“You look like hell, Jim.”

“I know you don’t know me that well yet, Bones, but I prefer not to be insulted first thing in the morning.” Jim smiled at the served who looked expectantly at him. They were in line at the Starfleet Academy lunch counter in the cafeteria. “Scrambled eggs and the hash browns, please.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Bones grumbled. “I’m just saying you look like you didn’t get much sleep. New roommate a pain in the ass?”

Bones ordered the same breakfast and with their coffee already chosen they made their way to a table.

“No, my lack of sleep isn’t because of Spock. If anything, I’m responsible for his.”

“How so?”

“I had a nightmare that woke me up from a dead sleep.” Jim paused to fork a bite of eggs. He chewed and swallowed. “A bad one.”

“What happened in it?”

“I was chained to a wall by a werewolf with beady red eyes.”

“Werewolves aren’t real.”

“Tell that to my subconscious. It was pretty freaky so it was hard to get back to sleep.” Jim shrugged,. “I’m sure it had some deeper psychological meaning.”

“Yeah?” Bones looked curious. “What would that be?”

“Damned if I know. I’m not into dream analysis or other woo-woo stuff.”

Bones rolled his eyes. “I’ll tell you why. You watched too many scary movies as a kid.”

“Maybe.”

“So what’s it been like living with the Vulcan?”

“He’s nice.”

“Nice? A Vulcan?”

“Yeah. I think he likes me.”

“Doubtful. And anyway, pretty sure he’s involved.”

Jim frowned. “With who?”

“That linguistics cadet with the attitude.”

He made a face. “Well okay. Are you sure?” Jim wasn’t quite certain why that thought made him sad.

“Nope. Not at all. Just seen them together.”

He nodded. “Okay, well there are plenty of dolphins in the sea.”

“The saying is fish.”

“And dolphins eat fish, so I’d rather be one of them.” Jim laughed. He glanced at his watch. “Have to get to class. See you later.”