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Star Trek Chapter 27
Two days later, Revenge was about two-thirds of the way through Ferengi space. Justin was in the galley getting a cup of coffee when the hail came over the com system.
"Merchant vessel Cooper's Revenge, this is the Federation Star Ship Enterprise. Please come in."
Before he got through the hatch Carly had established the link.
"Daddy!" she squealed as Spock's image appeared on the screen.
Spock shook, like he had been slapped, and the Vulcans eyes got huge.
"Carly," he gasped, then looked down as he obviously fought to regain control. "It is..." he cleared his throat, "I am...very...pleased to see you ..."
"Oh god daddy," Carly dissolved into tears.
Justin glanced at the sensor screen. The Enterprise was approaching fast-warp 8-and before he could sit down it swung around on a parallel course and slowed to match Revenges speed.
"Carly, are you...well?" Spock asked.
"I'm so..."
Justin leaned into the conversation. "Captain Spock, I did not expect to see you so soon."
"Under the circumstances the Ferengi provided clearance for us to enter their space," Spock replied. "I assume all is well aboard your ship. At least, our sensors show no significant problems."
"We are fine," Justin replied. "Do you want us to beam over?"
"Yes. If you will establish a control link, Enterprise will monitor your ship. Admiral Kirk is most anxious to see you and, of course, I would like to see my daughter."
As soon as they materialized in Enterprises transporter room Carly ran toward her father, arms outstretched, and leapt off the platform to be caught in midair by Spock. He wrapped his arms around the child as she buried her face in his neck.
"Congratulations Justin," Kirk said as he came forward with his hand extended. "Most successful..."
Justin took his hand with a smile. "Thank you Admiral."
They both looked at Spock and Carly-Spock's back was too them and Carly was weeping into his shoulder. Then Kirk and Justin were shocked to see Spock's shoulders shudder as he put his hand on the back of her head, then pressed his face into her hair.
"Come to my ready room," Kirk said as he gestured toward the door.
They took two steps, then Kirk stopped and looked at the crewman standing at the transporter controls. "Chief, take a break," he said.
The Transporter Chief looked relieved and followed them out of the room.
A number of the crew were surprised to see Ambassador Spock walking through the ship holding hands with a little girl. She was talking adamantly, obviously very happy as he listened and nodded indulgently. She told him about Yoda, the battle over Tatooine, and her new friend, Leia.
"And how did you get along with Mr. Cooper?" Spock asked as they reached the door.
Carly suddenly calmed and looked up at her dad nervously.
They went into his stateroom and, after the door closed he turned to her.
"Daddy, I'm sorry..." she said as her voice trailed off.
Spock reached down and put his hand on the side of her head.
"May I?" he asked.
Carly closed her eyes and a tear squeezed out, then ran down her cheek. She nodded.
Spock barely touched her mind, then let go.
"I see," he said, then led her to a sofa and they sat down.
"Carly, what happened between you and Mr. Cooper was inevitable."
She looked up at her dad.
"I knew you were entering your first Pon Far, that's why you were going to Gupper 4."
"Huh?" Carly responded.
"You were going to meet your aunt, my sister, T'Keel there. It had been arranged that she would help you through. You, your grandparents, and she would be alone at their ranch, it's very isolated, and T'Keel would teach you the rituals and meditations of Pon Far."
"But daddy, you told me that...Pon Far was...like getting married."
"It is," Spock replied. Then he reached out and touched her mind again.
A look of astonishment spread across Carly's face. "That's why...why I've been feeling this way..."
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