^ Tree ^
There are hundreds of ways this could pan out. A single choice opens many paths to more choices which open more paths and so on. In his pre-construction software the future branches before him like a tree and he takes just enough time to delve down the start of each branch until the leaves of unknown variables obscure them, before coming back to the trunk and choosing the desired path.
"A fake would be best."
"I agree." Connor chimes in. "Fake Christmas trees are known to be best for pet owners. I'm certain Sumo isn't the type to damage the tree but it would be for the best to be cautious."
The Lieutenant huffs and pulls down a sticky note from the board at his desk, scribbles an adjustment onto it, then slaps it back on.
December 4th
buy a xmas tree
^fake
"Better?" the man asks.
Connor looks across their desks over at the note, smiles, and nods. "Yes, Lieutenant."
Standing beside said desk he just shrugs. "I suppose? It's just a tree." It doesn't matter to him. Christmas is unimportant.
"Good. Then we can get back to work now, right?" the Lieutenant asks. "Not really in the mood for holiday talk. Best thing about it is takin' time off. Spike some eggnog and watch tv."
Once more he activates his pre-construction program. Practice, he tells himself, at predicting how things will go without the use of said program. An assumption is made before looking at any branching paths of this particular tree; Connor will insist that for his first Christmas Hank should participate. A possibility that he will remind the human a gift is unnecessary. That spending time with family is what matters most. A smaller possibility that he will bring up decorations and other Christmas festivities.
A quick glance at each branch proves his theory has a 98% chance of occuring. Other branches start to snap off the tree when getting into the low 20. It is highly unlikely that Connor will not mention family at all. Even less likely that in the mention of family Hank will not be construed as a father figure.
"It will be our first Christmas together, Lieutenant." Connor mentions excitedly. Right on cue. "I would appreciate participating in traditions such as the decorating of the tree. And isn't the holiday about spending time with family rather than drinking and watching television?"
The Lieutenant sighs.
Connor ignores this and continues, "I'd like to enjoy my first Christmas with my father." The Lieutenant splutters and almost knocks over his coffee mug. Yes, just as suspected. He's getting better at educated guesses without the aid of specialized software. But then Connor turns to look his way, smiles, and adds, "And my brother of course."
Life it seems is a tree.
And sometimes a branch you didn't notice will smack you in the face.