Never Meant to Die This Way

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based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

He carried her like she was glass, something he thought he would never, ever do. Blood from her wound had dripped down his leg and arm. Each boot print he made had a little of her in it as he made his way to the ship he knew she was thinking about calling home. Damn her for making him worry and when she woke up, his wife was getting an earful. If she woke up...

Simon was there when he got on board Serenity, the ship still as unwelcoming as it was when they had left the Academy. He placed her gently on the bed, but winced when he heard her moan in pain. She had been completely out of it for an hour now and he could tell by the way she smelled, Cat had lost a lot of blood. Sadly, he knew she was on her own, no one there would have her blood type.

The doctor set to work as 'Ski watched, seated on the small counter near the wall. Mal and the others came in and out, but as moments turned to hours, 'Ski felt basically, completely alone. Simon was good at what he did, better than 'Ski had seen in a very long time, trying to make sure Cat did not lose any more of her precious blood. Three balls dropped into the small tin and 'Ski knew it had been only her strange luck that it didn't hit and destroy her heart.

“She's damaged her right lung, busted up three of her ribs, and the worst is..I think it grazed her heart.” Simon looked from Mal to Zoe and then to 'Ski. “Unless that serum has a time limit that's short, she'll die. Might be a day, might be a week, but the damage done without a blood transfusion, it's impossible.”

“She was never meant to die this way.” 'Ski mumbled as the others looked at him. He shook his head and walked out. The last bit was not heard by anyone. “And I was never going to care this much again.”

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Kaylee had watched 'Ski leave the infirmary, his head down and his steps quick, It looked