Warnings: Not mine. Not long. Not beta-ed.
He was sitting alone in a small, corner table in the Mess Hall, focus less on the cup of coffee and the small sandwich before him than on the PADD he held loosely in his hand. With the late hour, the room was almost deserted, only a few remnants of the recently relieved Delta shift taking a late dinner a few tables down. They made occasional comments, but for the most part, everything was quiet.
"Sir."
Those gathered glanced over though the greeting had not been aimed at them. They watched as Jim looked up. The dark blue eyes studied the young ensign who had just walked in and now stood, parade rest, in front of him. He cocked his head to one side. "Ensign Harker."
The man was visibly startled, his stiff posture flickering for a just a second before he regained control, "You know my name, sir?"
"Weapons Division." Jim said with a small smile, "I know my crew, Ensign."
He nodded. Though he had been surprised, it seemed he realized that he should not have been. "Yes, sir. I know you do."
The tone was serious, formal, and Jim's shoulders straightened, expecting something official. "What can I do for you, Ensign?"
The younger man hesitated, then, straightening his own shoulders, said resolutely, "You're a good captain, sir."
Jim blinked, sudden tension in his form, "Harker?"
His voice a little softer, he repeated, "You are a good captain, sir, and it is an honor to serve with you."
Silence, then a very quiet, "Thank you, Ensign."
The other man nodded, "Yes, sir. Good night, sir."
Jim smiled, "Good night, Jacob."
No flash of surprise this time, just a grin as the younger man turned around and walked out. Jim watched him leave. As the doors whooshed closed, he set down his PADD. Leaning back in his chair, he took a sip of his coffee and turned to watch the stars streak across the window. They were almost home.
A tiny, tiny snippet meant to take place before the Enterprise returned home from facing Nero.