AN: Before we begin this chapter let's take a moment to appreciate the true genius of Journey. 'Don't stop believing,' in particular… Ah oldies but goodies. On to the next chapter.

Disclaimer: ALL unoriginal characters are owned… owned hard.

Chapter Ten

Brown Coat

"No one said it would be easy."

"I know! I just thought the pay would be better…" Sinkingboat

Mal cursed violently as he made his way towards the guest bunks. As he approached River's voice began to carry from inside Harry's room.

"Ah! Harry!" She giggled. Mal frowned.

"Stop wiggling so much!" Harry ordered. River let out another giggle. Mal hesitantly pushed the ajar door open further. His mouth dropped open at what he saw.

"What in gorram hell are you two pull'n?" He asked angrily. River was about four feet above the bed perched on Harry's feet. River looked back over her shoulder. Innocence shined in her eyes as she answered.

"I always wanted to fly." She said.

"Were just playing airplane-"

"Spaceship." River corrected. Harry nodded.

"Right, spaceship." Mal looked between the two.

"I can see that! I was talkin' about makin' me think…" He trailed off as both Harry and River blushed. Harry carefully lowered River, who immediately jumped off the bed and straightened out. An uncomfortable silence fell over the small room. When River started to shuffle awkwardly from one foot to the other Harry finally spoke up.

"Did you want something, Mal?" He asked politely. Mal frowned. He had been seriously derailed from his train of the thought when River, whom he considered to be a little sister of sorts, started making sounds precariously close to one's he did not want to hear from her... ever.

"Lil' Kaylee says the Doc' wants to see us. She said it was important." River's face took on an almost unnatural look of worry.

"Is Harry alright!?" The panic in her voice made Harry cringe. Mal looked offended.

"Is Harry alright!?" He repeated. Seeing River about to start crying he huffed, and hastened to answered. "I'm sure were BOTH fine. Come'n Harry?" Mal asked as he made his way out of the room. Harry nodded his answer to Mal's back before realizing Mal couldn't see his nod.

"I'll see you later alright, River?" She nodded happily, but concern lined her face. As Harry made his way through the ship trying to ketch up to Mal's retreating form he couldn't help the smile that blossomed on his face at the thought of River's worry. It had been centuries since anyone cared about him. When he finally caught up to Mal he was grinning like an idiot. Mal gave a quick look out of the corner of his eyes, but when he saw Harry's almost maniacal grin he did a double take.

"What are you grinnin' 'bout? You're about to be told you have the Abela virus or at the very least worms." Mal said in a nonsense voice. Harry's smile didn't falter for a minute.

"It's the Ebola virus." Mal looked at Harry strangely.

"What's the Ebola virus?" He asked. Harry shrugged.

"I don't really know. I think it has something to do with monkeys." Flashes of monkeys biting and spitting on people flew threw his mind. Why did he have to see Outbreak when he was five?

"Oh." Mal said. "Well, the Abela Virus was one of the worst. See a virus usually needs a host to replicate its cells, but this bad boy didn't." Mal shook his head in remembrance. "The cells corroded a carriers from point of infection inward fallowing the blood stream. I watched a close friend of mine in the hospital that was infected. I'll tell ya Harry if that's what we got…" He stroked the side of his gun. "Believe me I'd be doin' us both a favor." They both remained silent the rest of the way to the infirmary.

When they reached the infirmary they were greeted with the sight of the resident doctor and mechanic thoroughly making use of the small bed. Mal shook his head at the sight. He turned to Harry and waved his hand in the general direction of the bed.

"You see what I got to deal with?" He asked. Kaylee shrieked as she lost her balance on Simon and fell to the floor with a thud. Simon quickly stood up; adjusting his pants in the process. Once it didn't look like his girlfriend had been dry humping him he helped Kaylee up. He gave her a look and in return she shrugged sheepishly.

"Are you exhibitionists or something?' 'Cause about ten minutes ago you told us to come here." Mal asked with a glare. Kaylee looked contrite as she made her way across the room.

"Sorry Cap'n. I couldn't resist." She giggled and scurried out of the infirmary. Kaylee quickly headed to the mess hall to find Inara and anyone else that was seriously missing soap operas. Due to the show that was about to take place in the infirmary.

Simon was left blushing and stumbling about the infirmary looking for something to occupy his mind with.

"What's your excuse?" Mal asked. Simon smiled.

"She couldn't resist." He stated. Harry decided to take things back a bit.

"So Simon… do I have the Abela virus or what?" He asked. Simon looked at him strangely.

"Well, not unless your part cow." He stated perplexed. Harry frowned. "It's a disease that infects cattle sometimes." He explained. Harry glared at Mal who merely shrugged in response. Simon nodded as though he solved a mystery before turning his back to them. Harry and Mal watched as he stocked and restocked vials of different meds for several minutes before Mal cleared his throat.

"Doc, we ain't got all day. Well actually we do, but I don't plan on spendin' it here."

Simon nodded and turned around. His face was solemn. Harry was about to ask if he was going to need a shot of morphine, but before he had a chance Simon began his explanation of why they were there.

"I was running tests on both your bloods. It was all quite simple really. Viruses, or in your case Harry I was actually curious to see if your blood hadn't evaporated yet." Simon joked to lighten the mood. Harry and Mal shared a brief look both expressing their lack of interest in Simon's jokes. With raised eyebrows they pleaded for him to get on with it. "Right, well, it- uh- hasn't erm- evaporated. Anyway while the computer was running its program there must have been a glitch because it ran a DNA background test. I guess it doesn't matter now. The test results stated conclusively that you both share a ( look up med)." Both Mal and Harry frowned in confusion. "Harry I'd like to introduce you to your grandson." Simon briefly gestured to Mal. "Well your great-great-great grandson." He finished lamely.

"What!?" Harry and Mal yelled in shock. They turned their heads towards each other briefly. Harry frowned crossing his arms over his chest. He had a grandson, but his grandson was older than him! And apparently a bit of an arse! Mal frowned crossing his arms over his chest. That little squirts my grandfather! He was only sixteen!

"Doc-" Mal began

"Simon-" Harry finished. They shared a look of annoyance.

"How is it once we find were related your suddenly my clone?" Mal asked annoyed as he ran a hand through his hair not noticing Harry mirroring his gestures.

Kaylee held in a giggle with a hand pressed tightly against her mouth. Inara too was suppressing her laughter. Zoe watched with a slightly detached expression. Jayne had a childish smirk.

"Oh," Kaylee gushed, "It's like watching a circus act!" Jayne frowned at the overly exuberant young woman.

"Freak show." Jayne muttered.

Harry wasn't sure how he should take this news. He'd always wanted a family and he had been thrilled when he found he had a son, but now he finally found hi- well not him, but still his kid in a way. The only problem of course is that the 'kids' twice his age. Harry sighed ruffling his hair in annoyance.

"Shit!"

Mal sighed and ruffled his hair in annoyance. He thought he had no family left, and now he discovered he has a great- great- great grandfather. Of course his 'Grandfather' was a sixteen year old kid whom he had grown to like as a younger brother of sorts.

"Cao ma!"

Meanwhile the rest of the crew sat around the dinning table eating some of their processed protein supper.

Kaylee made a face as she shoveled some food into her mouth. Her face scrunched up cutely as she chewed and swallowed.

"It ain't all that bad. I kinda actually missed it." Kaylee stated. Jayne grunted and shoved a large portion into his mouth. River nodded slightly in agreement while Zoe and Inara scowled.

"Kaylee, you can't be serious!?" Inara asked. Zoe nodded confused how the strawberry addict suddenly liked protein supplements.

"Well… it ain't all bad! It's nice to mix it up every once in while." She said cheerfully. Inara smiled at Kaylee's exuberance.

"Don't worry Kaylee. I'm sure once Mal and Harry… adjust we'll be able to get more supplies from the locals." Jayne grunted again. Zoe seemed to interpret his grunt.

"What's wrong Jayne? Can't stand to help people in need just once?" Zoe asked with a sardonic grin.

"No?" Jayne stated almost as a question. River laughed out loud at that. Zoe cracked a smile.

"I guess some things never change." She said. "Speaking of Mal and Harry though…" Inara and Kaylee nodded.

"Pretty damn creepy if you ask me." Jayne said speaking their minds. River frowned.

"I think it's great! Harry has never had a real family and Mal…" She trailed off not wanting to bring up bad memories.

Mal had told them once why he became a brown coat and only once. He had been living on his ranch with his wife and mom. His wife was 6 months pregnant, and his mom stayed with him ever since his dad died. One day during the harvest season when Mal was out in the fields, a good mile from the house, some Feds came 'round looking for taxes…

Flash back

There was a strong knock at the door. Mrs. Julie Reynolds got up carefully from her chair. The child kicking in her stomach made it slightly more difficult.

"I'm coming!" She called out wobbling towards the door. A creak from the floor above her made Julie aware of her mother-in-laws presence at the top of the stairs.

"Whose there Julie?" She asked worriedly. There had been rumors of some Alliance officers hassling citizens of Ager, their home planet, looking for taxes they weren't entitled to. Julie looked up the rickety wood stairs at the person who became the only mother she ever had known.

"I'm not sure, mom." She answered.

"Be careful." Mrs. Reynolds cautioned. Julie smiled and promised she would. She too heard of the Alliance in town, but didn't hold much stock in the rumor mill. Finally reaching the door she opened it carelessly expecting to see a friendly face from another farm. She had never been more wrong in her life. All the color in her face paled as the door swung open to reveal five armed officers in Alliance uniforms. One stood in front with his hand resting on his weapon. The rest stood behind him seeming slightly nervous, but keeping a steady gaze on their target.

"Mrs. Julie Reynolds?" The leader asked in a strong commanding voice. Her mouth dried up instantly. Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as her throat seemed to contact in on itself. She could barely manage to nod her head "You and your husband are bound by law. You will be taken to court for tax evasion and most likely hung." He stated devoid of any emotion, but in his eyes Julie could see a sick malice seeping through. Finding her courage she spoke up.

"You have no such jurisdiction on this planet, nor have we evaded any taxes as we owe you none! I demand you leave my ranch before I'm forced to call the sheriff and have you all arrested for-"

SMACK

The force of the blow delivered by the leading officer broke Julie's nose and sent her onto her back hard. She prayed Mal would come save her and the baby inside her as the officer delivered a kick to her side. She screamed in pain as her rib broke under the force of the blow.

"You are bound-"

BOOOSHAAH!!!

The ringing sound of a shot gun fired through the small room, and Julie stared horrified yet relieved at the sight of the officers now bullet riddled chest. Blood gushed from the many wounds as the man collapsed to the ground, gurgling out his last breath only a moment after. She turned her head sideways to see a smoking barrel poking though the old wooden railing of the stairs. The woman she loved as her own mother holding the powerful weapon just behind.

CHIC CHIC

The sound of the shot gun being pumped back into action brought the other officers out of their shock. They swiftly drew their guns.

"Put your weap-"

Before he could even finish his sentence blood and bits of his brain was scattered across the other officers. In pure disgust once bent over and began vomiting.

Using the distraction to her advantage Julie began to crawl towards the back of the house…

Sweat poured down Mal's face as he heaved another load of corn stalks onto the large cart. As it jostled about Meg, his horse, whined while digging her hooves into the dirt restlessly.

"Hold on girl. Just one more-"

BOOOSHAAH!!! Booshaah!! Boshah….

Mal's blanched as the echo of a shotgun rang through the field. Birds flew away hastily leaving their perch while Meg neighed nervously and began to pull on her restraints. Snapping into action, Mal unhooked the harness Meg had on. He slapped her rear to get her going while running along side her. Just before she began to out run him he hoisted himself up onto her bare back and steered her towards the house. He prayed with all his might the entire trip back…

Gun fire rang through the house as bits of wood and other loose debris rained down. Finally a bullet connected with Mrs. Reynolds's leg and she came tumbling down the stairs.

She lay panting and bleeding as the remaining three officers made their way over to her. The first one to reach her kicked her shotgun away.

"How's an old lady like your self put up a such a fight?" He asked in a familiar accent.

"I know you! You're the Nelson boy! I always knew you were a pussy!" She said caustically. The man in question turned red with anger. He delivered a harsh slap to her face in punishment. Mrs. Reynold's glared up at him before hocking a bloody loogie and spitting in his face. As it slowly dripped down his face hate shown is his eyes. Slowly he raised his gun until it was pointed directly in her face. Still, only courage and anger showed on her face.

BANG

"Nooooo!" Julie wailed pitifully from her space across the room. Smirking, Nelson strode across the room until he was in front of the prostrate Julie.

"'lo Julie long time no see." He once again raised his gun.

"Sir our order are to bring them…" The objecting officer was soon silenced.

"Shut the hell up Mason! I'm in charge now!

"Please… my baby!" She sobbed out. Nelson's smirk grew.

BANG! BANG!

Mal charged into the room just in time to see the life, that also represented his child, fade from Julie's eyes. Anger, hatred, anguish… none of these could express the whirlwind inside him. Mal's eyes burned with fire as he charged the nearest officer unarmed. Seeing the grieving husband coming his way the man lifted his gun to fire, but he wasn't quick enough. Mal grabbed his wrist and twisted until the man was facing his two comrades with his wrist pinned behind his back. Mal stared at the two men with such malice that they swallowed in fear. The fact that he was unarmed was not enough to comfort them. Mal continued to twist on the wrist slowly.

Crack!

"Aaagh!" The unknown man screamed out in pain as his bone snapped like a twig. His comrades began screaming orders at Mal.

"Surrender… Put the gun down… Let go of him and come quietly!" Mal noticed they were already squeezing their triggers lightly. With a shout Mal threw the incapacitated man at his friends and as expected they fired their gun nervously, killing their own friend. Mal rolled forward picking up the dead man's previously dropped gun. He came out of the roll firing.

The house once again roared with the sound of gun fire. Mal stood pointing his gun at the two officers. Mason gave a grunt before collapsing his body oozing out blood. A second ticked by before finally the third lost too much blood. Even as he was trying to reload his gun he too collapsed, though not dead. Mal sighed painfully aware of the two bullets lodged in him. One in his shoulder the other was rolling around inside his gut. Shakily he walked over to the only one of his wife's murderer's left, drawing his knife from his belt as he did so… This one was going to suffer….

Word soon got around about the man that took on three armed Alliance officers unarmed, and the tragic story behind the incident soon became legend amongst rebels. Mal was eagerly accepted into the army after he volunteered. Since then he was always a brown coat.

AN: I just felt like putting a little back story in for Mal. I doubt this is even close to the way it went down… its much more likely he never had a family… sides this would of made him give up religion and he didn't do that until after the war… oh well hope u liked….more soon