Kirk sat alone in his cabin, playing with the switches on the new panel Alexander installed.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk," the box on his desk said.

"Yes, Mister Sulu?"

"Entering standard orbit, Captain."

"Have landing parties been assigned?"

"We drew names last night, Sir," Sulu continued, "After you'd left… Lieutenant Uhura's idea."

"Very good, thank you."

"Will you be beaming down right away, Sir?"

"No, I don't think so… send the rest of my group ahead, Lieutenant."

"Of course, Captain."

"Thank you. Kirk out."

He returned his attention to the renovated panel, as he heard the doors open. Doctor McCoy entered, and leaned against the wall to watch the captain work.

"Everyone's healthy and clear to beam down," he relayed, "Except one."

"If you're thinking about staying, I—."

"Oh, no. But he'll be stopping by, too."

"Well, that'll save us from finding a volunteer to operate the transporter, at least."

"You, you mean."

"Yeah. Have Mister Scott demonstrate all the necessary procedures before he leaves, so—."

Spock joined them in the cabin, and waited until the doors were shut to speak.

"I think he knows, Jim."

Kirk shrugged, while Spock passed his finished Christmas card to McCoy.

"As promised, Doctor," he said.

"As promised, Mister Spock," McCoy stepped toward the door, "Keep warm."

Having given up on using the panel, Kirk moved to sit on his bed. Quietly, Spock sat in the chair across from him.

"I take it you volunteered to stay behind, Mister Spock."

"Although a logical assumption, this time I was medically inclined to remain on the ship."

"'This time?'"

"I prefer other methods of 'vacation' to shore leave. Also, Aristotle IX is colder than I can safely compensate for. Although Doctor McCoy offered a variety of temporary stimulants, these did not match our definition of 'relaxing.'"

"You agreed on something?" Kirk decided to lay down, "And I missed it."

"Your presence – although I enjoy it – is often what suggests our disagreements."

Kirk nodded while he considered this. Spock, having exhausted the required conversation, studied the panel.

"Haven't figured it out yet," Kirk said, watching.

"It appears to be voice-activated," Spock observed, "On."

Several lights flashed, and the crisp image of a fireplace emerged on the facing wall. Gradually, the image widened, adding a brick frame, metal tools, and a stack of pressed wood.

"Thank you, Spock. It's a good thing you stopped by."

"It also seems to radiate heat," Spock decided, scooting his chair closer.

"Even better."

"Captain?"

Borrowing the blanket from his bed, Kirk slid a second chair beside Spock's. The fabric was thin, but designed to reflect heat. Kirk spread it between them, and offered Spock one hand, slipped beneath it.

"I always forget," Kirk said, as Spock cited his cooler body-temperature.

Gently, Kirk stroked the Vulcan's hand. He gave a content sigh when Spock finally reciprocated the gesture. The movements were precise, and undeniably warm.

"Perfect," Kirk said.

His head found Spock's shoulder, and was not refused, as they both contemplated the flames.

I ought to say 'No, Sir,'
(Mind if I move in closer?)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried.
(What's the sense in hurting my pride?)