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Peter perches on his parents’ bed, watching his dad. “I wish you didn’t have to leave again.”
“I know.” Sam closes his suitcase and sits by his son. “I’m going to miss you, too.”
“Maybe it’s not too late for you to change your mind,” Peter suggests. “What if you told Captain Pike that you’re not going?”
Sam wraps his arm around his son’s shoulder. “If I did, Enterprise would miss me,” he replies. “I told Captain Pike I would go on this mission. It’s important to keep my promise.”
“Aren’t we important, too?”
Sam smiles sadly. “You, your brothers, and your mom are the most important thing in the world to me," he says. “But you’re safe here. There are people out there who aren’t.”
“And you’re going to help them?” Peter asks.
“I’m going to help everyone I can,” Sam promises. “And I’m going to call and write to you guys all the time.”
Peter pouts. “That’s not the same as you being here.”
“I know.” He kisses his son’s head. “But it’s not forever. I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” Peter leans his head against his father’s shoulder. “Love you, Daddy.”
Sam holds him tightly. “I love you, Peter.”