song is "Beyond Antares."
I haven't heard back from Mr. Riley and I forgot to ask Uncle Jim about Caesar, but what we watched was a Shakespeare play, so maybe if you watched that, you would know a little bit more. Oh! and you could ask Uncle Jim yourself! Why don't you write him a letter? I bet he'd be tickled to hear from you.
Live long and prosper,
-Jo
---
[UNN News Feed: 16 March, 2260]
>Comcast fined for negligence by FCC. Families of deceased colonists sue.
>Cerberus pathogen a mold-bacteria symbiote, point of origin unknown. Agricultural Affairs continue investigation.
>Spring training to begin at newly completed Winston Field for Cestus Comets. Gorn officials to attend first game.
>City of Chicago to "Paint the town green" in tomorrow's festivities, Mayor Daley states.
Part #34: Bones,
Part #36: Yaninka,