They were going to a planet very close to hostile territory. "Commander?" Uhura asked, swiveling around in her chair to face Spock's in the captain's. "I just received a recorded Klingon message warning us to turn back. What should I do?" "Continue on course, Lieutenant Sulu. Can you comm the captain's quarters, Lieutenant Uhura?" After a minute of trying, she looked back. "He's not there, Commander. Or if he is, he's not answering." A look of realisation came over Spock's face. He stood up. "Mr. Scott, you temporarily have the con. I will return shortly with the captain." Scotty frowned after him as he went into the turbolift. "What's going on there?" he asked gruffly, getting up to sit in the main chair. "Apart from the obvious."
Spock walked into the viewing deck and saw Jim leaning on the railing and staring out at the stars going by. "Jim?" he said, walking over to him. "Spock." Jim said without moving. Spock stood silently next to him. "I'm sorry," Jim said, turning to him. "Why did you come down?" Spock tilted his head slightly to the left like an inquisitive bird. "What is wrong, t'hy'la?" Jim smiled sadly. "Don't you remember? Sam and Aurelan died a year ago today. On Christmas day." "I remember." "Then why did you ask?" Jim questioned, already half-knowing the answer. "You needed to tell me." Jim nodded. "It was always Sam's favourite holiday too. He'd get up earlier than me, and I was supposed to be the younger son!" Jim slumped as reassurance swamped his grief. "Thanks, Spock." "You're needed on the bridge, captain." "I'll be down in a minute." Spock stayed with him until he straightened up to leave.