Disclaimers : Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation

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**Mousing over the Chinese should reveal the English translations on most browsers. If not, translations follow the story.

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“We could be back on Paquin in two or three days,” Inara suggested as they tossed about ideas for finding a hospital. “I have contacts there.”

Wash shook his head. “Two or three days at full burn. We can’t afford the fuel for another full burn.”

“Too much risk of Alliance bein’ about anyway,” Mal said. “We need something closer and less risky.”

“What about Haven, sir?” Zoë suggested.

Mal hadn’t considered Haven; but it was close, and the people there were friends, fellow Browncoat friends from wartime.

“Ain’t much there but the mine and a few shacks,” Jayne said doubtfully.

“They must have a medical facility if there’s a mine,” Book said. “Mining’s dangerous work, people get hurt.”

“Worth a try, I guess,” Mal agreed. “I can ‘wave Bernabe, see what he can tell us.”

Zoë rose to her feet, her work as a blood donor finished.

“I’ll do it, sir,” she said. She looked down at Alex. “Sit with her awhile.”

The subject of Alex’s “condition” had not come up in the preceding conversation, but one look at Zoë’s face let Mal know exactly what she was thinking. In fact, looking around the room, it was clear to Mal what they were all thinking—except, mercifully, Inara, who still didn’t seem to have a clue about his possible role in the situation.

And thank all the gods I don’t believe in for that.

They all filed out, leaving Mal with just Simon and Alex. Simon was monitoring Alex’s temperature frequently and had begun the tedious task of cleaning out her many wounds.

“Would you like to be alone with her for a little bit?” he offered Mal.

Mal shook his head. “Won’t be necessary.”

Simon had her swaddled in blankets, uncovering only what he needed to work