Chapter 2

Simon was halfway through saying, "You're welcome" before he fully comprehended the strangers words: Thank you Dr. Tam. They recognize me, River isn't safe! Simon panicked, bolting from the table and accidently running into the largest and meanest looking man in the bar, causing the Jayne sized ogre to spill his beverage all over Simon and himself.

Simon hastily tried to defuse the situation, stumbling over his words as usual, "I-I-I'm very sorry. P-please let-"

Simon's speech was interrupted as the larger man's fist caused the entire room to spin.

Simon caught himself against the wall and attempted to reorient himself. He was vaguely aware of Mal voicing his oft repeated, "Why can't things go smooth?" and sucker punching the somewhat less than jolly giant, saving Simon's face from further abuse.

The strangers left their seats and headed for the exit. They paused briefly near Mal to inform him, "We can't afford to draw attention to ourselves. We will meet you on your ship to discuss the job in detail."

Simon struggled to steady himself while making a mental note to visit the infirmary in case he had a concussion. As he regained focus he could here Mal saying, "We gotta get the hell outta here!" Simon was about to voice a sarcastic response when his eyes focused on what, or more accurately the whats, that were in their way. Simon abandoned sarcasm in favor of a stream of profanity that would have made Kaylee proud.

Inara had just docked her shuttle and was not surprised to find Kaylee waiting at her door.

The bubbly mechanic eagerly greeted her, "Hey, 'Nara."

"Hey, Kaylee, has Mal found a job yet?" Inara asked with a hint of worry.

"He 'n Simon are workin' on that right now. They're s'posed to be meetin' someone in town. Think the place is called the muddy rudder?"

"He took Simon?" Inara said, the relief evident in her voice, "That's good. Maybe Simon can keep Mal out of trouble."

Simon fell to the floor on his hands and knees as a barstool connected with his back and