Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, except for Amos Sanders, who is mine. Mainly because I haven't the courage to stick in a Mary Sue. Also because Joss is awesome. Will continue to live vicariously through Mal.

This is Chapter 5 of the story that began here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5474

and continued here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5523

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5547

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5578

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5625

and is a continuation of Our Co-Pilot Tam, which can be found here:

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5386

It would be very shiny if anyone could tell me how to stick in actual links.

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Simon and Mal carried River into the float truck and rested her carefully on the back seat, slipping in on either side of her behind the secure barrier. Gabriel took shotgun, and the impassive driver, Eiriks, brought the truck into the air.

The truck turned, making River lean on Mal's shoulder. He stroked her hair, righting her. “She looks so peaceful,” he said to Simon.

Simon nodded. “I wish she could look that way awake.”

“So who is this doctor?” Mal asked, looking out the window as the truck got on the main route into the city.

“Amos Sanders,” said Simon, “An old friend of mine from med school. If I was Zoe, he was you. Ai ya, the pranks we pulled.”

“You? Pranks?” Mal asked.

“Oh, I was a wild one,” Simon smiled. “Would have finished in the top one percent if it wasn't for Amos. Of course, he graduated second in our class.” He looked out the window on his side. “Hey, we're coming through the historic district!” He pointed, and Mal's eyes followed.

“I don't see anything special,” Mal said.

“That building there,” Simon explained, “Is an exact replica of the American White House, back on Old Earth. Except closer to the road. About a hundred years ago, a man moved here, very wea