Author's Note: Sorry, I made a little bit of a mistake last time! There are actually two more chapters after this chapter, so fourteen all together. I forgot about one of the chapters I had written *scratches head and laughs nervously*.

Link: Again, there is no link on my page, but I would encourage all of you to check out S.P.O.C.K. I find their songs highly amusing. Make sure to especially listen to Dr. McCoy!

Chapter 12: Pep Talks (Sort of)

Bones searches the smoky bar. Coming up negative on his search, he decides to dive into the depths of the establishment. It was five in the morning, and yet the place was still pretty crowded. Now where in the hell was that kid? Yes, kid, he thinks to himself. Jim sometimes was so irresponsible that McCoy seriously thought it was a child possessing an adult's body. Jim has not bothered coming home tonight, not that McCoy was Jim's mother or anything, it was just that Jim had gotten into the nice habit of coming home by at least two.

So when he woke up at four-thirty and saw the bed on the other side empty, he was a little worried. When he didn't see any messages on his PADD, he started getting dressed. When Jim didn't return any of his messages, he grabbed his medikit and left in search for one wayward roommate.

Now after searching Jim's top favorite bars and coming up empty, Leonard has reached the last resort. If Jim doesn't turn up here, then McCoy didn't know where the hell he could be.

"What 'er you doin' 'ere, Bones?"

McCoy looks behind his shoulder, the corner table was shrouded in darkness, but he could vaguely tell that a lone figure was sitting there, or more like slumped there. A sigh of relief escapes. Jim was ok, only intoxicated. Leonard sits down and looks at him. He looks miserable. What brought this on? Jim was all sunshine earlier in the day, now this.

"Want to tell me what's wrong?"

"I failed."

"Okaaay. You know, Jim, everybody fails at least once in their lives, most people don't go out and get stone-cold drunk every single time it happens."

"I'm not like most people, failing is not acceptable."

"You have some damn hero complex, you know that Jim?"

He nods, "I know."

"So you care to enlighten me on this epic failure of yours?"

Jim swallows the rest of his beer, "The 'Maru."

McCoy closes his eyes and restrains himself from banging his head on the table, "The Kobyashi Maru? That's why you're acting all pathetic?"

"Ow, Bones, not so loud."

"I can't believe you're getting into a little snit about some test that's unbeatable. This is second time you've taken it, isn't it?"

Jim grins, and looks around listlessly, "I think I know why I keep losing."

"Oh, please do inform the rest of us."

He flashes Leonard a shit-eating grin, "Because I didn't have my Bonesy lucky charm with me."

"I'm not your damn lucky charm, Jim, I'm a doctor."

"No, I definitely think you're my lucky charm, dude."

McCoy rolls his eyes, "So how about you give me the real reason why this test upsets you."

Jim looks at him with sad eyes, "I don't believe in no-win situations, I can't." He shakes his head, "If something like the Kobyashi Maru actually happened while I'm captain, I can't, I won't let my crew die. It's not an option."

"You know it's just a simulation, right Jim?"

"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter if it's fake or real, I won't let my crew die. Not on my watch." Jim scoffs, "They wanted us to take this test seriously, well guess what? I am taking it dead seriously."

"Jim look, I think you're overreacting-"

"No! Don't you understand, Bones? What if you were on my ship, a part of my crew? I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I let anything happen to you or anyone under my command, not while I can help it."

"That's just the thing, Jim. Sometimes you can't help it. Shit happens. Sometimes it's out of our control. We just have to find the best course out of the situation."

"I know that shit happens. I wouldn't mind the occasional mystery. Or even the occasional epidemic because I know you'll be there to kick ass. It's just the thought that Starfleet thinks they need to drill into everyone's heads that we're all going to eventually die in the line of duty. Like it's inevitable. It's not, and I'll make sure of that."

McCoy shifts in his seat, "How the hell do you know I'm going to be stationed with you?"

Jim's face softens, he grins, "Call it a hunch, Bones. Besides, I can't go out into the deep black without my lucky charm."

Leonard sighs and rests his head in one hand. He should just humor the kid.

"Well, if anyone can cheat their way out of an impossible situation, it's you Jim. So what are you planning on doing? Complain to our CO's? Bet that'd get a chuckle out of 'em."

Jim was looking at him, calculating. His eyes suddenly clear, he murmurs, "Cheat my way out? Huh." He sees McCoy's inquiring look, and sits up straight, "No I'm not going to complain to my CO, I'm not their lapdog."

"Well, if you aren't doing anything, how about we get you back to our room? Pretty sure you're about to pass out."

"Oh ye of little faith! I don't think you know how well I hold my liqueur, Bones. Well, what are you waiting for? Lead on!"

Bones grumbles and grabs a hold of Jim's arm, making sure the kid doesn't fall flat on his face.

"By-the-way Bones, thanks for the idea."

"What idea? What are you-? You know, I don't even want to know, let's just getting this ugly ass of yours in bed."

"You think my ass is ugly, Bones?"

"Just shut up, Jim."

There it is! Next up: Nancy and Leonard go on a date. Awwwww.