This is what Jim had been afraid of. Even twenty-six years after the fact, the ghost of his father still haunts his family, still colors the strained relationship between himself and his mother, pitting them against each other. It's something that's led to more than one argument between them, in the few times they've spoken in the past few years.

But the fact that it's also old, well-tread ground means that Jim is not going to allow himself to be drawn back into those same disagreements, not during the holiday of reconciliation. He's pretty sure that his mom doesn't even consciously intend to do it, driven by her worry for him, no matter how unreasonable he thinks it is. Yes, his job is dangerous. He's proven that more than once. But she's also in Starfleet, doing the same kind of job, and as Hunter has rightly pointed out, not having a dangerous job does not guarantee safety for anyone. It's his decision to make, his choice to take the risk.

"Five years is a long time," he agrees calmly. "Doesn't mean you can't get any messages from me in the meantime, every couple of weeks or so."

His mom looks a little surprised that he's even suggesting reaching out to her, but it's a grateful kind of surprise, hesitant as if doubting the sincerity of the offer yet hopeful that it is. Ruth looks between the three of them, Jim, Hunter, and Winona, and though she's never served in Starfleet, it's clear where Jim gets his diplomatic sense from. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Jim," Ruth says.