PT 2.

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Mal and River were getting ready to get off at Hera, when Simon approached.

“Oh, here we go,” Mal muttered.

“Where is she going?” Simon asked, a little too demanding.

“Just taking her shopping on Hera,” the Captain teased.

“I don’t think that’s such a good idea. What if the Alliance finds her?”

“We won’t be long, I’m not discussing this any further with you. Now go.”

The doctor reluctantly turned and walked away. Right then Zoë came up.

“Sir, so you are going to pick up a friend’s kid?”

“Yes.”

“Which friend’s kid is it? And why is River going with you?”

“Remember McConnell, from the war?”

“No, sir.”

“Well, it’s his kid, and I’m bringing River because they are about the same age and I thought they could be friends. Why is everyone askin’ so many questions?!?”

“I’m sorry, sir, I was just curious.”

She walked away, hurt. Mal felt bad for lying to her, but he couldn’t tell her the truth, that wasn’t even an option. He and River left stepping out onto Hera. The girl was there waiting for them.

“Is it okay if you tell your story to River?” Mal asked the girl.

“Yeah, okay.”

So, she did. River’s eyes widened as she took the tale in. When she was done Mal looked at both of the girls and then he focused his attention on River. She knew what he wanted.

“She’s telling the truth.”

Mal exhaled. If anyone knew if this was the real deal it was River.

“Okay, let’s go.”

************

When they arrived on the ship Mal called everyone to the cargo bay to meet the new passenger.

“This is umm…” he looked at Ella, not sure as to whether he should say her real name or not.

“Allie.”

“Oh, yeah, Allie,” the Captain stated.

The crew greeted her. Kaylee gave her a hug. Jayne grunted something to her. Simon shook her hand. Zoë came up and Ella really wanted to hug her, to tell her mom that she was okay and that she made it back so she could fix things, but she knew she couldn’t, so she just smiled and shook her hand.