I Saw Three Ships

“I’m sorry, Keptin,” Chekov said, looking sad as Jim and Spock surveyed the damage to the rec room and the destroyed holiday party decorations, including every decorated tree. “It took an indirect hit from those three Klingon ships, sir. Destroyed everything.”

“Yeah.” Jim sighed. “Can’t be helped. Get someone to trash all of this, would you? Scotty’s trying to get a much smaller celebration set up in the mess.”

“Yes, sir.” Chekov turned away.

“At least there were no casualties, Captain,” Spock said. “And repairs are already underway.”

Jim smiled faintly. “Right you are, Mister Spock. I’m going to help clean up a little. You have the bridge.”

“Yes, Captain.”

It wasn’t until much later that Spock realized Jim had not reported to the bridge and was still in the rec room. After handing command over to someone, Spock made his way back to the damaged room.

The damaged room was vacant except for his captain and everything had been removed except one small Christmas tree. Every ornament had been smashed into pieces, but Spock was surprised to note that the lights on the tree were on, and Jim sat on a chair nearby, staring at it.

As Spock approached he detected tears in Jim’s eyes.

“Jim? What has happened?” Spock asked, alarmed.

Jim shook his head and wiped at his eyes.

Spock knelt on the deck, directly in front of Jim. They were newly relationshiped and Spock was still getting used to Jim’s moods.

“I know the attack of the three ships was distressing but—”

“No. You were right. We got lucky. It could have been a lot worse. I’m grateful no one was killed.”

Spock took Jim’s hand in his. “Yet something still upsets you.”

“Just…” Jim swallowed heavily. “Memories.”

“Memories?”

“My stepfather was a dick. If Mom wasn’t home we didn’t get to celebrate…well…anything. One time when she was home though, he got drunk and fell into the tree. Completely destroyed it. Including a glass ornament my dad had given her. She tried so hard not to break down in front of us.” Jim blew out a long breath. “I never hated anyone as much as I hated him that year.”

“What was the ornament?”

“A starship.” Jim smiled and squeezed Spock’s hand. “Blown glass. He’d got it at a shop in New York. I guess I should get back to the bridge.”

Spock stood, lifted Jim up, and set him back in his lap as they stared at the tree together.

“It can wait.”

Later, Jim found a wrapped package on his bed. Upon opening it, he found a glass starship.