Chapter 7

"Alright yall all know what ya need to do," Mal said as the main hold opened to a bright afternoon at Persephone's eavesdown docks. "This is the last stop 'fore we commence with the daring do and save the 'verse as we know it, so plan ahead."

As the crew walked out Mal grabbed Simon's arm and halted his movement. He called his second in command and ordered, "Zoe, you keep an eye on the good doctor. Make sure he don't get hisself killed, beaten or kidnapped this time."

Before Simon could take offense or protest Mal pulled out a small bag of platinum and held it up to the young doctor's face. He whispered firmly, "I respect that you've done your best, but Kaylee disserves better," Mal handed Simon the small bag of platinum. "Ain't much but it's all we can spare. Now go make this right and get my mei mei a ring." It really was all Mal could spare. The materials and equipment would take most all of the 6k and Mal was not goin' to let the crew use the credit line and risked being traced electronically.

Scared or surprised, Mal wasn't sure which, Simon stammered "I… thank you. Thank you Mal. I'll pay you back as soon as I-"

"You do what you feel is best, but I'm doin' this for Kaylee, not for you," Mal said with a smirk,"Don't forget, if ya-"

"If I hurt her you'll kill me." Simon completed.

"No, no. Can't do that unless I can find another doctor willin' to work for peanuts." Mal corrected. "But I can break something. Tell me doctor, just how fond are you of your kneecaps?"

Zoe laughed and admonished, "Stop it Mal, you're scarin' the poor boy."

"Poor?" Mal laughed briefly before cutting himself off. Mal could only imagine how hard adjusting to this life still was for Simon. "I'm sorry that was low. I'm a mean old man. Now you hurry up an' get my girl somethin' special so's I don't have to figure out what to break."

"Oh 'Nara, everything's so shiney!" Kaylee exclaimed as she excitedly browsed through various ship parts and supplies. "Me n' Simon's gonna get hitched and now Captain'