“Here,” Freya said, pointing to a large estate on the Cortex map, some way from the eastern edge of Osiris City. “Looks like they touched down around ten minutes ago, ‘bout quarter of an hour’s walk from the main house.”

“Captain,” Smith said urgently. “That address – it’s mine.”

“What?” Mal glanced up at him.

“My home. It looks like the target is me.” His face had paled under his normal chestnut complexion.

“Then they ain’t gonna find you at home,” Mal said.

“No. But my wife is. And my son.” Smith took hold of Mal’s arm. “I have to warn them.”

“Fine. Tell ‘em to hide until we get there.”

“You don’t understand. I have to tell the Alliance, get men there to protect them.”

“No. No way!” Mal said firmly. “They’ll shoot to kill, and I aim on getting River back.” He shook Smith’s hand off. “Now you have two choices – either Zoe here locks you somewhere safe, or you come with us. But you ain’t calling the Feds. They’d go in mob-handed and likely kill everyone there, including your family. You want that?”

Smith paled even further. “Of course not. But –”

“I don’t have time to debate this,” Mal said, the look on his face bordering on disgust. “We have to get going. No telling what that girl’s doing. So yes or no?”

“I’ll come with you,” Smith said.

“Shiny.” He looked at the rest of his crew. “We’ll be taking their ship. Serenity’s been tagged by the Feds here, they’ll notice if we break atmo. Frey, you’ll pilot.” She nodded. “Doc, Hank okay to be left?”

Simon, standing close to Kaylee if not actually touching her, said, “Well, I don’t know –“

“We’re going for your sister, and you’re the only one who knows those words to put her out.”

“I can teach you.”

“Like I said, no time. And we might need a doctor. Can Hank be left for a few hours?”

“I’ll stay with him,” Kaylee volunteered, leaning into Simon. “Ain't going anywhere else.”

“Good girl,” Mal said approvingly. He turned to the rest of his crew. “Get your weapons – we’re leaving now.”

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