Spock was placed in charge of the plans and timing. At the captain's request, he rearranged crew schedules, modified the autopilot systems, and dimmed the lights throughout the ship – all to imitate a wintry evening on Earth. All crewmen were specifically ordered to bed, leaving Kirk time and privacy to fill their stockings with presents.
On their walk to meet the captain, McCoy caught Spock staring at the mistletoe which dangled over the canteen entrance.
"I am familiar with the tradition, Doctor," Spock said, preemptively.
With a smirk, McCoy held out two fingers and waited for Spock to meet them. The brief touch was followed by an immediate vow of silence, from both parties.
Kirk met them, already standing beneath the stockings with their contributions.
"Got all I could from my list," Kirk said, setting down his box, "Where would you like to start?"
"Doesn't matter to me," McCoy said, shrugging at the bins of Hypos he and Spock carried over. Each stocking would receive one.
They started at one end of the corridor, furthest from the lift, with Spock passing Hypos up to McCoy while Kirk tried to match items to names.
The lift doors opened, overshadowing their whispered conversation.
All three turned simultaneously, to find Uhura.
"Did you want some help?" she asked, to the captain's gentle refusal, "I just thought – well, I'm too excited to fall asleep – so I wanted to help out if…"
"Noted, Lieutenant," Kirk said, "I think we can handle it."
She smiled and agreed to return to her cabin, without 'peeking' – as the captain put it – at any of her presents.
"Did you just bring the Hypos, Bones?" Kirk asked, once Uhura had left them.
"That and the tapes," he said, "For apple cider or hot chocolate."
Kirk noted the two different colors, slipped into each stocking.
"A… surprisingly logical gift," he decided.
McCoy shrugged.
"Someone needs to, to balance the trinkets you're putting in there."
"Trinkets," Kirk said fondly, slipping a pair of earrings into Uhura's stocking.
Chekov was next to interrupt them; he waited behind them, rubbing his eyes.
"Can I help you, Ensign?" Kirk offered, standing purposely in front of his stocking.
"No, Keptin. I always go for a valk before bed."
"You were specifically ordered to bed at least an hour ago," said Kirk, "Your walk seems a bit late to me."
"I am not tired, Keptin. I should just be starting my shift."
"Go on walking then, Ensign."
Chekov stared at them each in turn, but none offered an excuse. He sighed and continued his alleged journey, staring over his shoulder while the others returned to packing.
"What did you bring, Spock?" Kirk asked, after yawning and deciding not to check the time.
"I assisted Doctor McCoy in carrying the Hypos," he answered, "As Nurse Chapel was not permitted to do so."
The captain tried not to demonstrate disappointment. Spock continued:
"In addition, I have recorded summaries of important Christmas information from the ship's library, and can provide it to any crewmen who request it."
"That's fine, Mister Spock," Kirk said, "Thank you."
By now, the box of Hypos was nearly empty. Kirk had already distributed his gifts – some substituted with notes about the promised item – and watched as Spock and McCoy sorted through the vials. There was no reason for him to finish his tasks before they did, but he found one regardless:
Spock would hold up each Hypo, between two fingers, which McCoy's hand invariably lingered over. Kirk smiled, and stepped closer.
"Mister Spock," he began, "pass me a Hypo."
Star of wonder,
Star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading,
Still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.