Even if Spock hadn’t noticed Jim jerking his head up, clearly trying to keep from falling asleep, he would have known his captain was bored. Even without him desperately trying to hide a yawn.

He also knew Jim hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before. Neither had Spock, but Vulcans could go without sleep much longer than Humans. And even though the reason for Jim’s lack of sleep had been extremely pleasurable, Spock somewhat regretted it now.

The captain wasn’t trying to be rude. He was tired and the Vulcan speaking at the head of the conference table spoke in an uninflected monotone. On a subject Spock knew Jim wasn’t particularly interested in.

The problem was Admiral Barrington had glanced their direction a time or two, narrowing her eyes.

During the break, Jim got a coffee, but as Spock was trying to bring him outside for some fresh air to wake him up further, Admiral Barrington approached.”

“Captain. Commander.”

“Admiral. We were about get some air. Care to join us?” Jim asked, politely.

“Yes.”

Spock opened the door to outside for her and the captain.

Then she looked back over her shoulder at Jim.

“You do not look well, Jim.”

“Admiral?”

She sighed. ”Forget the Admiral-Captain nonsense. I’m just Mom right now.”

Jim reddened. He looked chastised.

She glanced at Spock. “I expect to see you both at dinner tonight with my husband.”

It was a recent marriage for her. Dr. Adam Barrington was a much admired physicist and brother of the Federation president.

Still, Spock was surprised. The invitation for dinner hadn’t included him before.

“Admiral—”

“I have eyes, Mr. Spock.” She sighed and turned back to Jim. “The collar of dress uniform barely covers the marks.”

Jim’s eyes widened. “Mom!”

She rolled hers. “Wear something casual to dinner, both of you. No uniforms. Maybe a turtleneck though.” She was smiling. “I’m glad you finally snagged him. I did wonder.”

Jim choked on a laugh.

“You do look terrible. No sleep? You never did handle that well. Listen, the rest of this isn’t any more interesting than the first part. Go get some sleep. You’re excused.” She arched a brow at Spock. “You aren’t.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Jim looked enormously relieved. “Really? I’m excused?”

“Just from the conference today. Not from dinner. You’d both better be there.”

“We will. I will.” Jim leaned over and kissed her cheek. Grinned. “Thanks, Admiral.”

His mother laughed. “Weird as hell, right? Did you ever think I’d get this kind of promotion?”

“It’s not underserved,” her son assured her. “See you and Adam for dinner.”

Spock was grateful Jim was going to get to rest but, admittedly anxious about the dinner. With a shrug, after the break, Spock returned to the conference, his attention riveted by the speakers.  

PS. I’ll be gone all weekend to Vegas (planned trip so I will be hobbling around), so any response will be delayed!