82. Gamble

82. Gamble

Jim's eyes flickered open slowly and he peered up at the bright lights above him as the sounds of his friends echoed in his head. He couldn't stop a small smile even as his head ached. "Y'know, just once, I'd like to wake up to you both agreeing on something."

Spock and McCoy jumped slightly at his voice and the doctor was immediately looking him over. "How do you feel?"

"Like I just went one on one with a whole planet."

McCoy frowned. "Close enough. Dammit Jim... If Sulu hadn't managed to get to you in time, that landslide would have taken you out."

Wincing, the younger man sat up and took a few deep breaths. His head still hurt, and his chest and limbs felt sore. His leg in particular throbbed unmercifully; he had a vague memory of a large rock slamming into it before he'd fallen unconscious. "Felt like a good idea at the time. I mean, it did stop the power station."

"Spock." The vulcan looked weary as McCoy turned to him. "What exactly did you say to him when he suggested this little idea?"

"...That there was only a 65% chance that the tactic would be successful and a 58% chance that he could die in the attempt." Spock said, his voice unusually quiet; he had a cut above his eye but other than that, Jim was happy to see that he looked well. If the look in his dark eyes meant anything, it would seem he'd already received a verbal lashing from the doctor.

The captain grinned weakly, ready for his turn but determined not to give in too quickly. "I liked those odds."

"Playing games with luck..." McCoy muttered, gritting his teeth. "I wish you'd stop with these gambles; lives are not something you should leave to chance."

"Sulu had my back." Jim argued. "We planned it well, I just...got caught off guard."

"It was a stupid risk."

"It's part of the job."

"Jim." McCoy got in his face. "Take better care of yourself or I will write a report saying you're unfit for duty. See if I don't."

As the man marched off, Jim looked over at Spock. "...Odds he really will?"

"I'd estimate 87%."

"...Better not risk telling him about the raid on the guard station then."

"Agreed."