"Scotty, Scotty!" the crewman's voice echoed through the engine room like the tolling of a bell on a cold, foggy morning. Engineer Scott glanced up to meet the words.
"Something wrong?"
Alexander, the newest addition to the Enterprise family, teetered on the platform above the ladder. To reach the railing, he leaned forward.
"Nothing wrong, Scotty, sorry. Do you remember Captain Kirk asking about suggestions for Christmas?"
"Indeed I do," Scotty said, taking one step up the ladder, "Have ya got something to suggest?"
"Just an idea… I don't know if it'll work."
"Well let's hear it, Laddie."
"I don't know if it's any good, though," Alexander scratched his head, looking glumly at the floor.
"Every idea's a good one, so far as I'm concerned," Scotty took another step up, "Go on."
"Well, back at home, they used to have big fires for celebrations."
"I don't know if—"
"Not real ones! Maybe, if we make some sort of projection…?"
Scotty smiled.
"Now that, I can do."
"We'll have it done in time for Christmas?" Alexander asked, grinning, "I've never been on shore leave before!"
"'Course we will," nudged Scotty, returning to the ground, "If I can have a little help."
Alexander followed him, down the ladder and around the platform. They stood facing the warp controls.
"You want me to help?" Alexander reached cautiously forward, to tug at the engineer's sleeve.
Scotty leaned over.
"Aye," he said, "I'd be honored."
They shook hands.
"It's gonna be hard to beat a gift like that," declared Scotty, considering some switches. In his mind, the fireplaces were already complete, bringing actual warmth to every crewman's cabin. When he explained the instructions, Alexander beamed and promised to follow all of them precisely.
I am a poor boy too.
I have no gift to bring,
That's fit to give a king.