[ Jim smiles a little, waiting a second or two before saying anything. ]

That's exactly how I feel about you, as well as a number of people on my crew. Friendship goes... a little beyond that.

[ He pauses again, shrugging. ] Though I suppose I can't assume all species require that same kind of connection. But you have referred to me as your friend, before. Both the other you, and Ambassador Spock.

[ He used a very specific word to describe his Jim, as a matter of fact. Perhaps it's not the wisest of him to say it right now, so he keeps it to himself. ]