Firefly and these characters belong to Joss Whedon.

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WARNING

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This fic contains lines from the TV episode “Serenity” and is therefore full of spoilers for it

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The story began in Chapter'>http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=2207'>Chapter One

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TRAUMA MEDICINE: Chapter 6

You found me broken.

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Simon would have preferred to eat in his room, but it seemed like he was expected to join the others in the mess and he didn't want to stand out or appear weird in any way. So here he is, fiddling with his food and trying to act relaxed. Being seated across the table from that really big man with the hairy arms and killer's eyes doesn't help ease the tension in his neck and shoulders. Simon takes a sip of water and then another. At least Kaylee is opposite him. Whenever she catches his eye, she gives him a little smile. She passes him dishes, encourages him to try all that's on offer and is generally kind to him. Yes, it could be worse. It could be the Captain opposite him. He's grateful he doesn't have to look up and find those eyes on him. He takes a longer drink from his glass. At least he understands the look the thug's giving him – resentment, prejudice and contempt. And doubtless he's bouncing the same thing right back. Malcolm Reynold's expression is as unreadable as it's intense.

“Once they're terraformed, “ the Captain is saying, “they'll dump settlers on there with nothin' but blankets an' hatchets an' maybe a herd. Some of 'em make it. Some of 'em ...”

Simon sees an opportunity to make up for having asked too many question earlier. He'd irritated the man his safety depends on – if only for the next ten days – without meaning to. Asked too many questions about the medical supplies they're taking a detour to deliver. “Then I guess it's good we're helping,” he offers.

The Captain gives him a cold, slightly bored look but Kaylee asks “You're a doctor, right?”

Simon is a little thrown. So much of his sense of self comes from his wor