Estranged Relations

Epilogue:

Christmas Journal Entry:

It has been nine months since my adventure with dad. We had our hiatus from space and found out we really do have a lot in common. We both like to ride horses and play strategy games. We also like the same color and music.

Upon our return to Earth, I did have to go before Starfleet and give the account of my actions. I thought they would charge me with theft, but a Vulcan my father has known for years, stood up in my behalf. He told the board that the love of a daughter for her father should be more than enough evidence to prove I was only trying to do the right thing. He told them he felt that it had taken enormous amounts of bravery for me to confront my captor again. The board agreed with Tuvok's logic and I was found not guilty. I was allowed to apply for Starfleet and have been accepted upon my graduation from high school next year. Grandpa Picard has retired, so I'm going to stay with him during the school year. Dad said he would come visit as much as possible while I finish my schooling on Earth.

Grandpa Picard insisted we spend the Christmas holidays with him at the family vineyard. We have been here a couple of months now. The entire estate is beautiful and I've been allowed to explore every nook and cranny I can find. Grandma and Grandpa Clearwater joined us about a week ago and we have had more family arrive since then.

We had a wonderful Christmas. We shared family stories, we burned the Yule log and all of us were required to sing Christmas carols. I never knew how beautifully my father and grandfather could sing, but they sang 'O Holy Night' at midnight on Christmas Eve and it touched my heart and filled my soul with pride. Dad even surprised me by trying to give me a Christmas rap. He was so funny.

Today I received a gift from the Doctor. I've never received anything from him in the past so this really came as a surprise. He told me that he had saved this gift until I was old enough and after what I'd been through over the past year, he knew I was ready. They were little data chips. I looked at them in wonder and after the Doctor told me they were my mother's personal logs I couldn't wait to play them.

At first they were just typical day to day logs my mother had kept while aboard Voyager. She still looked Romulan and was very excited about expecting me. She worried a lot about dad and wondered if the shock we had received would hurt me in anyway. She was really bored and wondered if she would see my father again. She seemed to almost be in a depression at one point. She mentioned several times about how she hoped I was a girl, but that she knew dad wanted a boy.

Then there were entries of all of us as a family. Seeing how much they loved each other and me made me cry. I watched all of the entries and was very grateful to the Doctor for my gift.

As I put away the last of the chips, I realized I wasn't in my room alone anymore. I turned and saw dad sitting on my bed with tears gently flowing down his face. He looked up and said "Kat, I never knew your mom had a journal. I want you to know that no matter how cruel I was to your mother at first that I did grow to love her more than anything. He then told me about his life. It amazes me that he decided to keep his first name as Shinzon instead of Lee, but now I understand that he wanted the constant reminder of who he was so that he would never become him again.

Dad told me that I was a blessing, and that I meant everything to him and to my mother. I knew the tears were freely flowing down my face. I went over to him and hugged him as tight as I could. He started to weep more loudly and hugged me back. He raised his face and kissed me on the forehead and cheeks like he has always done. I use to hate that, but I know he is telling me that I will always be first in his life.

Dad and Alura have talked about the events and dad forgave her. They are best friends now and she has a job at one of the local schools here on Earth.

Towards the end of Christmas Day, Grandpa gathered all of the Clearwaters and Picard's in the study. He toasted the family in the traditional manner and we walked out to the grand hall to greet our guests. Tom Jr. kissed me under the mistletoe and danced with me several times through out the night. I think he is so handsome. Dad had to come over and be the protective father though and it spoiled the fun we were having. It was nice to have dad protect me like that.

Later in front of the blazing fireplace, dad and I talked more about our heritage. He handed me a small package and asked me to open it. I did and to my amazement, there was a little golden locket inside. I opened it to find pictures of my mom, my dad, and myself. There was also a black lock of hair. Dad explained that mom had kept it as a reminder of what the Romulans were capable of doing. I cried and snuggled up against dad until I fell asleep. He must have carried me up the stairs because when I awoke the next morning I was in bed. I know I'm blessed with wonderful relations now and am proud to be my father's daughter.

The End.