“You look like something a man might scrape off the bottom of his boot.”

Simon glanced up. “Thanks. I think I could say the same thing about you.”

Mal smiled and stepped inside the lab. “To be honest, I don’t feel much better.”

“You should be in bed.”

“Well, thanks for the offer, but I’ve got things to do.”

“Well, that’s another fantasy out of the window,” Simon said dryly, turning back to the microscope.

Mal’s lips twitched again. “Anything interesting? As in, can I take a look?”

“If you want. It won't make much sense to you, though.” He stood back.

“Hell, Simon, nothing much does nowadays.” He peered through the eyepieces. “Huh.”

“Exactly.”

“So what am I not understanding as to the nature of this ... whatever it is?”

Simon suppressed a grin. “It’s a test sample of the antiviral, stained for ease of examination.”

“That’s why it’s sorta purple?”

“Indigo, actually.”

“Whatever you say.” He looked up. “And is it good?”

“Very good. The ViroStim is working, and we’ll have the first set of injections ready to go about six pm tonight.”

Mal felt part of the tension ease from his belly. “And that’s soon enough?”

“Apart from Bethie, of course, I can dose everyone up before bed, and they should start to feel better in the morning.”

Mal’s eyes narrowed slightly. “There something you’re not telling me?”

Now Simon laughed. “I can't get much past you, can I, Captain?”

“Not much, although more’n a few folks have tried.”

“Most people actually feel worse before they feel better.”

“How much worse?”

“Nausea, headache, some palpitations –“

Mal held up his hand. “Then I suggest you knock out those you can, the kids in particular.”

“I was intending to sedate everyone.” Simon sighed. “Hank, on the other hand ...”

“Yeah. I don't get the impression Kuerk’s going to let you inject that man with anything.”

“No. I'm just hoping he’s got natural immunity.”

“Knowing his luck, I wouldn’t be surprised.”

“His luck? I’d say that’s just abou