“So. News?” asked Mal softly. Khiloh looked like he’d been fighting a war; his eyes were bloodshot and weary, his posture limp and uncoordinated. Mal imagined he hadn’t gotten any sleep since they’d talked the evening before. There was a faint look of hope on his exhausted face as he raised his head.

“He’s still alive.” Khiloh leaned against the gate for support, his eyes drifting momentarily closed. “He’s still alive,” he muttered in a daze.

“That’s good,” said Wash, reaching through the gate and rubbing his exhausted friend’s shoulder comfortingly.

“They found it,” said Khiloh, forcing his eyes open. “What’s wrong – they said they found what’s wrong with him.” He fell silent.

“Yes?” prompted Wash.

“Huh?” said Khiloh, blinking. “Oh, uh, sorry. Uh, sleepy virus. I mean – oh, guys, I’m sorry. I can’t talk.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” said Wash. “Those sleepy viruses can be nasty.” There was a gently understanding grin on his face.

Khiloh chuckled. “I – got the can’t talk straight virus.” His face sobered. “My son’s got something the doctors never seen before, um, some new virus. They’re synafiz – synsatiz – synthesizing an antiviral for it right now.”

“And – they can save him with that?” asked Mal.

Khiloh nodded. “If –“ he closed his eyes, his voice breaking. “If they can keep him alive that long.” He was crumpled against the fence, completely unguarded. Today there was no energy for joking around about escapes; the young man was far too exhausted.

He lifted his head in a daze. “They need to keep him alive- need to keel – keep – him alive for another day, until its ready. If he lives until then, the – stuff – will save him.”

“That’s good,” said Mal, echoing Wash’s words. “Very good. So – when are these tā māde niao goushi duī employing you gonna realize you’re half dead, let you take a day off? You’re in no shape to be here.”

Khiloh just nodded silently, and Mal and Wash exchanged pained looks. Khiloh pulled his frame upright with obviou