[Sometimes, Spock is the singularly most frustrating person (Vulcan, whatever) he's ever known. And he really wants to just-- Jim makes an aggressive little gesture with one hand as that train of thought truncates abruptly. He doesn't even have words! For how much he hopes the next chair Spock sit in breaks! Or something! That's equally lesson-teaching and harmless because he'd never actually wish harm on Spock (they've faced it together, too many times) but. It's the principle of the thing.]

And what if I can't, Spock? What if I can't get us home? I have been here almost seven. Months. Seven! That's only a few months shy of how long I've even been a captain! Just-- will you lay off? I knew what I was doing, and I know it was the best choice at the time.

[Okay, he's done yelling. For now. He exhales sharply, and pinches the bridge of his nose.]

McCoy was the only one here when I made the deal anyway, it's not like I could renege on it when it would have put everyone who showed up after in danger.

[And, irritably,]

Besides. People come back from the dead here.