What happened to Peter Kirk?

Question

In the Star Trek TOS episode "Operation - Annihilate" we find out that James T. Kirk's nephew, Peter is one of the survivors of the Deneva Colony. Both his parents were killed by the parasite creatures so what happens to Peter Kirk? Are there any canon answers to this?

Answer 1

Within canon, the answer is that we don't know his fate. The boy isn't mentioned again.

We do learn from a deleted portion of the script that he returned to the planet to live with an adoptive family rather than moving to Earth.

INT. BRIDGE – ANGLE – KIRK, PETER

The boy Peter is now bright and well, dressed in a small version of the Enterprise uniform. He is smiling up at Kirk as the Captain lays a hand on his shoulder.

KIRK: You’re sure you don’t want to go back to Earth to live with your grandmother?

PETER: I’m sure, sir. Dad thought Deneva here is the best place in the whole galaxy.

KIRK: Well, your father’s partner said he and his wife always wanted a boy.

PETER: (saddened) They’re not like Mom and Dad... but...

KIRK: (nods) No one ever is, Petey. (pats on shoulder) Run along; they’re waiting for you in the Transporter Room.

---

Peter plays a major part in the EU novel Sarek. He's just about to graduate Starfleet Academy and is very excited about the prospect of meeting and working with Sarek. The author was apparently unaware of the deleted scene because they make reference to him growing up on Earth under the care of his grandmother Winona Kirk (or possibly he just changed his mind about living with his father's work partner and his wife)

He’d first become acquainted with Sarek through the Vulcan’s writings and speeches, some of which were mandatory reading at Starfleet Academy, where Peter was currently a senior cadet. Then, when he’d attended a talk the diplomat gave at the Academy two years ago, Peter had found Sarek’s approach to diplomacy so interesting, he’d studied the ambassador’s eminent career during his spare time. Having met the ambassador’s son many times gave his interest a personal aspect.

It was ironic, really. His uncle, Jim Kirk, had spent years working beside Sarek’s son, Captain Spock. If things had worked out right, no doubt Spock, whom he’d met many times during his uncle’s sporadic visits, would’ve been happy—or the Vulcan equivalent—to have introduced Peter to his father. If things had worked out right …

Well, Peter mused, things had worked out well enough for someone who’d lost his parents tragically at the age of seven.