The Box

by Maura F.

( Standard infringement disclaimers apply...I write for love, not profit. Of course, Delia would disapprove! )

On Europa, Delia was feeling almost normal. Her arms had healed nicely, and she could now raise and lower them without any discomfort. Her bruises had healed, and the burns on her chest were nearly gone. Only one thing was missing from how she was before Niska got her. She would take care of that right now.

Delia lay on her stomach, her arms loosely at her sides. Her shirt hung from the peg on the wall. The room was warm, and she wasn't cold.

"You ready, Delia?"

"Yep. "

"Don't know what it's gonna feel like. Probably not like the first one. This ain't your skin."

Delia took a deep breath and relaxed her arms. The stylus touched her shoulder blade, beginning the outline of the tattoo. He had been right. The needle's movements weren't painful this time. It was more annoying than anything else.

"In 'bout 9 months or so, once the scar tissue has fully formed, I can tattoo it for ya... Look less red, blend the scar outline more like your own skin tone." he said as he worked.

"I'll think 'bout it." Delia replied.

She closed her eyes and saw Serenity's crew on her back porch, eating dinner, laughing and joking. Visiting with them would be a nice way to while away the next half hour.

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To: shirtthathurts@serenity.firefly.shp

from: dhammond@hammonds.europa.pl

re: last letter

Dear Wash,

How are you? I was glad to hear from you. Your last wave sounded like you and Zo had a whopper of a fight. Hope everything is shiny now. Don't take this as taking sides, but Zo has been taught to follow orders. She can't help but have a hard time going against Mal. It's nothing personal; it has nothing to do with you. She is your wife. She is his 2nd in command.. Be patient, watch what you say. I know its as hard for her as it is for you.