Captain Kirk reached his quarters, sighing in tune with the swish of the opening door.
He was on a short, mandated break from the Bridge, and only ventured to his room to collect a tape to be archived. After Spock's observation that communication was too-often temporary, the captain decided to keep track of every message sent to him, at least until Christmas. There was little else to do.
So far, he had collected one conversation with Spock – concerning a possible detour – and one with Doctor McCoy – about Christmas traditions he wanted to try out.
"Captain?"
Yeoman Rand stood respectfully in the entryway, letting the door close behind her.
"Even if it's just for a minute," he began, "I am off-duty."
He paused, and waited for her to say 'Jim', instead.
"What's on your mind?"
"Not too much…"
She was invited to sit at his desk, while he sifted around for a blank tape. Upon finding one, it was clicked into the console on the table, and instructed to archive all of his personal communications.
"I was just thinking," she continued, taking the chair, "how nice it would be if we could stop by earth before Christmas."
The captain continued standing, unable to decide between folded arms or dancing fingers. They tapped the table, in front of the console, in between flashes of light and bursts of mechanical sound.
"I was thinking about it, too," he admitted, "I'll do everything I can."
"You're going to talk to Starfleet Command?"
The corners of his lips crinkled, restraining a chuckle.
"No," he said, "I'm not. And I trust you won't, either."
"Of course not, Captain."
He watched as the tape copied a message between himself and his First Officer. The letters flickered by, augmented by his memory of the exchange; he could not read them as fast as they appeared.
What do you think of a short detour, Mister Spock? To earth, of course.
Starfleet Command has already stated otherwise; my opinion coincides with the order. I must assume you are asking me for the most effective way to subvert this order.
That's right.
On such matters, Captain, you do not require my assistance. You are quite capable of making the correct decision, to benefit your ship and our crew.
My ship, he thought, but our crew.
"You wanted to visit your family," Kirk said quietly.
Yeoman Rand gave a gentle nod.
"That's a better excuse than I can make," the captain muttered, "Your family… home."
Within his eyes, sentiment grew. She watched it.
"It was just a thought, Captain. I understand if we can't."
"I think the family up here may need to suffice, Yeoman. Until I can come up with something."
…your ship and our crew.
"That's fine, Captain. I've enjoyed the free-time, at least."
"Speaking of which—"
"Thanks, Jim," she stood, "I'll talk to you later."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas,
If only in my dreams.