Firefly: The Past

CHAPTER 4

Part 3

"Why is it in a rock?" Mal asked again, when Simon's silence answered him.

Simon looked back at the rock. "Well...I would need to run some more tests--"

Zoe interrupted him. "And how exactly does this rock effect you? Do you have to eat it? Or can we just be standing right by it like we are now and suddenly go into cardiac arrest? 'Cause if that's so, I don't want it near my husband."

Simon smiled. "Not to worry. If we were effected by just standing next to it, we'd all be dead by now."

Mal sighed. "Well, that's a relief." He looked over at Wash. "How long until he's good enough to be in the cockpit?"

Simon checked Wash's vitals. "He's doing good, but more time would be better for him."

Mal sighed, then motioned to Zoe. "Let's go outside and assess the damage."

Zoe nodded, and with a final glance at her unconcious husband, followed Mal towards the cargo bay. Mal banged on Jayne's door as he passed it.

"Jayne, get your butt out here and help us with some stuff. We need you as a lookout!"

The door creaked open, and Jayne popped his head out the door and looked at the captain. Without saying a word, Jayne hoisted himself out of his quarters and stood in the hallway. Mal narrowed his eyes and looked at the man's getup.

"Are those...grenades...attatched onto you?" Mal asked. Jayne looked down at his vest.

"You never know when you might need grenades." Jayne said, patting one.

Mal shook his head, not wanting to start an argument with the man. "Come on, you two."

As they were walking towards the cargo bay, a beeping noise sounded, causing Mal to stop. He turned, very perturbed. "I would get a wave at this moment. You two continue on outside while I get this." He started towards the cockpit while Zoe and Jayne continued out.

Mal reached the cockpit quickly and pressed the button that enabled the wave to come through. "Captain Malcolm Reynolds of Serenity. Who am I speakin' to?" He asked politely. The vid screen flickered on, and he looked up expectan