A/N: A Christmas celebration on the Enterprise is anticipated by all of the crew. Spock and his son, SJ try to mend the distance between them, and Dr. McCoy reaches a new chapter in his life.

Chapter Eight

For Today in the City of David, a Savior Has Been Born

New orders from Starfleet sent the Enterprise and crew into the next quadrant. A certain restlessness encompassed the ship. Crew members began to decorate the outside of their door with Christmas decorations. Those that were non-Christian went about their day, but enjoyed the excitement of their friends.

The Captain met with Mr. Spock in his office. He had communicated with Starfleet that his crew had had a dismal shore leave a few months back and they were indeed ready to celebrate the up coming holiday someplace other than the Enterprise. He was given permission to search for a suitable Starbase for their respite. Kirk and Spock reviewed their options. Their distance away from appropriate choices was limiting.

"Captain, I believe our best choice would be Starbase 3 at the end of this quadrant. That will leave us approximately 5 days of shore leave and it will take approximately one week to get there. We can still stop at Central Base and deliver the supplies we have for them."

Kirk said, "I've been to Starbase 3, it's a little rustic. It's not Paris, Spock."

"No, Captain, I did not expect it to be."

"If we pushed it, how long would it take to get us to Starbase 7?"

"Captain, you are talking warp drive most of the way, but I believe we could make it in about the same time. But remember, Captain, Starfleet wanted us to investigate the planet Argen 3."

"Starfleet will have to wait, we'll double back after the holiday. My crew is in need of a break, and so am I."

"Yes, Captain, I'll give Chekov the coordinates and we'll make way."

"Good, Spock. Oh by the way, you are planning on celebrating Christmas with Christine this year?"

"Yes, Captain, I believe it has to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus. An interesting way of celebrating, though, you Humans get gifts and the magi gets….what exactly?"

"Uh, it's a symbol of his birth, and…never mind, Spock, I just wanted to let you know. You wouldn't want to disappoint your bride without having a present under the tree on your first Christmas together,."

"Yes, Captain, about the tree, it is not logical to chop a live tree down, drag it into your home, place lights on it and then throw it away. I simply do not understand the tradition."

Kirk laughed out loud. "Oh Spock, you'll just have to accept our silly traditions. It makes us happy, that's all I can say."

Spock put his arms behind his back and shook his head. "Yes, Captain, silly they are."

Kirk was left with thoughts of trees, gifts and a restless crew. He and Spock continued to feed the new officers into their different positions, giving them more experience and the traditional officers a break in their day. He also had heard that Lucas was spending more time in the simulators and was healing quickly, both body and spirit.

While thinking of Lucas he called him on the intercom, "Captain Kirk to Ensign Kirk."

A short pause and a lot of breathing came over his intercom, "Yes, sir, Kirk here."

"What are you doing, running?"

"Yes, sir, I'm on the track."

"Have you had lunch yet?"

"No sir and I have no plans yet, are you buying me a steak?"

His father laughed, "Yes, I'll spring for a steak as long as you show me your new move in chess."

"That's a hard bargain, sir, but I'll think about it on my way. I'll shower and be there shortly."

"Ok, Lucas, out."

Kirk's mind went to when Lucas was born, he was away, but returned as fast as he heard of the birth. He was so proud, and those times were so happy.

He stopped dreaming and got out the chess set and was ready for lunch. His door buzzed and he said, "Enter."

From the outer office Lucas called, "It's me, Dad."

Kirk opened the door to his private quarters and said, "Well, steak or peanut butter and jelly?"

"You'd make a good negotiator, Dad if you weren't so impatient. Steak it is."

"Let's see, medium rare, baked potato with butter and sour cream and a small salad to make Dr. Joanna happy."

Lucas grinned and said, "Sounds perfect," he laughed.

His father went to the food service door and placed duplicate orders, a few seconds later it appeared hot and ready to eat. "Here, grab your tray. Glass of wine?"

"I can't, I'm on meds that I can't drink with, just water."

They went to the window seats and bowed their heads to pray. His father said, "Thank you, Lord for the food we have, the pleasant company and for the safe return of my ship and crew, if it be your will."

"Amen." Lucas answered. "Dad, can you believe it, it's only about two weeks until Christmas. Do you think we can squeeze in shore leave along the way."

"We'll have to see," he smiled.

Lucas sliced into his thick steak and gazed at the perfection before him. "Oh, have you ever seen a better cooked steak that this?" He put a slice in his mouth and practically drooled. He closed his eyes and moaned. "Rank has it's privileges, Dad, and this is the best. The steak I get is glorified hamburger."

His father laughed, "If McCoy saw me eating this, he'd explode in four different directions."

Lucas paused in eating and looked across the table at his father. He said, "Speaking of Dr. McCoy?"

"Yes?"

"I, uh, was wondering what you think, I mean, I wondered if you knew what he…"

"Spit it out, Lucas, you're going to choke on your food."

Lucas smiled and asked, "Does, Dr. McCoy like me?"

The Captain's fork paused midway, "Are you asking me what I think you're asking me?"

"Well, that depends on what you're thinking."

Kirk frowned, "Lucas, is there a certain young lady who has your heart wrapped around her little finger."

"Yes, sir, all ten of them."

Kirk laughed, "And why is it, you want to know if Bones 'likes' you?" he teased.

"Dad, I want to ask him if it's okay if I marry his daughter and I'm afraid he'll say no."

"I think it will break the good doctors heart, but I'm sure he has been expecting it."

"Why do you say, it'll break his heart?"

"He just got her back, and now another man is taking her away from him."

"But, Dad we have over a year left on our mission, and from there we're signed up for three more."

"Well, Lucas let me ask you, are you planning on being a lifer?"

"Yes, sir, at least at this time."

"You know it will be difficult to be married and be on the same ship as your father in-law."

"I hadn't thought about that, I just think about Joanna and that's all that matters."

"What if she wants to go home and start a family?" And there was the hole in his thought process.

"I know, I pray about that every night. I can't deny her a life, a family and think I can be gone for years at a time." He looked up at his Dad. His eyes shone when he said, "What's the answer, Dad?"

The Captain leaned back and finished his meal, "Lucas, I can't answer that, but I can suggest before you pop the question, you have a discussion with Joanna about her future plans. I never did that with your mother, we were in love, and I was so….strong willed."

Lucas finished his meal and helped his dad clean up.

"Still up for chess, son?"

"Dad, do you mind another time, I have some thinking to do."

"Lucas, put her needs first, okay?"

"Yes, Dad, and thank you, for dinner and everything."

After his big meal, the Captain went for a stroll through out the ship as he did daily. His final stop was in sick bay to visit any ill crewmen. He felt responsible for all the crew and kept a tight watch on them.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Enterprise quickly made way at top speed for Starbase 7. Kirk and Spock were leaving a lunch room and were chatting. The energy of the crew had increased with the anticipation of the holiday.

"Spock, can you feel it?"

"Feel what, Captain?"

"The excitement of the crew. We've had no fights in the last week and people are being more polite to each other."

"Yes, Captain, I have noticed more energy, and I brace myself for their actions on shore leave."

Kirk laughed, "I hope to give everyone at least two days of leave, will we make it before Christmas?"

"According to Chekov and my calculations, there is no need to worry."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lucas had gotten off shift and buzzed Joanna's door. It had been a late shift and he hoped he would not wake her.

He heard, "Come in."

Joanna was in a clean uniform at her door. "Hi, Lucas, what brings you here?"

"Are you coming or going?"

"I just got off duty, come on in. Let's sit by the tree."

She had decorated a small tree that stood next to her couch.

Kirk said, "That looks real homey, Joanna."

"Come on, sit down."

She had some Christmas songs playing in the background. Lucas said, "This reminds me of home."

"Yes, it does," she whispered.

"Are you a little homesick?"

"Just at times, Lucas. I haven't lived with my Mom in years, but we used to talk more often than I can now."

It was a good time to bring up the future. "Joanna, what are your plans?"

"Plans for what?"

"Do you like traveling in space, do you think you'd want to stay in Starfleet?" he rubbed her hand.

"I like it so far, Lucas. I can see why Dad stays with it. You're planning on being a lifer, aren't you?" she asked.

"That's what I thought, but things change," he paused, "I don't want you to change your life plans on account of me, I love you, Joanna and I want to be with you?"

She wasn't sure what he was inferring , but she hoped that someday, they would be married.

Lucas said, "What about a family, Joanna, do you want to have children?"

"Children are gifts, Lucas, and I have an important career. I know what it's like to be a doctor and have a family at home. I saw it at the hospital all of the time. The doctors were pulled between dying patients and Christmas dinner at home. I'm not sure I can split myself that way. But I also know how much I missed my father, too. Divorce is not pleasant, as you know. I guess I'd say, if children came along it would be great, but if I did not have any, I don't think I'd feel sad, but I'm young yet, what do I know? What about you?"

"You'd make a great mom, Joanna. For me I don't want to spend years separated from my family with short 5 day shore leaves once a year, like Dad did. It's not fair to anyone, but I do want a wife and I do love you."

He leaned towards her and kissed her. No solutions appeared, they just enjoyed their quiet moment together. He leaned back on the couch and pulled her next to him.

"I love you, Joanna, keep me in your heart."

"Oh, Lucas, you'll always be in my heart."

The kisses became deep and passionate. He caressed her in places he knew he shouldn't and finally he sat up, "I have to go, now, before…," he kissed her once more, "before I can't stop. Good night." He quickly got up and ran from her room.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As the Enterprise pulled into dock at Starbase 7, the Captain talked to his crew over the intercom. "Ok, ladies and gentlemen, let's try shore leave again. The first group has 2 days leave, and there will be no disturbances. When you return the next group leaves and that brings you back on Christmas Eve where services will be held at night and then again the next morning. Dress uniforms are required. I repeat, there will be no disturbances this time around. Is that clear?" He heard the officers on the bridge respond and he said again, "I can not hear you." He laughed as he pictured 400 crewman responding to him from where they were. "That's better, now carry on and Merry Christmas."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lucas and Joanna both had second shift for shore leave. He had spent an extra half hour in the chapel making sure his decision was what pleased God. He felt at peace when he left and made his call to Dr. McCoy.

"Ensign Kirk to Dr. McCoy."

"McCoy here, tell me Lucas, illness or injury?"

"Neither, sir, I was wondering if I could come talk with you, if you weren't busy, sir?"

"No, I'm not busy, come on by."

"Be there, shortly."

Lucas stood outside of sick bay with his heart pounding. He walked back and forth a couple of times until he made himself go in. Dr. McCoy was waiting at the desk.

"Come in, Lucas." He led the way to his office and the doctor took his chair. "Sit, get comfortable."

"Yes, sir, I mean I'd rather stand sir."

"This sounds serious, are you sure you don't want to sit?"

Lucas took his chair and folded his hands on the desk. "Sir, I just want you to know that I love your daughter," Lucas looked at McCoy's face and he could see a sadness appear. "I hope, sir that you would think of me as a suitable husband for her. I love her and I would like to ask your permission to marry her, sir."

McCoy stared at the young man in front of him, the man that he had had many encounters with over the last few years. He knew this day was coming, but a father is never quite prepared.

"Well, Lucas, we've been through a lot together, haven't we?"

"Yes sir, good and bad."

"Yes, most certainly. I guess I knew this day was coming. I knew since you first met as teenagers that it was likely you two would pair up."

"Yes, sir, I too. I just want you to know we've discussed the problems of having a family and being separated for months at a time. We will do our best not to let that happen. As far as children, we will just put that off for awhile and see where God leads us. I will do my best to make her happy and keep her safe."

At the mention of a divine being, Dr. McCoy knew his daughter was being led by a godly and brave man. He would be proud to have Lucas as his son in-law.

McCoy stood and reached to shake his hand, "You not only have my permission, Lucas, but you have my blessing."

Lucas stood and they shook hands across the desk. McCoy came around and gave him a brief hug. "Keep her safe, Lucas, please."

"I will do my best, sir. Thank you." Lucas left his office and let out a whoop that could be heard quite a distance.

Dr. McCoy sat at his desk and tears came to his eyes. His little girl had grown up.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Captain Kirk and Miriam went on leave with the first group. He tried not to be in the bars where his crew was. They needed a break, and he believed there would be no trouble this time, anyway. He and Miriam took in a show and visited the gardens that took up a whole deck of the starbase. Of course, Miriam made sure they went shopping too.

"Are you sure you didn't miss one of the shops, dear?" Kirk said.

"Now, Jim, we don't know when we'll be stopping again and I have to get gifts for my friends birthdays next year. There are some very unique things here. Tell you what, if you want to take off for awhile, I can meet you in a couple of hours."

Kirk placed his hands on each side of her face and said, "Bless you." They decided on a meeting place and Kirk went in search for a bar that did not have his crew in it. He found a small restaurant and when he entered he spotted Dr. McCoy nursing a drink at the bar.

"Bones, you shouldn't drink alone, order me the same."

The barkeep filled up two more glasses and the two friends went to a table in the back.

"Bones, what brings you here by yourself?"

"Well, Jim, the day has finally come," he said with a slightly slurred voice. "Your, son has asked me for my daughters hand in marriage."

Captain Kirk hesitated in sipping his drink, "And?"

"And, of course I said, yes. He's a bright boy and she loves him."

Kirk said, "I guess that makes us, what brother in-laws?"

"No you idiot, just….just in-laws, I guess." McCoy slurred.

"Did he ask her yet?"

"Not that I know of, he just asked me this morning."

"Well, Bones, you're not loosing a daughter, you're gaining a son. Ha, and I'm gaining a daughter, how about that?"

Bones looked down so his friend would not see his eyes moisten. "That's the best way to look at it, Jim. I am happy for them, it's just that…"

"I know, Bones, you just got her back, and now some hard-headed, stubborn, ambitious young man is taking her away."

He nodded his head in agreement.

Kirk took his drink from his hand and said, "Come along my good friend, you need to go back to the ship, sleep it off and start over tomorrow. Okay?"

"You're the Captain."

"Yes, and sometimes I wish I weren't. Let's go."

Kirk walked him out of the restaurant and flipped open his communicator, "Captain Kirk to Transporter Room."

"Scotty, here, sir."

"You're beaming up, Dr. McCoy. Make sure he gets to his quarters. Understood?"

"Yes, Captain, I'll see to it."

Kirk stepped back and waved to McCoy and said, "Energize, Scotty."

It was time to meet Miriam at the appointed spot. He stood waiting an extra ten minutes when he spotted her coming down the aisle. He was amazed at the amount of packages she had collected in a few short hours.

"Do you have any of your credits left?"

She giggled like a little girl, "I had such fun, Jim, but I'll need help carrying all of this."

"I have a suggestion, we could get a nice room and stash your goodies and then go out and have a quiet dinner together, or we can go back to the ship and come back tomorrow."

"If it's okay, I'd love to stay in something other than our quarters. Nice as yours is, we need a different setting."

"Good, I already took care of it," he laughed.

They went to their hotel room. Kirk had connections and had gotten a beautiful room with all the amenities one could want.

"This is wonderful, Jim. Can you afford it?"

"Miriam, please don't worry about things like that. I wouldn't do it if I couldn't afford it, okay."

She nodded her head and he took her in his arms and began to kiss her. "I also made reservations for dinner, but we have to wait for about an hour and a half." He kept pulling her with him as he walked slowly to the bedroom. He continued to kiss her and she knew what his plan was.

"Jim, you're bad."

"No, dear, you just make me that way."

She laughed and through his kisses she said, "I don't believe a word of that."

They managed to make it to dinner on time.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On the Enterprise, Ensign's Spock and Kirk were on duty on the Bridge. Mr. Spock had the con when he received a private call on the intercom. He placed the ear piece in his ears and listened. He responded, "Yes, I understand and I'll take care of it. Good day."

The ensigns chatted between them. There was not much to navigation as they circled in orbit. Ensign Kirk teased SJ about beating him in chess, three games in a row.

"I don't know, SJ you're loosing your touch."

He retorted, "I can't prove it, but I swear you cheated on those last three moves."

Kirk laughed out loud, but then he sensed someone standing between he and SJ. He looked up to see Mr. Spock standing with his hands behind his back. Kirk thought they were in trouble.

Mr. Spock placed a hand on each of their consoles and said softly, "Gentlemen, Christine and I were wondering if you would like to join us for dinner tonight at 1800 hours? SJ, she is preparing some Vulcan dishes that I'm sure you'll enjoy. Ensign Kirk, you may also invite Dr. Joanna McCoy, if you wish."

Kirk quickly glanced at SJ not sure if he should accept if his friend did not want to go. Sometimes SJ was at odds with his father, too.

SJ looked up at the Commander and said, "Yes, sir, that would be very good."

Kirk then said, "I accept, sir. I'll ask Joanna when we leave our posts?"

Shift change occurred and Lt. Uhura took the con. Mr. Spock, SJ and Lucas rode the lifts to their floors. As the ensigns got off, SJ said, "Father, tell Christine we will be there on time."

Mr. Spock nodded before the doors closed.

SJ asked, "What do you suppose this is about?"

Lucas said, "Not a thing. Is this the first time they invited you for dinner since they were married?"

"No, a couple of times before, but I was always going on duty."

"You know Nurse Christine is the mothering type, she just wants you to feel free to stop in and see them, and I'm sure I'm there to help buffer any trouble you start."

"Me! It's always him!" SJ hollered. "Of course this is all, Christine, my father would never invite me for dinner."

Lucas stopped in the hall and pulled SJ aside. "SJ, I understand. This is me, Lucas Kirk, son of Captain Kirk, I know where you're coming from. But you have to give your father a break. I'm sure Christine talked him into it, but he's trying, SJ."

SJ nodded his head and said, "Okay, Lucas, I'll try and be cordial."

"I'll get a hold of Joanna and meet you at your door in a few minutes, okay."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Kirk slapped him in the shoulder and said, "See you in a few."

When Kirk got to his quarters he called Joanna and invited her to come with them. She agreed to meet him at Mr. Spock's door since they were on the same deck.

SJ looked stiff and tense when he buzzed his father's door.

"Enter," they heard.

Christine met them at their door and said, "Come on in everyone, Dr. Joanna I'm glad you could make it."

"Please, just Joanna."

"Alright, Joanna. You all come in, we have Christmas music playing, in spite of Spock's lack of understanding." She lead them to their private quarters where she had candles lit on tables with beautiful place settings that Joanna admired.

"These are just like my Grandmother's! This brings back such good memories. Look, Lucas, see the Christmas scene. These are very old Currier and Ives plates."

Lucas laughed at her excitement.

Christine said, "I'm afraid our fondness for fine china is wasted on these three." Joanna agreed.

Spock and SJ seemed to avoid each other. Lucas and Joanna shared a quick glance.

Spock offered them a drink of wine or water. SJ, Joanna and Christine had wine, and Spock showed little surprise when his son accepted a glass. Vulcan's rarely drank alcohol. Lucas had his water.

Christine brought out two large bowls of pol-tar soup for father and son. They sat around the table and Christine brought out just a sampling for the rest of them.

She said, "It takes some getting used to, but I'm sure Spock and SJ would finish yours if you don't like it."

Lucas looked at Joanna, who knew he always thanked God for his meal ahead of time. she nodded to him.

"May I say a short blessing, first?" he asked looking around.

Mr. Spock nodded. He was familiar with the custom from his father.

"Thank you for the food before us, the friendships we share and bring us safely back to Earth, if that is your will."

"Amen."

Spock and SJ started with the soup. Lucas and Joanna, timidly tried the soup. Lucas almost gagged on it and Joanna gulped her wine afterward.

SJ laughed, "Isn't this the best thing you've ever had, Lucas?"

Lucas glanced at Christine, "Uh, I think it has to grow on you."

Christine laughed and said, "I kill it with crackers just to get a few spoonfuls down. Don't worry, I just wanted you to see what the Vulcan's see as fine cuisine," she teased. Her eyes sparkled when she looked at Spock, who in turn seemed to melt before their eyes.

They tried several more side dishes until they got to the entrée. Steak for Lucas, grilled chicken for Joanna and Christine. Spock and

S J dined on sautéed Arte ek Simpone. A small fish on Vulcan that tasted similar to chicken, but was more salty and had an odd after taste that Vulcan's compared to their slice of heaven. Again, an acquired taste.

SJ moaned in delight. His father cleared his throat as if to correct his manners. "Father, I'm just expressing the goodness of the dish. If I did not, Christine would have thought we did not like it. Christine, it's equal to any restaurant and I think it is better than my grandmothers, but don't tell her."

Christine laughed and said, "It's her recipe. Your father requested it. I had hoped you'd enjoy it. I know it's hard for you and your Father to get good Vulcan food from the food service."

Spock finally spoke, he looked directly at his wife and said, "It is very good, Christine. I am pleased that you thought to include our favorites. I do appreciate it. You could make this as often as you wish."

Lucas almost choked on his water at the emotion Spock had in his voice. He looked up at SJ and he could tell he was equally stunned. Married life suited Mr. Spock quite well. Joanna jabbed Lucas in the knee under the table. Lucas took another swig of water and said, "Excuse me, sir, just some food went down the wrong spot. Sorry."

Spock nodded at him and Christine said, "There's seconds if you want, dear?"

"No, thank you. I think you have dessert to serve, yet."

"How about you retire to the window, it's such a nice view. Joanna could you help me with coffee and dessert?"

"I'd love to. Everyone want coffee?"

They all nodded and stretched out in the chairs. Joanna and Lucas sat next to each other on the couch. Coffee and a small slice of chocolate cake were served. Spock and SJ loved the dessert.

Lucas sat with his arm around Joanna and said, "Christine, if I died and went to heaven tonight, I'd be very happy."

Christine smiled at the compliment. "What are all of your plans for shore leave?" she asked them.

Joanna said, "Lucas and I are just going to look around. Our last shore leave was…abruptly shortened."

Lucas turned red and looked at Mr. Spock. Mr. Spock replied, "A repeat performance is not on the agenda, I hope."

Lucas quickly answered, "No, sir. I've learned my lesson."

SJ said, 'I have a group of friends that are going to try the mountain climbing apparatus's. It's suppose to be top-rated and we are challenging each other to see who does the best."

Joanna said, "You guys, everything is always a competition."

On went a fiery discussion about the differences between men and women. Spock and Christine sat next to each other in their chairs and enjoyed the debate. Lucas finally looked at his watch.

"We better go, we all have to be on duty tomorrow." Lucas stood and hugged Christine, "Thank you for a great time." He turned to Mr. Spock and thank him also.

Spock nodded.

As they walked out SJ hugged Christine and thanked her. He turned to his Father and shook his hand.

Discreetly, Christine touched Spock's back and retreated into their kitchen area.

Mr. Spock said as SJ was almost out the door, "My Son," Lucas and Joanna had left, "thank you for coming."

SJ turned around and responded, "It was a great meal, Father," he reached his hand out, but Spock slowly pulled his son in for a hug.

"I am pleased we could share this time, Son. I've missed you and I love you." He stepped back and a softness appeared on his face. "We need to spend more time together."

SJ stammered and said, "I am pleased, too, Father. I would like that very much."

Spock nodded and said, "Good night."

"Good night, Father," and he left.

Once out in the hall, young Spock looked from left to right and he was alone. He ran to the turbo lift with his hand over his face, choking back the emotions that tumbled up from his heart. He ran to his quarters and paced in circles. He tried forcing his emotions down, but they kept pushing up. He recalled all the words his Father had said during the evening. He threw cold water on his face, he tried doing push ups, but he finally collapsed on his bed and cried like he hadn't since he was in Vulcan studies at ten years old. It was the first time in his life his Father had held and told him that he loved him. He fell asleep, exhausted.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Spock entered their private area, Christine ran to him and hugged him. "I am so proud of you, my husband. I told you he needed affirmation. He's three quarters human and to hear what you said to him tonight was the best Christmas present you could have given me." She stood on her toes and kissed him with all the love she felt. "Oh, Spock, I love you so much."

Spock wrapped her in his arms. He leaned down and kissed her back. "Care to follow me?"

"Spock, I'd follow you anywhere."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lucas walked Joanna to her door and he said, "Can you believe, Mr. Spock? He was so human, I guess."

Joanna smiled knowingly, "It just takes the right amount of female coercion. It was a spectacular night."

Lucas looked up and down the hall way. They, too were alone, "I'll just kiss you good night here. I don't trust myself going in your room anymore."

She smiled and said, "Oh, my dear, sweet, Lucas, another cold shower before bedtime?" she teased.

"Joanna," he growled, "good night. Keep me in your heart," he kissed her and left.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Maybe it was Christmas, or maybe it was the final command from their Captain, but every crewman returned from shore leave without incident.

Close to midnight a large amount of the crew gathered in the recreation area. Chairs had been put up on the floor and a simple display was decorated with a stable, Mary, Joseph and the infant baby.

Lights were turned down low and crystal lights blinked softly from the ceiling. There was a soft murmur throughout the room.

Lucas arrived with Joanna, he saw the Captain, Mr. Scott and Dr. McCoy sitting in the first row. There was one empty seat next to Dr. McCoy.

Lucas said, "Joanna, I'm dropping you off to sit next to your father, and I'll find a seat in the back. We'll meet up later."

"No, Lucas, I'll sit with you."

"No, you should sit with him." He led her to the front row and Joanna sat next to her father.

McCoy looked down the row but there was no seat for Lucas. "It's okay, Dr. McCoy, I'll meet Joanna after the service."

McCoy looked up at his future son in-law and said, "Thank you, Lucas, and Merry Christmas to you."

"And to you, sir." Lucas then stood in front of Mr. Scott and shook his hand.

"Merry Christmas, Laddie," Mr. Scott said.

Lucas smiled and said, "Merry Christmas to you, sir."

He then stepped to his father who stood before him and said, "Merry Christmas, Sir."

The Captain smiled and said, "Merry Christmas, Lucas." They shook hands and the Captain quickly embraced him.

Lucas glanced around and saw people staring at them. "Dad," he whispered. His father just chuckled.

Lucas started to walk away and his father called to him, "Lucas, tomorrow at 1500 hours."

"Yes, sir, we'll be there."

His father and Miriam had invited, Mr. Spock, Christine, SJ, Drs. McCoy's and himself for a simple Christmas meal.

Lucas found a seat just when Lieutenant Michael Cannon, a soft-spoken, but holy man began the services. Lucas looked over to his right and leaning against the wall was his friend SJ. He caught his eye and waved. SJ returned with the Vulcan split finger greeting.

Lt. Cannon began by welcoming people of all faiths together. "We all get a little home sick this time of year and that is normal, but together let's enjoy the celebration and seek each other out as one big family."

A choir sang a few old traditional songs of Christmas. The lights were turned off and one by one around the room, each person's individual candle was lit. Hundred's of lights flickered in the darkness. Lt. Cannon began reading from the book of Luke from the Bible. "For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord…"

The service was moving and at the end they all sang Silent Night. A moment of silence was held for those they had lost and then they were dismissed. Lucas went to find SJ, but with the crowd he was unable to find him. He went towards the front and found Joanna talking with her father, Mr. Scott and the Captain.

Dr. McCoy pulled him aside for a second and said, "Thank you, Lucas."

"Sir, I just felt she needed you tonight."

McCoy patted him on the shoulder and said, "You're a good man, Lucas." Then they rejoined the others.

Lucas told the group he and Joanna were going to meet a few people and they would see them tomorrow.

Joanna said to Lucas as they walked away, "Who, are we meeting?"

He grinned and said, "I just wanted to have some quiet time alone with you, before we turned in, okay?" They held hands as Lucas led her to deck 5. "I thought we'd go to the observation deck, maybe we'll see Santa in his sleigh," he teased.

She laughed, "I just love, Christmas, don't you. Everyone is in a happy mood, I wish everyday could be like this."

They entered the observation deck in sick bay and there was no one there. They stood by the window watching the stars twinkle in their red, blue, yellow and white. In the distance it looked like another galaxy spread out in the heavens.

Joanna looked up at Lucas and said, "What are you thinking about?"

He turned to her and said, "I was thinking of how very much I love you. We have faced a lot of things separately and together. You're everything I've ever wanted in a woman and I hope I am the man you want." He took a step away and pulled an item out from his pocket. She let out a gasp. He took her hand and got down on one knee and asked, "Joanna McCoy from my whole being and with all that I offer to you, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

She cried and pulled him to his feet and said, "Yes, of course, I'll marry you." Lucas put the ring on her left hand and she gasped again, "Lucas, this is the ring I was looking at in the window of the jeweler, the other day."

With tears in his eyes he answered, "Yes, it is. I was hoping it was the one you were looking at. We can get it sized here on the ship if it doesn't fit."

She sniffed, "It fit's perfectly, oh, Lucas, I'm so happy, I really am."

He chuckled and said, "I am, too," he kissed her with tenderness and with love. "Just so you know, I went and asked your father and he gave us his blessing."

"You asked him? Oh how romantic, Lucas. Was he sad, though?"

Lucas nodded his head, "A little, but he said he expected it since we were teens."

"Oh can we go show him the ring? Who else knows? Does SJ and the Captain?"

He laughed out loud, "Yes, not sure, yes and yes and that's it."

"Let's go, Lucas, I'll never get to sleep tonight. When should we get married?"

He growled and said, "As soon as possible.