Kaylee covered her mouth to keep from laughing as she returned with the doctor just in time to see Simon reel back from the punch. "Guess that's a yes, honey."

Simon rubbed his chin. "Probably a side effect of the sedatives. They can cause a paradoxical reaction in some patients."

"That would be my guess." The doctor stepped forward, taking out a small pen light to examine Penny's eyes. "Unless, of course, you did something to earn a punch in the face." Chuckling to himself, he shook Simon's hand. "Christopher Alexander, it's a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Tam."

"Likewise." Simon replied, still rubbing the spot where Penny had hit him. "Well, her right hook is as strong as ever. That's encouraging."

"It is." Dr. Alexander agreed. "She's still got quite a long road ahead of her, but I'm confindent that she'll make a complete recovery." He turned his focus back to his patient, who looked like she was dozing off. "All right, Penny, I'm going to take out your breathing tube now. Take a deep breath, and on three, exhale."

Kaylee stepped forward, taking Simon's hand as they watched Dr. Alexander tending to his patient. As soon as the tube was removed, she coughed and took a wheezing breath.

"How do you feel?" Simon asked.

Penny looked like she needed to really think about her answer. "Confused."

"You were attacked." Kaylee explained. "You're in a hospital on Persephone, and you're gonna be okay now." She thought it best to leave out some of the details. There would be time to explain about the Blue Hands and the resistance later.

"My kids?" Penny's voice remained barely a whisper, but her eyes took on a panicked look.

"They're fine, they're with your husband and sister." Simon spoke up.

Penny closed her eyes in relief. "Just one more question. What the hell are you doing here?"

Simon chuckled. "It's good to see you, too."

"Haven't changed a bit, you lying son of a bitch." Penny coughed, a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Kaylee snickered, stepping forward a little. "Bet