(Couldn't sleep so I did some more writing, it's kinda short, but having this scene as its own chapter just felt right to me)

Chapter 10

Mal lead more than his fair share of barely trained soldiers during the war. Most of them had no business being on a battlefield, but Sergeant Malcolm Reynolds’s leadership had always been able to keep their spirits intact, even when their bodies were broken. He accomplished this by instilling within them a sense of purpose.

Killing another human being was a very unnatural and traumatic event, especially in close combat. Most soldier’s need a purpose or reason for killing to keep them from descending into madness. The reasoning acted as a mental lifeline, allowing the person to do regrettable things in the interest of a greater good. Such reasoning was dangerous, but so were most things in war.

Simon, however, was not a soldier. He was a healer and a gentle soul. Violence was simply not in his nature. He was not a weak man, but he had lived a sheltered life that left him woefully unprepared to handle the Rim, the Black, and all the nasty things the ‘verse threw at the crew of the enigmatic Firefly, Serenity. All things considered, Mal was actually impressed Simon had made it this far before breaking. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford to wait while Simon’s spirit retreated within him and attempted to heal. Mal needed to make a connection and drag Simon’s consciousness back into the real world. Mal whispered to himself, “Time to go fishing.”

“So Doc, had an eventful day I take it,” Mal began as he walked in front of Simon. Mal asked, “Want to talk about it?”

Simon continued his unfocused gaze at nothing. Didn’t think it would be that easy, Mal thought, gonna need to use different bait.

Mal asked, “Kaylee’s worried about ya… did you get her a ring yet?”

Simon remained unresponsive. Mal had a feeling this would be difficult, but he was hoping to draw the boy while sparing him as much pain as possible.

“Can’t keep a girl waitin’ like that ya know,” Mal continued, “She’s