Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Maxine and the rest of my OC's. they're mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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Continuing on the storyline I started with “New Blood” Read that first so you will know who is who and what has happened in the 'Verse.

Warning: This storyline includes 'gasp' fem slash. It won't be graphic but I know some are offended by any depiction of homosexuality. If you don't like this kind of thing... stop reading right now.

AN: Last chapter in this arc. More to come as soon as I figure out what to do. I'm going to try and kick start my muse on Quest and finish that up soon.

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Guardians

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Chapter Ten

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Despite the tension involving Scott's homecoming, Mal was grateful at least something had gone right with the rest of the reunions.

The Captain smiled slightly as he watched Kaylee get a hug from her sister and mother while River embraced her mother. Mal was further surprised to see Gabriel pull Simon into a quick hug as well.

Off to the side, Jessie and her mother were sitting side by side on the Frye's porch, smiling as Jess told her mother all about her adventures on board Serenity.

Mal tried to hide a gin of his own when Zoëand Max slid up next to him, “Enough to bring a tear to the eye, Sir.”

“Almost, Zoë,” Mal replied.

“What happened with Scott's parents?” Max asked.

Mal lost the slight smile on his face and growled, “Scott's hwoon-dahn of a father rejected the boy. Told him to pack his stuff and get out.”

“What?” Max replied. Zoë's face hardened.

“Said the slaver's turned him sly...”

“The boy was raped. Big difference,” Zoë replied.

“Tell me about it,” Mal grumbled, “Xue even rose her voice to the moron. I think she's likin that boy.”

Zoë did smile a bit at that, “She is. Just what the boy needs too. A pretty girl makin eyes at him.”

Mal looked at his first mate, “I'd figure you would be the first one to be quashin your stepdaughter's love life.”

“Xue's a good kid, Sir. Besides,