Disclaimer: They're still not mine, they're still a lot better than all my toys. I'm still gonna play with 'em when no one's looking. Kudos to Dan Brown for an idea, it's his idiosyncrasy, not mine.

Comments: This installment is more exposition than plot, but the next one will make up for it, I promise.

Feedback: Always craved, always answered: wily_one24@yahoo.com.au

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Kaylee bit her lip, she hoped she looked nervous for Wash and not plain scared out of her wits as she sat in the doctor's office. The man sitting across from them was big and heavy set and reminded her of Jayne, arms and neck tumbling out of an ill fitting white jacket, his face was round and half covered by a thick, curling beard. He looked absolutely nothing like she had imagined a Core doctor to be like, she had expected someone more Simon. He was smiling at them over the files he was reading. A nice smile, meant to put them at ease, but his eyes were sharp and shrewd.

"It wasn't supposed to be a long trip." She answered. "We were only going to be off planet for a week at most. That was the plan."

She shuffled in her chair so that she was facing both Dr. Williams and Wash next to her, reached out and touched the apex of Wash's ear, thread her fingers through the hair behind it.

"We had it all organized, but..." She looked at the doctor and lowered her voice. "... Reavers."

Wash jerked out of her reach and glared at her.

"Tell them." He accused. "Just tell them everything why don't you?"

"Honey, it's okay." She had to remind herself it was an act. "The doctor's going to help."

"Yes, I am." Dr. Williams set the files on his desk and leaned forward. "All your records are very detailed, Mrs. Hoffman, that's not always the case planet to planet, unfortunately."

"Please." She smiled, sadly. "Call me Katie."

"It's not as simple as restarting medication, however," Kaylee felt her heart seize up. "As I'm sure you know. People tend to build up resistances, doses need to be readjusted peri