CHAPTER 12

2 WEEKS LATER

"Well?" Mal demands as Simon joins them.

"Wash and Kaylee both have the flu. Book seems to have the beginning of it."

Mal groans "Not good." He rubs his forehead. "I'll wave Inara and tell her to stay on planet. Don't need her gettin sick as well."

"River's also an issue." Simon sighs

"What do you mean?" Jayne demands

"I have no idea how being sick could effect River. The only time she has been sick since I got her out was on the meds. In extreme cases, the flu can cause hallucinations... and she is already susceptible to them as it is. I don't think any of us could handle River sick and hallucinating even more than normal. If it was just pregnant and the flu... wouldn't be too much trouble... but add in everything else... might be best if she leaves Serenity until everyone is better."

"Take her to Inara for a few days." Zoë muses

"Inara can handle her when she's calm... but she's likely to go manic. I can't leave Serenity with all of you sick."

"What about you?" Mal asks

"I've never had it." Simon shrugs "River had it a few times growing up. So far she hasn't shown any sign of being ill."

Mal looks at Jayne, "You sick?"

"Never had the flu." Jayne shrugs

"Is River alert enough to fly the shuttle anywhere?" Mal asks Jayne.

"I think so. After yesterdays ripping of labels she seemed to calm down." Jayne answers rubbing his neck, "I do owe Ma a visit."

"Think your letter got there already?" Mal asks

"If it ain't there... I'm in for a yellin... and probably a few smacks... if I'm lucky."

"Where is River anyway?" Zoë asks

"She's reading." Jayne answers

"I'll get the shuttle ready." Mal walks out of the mess hall with Zoë behind him.

"How is your Mother going to handle River's manic behavior?"

Jayne shrugs "Have to see."

"Considering what little you have said about your family... do one thing"

"What?"

"If you leave River with your Mother make sure she gets that River and guns and knives... not a go