Interference by SLynn

Chapter 4: Falling

It took a few minutes, but between the two of them, they got Wash back to the shuttle. With really no where else to put him, they’d helped him out of his gear and onto the floor. Clearly unhappy, but also unwilling to stop, Mal stayed just long enough to make sure he wasn’t seriously hurt and then left without another word.

“Are you alright?” Zoe asked as soon as they were alone again.

“It’s fine. It’s just a spasm. It’ll be over soon.”

She didn’t believe him. Truth was Wash never lied well. He’d said it all through gritted teeth.

“How long have you been having them?”

“Not long. Not often.”

She shook her head.

“Wash,” she said, “you have got to be the most hard headed man I’ve ever met.”

He would have taken offense if she hadn’t smiled slightly as she’d said it.

“Just pretend to believe me.”

”Fine,” she said no longer smiling. “Take this.”

She’d handed him two pills which he downed.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Muscle relaxers. Should help pretty quickly.”

”Thanks,” he said shutting his eyes and trying to relax.

“I’m going to help the captain with the rest of the stuff. Just don’t get up.”

She’d left without saying anymore and Wash couldn’t have felt worse. Yes, he’d been down before but this was bad. This was just plain embarrassing. But Wash didn’t have much time to mull it over. Zoe and Mal hadn’t been gone for more then fifteen to twenty minutes when he heard a low rumble.

Wash’s eyes snapped open. He couldn’t be positive if he’d imagined it or not. He’d thought he’d heard it, even thought he’d felt it, but that couldn’t be. Likely it was the drugs.

Wash shut his eyes again slowly, certain he’d dreamed it, when it happened again. Louder and stronger then before.

Before he could even try to get up, Mal and Zoe rushed through the airlock.

“We’ve got to go,” Mal said his voice full of urgency not normally heard, “Now.”

Wash managed to get into a partial sitting position, shaking his head wh