A/N hello, sorry- Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who've reviewed I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me what you think. It's really encouraging! hope I can keep up the standard for you all.

"Mei-mei!"

River's voice cracked, her face contorted in a pained expression as Kaylee entered the room with Madeline. She tried to move forward but nearly fell off the bed. Kaylee caught her arm, pushing her back against the wall. She was stooped, and looked as though she had been sitting curled up like that for some time. River was very pale; Kaylee could tell she was in pain, but at that moment all she seemed to care about was Madeline. Kaylee let her down onto the floor and the girl ran to embrace River.

"I was so worried," River was almost crying; she kissed the top of Madeline's head before straightening up, "You were gone for so long. What happened, mei-mei?"

Kaylee had retreated to get the frame, not wanting to intrude on the two girls, but she stepped back into the room as Madeline said softly; "Bad man cornered me."

Kaylee started. "Jayne?" she said, shocked, "did he hurt you darling? Is that why you looked so scared?"

"Not the big one," Madeline mumbled as Kaylee sat on the edge of the bed, "The other one. The one with the demon's hair."

"Shepherd book?" River asked, surprised. Madeline nodded and hid her head against River's chest. Kaylee look confused.

"Why does Shepherd scare you, sweetie?" she asked. Madeline turned to look at her.

"Comes from bad place," she whispered, "walks through wonderland but doesn't stop to help when the door gets small. Don't want to… go back. Bad."

River was frowning in confusion. She understood what Madeline was trying to say; Kaylee, it appeared, did not.

"What does she mean?" she asked worriedly.

"She says Book's part of the academy," River muttered. Kaylee looked shocked.

"We should talk to the captain about this," she said, sounding scared. River nodded, carefully resting her chin above Madeline's head. Kaylee watched her.

"You okay honey?" she asked. River nodded, her eyes were slightly red.

"I felt so helpless," She whispered, "When Maddy didn't come back for so long, all I wanted to do was run and find her. But I couldn't." she squeezed her eyes shut in a grimace of pain. Kaylee carefully drew Madeline away from her.

"Come on, I'll take you to your brother. Maybe he can give you something to stop that throbbing." Kaylee helped River up, steadying her. As before, Madeline gripped the side of the frame, wanting to remain close.

"Hey there doc. Good sleep?"

Simon didn't have to turn to know it was the captain. He carefully replaced a stack of meds in a cupboard as he answered.

"Very, thankyou."

"Heard Kaylee bossed you good."

Simon chuckled. "I'm never going to live that one down, am I?" he asked. Mal smiled.

"Likely not while Jayne's got air in his lungs." Mal examined a broken bottle.

"I suppose I'd be disappointed were it any other way," Simon was still laughing, "so, what can I do for you Captain?"

"Nothing of the particular variety. I'm just doin' the rounds, checkin' up on everyone. And letting y'all know there'll be a bit of a meeting after dinner."

"Meeting? Anything serious?"

"Not so much," Mal replaced the bottle, "more just a means of letting y'all know our current situation, and clearin' the air bout some things."

"I see," Simon looked up slowly from his work. Mal was almost out the door.

"You know there's something you were right about, captain," Simon said casually. Mal swung back, poking his head around the door.

"What's that?" he asked cheerfully.

"Madeline did have family. And they did want her back."

Mal's face twitched into a smile.

"Lucky her, eh? Nice to feel wanted on occasion."

"I would say so," Simon smiled and went back to clearing the infirmary.

"How's River been?"

"Good," Simon said, sounding surprised, "I mean, aside from her leg, she's been acting almost normal."

"Well, that's a good thing ain't it? Any ideas why?" Mal asked.

"I think it has a lot to do with Madeline," Simon said, "I think while she's got something to focus on, there's less unwanted thoughts invading. And I think… I think she wants to be strong for her; make her feel like it's a safe place."

Mal nodded, musing.

"Well, whatever the reason, we won't be complaining."

"Definitely not."

"Simon?"

"Hey there, younglings," Mal turned and greeted Kaylee, who was leading River into the room. Mal saw Madeline gripping the walking frame, half hidden behind River. Simon looked around Mal and smiled.

"Hey there captain," Kaylee smiled at him as the three made there way into the infirmary, "Hey Simon."

"Hey," he said, moving over and kissing River, "everything okay?" he asked, directing his question to Kaylee.

"River could do with some doping," Kaylee said, helping River sit on the bed.

"Oh, Mei-mei, I'm so sorry! I completely forgot!" Simon turned a bottle upside down and brought River some water.

"That's fine," River said, smiling and showing him and empty mouth. Simon pulled her into a hug.

"How are you, Kiddo?" Mal lifted Madeline onto the side bench and pretended to take her nose. Madeline giggled and grabbed helplessly at his fist.

"Want it back," she said softly, but with a smile. Mal cheekily replaced it on her face.

"Oh, dang it, I had some clothes for her!" Kaylee said suddenly, "but captain, we should tell you something…" Kaylee went to stand next to Madeline, combing her hair with her fingers. She looked around nervously.

"What's up?" Mal's brow was creased in concern.

"Well..." Kaylee looked round at River for support, "Maddy said… Maddy said that Shepherd was from the academy. She's scared of him."

Mal sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

"Wuo de tyen ah, okay, this is going to get out of hand. When you're done there, doc, you take River up to the kitchen. Kaylee, you go to, bring Madeline. We're going to have this meeting now."

"Meeting?"

"Just go, Kaylee. I'll meet you there in a second, just gotta go find the others." Mal shouted, halfway up the stairs. Kaylee stuck her tongue out at him. Madeline giggled. Simon laughed, supporting River while she slid down onto the floor.

"Did that help mei-mei?" he asked. River nodded and smiled. Kaylee lifted Madeline, resting her on her hip.

"c'mon, let's see what captain bossy boots has to say," she said. Madeline giggled again.