I know. I know. This has taken me SO long to get out. I've been busy, promotion at work and all the lovely responsibilities that come along with it.

Chapter 7 can be found http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=15538>; Here.

The next two chapters have been beta'd and I have a few changes to make but it shouldn't be more than a few days before I get the next chapter up.

Thanks to Tamsibling and Mal4Prez for the beta.

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Chaper 8

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“We’re two weeks out from where we’re supposed to meet Zoe’s contact,” Mal said, sparing a brief look to everyone sitting around the table. “We’ll be dropping Inara, Kaylee and Madeline off on Newhall since we’re passin’ right close to the planet anyway. All goes well, we’ll come back an’ get ‘em when were’ done.”

“All don’t go well, we don’t never see you again,” Kaylee said beneath her breath.

“Least you’ll be alive,” Mal said firmly. He didn’t want to discuss this any further. There was a tension between Simon and Kaylee, though they tried to hide it. It wasn’t fair to separate them now, not with Kaylee so close to delivering. But – he’d made his decision. His crew needed to accept it.

“Are we done here?” Inara said, her voice short and curt.

“We’re done discussin’ all you need to hear,” came Mal’s quick retort. If he showed weakness now, there was no telling what would happen. He needed to hold out until they got back.

“Good.” Inara stood and walked out, the hem of her dress brushing the deck as she smoothly disappeared around the nearest corner.

Kaylee pushed herself to her feet, determined to talk to her friend, but frowned when Simon stood to assist.

“I’m fine, Simon,” Kaylee said. She was perfectly capable of getting up on her own. She was pregnant, not an invalid.

Simon dropped his arm but continued to watch her with a physician’s trained eye.

“Need to keep an eye on the engine. Make sure nothin’ breaks.” Kaylee met his gaze with a firm one of her own. “I’m not gonna bre