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 ” and “Guardians” Read those 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. Same goes for my depiction of a Polyamory relationship.

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AN: Takes place both in the future and post Guardians.

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Tales of the Rangers

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Chapter Fourteen

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With a cry, Wash awoke. His body drenched in sweat. Eyes darting around the darkened bunk, he tried to control his breathing.

“Wash?” said a sleepy voice in the bed next to him.

Wash shook his head, trying to clear it. Slowly the images began to fade from his minds eye, “Sorry. Had a nightmare.”

“Niska again?”

“Yeah...”

“That's the third night this week.”

“I know. Sorry if I woke you, Max...”

The redhead turned on the dim light on the nightstand and smiled, “It's okay. I wasn't sleeping well myself.”

“Why not?”

“Because, Silly. Zoë isn't here.”

Wash nodded and understood. He was just getting used to sleeping with his wife again. And Maxine. Years in prison had gotten him used to sleeping alone. He had to admit, he liked having someone in his bed. Even if it wasn't just Zoë.

Maxine noticed how quiet Wash had become, “You okay?”

Wash nodded, “I'll be okay.”

“Sure?”

“Yes, gorramit!”

Max frowned, “Right...”

Wash's angry expression faded into an apologetic one, “I'm sorry Max... I... I've...”

Max cut him off, “Wash, you've been through more go-se in the last three years than anyone should have to go through. Tortured, kidnapped, thrown in prison, thinking Zoë abandoned you...”

“Never thought that...”

“It still hurt you though,” Max replied as she scooted closer to Wash. Putting her a