We all love the caterpillar, Joss.

WARNING: This story is going to some dark places. Bring a torch if you're determined to follow me.

The story starts here- Chapter'>http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=2207'>Chapter One

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TRAUMA MEDICINE: Chapter 2

Making embarassingly large stacks of money.

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2515 – Then

“Ah, Doctor Tam!”

The professor's voice always had the same effect on Simon. First came the little tremor of awe, then the holding himself more erect, trying to present his very best self to the man who had become his mentor - albeit a demanding, challenging one who seemed to revel in making things hard for him. “Good day, Professor Sharpe. Did you ..?”

“We need a little talk, Doctor Tam,” John Sharpe cut him off unceremoniously. “Which I think would be best conducted in private. If you're not busy?”

Simon shook his head and fervently hoped his face betrayed nothing of the sudden fluttering sensation he felt in his stomach. For some reason he always dreaded being summoned to the professor's office – as if at any moment his inadequacy as a doctor would be laid bare. Academic success had come easily to Simon Tam - too easily, he feared. Ofcourse he had studied hard and, all modesty aside, he knew he was very smart. But deep down he wondered if that was enough, if he really was all that people said. He worried that there was still so much he didn't know. That someday he would have no idea how to treat the patient before him. If he wasn't the brilliant doctor his father had demanded he become, then what was he? Was he worth anything at all?

He followed Sharpe into his office and stood in front of the large oak desk, waiting.

Sharpe closed the door behind him and sat down in the big leather chair. For a moment, he said nothing, staring intently at Simon with his piercing ice blue eyes as if seeing him for the very first time. Then he looked down at the paperwork in front of him. “I see you've chosen your speciality.” There was an edge