Soooo, I've never done a vignette before - and honestly never thought I would - but after watching "The Night of the Skulls" the other day and "The Night the Dragon Screamed" tonight, I just had to wonder how the boys feel about getting asked - repeatedly - to kill their partner.

My first idea was to do a tag to each of the episodes where it happen, but that would require going through the entire series to find each scene. Instead I typed this up around 1am when I really should have been in bed and decided to post it without a beta - so I wouldn't have time to change my mind. (I am dyslexic and read over this about 6 times to catch anything I could, so please keep that in mind before pointing out any errors.)

DISCLAIMER: I am a broke college student, I couldn't afford to buy Jim's boot much less the rights to the show.

Enjoy ...

"We take a dim view of spies," Captain Daley stated, scowling at his prisoner before turning around with a devilish smile. "It appears I will be able to see your handiwork after all."

The leader of the smuggling ring handed Jim a gun and stepped back to give him a clear shot. The agent looked from the gun to the man who had been forced to his knees before him. Past the blond wig and fake scar, his partner stared back.

Of all the aspects of his job, it was these moments he hated the most: facing the choice to kill his best friend or risk death for both of them. The worst part was the fear in Artie's eyes. Oh, he had to know that Jim would never actually kill him – he wouldn't even hurt him if he could help it! No, the fear wasn't for himself but for his partner.

If you don't kill me, you are as good as dead.

"I'm waiting, Mr. Riley."

"I never rush," Jim replied in as cold a voice as he could. "That's how I never miss."

He could see Artie swallow, even from across the room, and the sight of it made Jim sick. He knew his friend was preparing himself, in case dying was the only way to complete their mission, but Jim wouldn't let it come to that. He couldn't. He would turn the gun on himself before he would willing kill his partner. They had been in this very situation many times before; far too many times for him to let it end any differently.

Stalling for time, he turned his gaze from his captive partner and to the weapon he'd been given. A single shot, old-fashioned pistol. Not very accurate, which might have worked in his favor if the real Dalton Riley wasn't known as the greatest shot this side of the Mississippi. The gunman may not be a fast draw, but at this range, he couldn't miss if he was using a gumdrop in a slingshot.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Artie demanded, his voice steady. "Just do it already."

"You seem very eager to die," Jim commented, taking a step closer.

"What can I say," he half shrugged, shaking his left arm slightly. "My sleeve ran out of aces."

Message received loud and clear.

Jim wasn't sure what his partner – literally – had up his sleeve, but whatever it was, it was their only way out of here. Of course, that did mean he would have to break character, but it was a small price to pay for Artie's life. Taking careful aim, he pointed his pistol at his best friend's heart …

So? Like it? Hate it? Should I never attempt this again?

If - by chance - you don't hate it, let me know. While I marked this as a complete one-shot, I am considering adding a second chapter to show Artie's thoughts when he is given the impossible choice. (But only if you want me to.)