“Yes, precautions in Pon Farr.”  Rhiana chuckled. 

Spock rose with dignity and addressed his daughter with Vulcan solemnity middle fingers parted.  “Live long and prosper, daughter of the stars.”

“Live long and prosper, Father.” Christina returned with bowed head.  She reveled in her father’s blessing.

                                             *****

Elizabeth K. Porter watched with awe as the starship gleamed in its bay.  This was her first command and the culmination of so many dreams. 

She did not need to turn to know whose footsteps approached from behind.  She would know her father’s steps anywhere. 

“She is still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.” Kirk said with reverence.

“I guess that’s why Mom refused to marry you.”  She returned unable to tear her eyes from the majestic beauty either.

Admiral Kirk was used to deference from his Starfleet Captains not wise cracks.  She was every bit his daughter.  While she was properly respectful in public she challenged his archaic notions of femininity.  He had been shocked and opposed to her application to Starfleet.  Not only did she wish to command a vessel she sought the most dangerous and challenging command of all, that of a Starship cruiser.

She entered the academy under her grandfather’s name and by the time she had completed basic training she was already marked for the command track.  She was first in her class and when as Admiral he stood face to face with the young cadet he had heard so much about he could only laugh as his chest filled with pride. 

Unprecedented short years later he had the honor of presenting her with her Captain’s stripes and tomorrow he would have the honor of seeing her Captain the re-commissioned USS Enterprise on its five year mission of exploration of the Einstein Curve.

She had more female conquests than he did and dismissed his concerns about her reputation as a Casanova.  “It didn’t harm your reputation as an officer, it won’t harm mine.”  That shut him up.  Still he wanted more for his daughter, he wanted her to have love other than for a ship no matter how beautiful. 

“Bette?”

“Yes, Dad.” She turned to face him at the unusual timbre of his baritone.

“Don’t let her rob you of love.”

“She is my love Dad.” She regarded him with surprise.

“I know” he understood the love of a captain for his…her ship.  “I mean one day the missions will end and she can’t hold you on those cold and lonely nights.”

“Until that day I can only focus on her.”  Bette replied.

He sighed and held her close.

                                             ***