As much as everyone enjoyed their extended time together, it had to come to an end. When Enterprise was ready, and almost unrecognizable to it's crew, they left Peter and Joanna to finish their studies at the academy.
The two cadets studied together often and had lunch together every day. They also compared notes on letters they got when Jim or the doctor, and occasionally other members of the crew, were able to send them.
"Sounds like they're having an interesting time. Alien explorers manifesting as a baby. Spock going back in time to rescue his younger self.. Fun times," Peter said.
"Yeah, and us just studying for finals."
"It's rough, but at least I've got a pretty girl for a study partner."
"Oh, you, flatterer you," Joanna said. Then she touched the back of her hand to her forehead and, in her best Georgia peach accent, said "I will surely succumb to your charms." She feigned swooning, letting her knees buckle.
Peter reflexively caught her. "Who's the one trying to be a charmer? You knew I wouldn't risk letting you fall. And what would someone think if they saw us in this position?"
As they sat down Joanna answered, "They'd just think you're living up to your name. You do have the same silver tongue that Uncle Jim is known for."
"Oh yes, the Kirk name. It made me some instant friends...and some instant enemies. Both on some high levels." He leaned in toward her. "One of my instructors is an Irishman named Finnegan."
Joanna's eyes went wide. "THAT Finnegan?"
Peter nodded. "Yes, that Finnegan. And he does remember Jim."
"Give you any trouble?" She asked.
He shook his head. "No, he's one of the best instructors I have."
She laughed, "Uncle Jim will be happy to hear that."
Eventually the Enterprise once again returned to Earth.
Peter and Joanna were now enjoying the company of family and friends in Jim's San Francisco apartment.
"I believe it is customary to offer congratulations in these circumstances," Spock said to Peter.
"Yes, it is Spock," Dr. McCoy said. "And graduating as Lieutenant Jr. Grade. Soon we'll have another Kirk out there saving the galaxy." He lifted his glass. "Congratulations my boy."
"Thank you, doctor. Or should I say." He cleared his throat. "Thanks Bones."
Eyebrows went up all over the room. "Did you practice that?" Uhura asked. "If I hadn't been looking, I would have thought the Admiral had said it."
"Maybe a little," Peter said.
In a mock pout Joanna said, "It's not fair you know. I started a year before you and I'm still not graduating."
Peter shrugged "You wanted to be a doctor."
"She'll be out there gallivanting around the cosmos with you soon enough." The elder McCoy said.
"Do you know vhat ship you vill be assigned to?" Checkov asked.
Kirk answered before Peter could say anything. "USS Sovereign. A Belknap class strike cruiser under the command of Captain Will Decker."
McCoy said, "Son of an old friend of yours. You didn't have anything to do with that assignment?"
"I take care of my own Bones," he added, "A lot easier to do when you accept assignment as commander of Starfleet Academy."
"Well looks like I'm not the only one due some congratulations," Peter said.
"It was one of the last things Nogura did before his retirement."
"I guess you're not the only one who takes care of his own," McCoy said.
Kirk nodded. "As for Enterprise, its being assigned to the academy as a training vessel. Starfleet says it's become a symbol, and they don't want to risk losing it on a mission."
"So, what better place for it than training and serving as a PR tool?" Peter asked.
"Exactly," The elder Kirk responded. He addressed his bridge officers. "Of course, I'm offering all of you teaching posts at the academy."
All of them accepted except one. "I vould like to accept but I've already been transferred to the Reliant."
Kirk nodded. "Reliant." He paused for a moment. "Avenger class if I'm not mistaken."
"That she is," Chekhov responded.
"Pop quiz Lt. Kirk." The Admiral addressed his nephew. "Rundown of the class."
"Heavy frigate. Max speed warp 8, emergency speed of warp 10. Crew of three hundred sixty. Able to carry up to two hundred fifty marines or other mission specific personnel as needed."
"Well done, Lieutenant," Kirk said. "Right out of the book."
"I never understood why we use old naval terminology for starships," Peter said. "The designations don't really apply."
"Many species, including humans, have an illogical attachment to tradition Lieutenant," Spock said.
"I suppose that's true," Peter said.
"And here's another tradition," Jim said. "I propose a toast: To friends and family."
They all raised their glasses. "Friends and family," they said in unison.
They continued to enjoy these last few days before they would go their separate ways.