Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Maxine. She's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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A new story line to recharge my Muse. Set outside my “Allanverse.” Just to see what happens. Set about a year and a half post Serenity. Story line has the standard pairings of Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee. Also has River/Jayne. Zoë... we'll you'll have to read it.

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A/N:

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New Blood

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Chapter Six

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“Do you mind if I sit up here?” Maxine said as she entered the bridge.

River turned in the seat slightly, “I don't mind at all. The company would be welcome.”

The older woman smiled and sat in the co-pilots seat. “I love looking at space like this.”

River nodded, “I agree. Helps me keep centered.”

Maxine looked over with some pity visible on her face, “Must be hard...”

“It is,” River replied, “When we are in the black, I can tune everyone on the ship out to some extent. Planet side it's harder. It's like... a hundred cortex screens. Each with it's own broadcast. I can block it out but it's tiring.”

“Did... did you always... you know...”

“In a way. I was always very intuitive. Combined with my intellect, I could make very educated guesses as to what was happening around me. But it was what the... well, they made me this way.”

Once again, the anger welled up in Maxine. If she ever met one of those...

“Like the Captain said... take a number.”

Maxine opened her mouth then closed it quickly.

“Sorry. That thought was very strong. Thoughts tied to strong emotions always stand out to me. It's like you shouted it.”

Maxine nodded, “I'll try to think... quieter.”

“Just be you. I'll do the hard part.”

Changing the subject, Maxine asked, “How long till we get to Salisbury?”

“Ten hours, thirty eight minutes, six seconds... approximately.”

“Did you just do that in your head?”

River nodded, “I earned a bachelors of science in astrophysics by the time I was thirteen.”

“Wuo-de-ma...”

“Simon didn't get his bachelors in biology until he was