It didn't particularly surprise Jim, though he understood Kirk's frustration. Shared it. Starfleet gave him a great deal of autonomy--they had to, and it was why he was there--but they still had to be obeyed. And they still had their hidebound regulations and traditions to uphold.

But he knew it'd be disastrous for them. At least here, they could control the environment to some degree. And there was a hope of getting back. They had, if not a family, something approximating it. It wouldn't last forever, but for now everyone was housed and fed and clothed and had company. If they had to stay in this universe forever, they would. But he didn't think it would help anyone to be shuttled off to some hospital or holding facility somewhere.

"Use me," he said suddenly. "Tests, meetings, interviews, whatever. Either we come up with a convincing lie--which I can spearhead the delivery of--or I become extremely persuasive. Even if they believe us, they're not going to let us stay on the ship. But if there's anything we can do, or collect, before we're forced to do so on Earth, use me for it. Leave the rest out of it as long as you can. And maybe we can have Spock check up on any old regulations on the books regarding refugees or safe harbor or something."