Pike was ignoring everything Jim said about going back, for a good reason in his book. Kirk didn't really want to go back, and Pike didn't really want to send him there.

"Jim, there are things in all our lives that we can't talk about. Someone had to put General Order 7 on the books."

But this wasn't about him, "So if you want to talk, I'm perfectly capable of keeping it quiet."

Maybe that assurance would help the younger man feel better about opening up a little bit. Chris would keep it quiet.