Leah though a lot about her life choices over the next few days as they neared Starbase 10. She would feel bad about abandoning her post to fly off with Jim, but there was another doctor there and Jim didn't have anybody. Considering how many times he got hurt, that was a very dangerous thing. Just over the past few days, she'd had to fix a sprained ankle, 3rd degree burn, deep laceration, and cracked wrist from his various mishaps. She wondered what he had done before her arrival.

"Fixed it myself, of course, Bones!" He said cheerfully as she inspected the healing burn on his back. "That's likely a very loose description of what actually happened," she griped, "your medical knowledge is primitive, to say the least."

Jim got a blissed out look on his face as she rubbed ointment on his back.

"Oh, man, Bones, that feels good. Aahhh." He closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her fingers on his back. Face warm, Leah finished as quickly as she could.

"I'm a doctor, not a masseuse." She scurried back to her quarters, cursing herself for the sudden desire to elicit more such reactions

from Jim.

She hid away all the next day, bewildered by the confusing feelings she had for the man she had only known for two weeks. Jim was kind and caring and downright gorgeous. But was he stable? Could he ever settle for just one woman?

She emerged in time to say goodbye to the Starfleet scientists and make a quick trip to the Starbase. Jim went with her, looking around nervously and swallowing hard every time he looked at her.

"Have you made up your mind?" he asked almost timidly.

"Yes, Jim," Leah answered carefully, "I'll tell you after I've finished my errands."

He threw a hand up dramatically.

"And leave me in suspense? Why Bones, how cruel of you!"

"Humph." She snorted. "You'll live. I've learned never to let a guy think he's got what he wants too soon. They don't appreciate things they don't have to fight for, or wait for, ridiculous as that is."

She tried to keep the touch of resentment towards Jack out of her voice, giving Jim a pointed look. He seemed to get the message, sobering up almost instantly.

"Oh. Well, Men who don't appreciate what they've got, no matter how they got it, are idiots," he said firmly, striding along beside her. He gave her a look that said "what the heck was he thinking?" and Leah smiled, despite herself.

"Look, I'll see you back on the ship in two hours. We won't pull out until you're absolutely sure, one way or the other."

"Okay, Captain," she mock saluted. "Try not to get injured, please."

He gave her a wink and walked off, Leah headed another way towards the local medical supply store.

She loaded up on some key supplies she would need on the Atlantis because of Jim's proclivity towards injuries, then headed for the communications center to make a call to her boss. He was relieved to hear from her. After two weeks missing, hopes of survival were almost gone. Leah spilled the story to him, changing some details so Jim wouldn't get even more in trouble.

"You see, Phil, That wanna be space "pirate" needs looking after. He's a walking disaster and he thinks he can save the entire galaxy with his rickety ship. He's been used and rejected by Starfleet and thinks he doesn't deserve a doctor."

"You're the last person I would have expected to be willing to fly around with Jim Kirk," Boyce replied, he didn't look angry, much to her relief. "You only accepted the Ares post because it was on solid ground. He turn the charm on you?" He looked amused now.

"Sort of," she admitted, shamelessly understating the truth. "But it had more to do with the feeling of belonging I got with the whole crew. We're a bunch of misfits who became a family. I'm sorry I just up and left, but it was a life or death situation. The Ares station does have other doctors; Jim doesn't. I don't know how he survived this long without one. He's kept me pretty busy."

"I can imagine," her boss and mentor answered dryly. "You do realize that his missions aren't sanctioned by the Federation, don't you? If he gets in a jam, ticking off Klingons or Romulans, there isn't any backup coming to save your hides."

"Yes, I know," Leah answered calmly. "But I feel like it's where I'm needed most. Also, I'm not nearly as scared of space around him-I mean the crew." She hoped he didn't catch her little slip. Too late. Boyce downright grinned at her.

"Ah, so that's how it is. Kirk's a good man, despite his propensity for rule breaking. You could do a whole lot worse."

"Who says I'm doing Kirk... Oops that came out wrong." Leah clapped her hands over her blushing face. What a stupid thing to say! Now he'd think she and Jim were really...involved. Boyce just laughed.

"It's okay, Doctor, I know what you meant. If you're happy out there, I won't try to talk you out of it, but if he hurts you, I'll make sure his name appears on a wanted poster in every corner of the Federation. I'm still an admiral, you know."

"Yep, a very good one at that," Leah agreed. "I'll see you later Phil. I've got some more errands to run, than I promised Jim I'd meet him back at the ship. I haven't actually told him I'm staying yet."

"Well, get right on it, then. Take care of yourself, Leah. Good luck keeping him alive." Phil looked skeptical, causing her to chuckle.

"Thanks Phil, I appreciate it. So long now."

The communication ended and Leah had officially burned her bridges. She sat still for a little while, wondering about her sanity.

She finished a few personal errands and headed back to the agreed upon meeting place. Jim was waiting for her, pacing somewhat anxiously. He caught sight of her, loaded down with bags, and his eyes lit up. He rushed over.

"Hey, Bones, that's a lot of stuff to carry around."

She gratefully allowed him to relieve her of some of her purchases, then said slyly, "Well, Jimmy the Pirate, I'm going to need some clothes and supplies if I'm gonna be a space pirate doctor."

Jim set down the bags and looked at her, delight sparkling in his eyes. He squished her in a hug. "Thank you, Bones. You're gonna be great. I'd kiss you right now if I didn't value my nose."

"It's good to see you do have a slight sense of self-preservation," Leah remarked, extricating herself with some difficulty. Jim was a fantastic hugger, she secretly thought, smiling at how happy he looked. This pirating thing could be kind of fun with such an enthusiastic leader.