Chapter 6

“Genny!” Kaylee screamed.

Mal grabbed the girl under the shoulders and pulled out of the chair, away from the flames. Tucking her against his body, he turned and crouched, forming a protective cave around her. Melted bits of paneling sprayed through the air, grating across his back, slicing through his shirt. The first second extended an eternity, and the next second, Inara doused the flames with the fire extinguisher which sprinkled a cool mist against Mal’s bleeding skin. He was keenly aware of Genny, breathing heavily against his chest, not daring to move until he moved first.

Mal glanced up, untucking enough to set Genny on the ground.

“Genny?” Kaylee said again, rushing to them. Mal allowed them a brief moment.

“Oww,” Genny said, annoyance coating the complaint more than pain. Her hands and face were red, but nothing life threatening.

“Kaylee, fix the ship,” Mal ordered.

“Simon, we need a Genny kit on the bridge. Minor burns,” Inara called over the comm. Being allergic to needles, Genny had her own special med kits, but most were on the lower deck.

Inara rushed to Mal next, fussing over the cuts on his back. He shrugged her off, but she stood firm, pulling the larger splinters. Mal inhaled sharply as his vision went spotted, feeling like he’d been lashed. He focused on Genny, because it hurt too much to fight with Inara. Genny trembled from the shock and adrenaline rush, and still clutched the new computer board in her hand.

“I’m okay,” she insisted, trying to sit up. “Let’s try it in the second console.”

“No,” Mal said softly, ghosting his hand over the burns on her face. She closed her eyes and pulled back. “You sit tight. Wait for help.”

Mal took the board from her and handed it to Inara, hoping she knew more of what needed to be done. Inara wiped her bloody hands on his sleeve and stood.

“We still have power,” Mal said, surveying the bridge, confused. Kaylee had pulled half her cables out and was checking the power source frantically.

“The engine output is