Chapter Text
From: Starfleet Command
To: James T. Kirk, Ph.D.
Subject: Proposal Approved
Dr Kirk,
We are happy to inform you that your grant proposal (re Project V-Beta II) has been processed and approved by the board. The Starfleet Science Division looks forward to cooperating with you in this undertaking.
It is our understanding that your last expedition to Vulcan has resulted in the acquisition of dilithium at an estimated value of 5 233 450 credits. In light of this development, Starfleet has decided to cooperate with the TerraPower Syndicate to fund your planned research project.
Details of this intended cooperation will follow.
Admiral J. Komack, Operations Division
From: [email protected]
Subject: YES!
Hey Bones,
Just got the news, the proposal’s been approved! They’ll fund a new research station that’s permanently staffed, including a medical team – yes, that means you get to stay on that hot hellhole of a planet. I know you won’t be the only one happy to hear that ;).
Oh, and they’ve found an official title for Spock - ‘indigenous representative’. Now don’t pull that face (I know you are!). It makes the board happy, and he can keep on helping us out like he’s been doing, anyway.
How are things back at the camp? Did you manage to contact the Forest Clan as we planned? If you did, make sure to send me those language files! I know, the approval means I’ll be back in a few months, but I need the files for my book now, so don’t forget, Bones, ok?
Oh, and one more thing – Pike’s not coming back. He signed up for an archiving project (desk job), says he wants to spend some time planet side. So don’t kill me or anything, but Starfleet’s given me command of the new station. Enterprise, they’re calling it. As long as they fund our research as promised, they can give it any fancy name they like, I guess.
Gotta get going, Bones – don’t forget those files!
See you on Vulcan :)!
Jim
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: YES!
Attached: lang.file.forestcl.alpha, lang.file.forestcl.beta
Jim,
Files are in the attachment – Spock managed to record about twenty-five different speakers. Hope it helps; he busted his ass getting them to talk, those Forest Clan folks are as close-mouthed as Aldebaran shellmouths.
I guess congratulations are in order. Got some Saurian brandy for when you get back, to drink to your promotion and the approval. Good to hear we’re not closing shop, even if it is hot as hell down here.
Spock’s got a gift for you, out of gratitude and to honor you as our new leader, he says. I’m not telling you what it is, only this – turns out I-Chaya is not too old to be a mom, and one of the cubs was born with white fur. A lucky omen, or so the Vulcans say. Anyway, Tiberius is waiting for you at the camp :).
T’Pau was back a few days ago to give us an update (and see her great-grandson, though she’d never say so). As you know, Spock and the Elders have been helping us distribute the serum to uncontacted clans in the area. Looks like Sarek played a major role in convincing them that it’s medicine and not ‘spirit poison’; that one’s got some real diplomatic talent, even T’Les admits it. Anyway, people are getting better, and there haven’t been any reports of new outbreaks in six weeks.
I know you love gossip, so here goes: T’Pring got married again. Her new second husband’s only seventeen years old, a boy from the Suk-tauk Clan, and Stonn… well, you can imagine. He refused to attend the wedding ceremony, and shouted at T’Pring until she used her belt on him. Can’t see that going well in the long run.
Spock’s had some news too. Yes, it is what you think. After you talked to her at that linguists’ conference, Grayson got in touch. Spock’s been rather quiet these days. I believe he’s trying to figure out what to do. Whatever he decides, he knows I’ll support him in it.
That’s it for now, I guess.
We’ll see you soon, ‘Captain’ Kirk (I know you like the sound of that!).
Best,
Leonard
From: [email protected]
Subject: Greetings
Attached: picture file: s’chn.t’gai.spock
Professor Grayson,
I am composing this letter with the help of my friend McCoy, as I am not quite familiar with your alphabet and your messaging devices yet. He is recording my words as they are spoken.
My lady, I have received your message and wish to thank you for it. I also received your apology and accept it most willingly, although there is no need for it. After years of silence, my father has finally spoken to me about you, and the circumstances of your acquaintance and departure. He told me of the time the two of you spent together on my world, that my birth was neither expected nor thought possible. Despite all difficulties, he remembers you fondly, so why should I bear a grudge? My father has always proven to have exceptionally good judgment.
You expressed the wish to know what I looked like. McCoy has made a picture of me as I stand next to my father’s sehlat I-Chaya and her cubs. He is sending it to you with this message. He also showed me a picture of you. We do not look very similar, although it seems that I have inherited your eyes.
My lady, you have asked my permission to come to my world and see me. It is not Vulcan custom for a woman to seek a man’s approval of her decisions, but McCoy assures me that it is appropriate in this situation. My answer is yes. I would like for you to come and see me, and I would like to show you where I live and work and learn.
It would be an honor.
Your son
S’ch’n T’Gai Spock
The End…