A/N: Here is the next installment. What happened to Mal and River after their encounter with the Academy agents? I hope you like it.

“Kaylee, heat Serenity up. Jayne, get us ready to leave atmo,” Zoe commanded. “I’m taking Simon. They could be hurt.”

Jayne and Kaylee broke into a run as they went up to their assigned areas. Simon slipped Inara’s beacon into his pocket and ran after Zoe. As they got to the bay doors, he placed his gun in the belt of his pants and grabbed the extra med kit that was now kept there. They both jumped into the mule with lightning speed and sped out of the cargo bay, almost running over some pedestrians.

“Mal’s signal is up ahead,” Zoe said as she used a hand held device to follow the signal. A pained look fell over her face as she turned to face Simon. “I am not getting anything from River’s though.”

Simon felt a wave of fear come over him, but remained composed.

“Won’t know anything until we get there,” he said grimly.

They found Mal in an alley sitting on the ground with his back up against a building. The medical supplies he and River had procured were scattered around the entrance to the alley. He was obviously wounded and barely conscious. Simon crouched next to him and began to assess his wounds. He opened Mal’s jacket.

“Pierced my armor,” Mal whispered. He drew a ragged breath.

Simon nodded at Zoe to confirm. He had been shot three times. One passed through his shoulder, another punctured his lower right lung and the last one was precariously close to his heart. Zoe looked down and saw River’s beacon. It was crushed into the ground.

“River’s beacon is smashed,” Zoe remarked. She stood up and scanned the area around them. “I don’t see her. Maybe she went for help.”

Mal slowly shook his head. A lone tear fell down his face.

“I’m sorry, Simon. I tried to keep her safe,” Mal whispered. He coughed violently. A small stream blood came out of his mouth. “They took her.”

“Who?” Simon asked softly.

“