I was going to use this in my chronicles but it's not a one-shot. It is however my first Jimmy Palmer story. I just am in a tag mood and About Face was a great episode.

Finally a real look at the Autopsy Gremlin. Gotta love Palmer but sorry will have to whomp him but I want him to remain at work so he doesn't get too badly hurt.

But then he always did have a big mouth to get him into trouble with.

His eyes fluttered as he fought to regain conscience.

"Mr. Palmer? Jimmy? Are you there son?"

Jimmy slowly opened his eyes and blinked at the light. "Dr…Dr. Mallard?" he asked slowly and his mentor let out a sigh of relief.

"Yes, Jimmy my boy, it's me" he said. Jimmy started to sit up and Ducky quickly stopped him.

"No, my boy you were shot in the shoulder, you'll tear your stitches" he said soothingly and Jimmy nodded. He laid back down and Ducky positioned the bed so he was sitting up.

"Now, what happened Jimmy? I nearly had a heart attack when I saw you on the floor unconscious" Ducky asked.

Jimmy felt a huge twinge of guilt. "I was moving the victim to be bagged and a passport fell out, I put it down when you called and when I came back it was gone" he said and then stopped with a small wince.

"Easy Jimmy, relax and just talk slow and steady" Ducky said and he nodded.

"I thought it was a joke by Tony or McGee and called out, then I saw someone and next I know I was chasing him then there was a lot of pain and…then I'm here" he finished.

"Well, you're very lucky to be alive, the bullet didn't do a lot of damage so you should be able to work again very soon" Ducky said with a smile

Jimmy nodded. Maybe some crazy demon possessed him because he then did the second dumbest thing in his life.

"Yeah, because you and Gibbs must hate finding replacements so fast, not that finding an assistant is that hard" he muttered.

Ducky's eyes darkened as he heard his friend mutter. "Is that what you really believe Mr. Palmer?" he asked in a cold voice.

"Isn't it the truth? Not like were family Dr. Mallard" Jimmy answered.

Ducky stood and flashed him a look of hurt. "Maybe not by blood but if that is how you feel maybe I should look for a new assistant" he spat and left the room.

Jimmy stared in shock. 'What the hell is wrong with you Jimmy?' he scolded himself. He wished he could jump out of bed and run after him but was afraid of the backlash he'd receive.

"I wonder how bad Gibbs and Abby will kill me" was his next thought before he closed his eyes and prayed it was all just a bad dream.