Prime Timeline
"What are you thinking, Doctor?" Spock asked, standing ramrod straight while McCoy collapsed onto his chair.
"So, after he woke up and threatened to kill us, what did you both think of him?" McCoy replied, resting his arms on the desk, ignoring Spock's question. "Was he still familiar?"
"Why, yes, he was." Jim said, sitting down on the desk. "Very. I…I can't explain it."
"Jim, Spock, I don't like my theory, but I think that he must be me from another universe."
"You from another universe, Doctor? Although I find this theory to be intriguing, our visitor looks nothing like you."
"Doesn't he, though, Mr. Spock? Think about me, but younger, with brown eyes instead of blue. Who exercised in his youth instead of letting himself be thin. Seems likely, doesn't it? His personality checks out, he's from Starfleet in medical, I can't see any other explanation! That man in there is Leonard McCoy! Not our version, clearly, but he's some version of me!"
"Spock?" Kirk asked, not able to wrap his head on the aspect yet, hoping for Spock to give some clarity, as his first officer usually did.
"It is a possibility. After our recent encounter with the alternate universe you, Captain, have coined the Mirror Universe, we are aware that alternate versions of ourselves do exist. It is possible, as this man does bear much resemblance to our Doctor McCoy. However, we can not be sure."
Jim then spoke up. " I believe we had enough evidence to assume this, at least. He has a bit of a southern accent, he clearly knows how to use a hypospray, and he's…well, familiar. I recognised him the second I saw him."
"He also seemed to be confused by my name, like he knew that he himself was Leonard McCoy, so it would make no sense that I was also him. Not to mention he claims he knew a Captain Kirk. He even visibly relaxed when you spoke, Spock! He knows you, at least! I would say we can be sure of this! That man is Leonard McCoy!" McCoy argued, gesturing wildly with his hands, and Spock's eyebrow rose.
"Nonetheless, I wish to speak with him. Perhaps he himself can give some insight as to who he is."
"Spock, you might not be able to talk to him! He could be a madman! Don't you remember the people from the Mirror Universe? Do you remember what that Spock did to me?" Bones got to his feet, his hands fisted at his sides, yet Spock still stood, only shifting slightly at the reminder.
Kirk wanted this conversation to end. He hated knowing that the Mirror Spock had hurt Bones so deeply, hated that he had trusted the man, and hated that Bones had hid it from them for so long. The pain from the Mirror Universe was still fresh for all of them, the pain that Bones went through clear on their minds. They were fortunate that the Vulcan healers could help him, but they were close, too close, to losing him.
He had no doubt as to why Bones was so worried about his counterpart now. Was this McCoy anything like that Spock? Was he here to kill them? To damage them beyond repair?
"Doctor, while I understand your hesitation, this man appears sane." Spock eventually said, breaking Jim out of his thoughts. "His threat to us was born of fear. I do not think that he is the 'madman' you think he is. He is likely scared. If he is from another universe, he is likely seeing different versions of the people he knows, it would elicit fear in any human, especially one who is as emotionally driven as you are, Doctor."
"I would like to argue with you, Spock, especially over that last comment, but I think that you agree with me. You think that he's another me, don't you? But you think he's sane?"
"Yes. But, again, I would like to speak to him."
"I think we can arrange that." Jim said, wanting to finally get some answers. He turned to Bones, and he sighed reluctantly.
"Fine. You can speak with him once he wakes up, after I check him over. But, he will remain restrained. Doctor's orders. I don't want him to hurt anyone."
"Good, that I'm fine with," Jim said, getting to his feet. "I'm needed on the bridge. Let me know how it goes?"
"Of course."
"And I have duties I must attend to as well, Doctor. Please alert me when our visitor awakes."
"I will, Spock."
Kirk gave McCoy a nod, and left the room with Spock, only sparing a glance to the man in the medical bed. He understood why Bones was worried about this, their counterparts in the Mirror Universe were brutal, violent, and murderous. If this man, this Leonard McCoy, was like them, then they could be in for another dangerous adventure. If one man from another universe was here, there could be more, and Kirk didn't want to know what danger they could pose to the Enterprise.
And yet, somehow he trusted this McCoy, much like he trusted the Mirror Spock. Distantly, he knew that the Mirror Spock wasn't to be trusted, so Jim's gut was wrong then, why wouldn't it be wrong now? Yet this new McCoy felt different. Kirk could tell that he was truly afraid of them. Would someone so violent be so scared? He didn't think so. Something told him that this McCoy needed them.
He just hoped that his gut wasn't wrong this time. He didn't know what would happen if it was.
Leonard opened his eyes to an unfamiliar room. But, he didn't focus on that. Instead, he took time to examine himself, he would need to know what was wrong so that he could help the patient. That was the top priority. And, based on the pain he felt all around his body, he knew that he was the patient.
His arms stung, his leg throbbed, and the bed under him was nothing like what he was used to. It was too hard, if you asked him, and a bit cold, not doing any favors to his aching bones. His chest felt tight, his head throbbed, and he tried to move his arms, hoping that he could relieve the pain somewhere. Hadn't he given himself a hypospray? Why was he still in pain?
His breath hitched when his arms refused to move. He lifted his head, seeing strong braces against his arms, braces much like they used in Medical, powerful enough to hold even a Vulcan down, but padded on the inside for comfort.
"You're safe." Someone said, someone with the voice of an angel, and a warm hand touched his shoulder. He couldn't help but flinch away from it, but his eyes met a woman's eyes, a woman who looked at him with fondness and care.
Her gaze did nothing to soothe his worries. He felt like screaming, begging to be let go, to have an explanation, but he couldn't. Memories of when he was last awake flashed through his mind, of the other Doctor McCoy, the other Spock, and the other Jim. His broken leg. The way they wanted him to calm down. Wanted to help him.
Still. It didn't mean he was safe. This wouldn't have been the first time someone tried to gain his trust just to break it.
"I'm Nurse Chapel." The woman said with a small smile. "You're okay. You're in Sickbay on the Enterprise, recovering from severe wounds."
Chapel. Nurse Chapel. Christine Chapel. Leonard remembered her, she had worked with him on the Enterprise for a few months before Jim had done something to make her ask for a reassignment. She was a nice girl, one of the few that would argue with him, stand up to him, and he honored her for it. He wondered if this Chapel was the same.
"I need to go get the Doctor. I'll be back soon."
With those words spoken, her warm hand left, leaving him alone with his thoughts. The beeping of the bone regenerator over his leg filled the silence, and he took a deep breath, letting it lull him into peace. Well, as close to peace that he could get.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. It was the only thing he could think about right now. Free from Romulan bondage, now in an alternate universe. Or, was it the original timeline, the one that Ambassador Spock told them about?
He knew that this Spock in this universe was a true Spock. He, although much younger, looked exactly like the Ambassador, and acted like him, too. The words he spoke earlier reminded him of his Spock, and that connection was the only thing that Leonard noticed in his moments of panic. He knew that he was Spock. Could he be the same man that had helped them stop Nero? That, essentially, played a huge part in changing their timeline? It seemed likely. It seemed logical. This Spock had to be the Ambassador, right?
He chuckled to himself at the thought. Wouldn't his Spock be proud of him for deducing this? The thought made Leonard laugh softly again. Spock would deny being proud, he always did.
Leonard didn't know the Ambassador, not really. He had seen his face, been there when Spock asked him about Khan, but hadn't spoken to him. Did he know enough about him to trust that this Spock was the young Ambassador? Or did he have to trust his gut and say that it was?
Well. He had nothing left to lose. He wasn't home, that much was true. If he was, Jim would've saved him by now. He wouldn't be seeing Ambassador Spock as a young half-Vulcan. He wouldn't be lying in an unfamiliar sickbay with a broken leg. What was trusting a half-Vulcan that he didn't really know against all of that unknown?
"Welcome back to the land of the living." A voice said, and Leonard looked up to see the doctor walk in, the one who said that he was Leonard McCoy. Could he see it? The resemblance? Yes, he could. The gruff attitude, the authority in Sickbay, his obvious southern drawl, even his looks to a degree…it was like looking in a mirror. A warped mirror, granted, but a mirror nonetheless.
One thought made itself clear: how did Spock talk to Ambassador Spock so casually? Even thinking of talking to this man, this other him, felt like pulling teeth.
"What? Cat got your tongue? Or are you planning to threaten us with a painkiller again?" The doctor said, crossing his arms over his chest with an awkward smile, and that finally made Leonard scowl.
"I can't do anything while I'm restrained." He finally said, looking away from the bright blue eyes. It reminded him too much of Jim.
Jim…was he ever going to see him again? That kid would get in so much trouble without him…and Leonard didn't want to be the reason he hurt anymore than he already has. He didn't want Jim to blame himself for Leonard's death, because knowing him, he would.
He needed to get home. He really needed to get home.
"Look, we think we know who you are." The other Doctor McCoy said with a heavy sigh, and it was then that Leonard realized that the other man was older than he was, if only slightly. Thinking back to the other Jim and Spock, they seemed older, too. Odd.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes." The word had a bite to it, but Leonard ignored it, and listened to the other man intently. "But, we can't confirm anything until Spock speaks with you."
"Let me guess. That little hobgoblin is waiting outside those doors." Leonard said, raising his eyebrow instinctively, and McCoy scoffed.
"Yes, he is. You call him hobgoblin, too?" Doctor McCoy seemed curious, and Leonard scowled.
"Shut up."
"Alright, I'll send him in now." With a raised eyebrow, one that had Leonard frozen in shock, because this was another version of him, no doubt McCoy raised the back of the bed, and hesitantly removed the restraints.
"You have a lot of trust in me." Leonard said as he did so, and McCoy scoffed.
"No, I have trust in Spock. Good luck escaping a Vulcan."
And with that, the doctor was gone, leaving Leonard alone once more. He tried to get his breathing under control, knowing that he was no doubt being monitored, but that interaction with his counterpart shook him. His words were what he would've said in the same situation, it was as if he pulled them out of his throat.
He hated this. He knew this man, but knew that he wasn't the same. He just wanted to go home.
"Leonard."
Leonard looked to his side to see this Spock watching him, silently sitting down on a chair near the bed. When he looked the man over, there was no doubt about it; this was Ambassador Spock. The man sat stiffly, his dark eyes watching him, yet not pushing him to speak.
"So…" Leonard began, always hating the silence between him and his Spock. It felt the same way here. "How much do you know? About me?"
"If you are referring to yourself as Leonard McCoy, very little. All of it is speculative, however, I believe that we are coming to an understanding. If you are referring to your counterpart, I know quite a lot. I have served with Doctor McCoy for many years, he is a fine officer and an even better doctor."
"Don't let him hear that, it'll get to his head."
Spock's eyes seemed to brighten at that, but it was so fast, Leonard watched it leave as quickly as it came. "I am aware of such a fact."
"I know you are, Spock."
"Are you from another universe?" Spock said, moving on with the conversation, and Leonard met him halfway. "Are these people around you familiar to you, but they are not the same?"
"I think you know that, but yes." His breath seemed to get caught in his throat at the admission that yes, this wasn't his home, this wasn't his people, but, like before when he first woke up, he felt that he could trust Spock. He would help him get home.
"I…I am Doctor Leonard McCoy. CMO of the Enterprise. I'm close friends with my Captain Kirk and Spock. You all…aren't them."
"Doctor, how did you get here?"
His leg throbbed at the reminder, his fingers tightening around the thin sickbay sheets that covered him. "Romulans. I was in a shuttle traveling back to the Enterprise from a medical convention, and they attacked. My pilot hailed them, there was no response, and long story short they took the shuttle into their ship, capturing us. I managed to escape, but not fast enough to avoid their…"
Torture. Evil. Danger.
"…violence. I…I don't remember what happened after that."
"Why did they want you?"
The memories flashed in his mind, unwelcome memories that made his limbs tense. Strong hands around his shoulders, bright lights, seeing the pilot, the kid that he didn't know the name of, be killed because Leonard refused to open his mouth. Cold restraints around his wrists. Strong hands around his neck.
"What is the formula for the serum?"
"I'll…I'll never tell you!"
"They…" He swallowed, looking away from Spock and instead focused on his broken leg. "They wanted information I couldn't provide."
"You could not provide, or would not?"
"Does it really matter, Spock? They killed a man for this information, and I still didn't share it! What do you think?" His harsh tone was back, as natural to him as wielding a hypospray, and he half expected to see Spock, his Spock, staring at him like he always did, with that mix of disapproval and amusement, though always denying it. Yet the Spock that he saw wasn't that, and it made him angry.
Yet, that anger was dismissed quickly by Spock's patient nature as he sat there, watching him, and Leonard sighed heavily.
"Sorry. I just…this shouldn't be happening. None of it should be."
"I agree. Traveling between universes is not something that should be normalized."
Leonard took a moment to think before muttering under his breath. "Timelines."
"Pardon? Would you mind repeating that, Doctor?"
He closed his eyes, remembering all of the conversations he had had with Jim and Spock about the existence of Nero, of the attack of the Kelvin, and of Ambassador Spock.
"I think I'm from a different timeline."
Spock's eyebrow rose, urging him to continue, and so he did. He knew that he had to be careful, he wasn't a genius with time travel like Spock was, but he was well aware that if he said something that would make Spock save Romulus, or disrupt the timeline in any way, the Leonard McCoy he was would cease to exist. The thought scared him to his core. Not only would he die, or change, but everyone he knew would too. Jim. Spock. Uhura. Scotty. All of them.
They all had things that they wished that would change about themselves, their past, their personalities, but Leonard knew that those scars made them them. Without Spock losing his planet, would he have found the sympathy he has now? Without Jim's father dying on the day that Jim was born, would Jim have the drive to win? Would he think that no-win scenarios were simply that? No-win scenarios? Would Leonard himself bear the weight of responsibility he felt on his shoulders every day, all because he became a CMO long before he should've?
He had to protect the timeline, if not for himself, but for the people around him to stay themselves. So, he would do everything in his power and limited understanding to do so.
Leonard told Spock the story, not mentioning anything about Romulus, or who he was as Ambassador Spock. He only told Spock that he had traveled to their universe, their timeline, and helped them make things better, despite things being changed by a nameless influence. Leonard didn't know if it would be enough to protect his timeline, but he had to share the story. It was the only way that he could get home. Not only would he gain Spock's trust, but maybe something in the story could help him get back. It may be a long shot, but he was grasping at strings, desperate.
He told Spock of Jim's father, who died too early, of the new timeline that was created because of the unnamed influence, and how he, and all the people he knew, were different people because of it. The timeline had been broken and changed, for the better or for the worse Leonard didn't know.
It was a strange thought. If Spock and Nero hadn't come to their timeline, would Leonard be a different man? Would he look exactly like this other doctor? Would Spock and Jim be like these other people? It was a thought that he didn't voice.
As he spoke of the things he did wish to share, Spock listened intently, still as a statue, yet still put in comments and ask questions, sparking up debates that Leonard tried to catch up with, debates that were all too familiar to him. It made Leonard's heart hurt, and looking up at the Vulcan only reminded him how far from home he actually was.
"If all that you say is true," Spock said once Leonard was done, watching Leonard intently. "Then you are risking your own life by telling me these things, are you not?"
"Probably. But, I didn't tell you specifics, at least I don't think I did. Hopefully that's enough. But, I'm a doctor, not a timeline expert."
"Indeed. However, I believe that, no matter what I've heard, I will always choose to make the most logical decision, as I believe I have done in the future. If that logic leads me to disrupt your timeline, making it how it is now, there is nothing that will change. Both of our timelines should be secure, unless there are other factors that we are both unaware of."
Leonard managed a small smile, glad that his hopes were confirmed. Of course. Of course Spock would make his decisions based on logic, not anything that he's heard. Of course the timeline, his timeline, would be safe. It eased his worries, if only a little bit, because what if what Spock's heard changed his logic? Leonard pushed the thought away, hating how the heart monitor beeped faster at his frantic thoughts.
"Sounds about right. And, I told you everything I know." Leonard finally said. He took a moment to readjust his position on the bed, grunting as more pain flared up in his leg. What he would give for a hypo right now, but the other McCoy took all of them out of the room. That man didn't seem to trust him, but Leonard wasn't surprised, he didn't trust him either.
"So, any clue as to how I can get home?" He asked Spock, knowing that the answer would be brutally honest, and wasn't surprised.
"Not yet, Doctor. I will speak to the captain and our McCoy about the things we have discussed, and we will take our next steps accordingly. Are you in need of any assistance before I go?"
Leonard waved him off. "I'll be fine, Spock. Not all doctors are the worst patients, you know."
Something close to amusement flashed in Spock's eyes, but it was gone before Leonard could mention it. "Have an uneventful rest, Leonard."
Leonard huffed, leaning back in the bed with a burdened sigh. Leonard. Spock, his Spock, had only called him that once, when they both thought that they were about to die. It was strange how this Spock spoke it so causally. Or perhaps it was the one of the ways Spock was trying to connect with him, and gain his trust. He did call him "Doctor", but there were many doctors in the fleet, and it was the appropriate term for him. It seemed like the Vulcan thing to do, calling him by his profession. Even his Spock did it. But "Leonard"…he didn't know if he could get used to being called that by Spock. It would certainly stop any confusion between the two McCoys, no matter how awkward it would be for him. Maybe it's what they could all call him, because surely this McCoy didn't go by his first name, did he? If they called him "Doctor McCoy" or "Bones" things would get more confusing than they already were.
He had to chuckle at the thought; the day that Spock called him "Bones" would be the day that Leonard would die of shock.
Distantly he noticed that the medical restraints hadn't been reattached to his arms. He knew that he could try to leave, but where would he go? Even if he got a shuttle and left the Enterprise there would be less help in the expanse of space than within this tin can. Not to mention the fact that he was still terrified of shuttles, so being in one, alone, and having to pilot it, would be a disaster. His odds were better here.
He still didn't know if he could trust this Captain Kirk. Leonard knew that he didn't trust this McCoy. He knew that he could trust Spock, at least more than the rest. Spock would be logical in this, and what was logical about hurting a man from another timeline? Nothing, that was what.
Yet, was that enough proof to feel safe here? Or was he still in danger?
Danger, his life was full of it. At least if he was in danger before, he would have Jim or Spock to help him out. They were usually the ones who got him into it, and were there through the thick of it with him. Yet now, if this Spock aligned with Captain Kirk and McCoy, Leonard would be all alone. The thought scared him more than he wanted to admit.
Reluctantly, he rested his head on the pillow, alert, unwilling to let his eyes close in fear someone dangerous would walk through those doors and hurt him in his sleep.
Kelvin (Alternate Universe) Timeline
Jim was in Recreation Room 4, where he sat alone. The lights were lowered so that darkness filled the room, reflecting his mood, and Jim frowned, his eyes focused on the holo frame in front of him. It displayed a holographic image of Jim and Bones, a photo that was taken a week after their first week in their five year mission. Bones had just done a twelve hour shift, so he looked more tired than ever. yet his eyes were full of joy. Jim had his arm wrapped around his shoulders, taking the photo with his free hand, beaming.
He remembered that day vividly. They were both exhausted, yet exhilarated by the fact that they had made it that far, made it into a week of their mission, surviving the worst and living for the better. Bones was one of the best doctors in the fleet, and Jim was finally a captain. This was the first day that the weight of those they had lost had lightened a bit, allowing them to finally feel a bit of joy at their accomplishments, at their bright futures ahead. It was the first time they had both smiled in too long.
Smile. Jim didn't know if he remembered how to do that anymore. How could he ever be happy again when Bones wasn't by his side? When they couldn't take a photo like this ever again?
"I'm sorry, Bones." He muttered, turning the frame around in his hand, watching as it sent light around the dark room. "I'm so sorry."
Two weeks. It had been two weeks since Bones had left the Enterprise. The medical convention that he was going to lasted a week, so it had been nearly seven days since his shuttle went missing. Seven days. And Jim knew that anything could happen in seven days.
In three days at the Academy, Bones and Jim became best friends.
In two days Krull was discovered and nearly devastated Yorktown and everyone on it.
In one day Khan was captured and placed back into his frozen state.
In a mere half day Jim lost command of the Enterprise and then lost Pike.
In mere hours he was nearly kicked out of the Academy.
In mere minutes Vulcan in its entirety was destroyed.
Anything can happen in seven days.
He tried to think of what Bones would say to that, yet his memories failed him. Perhaps it was because of the endless days of searching, the endless nights of sleep, or maybe it was the sick feeling in his stomach that told him that he was too late. That Bones was already dead. He let out a sob at the thought. Bones, the man that had defied death, who fought against it every breath of every day, dead. It didn't seem possible. Was it? Could Bones really be dead?
He wished he could let himself cry, but he couldn't. He needed to get back to the bridge soon. He needed to keep looking. He needed to be a good captain and bring home their CMO. He needed to be a good friend and bring Bones back to them.
But Bones could be dead. How was Jim supposed to go on? How? Every step felt like climbing a mountain, every breath felt like he was being choked, making speaking nearly impossible.
He heard the doors open behind him, yet he didn't look up. He knew who it was. Only two people would seek him out in times like this, yet only one of them was here. The other one was gone.
Gone. Gone. Gonegonegonegone一
"Spock. Anything I can do for you?"
Spock walked up to him, eyeing the frame with what could only be described as sadness before focusing on Jim.
"No, Captain, I only wished to inquire how you were."
"I thought emotional conversations weren't your thing." Jim replied, studying Spock quickly. He was showing signs of exhaustion too, like the whole crew of the Enterprise was. The thought made him even sadder.
He distantly wondered if Bones knew how important he was to them. To the whole ship. He was the heart of the Enterprise, and Jim wished that he had learned that fact long before Bones went missing. Bones brought a certain light to the ship, made them feel whole, and now, with him gone…
The loss was felt by everyone, the beating heart silenced, sending cold nothingness to the others. Everyone looked numb. Everything felt empty. Everyone seemed to be covered by shadow, even Spock. Everyone was working down to their own bones, trying to bring him back. Trying to bring life back into the ship. But it wasn't working. Nothing was.
"Usually, they are not. However…" Spock's voice broke, and his fist tightened at his sides, as if he was struggling to regain composure. "Given the circumstances, I am willing to give emotional conversations a try."
Spock then stiffly sat across from him, his hands folded tightly on the table. He waited a moment before speaking up.
"We are doing everything we can to find Doctor McCoy." Spock said evenly, "The likelihood that we find him may be low, however, I have hope. The miserable have nothing but hope, do they not?"
"Are you saying that we're miserable, Spock?" It was a pretty accurate assessment, but Jim didn't want to say it out loud. Saying it would make it more real than ever, and he wasn't ready to deal with that. As Captain, he was supposed to bring crew morale up, yet he couldn't even bring himself to smile.
"Captain. I am merely suggesting that, no matter how miserable the situation is, there is hope. It is something that you and Doctor McCoy have taught me, so I will not hesitate to remind you."
"Yeah, well, I think it's pretty hopeless. We haven't heard anything for a week."
"Captain一"
"Do you know how many people I've lost, Spock?" Jim interrupted, yet he could tell that the words he spoke had no bite, no emotion lacing them but hopelessness. "Too many. And, I knew that, the instant I met him, I couldn't do any of this without him. I couldn't be a Captain, I couldn't be in Starfleet, and I couldn't be a good man. I couldn't lose him, I couldn't lose Bones, but I did. I lost him, and I don't even know who to blame but myself."
His chest was tight once again, and he leaned back, trying to breathe deeply, but he found that he couldn't.
"I can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes, trying to sleep, I see him begging me to save him. Telling me that it was my fault. I always feel like my hands are covered with his blood. Every time I go into Sickbay I expect to see him, for him to tell me that I'm being stupid again, stabbing me with one of his hypos, but there's nothing, not even a ghost of his voice. I'm going crazy here, Spock." Tears were burning in his eyes, and he didn't bother to hide them.
"Captain, you are not alone. We can help you一"
"Help me do what? Move on? Get it together?" Jim replied, his voice getting louder, echoing across the room, "Another week and he'll be declared missing in action! I'll have to sign the death certificate! I'll have to tell all of the crew that he's gone! I'll have to tell his mother that there was nothing that I could do to save him! I'll have to admit to myself and everyone else that he's dead! How can you be okay with this? How can you, Spock?" His voice broke, and he covered his mouth with his hands, trying to breathe deeply, but failing. His chest shook with the strength of his sobs, and the tears he had been holding back finally fell.
"I am not okay with it, as you suggest, Jim. We will help you find him. We will help you through the nightmares and through the confusion, so that you can have clarity in our search. We are not giving up hope." Spock's voice was stern, and his brown eyes focused on Jim with scary devotion. "We are not giving up on Doctor McCoy. He is a capable officer, and an even more capable man. He will be alright."
Jim scoffed, shaking his head, his heart heavy within his chest. His voice was softer when he spoke up again. "I thought that Vulcans didn't lie?"
Spock didn't even falter at the comment. "We do not lie. Doctor McCoy will be alright. And you know this in your heart, but not your mind. Listen to your heart, it is what Leonard would do. It is what he did when he brought you back with Khan's blood, is it not? Think about it, Jim, not for me, but for him. Follow your heart. For him."
Jim stared at Spock, the words sinking into his mind, leaving him breathless. In a swift motion Spock got to his feet and left the room, leaving Jim to his thoughts. Jim didn't know if he could believe the half-Vulcan's words, not yet, but he knew at that moment that he would try. Not for himself, not for Spock, but for Bones. It was the least thing that he could do for his friend after all that Bones had done for him.
Bones deserved Jim believing in him. In his safe return. If Jim was being truthful, Bones deserved so much more than that.
Jim would do it. He would follow his heart. He would get Bones back.
"Hold on, Bones." He said, getting to his feet and looking at the holo frame once again, focusing on his friend's face. "We're coming for you. Just hold on."