“Refreshing” Mal commented to no-one in particular, dabbing at the blood trickling from a cut lip, and limping up the stairs from the cargo bay in the direction of the infirmary. Zoe was close behind the captain, holding her upper right arm while the blood oozed between her fingers.

“Personally don’t find getting shot particularly refreshing, sir” she commented dryly. While her face was inscrutable as usual, there was a tightness about her mouth. “They were bad people Zoe,” Mal replied. “What civilised person would hit a Preacher?” Jayne, River and the Shepherd brought up the rear, bruised but in a better condition than the captain and his first mate. “Yes, Captain” Book said, “And we all know what a great defender of the Faith you are.” Mal and the Shepherd traded glances.

“Where’s the hell’s the doc got to?” Mal called out as he turned his back on Shepherd Book. Simon rushed out from his bunk at the sound of the return of the party. “River! River, are you hurt? What happened?” Simon inquired. “The same as usual doc, folks taking exception to the colour of my coat. Patch up Zoe first, and don’t worry, your sister is fine! Just see to them as needs your attention”. Mal shoved Zoe forward gently, his expression showing regret and concern, as well as a little guilt.

After assuring himself that River was unhurt, Simon turned to Zoe, who removed her left hand from her arm allowing a fresh rush of blood to escape from a nasty looking wound. Zoe lay down on the operating table, and Simon proceeded to dope her, and began cleaning the torn flesh in preparation of removing the bullet from the wound. “Are you seriously hurt, captain?” Simon threw over his shoulder. “Nothing a good wash won’t set aright” Mal said, walking over to the com. “We clear, Wash?” “We shook ‘em cap’n, heading for Persephone now. Had a ‘wave from Badger, he’s awaiting our meeting with baited breath. Could be he’s in love, Mal!” “Yeah, I can’t wait to see him either, tell him how I feel”. Mal said, clicking off the co