So sorry it has taken so long to get this posted here. Everytime I tried to log in I couldn't access the site! Thanks for being patient.

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Chapter 7

Zoë took the ramp to Serenity at a dead run, racing across the empty cargo hold and through the entrance to the lower common room, an expression of worry and slight fear on her face that was rare and almost out of place. Shepherd Book met her at the closed infirmary door, stepping into her path with hands raised.

“He’s still in surgery. Simon asked that they not be disturbed until he’s done as this is tricky work and it’s too important for him to be distracted.”

“I appreciate that, Preacher, but Doc’s just gonna have to deal with a small distraction.”

“Zoë, I know you’re concerned, but Wash really is in the best hands. Let the doctor do his job,” Book reasoned, unmoving.

“I ain’t askin’, Shepherd.”

“Stand aside, Preacher,” Mal added, coming up behind them, thoroughly out of breath from his sprint. “Been developments the doc needs to know ‘bout.”

Book held the captain’s gaze for a few seconds, then nodded his head in acceptance and stepped aside. “Not more trouble for poor Wash, I hope,” he said with real concern.

“More’n likely,” Mal answered tightly. Without waiting to hear his reply, Zoë pushed open the infirmary doors and walked through, Mal at her heels.

Wash was lying on the table, his whole body covered by a sheet except for his face and left hand. If it wasn’t for the bruises on his face and the fact that Inara hovered worriedly nearby, keeping an eye on his breathing and pulse while Simon worked, he might have been stretched out for a nap.

Simon never looked up from his intense, careful work on Wash’s exposed hand, but his brow wrinkled in frustration as the doors opened and his voice was laced with anger as he spoke.

“Exactly what part of I’m not to be disturbed did you people not understand. I’m performing detailed surgery on this man’s hands! I need to be able to concentrate without interruptions