Dear Daddy #1
Title: Dear Daddy
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy
Rating: All ages
Type: series #1/40
Warnings: none
Word Count: 3969
Summary: A series of letters to and from Joanna McCoy, Crossposted to kirk_mccoy
Dear Daddy,
Surprise!
Mama doesn't want me talkin' to you, but Uncle Chris is helpin' me. I just tell her I'm workin' on a top secret assignment with my penpal in California and she believes it. It ain't lyin, tho'. Uncle Chris just says it's "obfuscating the truth a bit" - he says it means to muddy the waters so's you can't see the fish. I just don't want you thinkin' that I'm lyin' to Mama 'cause I ain't. Uncle Chris says I'm helpin' him with a top secret mission to improve the morale of the fleet. Morale means "mood" - I looked it up. If he means that my letters make you happy, then I'm glad, too.
Uncle Chris has been real nice. He came to see me after you left to tell me you were alright and that's when we started our top secret mission. Mama didn't like it much, but he explained that I'd be talkin' to someone else with family up in space and that it was good for Starfleet and all, but I just talk to him and you, so I don't know if that's obfuscatin' or what. He shore didn't tell her who I was gonna talk to - said it was classified.
Daddy, I hated to see him in that old chair. I just wanted to fix him up. He told me you saved his life and fixed him up as best you could but them damn Romulans messed him up so bad there weren't nothin' could be done about it. Maybe I'll be a doctor when I'm grown up and figure out how to fix Uncle Chris's legs.
Love, Joanna
---
Dear Joanna,
Babydoll, it's so good to hear from you, even if it's just a text transmission. I miss seeing your pretty face, though. You're doing a fantastic job on your top secret mission. The morale of the fleet just improved by a lot. Your grumpy ol' daddy can't help but smile to think of you. I miss you so much.
How's Hippocrates? Does he miss me? Does he howl all night and keep you up?
There's a lot of scary stuff out here, but there's a lot of pretty stuff too. We passed by a big nebula the other day that I would swear looked like a pink and purple butterfly. I thought you might like a picture of it.
I'm so glad you wrote me, but baby, did you dictate your letter? And don't say "damn." That's a grownup word. Honey, next time you type it out - it'll help keep your mission top-secret anyway. Don't you dare quit writing me, though. Starfleet needs you.
Tell the Admiral I said thank you when you see him next. There's so much I want to tell you, so much I want to ask.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Yesterday, Luanne Campbell said that the captain of the Enterprise is an oversexed asshole, so I told her she was a dirty liar and punched her in the mouth. That's your ship, Daddy. Ain't nobody gonna insult your ship in front of me. Of course I had your med bag and patched her up after, just for spite. Before you worry, I took all the hypos out and there's just the dermal regenerator and an old broken tricorder in it now. Jezabel likes to ride in it, too, when I go on house calls to all my stuffed buddies. She's my nurse-bunny.
Sorry for saying "damn," but it's difficult to say "Romulan" without it. Morale is real bad here. I got in big trouble for hitting Luanne and Mama's got this boyfriend - who I hate. He wants to be my friend, but he ain't you and should get the hell outta our house. He sits in your chair and when Hippo growls at him for sitting in your chair, he gets a swat on the nose. That ain't right. He's just keeping it warm for you. Mama says you ain't coming home and I hate that, too. I just get so mad, Daddy, I wanna cuss and hit until I pass out.
I liked the pretty nebula you sent me a picture of. I'm having school pictures tomorrow and I'm going to wear the purple and green dress - my fancy one you got me. I'll send the picture to you when I get it.
Love,
-Joanna
---
Dear Jojo,
You sure got the McCoy temper and the McCoy mouth. Fortunately for you, it's part of your charm and you're adorable. Don't let your Mama hear you talking like that, though, she'll skin you alive. Your friend Luanne is right. The Captain is an oversexed asshole, but he's also my best friend and the best Starship captain there is. His name is Jim, maybe you'll meet him someday. He's really, deep down in there somewhere, a good guy. You'd be surprised how much you two have in common.
I'm sorry things are rough at home. It breaks my heart that I can't be there with you to make it better. Of all the things I left behind, I don't care about my chair or my coffee mugs or any of that stuff, but damn, I miss you.
I'm trying really hard not to be a grumpy ol' Daddy and believe it or not, Jim helps me with it - Spock, too. I argue a lot with them, but they don't mind at all - and Mr. Chekov. He's always excited about everything. He reminds me of you sometimes in a way that makes me smile. I want all of them to meet you and find out how wonderful and smart you are, how you're just like a McCoy.
If things get too rough at home, find a safe place to be and go there. Call your Uncle Chris if you need to, but only if it's an emergency. Admirals are busy people.
You look beautiful in that dress, Jojo. I'm going to have to come home, just so I can polish my phaser rifle on the front porch when boys come courtin'.
Love you, be good, mind your mama.
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Jojo's a baby name. And I don't want any stupid boys.
I hate school and I hate everyone in it. They're all dumb and I'm so bored with math, I can't even tell you. I got into another fight, this time with a boy. I don't even remember what he said, but it was about you and it made me so mad I couldn't see straight. Now I got a big ol' black eye and Mama took away my dermal regenerator. She took me to see Dr. White. I hate Dr. White, 'cause I don't think he even likes kids. Morale is all shitty all the time here - sorry for cussing, Daddy, but sometimes you just need to.
I hate everything. Mama's boyfriend is going to move in and I don't like him at all - I don't care if he's a vetrenarian. I don't care about his stupid horses, they stink and they bite. I don't care if his name's Peter and he wants to be my friend. He ain't my friend and he ain't my daddy.
Mama packed up all your clothes and sent them to the thrift store, but I saved your brown flannel one. I decided it was my shirt. It don't fit, but I don't care. It's like she's trying to get rid of everything that reminds her of you, but she won't ever be able to, not in a million years because I'm here. I've got half your DNA, so I'm half you, half Mama. See? As long as I'm here, she can't get be rid of you.
Love, Joanna
---
Dear Joanna,
Baby, I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I tried to make things work so you wouldn't have to go through this. I tried so hard. After your Papaw died, I just hurt so much. Your Mama wants what's best for you. She wants to provide for you and she's just doing the best she can. Just because it didn't work between your Mama and I doesn't mean we don't love you. We love every part of you. I wish I could tell you the hurt goes away, but I can't. It'll hurt hard, but you'll come through it. I know you will.
Listen, you've got to quit fighting and pay attention in school. You get your education and you can do anything, go anywhere in the galaxy. If you want to figure out how to fix The Admiral's legs or help someone that's sick, you have got to do well in school and follow the rules, even if you don't like them sometimes.
I don't want to fuss at you, darlin'. Aside from Jim, you're the only thing I've got left. I'm not even mad, I just miss you very much and wish I could be there to protect you. You'll find you can't hate everything all the time. You'll find something you can love and you'll hold onto it 'cause you're a mule-headed McCoy. I love you, sweetpea.
Love,
Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
I'm not very good at helping your morale, am I? I'm sorry I got into a fight with that boy. He stays away from me now 'cause he thinks I'm crazy. I'm trying real hard to be good, but it's all so frustrating and it never lets up. I'm going away to spend a week with Uncle Chris. There's a summer program I can go to at Starfleet Academy for kids whose mamas and daddies are off planet. Mama doesn't like it, but Uncle Chris convinced her. I don't think she likes him much, but she says he's "connected," whatever that means.
I just like him 'cause he tells funny stories and knows everything there is about spaceships.
Mama's making me go to a counselor. She's this huffy Betazed know-it-all and all she ever says is, "I'm sensing some hostility." Of course I got hostility! That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. Sometimes she says, "And how do you feel about that?" -which is also dumb, by the way, 'cause if she's Betazed, wouldn't she know how the hell I'm feeling?
School's all done. I made straight A's and Uncle Chris is coming tomorrow! I'm so excited!
Daddy, do you think it would be okay to send a letter to your friend Jim?
Love,
Joanna
---
Dear Jo,
As long as you can keep sending me letters, even if they're angry or sad letters, it helps my morale. I really wish I could have been there more for you before and I wish I could be there for you now, but we'll just make do, won't we pumpkin?
You're a smart kid and you know what? Psychologists always have a hell of a time treating the smart ones. I want you to be good for the Admiral, Jo. No cussing, you understand? You act like a lady and tell him "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir."
I asked the Captain, and he's very excited about it. Don't you cuss in front of him, either.
Have fun in San Francisco,
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Uncle Chris told me to quit it with the "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir." I argued with him about it and told him that my daddy told me to be respectful, but he argued right back. Uncle Chris knows lots of Vulcans. We're going horseback riding tomorrow and I don't know what else, but Uncle Chris said something about a fancy dinner. I brought my green and purple dress.
It's real nice here. Mrs. Pike let me have cake for breakfast. Mama never lets me have cake for breakfast. She says I can call her Aunt Vina. She's from Paris and she's real nice. She's pretty, too, and likes to fix my hair up.
Love,
-Jo
---
Dear Captain Jim,
My daddy said we had lots in common, so I thought I'd send you a letter. I don't see it, since you're not from Georgia and you're a boy besides, but I gotta find out anyway. They said lots of stuff about you on the news and Daddy says you're an oversexed asshole, but really a good person. I don't know what to believe, so I decided to find out for myself.
I guess I'd better tell you about me if I'm going to get any information from you. My name is Joanna Rose McCoy and I'm nine years old. I get straight A's in school because school is easy and my teachers are dumb. I wanna be a doctor like daddy when I grow up. I like ice cream, I hate carrots, and my favorite color is purple.
Sincerely,
Joanna McCoy
---
Hey, kiddo!
Your dad tells me that you're the most awesome kid ever, which is hard to believe because I thought I was the most awesome kid ever. I mean, I did save the planet - that's pretty awesome, right? And I am not either oversexed. How do you even know that word?!
Umm...I'm not sure what to say. My name is James Tiberius Kirk - don't laugh, Tiberius is an awesome name - and I'm twenty-five years old. I don't have to go to school anymore, but when I was in school I got straight A's. I thought all my teachers were dumb when I was your age, too. I wanna be a Starship captain when I grow up and since I am one, I think that's pretty fu- um, that's pretty cool. Next time we're on Earth, maybe I'll let you sit in my chair or Mr. Sulu can show you how to drive it. You'd like the Enterprise. I still haven't pushed all the buttons yet.
I like ice cream and I don't mind carrots too much, but I can't stand lima beans. :P Blech. My favorite color is green. I once knew this girl who was green with red hair, but I won't tell you that story 'til you're much older.
If you're anything like your dad, you'll be the best doctor ever - in the whole universe. Believe me, I've looked, and there's nobody better than your dad. I wouldn't want anyone else as my Chief Medical Officer or my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without your dad. I can't wait to meet you.
Love,
Uncle Jim
---
Dear Jo,
How are things at the Admiral's? Are you being good? Do you have enough insect repellent? Don't eat too much junk food.
I gotta go, I love you, darlin',
-Daddy
---
Dear Uncle Jim,
You can't be the awesomest kid ever because you're a grownup. Geez, Uncle Jim, I'm a kid, not an idiot and I know lots of words. My daddy doesn't want me to cuss too much, though. Uncle Chris tells me lots of stories about you and a lot of them are about you fighting somebody or another. Did you fight a lot when you were a kid? I fight a lot. I punched Luanne Campbell right in the mouth, but she deserved it 'cause even though Daddy says you're an oversexed asshole, he's your best friend and stupid Luanne Campbell ain't.
I had a fancy dinner with Uncle Chris last night and there was this old Vulcan lady named Tapow. She says Vulcans got feelings, real big feelings, and they have to work real hard to control them because if you let your emotions out too much, you might hurt somebody and not mean it or you might make bad decisions 'cause you weren't thinking. She says that logic gives 'em peace. I might look into that 'cause I got real big feelings, too, and I could use some peace. Once I knew that, I liked her right away 'cause that means she's like I am.
Yours,
-Joanna
Dear Daddy,
I went to a fancy dinner last night with Uncle Chris and an old Vulcan lady named Tapow. I liked her.
We did go horseback riding and we got to meet all kinds of people from everywhere in the Federation. We learned about what the Federation does, something about keeping the peace and stuff. Anyway, there was a part where we talked about what it's like to have a Mama or Daddy in space. Lots of kids cried, but I didn't. I hate talking about my feelings because it doesn't help. It was dumb. Miss Tapow says that logic gives them peace and I might try that instead.
We all got red Junior Cadet shirts and ice cream and tomorrow we're going to learn about Vulcans.
Love,
-Jo
---
What's up, kiddo?
Oh. My. God. You got to meet T'Pau?! I am so jealous. T'Pau is like...the ultimate ROCKSTAR of all Vulcans - of anyone ever. She's bigger than Elvis! She's the only person ever to turn down a seat on the Federation Council, that's how awesome she is. Wow! I was going to say something clever about logic and emotions, but now I can't get over the fact that you met T'Pau. Maybe you should talk to Mr. Spock about the logic thing.
Yeah, I used to fight a lot. I don't recommend it. You've got brains, kid, and you should use those instead of your fists if you want to be a doctor like your dad - not that I don't appreciate you defending my honor, because I do. Next time, you tell Luanne Campbell she's just jealous of your friend Captain James T. Kirk, because he's got the coolest job in the Federation.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but there were these scaly brown lizard people. Long story short, the only part of their culture they wanted to share with us was pointy on one end. Not to worry, though, your dad patched me up. He's got good hands.
Love,
-Uncle Jim.
---
Dear Jo,
Sorry I had to end my transmission so quickly, but your Uncle Jim had a run-in with a spear and some angry natives. He's just lucky it wasn't poisoned. One of these days, I won't be able to fix him and I don't know what I'll do. I stitched him up and put him on bed rest for a day, but getting him to actually rest is darn near impossible.
I am impressed with you. My baby girl is becoming a regular diplomat. I treated T'Pau when she was on the Enterprise, but didn't get much chance to talk with her. Jim acted like a teenager at a concert when he learned she was on board and was almost too nervous to greet her. I imagine that's the first and last time I'll ever see Jim Kirk being shy.
Anyway, I don't understand why anyone would want to suppress their emotions. I've heard Commander Spock talk about it enough and I argue all the time that a person needs their emotions. It's what makes us human. But what's more important to me is that you're healthy, both mentally and physically. Babydoll, you take whatever medicine works, even if it's Vulcan logic. I worry about you, sweetheart, and I miss you every day.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Did you know that Vulcan kids dance? We had plomeek soup for lunch and we learned all about what Vulcan kids do. They used to have these big ol' bowls to learn in instead of classrooms with teachers. I think I'd feel like a piece of cereal or something. Anyway, they taught us about logic and meditation and there was a Vulcan boy who let me touch his ears. He didn't let anyone else, just me. Vulcans are touch-telepaths and he said it would be too weird if everyone did it. He kinda turned green when I did it and I thought he was gonna throw up on me, so I quit, though come to think of it, they did say something about green blood, so maybe he was blushing. Do Vulcans blush, Daddy? Anyway, his name is Savas and he's coming to Uncle Chris's house to play chess later. He said I was real good at meditation - except he said it his own way. I like how he talks.
We're learning about Andorians tomorrow.
Love,
-Jo
---
Dear Uncle Jim,
You're so weird. Miss T'Pau was real nice, but there ain't no reason to get all worked up over it. I met a Vulcan boy today and he let me touch his ears. His name was Savas. I think it made him blush 'cause his face turned real green. Either that or he was gonna throw up on me. I couldn't tell. Anyway, we ate plomeek soup and learned about meditation. Everyone was all fidgety like a bunch of babies, but I sat real still and concentrated, just like we were told. Savas said I did "admirably." He also asked if we could play chess later and when I said I didn't know how, he said he'd show me. I asked Uncle Chris and he said it was alright. Tomorrow we're going to meet some Andorians.
Yours,
-Joanna
---
Dear Jo,
If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Vulcan boy was sweet on you. I can't say as I've ever seen a Vulcan blush and Mr. Spock would deny it outright. It sounds like you're having a grand ol' time at the Academy and I hope you're being good for the Admiral. I've known some Andorians. They're an interesting people - high metabolic rate, adapted to cold environs, antennae for balance. I could go on, but I'm sure you'll hear all about it tomorrow. We'll be traveling out of subspace range for a couple of weeks, so this will be my last letter for a while. Jim is taking the ship to where no human has ever been and there's no telling what we'll find. I thought Mr. Chekov was going to burst. He can't wait to see new stars. I have to admit I'm both excited and a little scared, though I feel safer knowing Jim is here with me. I don't know why, but I do.
Eat your vegetables, mind the Admiral, mind your mama, and don't stay up too late reading. I tell Jim almost the same thing every day and it makes me think of you. Just about everything makes me think of you. I miss you and I love you.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Hey kiddo,
I think Savas likes you. You're too young to be kissing boys, though, so make sure he keeps his hands to himself. Vulcans give smooches with their fingers - it's weird, I know, but I've seen them do it. And he'll try to ply you with logic, so don't let him. The McCoy charm is legendary and dangerous and as pretty as you are, you'll have to be extra careful. If I have to, I'll come back to Earth to keep the boys away, but from what I've heard, you can take care of yourself. You just keep your Uncle Jim informed.
Your dad won't admit it, but when we were in the Academy, all the girls thought he was... uh... well, a lot of them wanted to give him smooches. I had to beat them off with a stick for his own safety and well-being. I must admit that I was a little jealous.
Anyway, I won't be able to send or receive any messages for a little while. I'm taking us out into uncharted space and out of subspace range for a couple weeks, but don't worry. I'll tell you all about it in a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll meet some new people or discover a new planetary system! There's no telling what's out there and being the first humans to find stuff out here... Mr. Chekov says it's like Christmas, but I think it's much better. I think he's even more excited than I am, if you can believe it.
I'll keep your dad safe. He means a lot to me.
Love,
-Uncle Jim
Part 2: Dear Leonard,
Author: jessofthebugs
Disclaimer: O, I have bought the mansion of a love, /But not posess'd it.
Pairing: Kirk/McCoy
Rating: All ages
Type: series #1/40
Warnings: none
Word Count: 3969
Summary: A series of letters to and from Joanna McCoy, Crossposted to kirk_mccoy
Dear Daddy,
Surprise!
Mama doesn't want me talkin' to you, but Uncle Chris is helpin' me. I just tell her I'm workin' on a top secret assignment with my penpal in California and she believes it. It ain't lyin, tho'. Uncle Chris just says it's "obfuscating the truth a bit" - he says it means to muddy the waters so's you can't see the fish. I just don't want you thinkin' that I'm lyin' to Mama 'cause I ain't. Uncle Chris says I'm helpin' him with a top secret mission to improve the morale of the fleet. Morale means "mood" - I looked it up. If he means that my letters make you happy, then I'm glad, too.
Uncle Chris has been real nice. He came to see me after you left to tell me you were alright and that's when we started our top secret mission. Mama didn't like it much, but he explained that I'd be talkin' to someone else with family up in space and that it was good for Starfleet and all, but I just talk to him and you, so I don't know if that's obfuscatin' or what. He shore didn't tell her who I was gonna talk to - said it was classified.
Daddy, I hated to see him in that old chair. I just wanted to fix him up. He told me you saved his life and fixed him up as best you could but them damn Romulans messed him up so bad there weren't nothin' could be done about it. Maybe I'll be a doctor when I'm grown up and figure out how to fix Uncle Chris's legs.
Love, Joanna
---
Dear Joanna,
Babydoll, it's so good to hear from you, even if it's just a text transmission. I miss seeing your pretty face, though. You're doing a fantastic job on your top secret mission. The morale of the fleet just improved by a lot. Your grumpy ol' daddy can't help but smile to think of you. I miss you so much.
How's Hippocrates? Does he miss me? Does he howl all night and keep you up?
There's a lot of scary stuff out here, but there's a lot of pretty stuff too. We passed by a big nebula the other day that I would swear looked like a pink and purple butterfly. I thought you might like a picture of it.
I'm so glad you wrote me, but baby, did you dictate your letter? And don't say "damn." That's a grownup word. Honey, next time you type it out - it'll help keep your mission top-secret anyway. Don't you dare quit writing me, though. Starfleet needs you.
Tell the Admiral I said thank you when you see him next. There's so much I want to tell you, so much I want to ask.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Yesterday, Luanne Campbell said that the captain of the Enterprise is an oversexed asshole, so I told her she was a dirty liar and punched her in the mouth. That's your ship, Daddy. Ain't nobody gonna insult your ship in front of me. Of course I had your med bag and patched her up after, just for spite. Before you worry, I took all the hypos out and there's just the dermal regenerator and an old broken tricorder in it now. Jezabel likes to ride in it, too, when I go on house calls to all my stuffed buddies. She's my nurse-bunny.
Sorry for saying "damn," but it's difficult to say "Romulan" without it. Morale is real bad here. I got in big trouble for hitting Luanne and Mama's got this boyfriend - who I hate. He wants to be my friend, but he ain't you and should get the hell outta our house. He sits in your chair and when Hippo growls at him for sitting in your chair, he gets a swat on the nose. That ain't right. He's just keeping it warm for you. Mama says you ain't coming home and I hate that, too. I just get so mad, Daddy, I wanna cuss and hit until I pass out.
I liked the pretty nebula you sent me a picture of. I'm having school pictures tomorrow and I'm going to wear the purple and green dress - my fancy one you got me. I'll send the picture to you when I get it.
Love,
-Joanna
---
Dear Jojo,
You sure got the McCoy temper and the McCoy mouth. Fortunately for you, it's part of your charm and you're adorable. Don't let your Mama hear you talking like that, though, she'll skin you alive. Your friend Luanne is right. The Captain is an oversexed asshole, but he's also my best friend and the best Starship captain there is. His name is Jim, maybe you'll meet him someday. He's really, deep down in there somewhere, a good guy. You'd be surprised how much you two have in common.
I'm sorry things are rough at home. It breaks my heart that I can't be there with you to make it better. Of all the things I left behind, I don't care about my chair or my coffee mugs or any of that stuff, but damn, I miss you.
I'm trying really hard not to be a grumpy ol' Daddy and believe it or not, Jim helps me with it - Spock, too. I argue a lot with them, but they don't mind at all - and Mr. Chekov. He's always excited about everything. He reminds me of you sometimes in a way that makes me smile. I want all of them to meet you and find out how wonderful and smart you are, how you're just like a McCoy.
If things get too rough at home, find a safe place to be and go there. Call your Uncle Chris if you need to, but only if it's an emergency. Admirals are busy people.
You look beautiful in that dress, Jojo. I'm going to have to come home, just so I can polish my phaser rifle on the front porch when boys come courtin'.
Love you, be good, mind your mama.
-Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
Jojo's a baby name. And I don't want any stupid boys.
I hate school and I hate everyone in it. They're all dumb and I'm so bored with math, I can't even tell you. I got into another fight, this time with a boy. I don't even remember what he said, but it was about you and it made me so mad I couldn't see straight. Now I got a big ol' black eye and Mama took away my dermal regenerator. She took me to see Dr. White. I hate Dr. White, 'cause I don't think he even likes kids. Morale is all shitty all the time here - sorry for cussing, Daddy, but sometimes you just need to.
I hate everything. Mama's boyfriend is going to move in and I don't like him at all - I don't care if he's a vetrenarian. I don't care about his stupid horses, they stink and they bite. I don't care if his name's Peter and he wants to be my friend. He ain't my friend and he ain't my daddy.
Mama packed up all your clothes and sent them to the thrift store, but I saved your brown flannel one. I decided it was my shirt. It don't fit, but I don't care. It's like she's trying to get rid of everything that reminds her of you, but she won't ever be able to, not in a million years because I'm here. I've got half your DNA, so I'm half you, half Mama. See? As long as I'm here, she can't get be rid of you.
Love, Joanna
---
Dear Joanna,
Baby, I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I tried to make things work so you wouldn't have to go through this. I tried so hard. After your Papaw died, I just hurt so much. Your Mama wants what's best for you. She wants to provide for you and she's just doing the best she can. Just because it didn't work between your Mama and I doesn't mean we don't love you. We love every part of you. I wish I could tell you the hurt goes away, but I can't. It'll hurt hard, but you'll come through it. I know you will.
Listen, you've got to quit fighting and pay attention in school. You get your education and you can do anything, go anywhere in the galaxy. If you want to figure out how to fix The Admiral's legs or help someone that's sick, you have got to do well in school and follow the rules, even if you don't like them sometimes.
I don't want to fuss at you, darlin'. Aside from Jim, you're the only thing I've got left. I'm not even mad, I just miss you very much and wish I could be there to protect you. You'll find you can't hate everything all the time. You'll find something you can love and you'll hold onto it 'cause you're a mule-headed McCoy. I love you, sweetpea.
Love,
Daddy
---
Dear Daddy,
I'm not very good at helping your morale, am I? I'm sorry I got into a fight with that boy. He stays away from me now 'cause he thinks I'm crazy. I'm trying real hard to be good, but it's all so frustrating and it never lets up. I'm going away to spend a week with Uncle Chris. There's a summer program I can go to at Starfleet Academy for kids whose mamas and daddies are off planet. Mama doesn't like it, but Uncle Chris convinced her. I don't think she likes him much, but she says he's "connected," whatever that means.
I just like him 'cause he tells funny stories and knows everything there is about spaceships.
Mama's making me go to a counselor. She's this huffy Betazed know-it-all and all she ever says is, "I'm sensing some hostility." Of course I got hostility! That's the dumbest thing I ever heard. Sometimes she says, "And how do you feel about that?" -which is also dumb, by the way, 'cause if she's Betazed, wouldn't she know how the hell I'm feeling?
School's all done. I made straight A's and Uncle Chris is coming tomorrow! I'm so excited!
Daddy, do you think it would be okay to send a letter to your friend Jim?
Love,
Joanna
---
Dear Jo,
As long as you can keep sending me letters, even if they're angry or sad letters, it helps my morale. I really wish I could have been there more for you before and I wish I could be there for you now, but we'll just make do, won't we pumpkin?
You're a smart kid and you know what? Psychologists always have a hell of a time treating the smart ones. I want you to be good for the Admiral, Jo. No cussing, you understand? You act like a lady and tell him "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir."
I asked the Captain, and he's very excited about it. Don't you cuss in front of him, either.
Have fun in San Francisco,
Love,
-Daddy
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Dear Daddy,
Uncle Chris told me to quit it with the "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir." I argued with him about it and told him that my daddy told me to be respectful, but he argued right back. Uncle Chris knows lots of Vulcans. We're going horseback riding tomorrow and I don't know what else, but Uncle Chris said something about a fancy dinner. I brought my green and purple dress.
It's real nice here. Mrs. Pike let me have cake for breakfast. Mama never lets me have cake for breakfast. She says I can call her Aunt Vina. She's from Paris and she's real nice. She's pretty, too, and likes to fix my hair up.
Love,
-Jo
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Dear Captain Jim,
My daddy said we had lots in common, so I thought I'd send you a letter. I don't see it, since you're not from Georgia and you're a boy besides, but I gotta find out anyway. They said lots of stuff about you on the news and Daddy says you're an oversexed asshole, but really a good person. I don't know what to believe, so I decided to find out for myself.
I guess I'd better tell you about me if I'm going to get any information from you. My name is Joanna Rose McCoy and I'm nine years old. I get straight A's in school because school is easy and my teachers are dumb. I wanna be a doctor like daddy when I grow up. I like ice cream, I hate carrots, and my favorite color is purple.
Sincerely,
Joanna McCoy
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Hey, kiddo!
Your dad tells me that you're the most awesome kid ever, which is hard to believe because I thought I was the most awesome kid ever. I mean, I did save the planet - that's pretty awesome, right? And I am not either oversexed. How do you even know that word?!
Umm...I'm not sure what to say. My name is James Tiberius Kirk - don't laugh, Tiberius is an awesome name - and I'm twenty-five years old. I don't have to go to school anymore, but when I was in school I got straight A's. I thought all my teachers were dumb when I was your age, too. I wanna be a Starship captain when I grow up and since I am one, I think that's pretty fu- um, that's pretty cool. Next time we're on Earth, maybe I'll let you sit in my chair or Mr. Sulu can show you how to drive it. You'd like the Enterprise. I still haven't pushed all the buttons yet.
I like ice cream and I don't mind carrots too much, but I can't stand lima beans. :P Blech. My favorite color is green. I once knew this girl who was green with red hair, but I won't tell you that story 'til you're much older.
If you're anything like your dad, you'll be the best doctor ever - in the whole universe. Believe me, I've looked, and there's nobody better than your dad. I wouldn't want anyone else as my Chief Medical Officer or my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without your dad. I can't wait to meet you.
Love,
Uncle Jim
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Dear Jo,
How are things at the Admiral's? Are you being good? Do you have enough insect repellent? Don't eat too much junk food.
I gotta go, I love you, darlin',
-Daddy
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Dear Uncle Jim,
You can't be the awesomest kid ever because you're a grownup. Geez, Uncle Jim, I'm a kid, not an idiot and I know lots of words. My daddy doesn't want me to cuss too much, though. Uncle Chris tells me lots of stories about you and a lot of them are about you fighting somebody or another. Did you fight a lot when you were a kid? I fight a lot. I punched Luanne Campbell right in the mouth, but she deserved it 'cause even though Daddy says you're an oversexed asshole, he's your best friend and stupid Luanne Campbell ain't.
I had a fancy dinner with Uncle Chris last night and there was this old Vulcan lady named Tapow. She says Vulcans got feelings, real big feelings, and they have to work real hard to control them because if you let your emotions out too much, you might hurt somebody and not mean it or you might make bad decisions 'cause you weren't thinking. She says that logic gives 'em peace. I might look into that 'cause I got real big feelings, too, and I could use some peace. Once I knew that, I liked her right away 'cause that means she's like I am.
Yours,
-Joanna
Dear Daddy,
I went to a fancy dinner last night with Uncle Chris and an old Vulcan lady named Tapow. I liked her.
We did go horseback riding and we got to meet all kinds of people from everywhere in the Federation. We learned about what the Federation does, something about keeping the peace and stuff. Anyway, there was a part where we talked about what it's like to have a Mama or Daddy in space. Lots of kids cried, but I didn't. I hate talking about my feelings because it doesn't help. It was dumb. Miss Tapow says that logic gives them peace and I might try that instead.
We all got red Junior Cadet shirts and ice cream and tomorrow we're going to learn about Vulcans.
Love,
-Jo
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What's up, kiddo?
Oh. My. God. You got to meet T'Pau?! I am so jealous. T'Pau is like...the ultimate ROCKSTAR of all Vulcans - of anyone ever. She's bigger than Elvis! She's the only person ever to turn down a seat on the Federation Council, that's how awesome she is. Wow! I was going to say something clever about logic and emotions, but now I can't get over the fact that you met T'Pau. Maybe you should talk to Mr. Spock about the logic thing.
Yeah, I used to fight a lot. I don't recommend it. You've got brains, kid, and you should use those instead of your fists if you want to be a doctor like your dad - not that I don't appreciate you defending my honor, because I do. Next time, you tell Luanne Campbell she's just jealous of your friend Captain James T. Kirk, because he's got the coolest job in the Federation.
Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but there were these scaly brown lizard people. Long story short, the only part of their culture they wanted to share with us was pointy on one end. Not to worry, though, your dad patched me up. He's got good hands.
Love,
-Uncle Jim.
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Dear Jo,
Sorry I had to end my transmission so quickly, but your Uncle Jim had a run-in with a spear and some angry natives. He's just lucky it wasn't poisoned. One of these days, I won't be able to fix him and I don't know what I'll do. I stitched him up and put him on bed rest for a day, but getting him to actually rest is darn near impossible.
I am impressed with you. My baby girl is becoming a regular diplomat. I treated T'Pau when she was on the Enterprise, but didn't get much chance to talk with her. Jim acted like a teenager at a concert when he learned she was on board and was almost too nervous to greet her. I imagine that's the first and last time I'll ever see Jim Kirk being shy.
Anyway, I don't understand why anyone would want to suppress their emotions. I've heard Commander Spock talk about it enough and I argue all the time that a person needs their emotions. It's what makes us human. But what's more important to me is that you're healthy, both mentally and physically. Babydoll, you take whatever medicine works, even if it's Vulcan logic. I worry about you, sweetheart, and I miss you every day.
Love,
-Daddy
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Dear Daddy,
Did you know that Vulcan kids dance? We had plomeek soup for lunch and we learned all about what Vulcan kids do. They used to have these big ol' bowls to learn in instead of classrooms with teachers. I think I'd feel like a piece of cereal or something. Anyway, they taught us about logic and meditation and there was a Vulcan boy who let me touch his ears. He didn't let anyone else, just me. Vulcans are touch-telepaths and he said it would be too weird if everyone did it. He kinda turned green when I did it and I thought he was gonna throw up on me, so I quit, though come to think of it, they did say something about green blood, so maybe he was blushing. Do Vulcans blush, Daddy? Anyway, his name is Savas and he's coming to Uncle Chris's house to play chess later. He said I was real good at meditation - except he said it his own way. I like how he talks.
We're learning about Andorians tomorrow.
Love,
-Jo
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Dear Uncle Jim,
You're so weird. Miss T'Pau was real nice, but there ain't no reason to get all worked up over it. I met a Vulcan boy today and he let me touch his ears. His name was Savas. I think it made him blush 'cause his face turned real green. Either that or he was gonna throw up on me. I couldn't tell. Anyway, we ate plomeek soup and learned about meditation. Everyone was all fidgety like a bunch of babies, but I sat real still and concentrated, just like we were told. Savas said I did "admirably." He also asked if we could play chess later and when I said I didn't know how, he said he'd show me. I asked Uncle Chris and he said it was alright. Tomorrow we're going to meet some Andorians.
Yours,
-Joanna
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Dear Jo,
If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Vulcan boy was sweet on you. I can't say as I've ever seen a Vulcan blush and Mr. Spock would deny it outright. It sounds like you're having a grand ol' time at the Academy and I hope you're being good for the Admiral. I've known some Andorians. They're an interesting people - high metabolic rate, adapted to cold environs, antennae for balance. I could go on, but I'm sure you'll hear all about it tomorrow. We'll be traveling out of subspace range for a couple of weeks, so this will be my last letter for a while. Jim is taking the ship to where no human has ever been and there's no telling what we'll find. I thought Mr. Chekov was going to burst. He can't wait to see new stars. I have to admit I'm both excited and a little scared, though I feel safer knowing Jim is here with me. I don't know why, but I do.
Eat your vegetables, mind the Admiral, mind your mama, and don't stay up too late reading. I tell Jim almost the same thing every day and it makes me think of you. Just about everything makes me think of you. I miss you and I love you.
Love,
-Daddy
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Hey kiddo,
I think Savas likes you. You're too young to be kissing boys, though, so make sure he keeps his hands to himself. Vulcans give smooches with their fingers - it's weird, I know, but I've seen them do it. And he'll try to ply you with logic, so don't let him. The McCoy charm is legendary and dangerous and as pretty as you are, you'll have to be extra careful. If I have to, I'll come back to Earth to keep the boys away, but from what I've heard, you can take care of yourself. You just keep your Uncle Jim informed.
Your dad won't admit it, but when we were in the Academy, all the girls thought he was... uh... well, a lot of them wanted to give him smooches. I had to beat them off with a stick for his own safety and well-being. I must admit that I was a little jealous.
Anyway, I won't be able to send or receive any messages for a little while. I'm taking us out into uncharted space and out of subspace range for a couple weeks, but don't worry. I'll tell you all about it in a couple of weeks. Maybe we'll meet some new people or discover a new planetary system! There's no telling what's out there and being the first humans to find stuff out here... Mr. Chekov says it's like Christmas, but I think it's much better. I think he's even more excited than I am, if you can believe it.
I'll keep your dad safe. He means a lot to me.
Love,
-Uncle Jim
Part 2: Dear Leonard,