Summary: Once aboard Serenity, Simon begins a secret correspondence with his father. Their letters start out formal and distant, but as the exchanges continue, love overtakes pride and Simon comes to find in his father the confidant he so desperately needs as River and he struggle to survive in the Black.
Author's note: I like the idea of showing Simon and his father Gabriel growing closer through letters during the course of the series. I know there are different interpretations of Gabriel and Regan Tam, but I choose to believe they were loving, caring parents who simply trusted the system way too much. These letters are written as though Simon and his father were editing as they go, so words/phrases in nonbold italics are words/phrases they wrote and then erased (usually to shield the other man from worry). I wanted to use strikethrough for those words/phrases, but FF doesn't support strike through formatting. To read the story in its proper form, though, you should hop over to ArchiveOfOurOwn (same story title, author name is Ella_Greggs). Any and all feedback is shiny, shiny, shiny!
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction based on characters from the Firefly 'verse created by Joss Whedon. No copyright infringement is intended.
POSTMARKED: "Serenity" (Pilot Episode)
Dear Dad,
I'm not sure when or even if this letter will reach you. I can only hope that I have judged the postmaster in Whitefall correctly and paid him sufficiently. Don't be alarmed - by the time you read this we shall be long gone from this God forsaken place.
River and I are safe for now. Please don't worry about us and please don't try to find us. I have to keep this brief, for your sake as well as for ours, but suffice it to say I was right about something bad happening to River at the Academy, and I swear to you I'll do all in my power to protect her and reverse the damage help her overcome the trauma recover.
River sends her love, as do I, to you and Mom. I'll write again when I can.
Simon
Simon,
Thank God you and River are safe! I insist that you come home at once. Do you realize the trouble you're in? I don't know if you realize the trouble you're in. Your medical license has been suspended and you and River have been labeled dangerous fugitives. My children, dangerous fugitives! The authorities are looking for you. I've decided not to share your letter with your mother, as it would only upset her with its cryptic references to nefarious goings on. As it is, the poor woman can hardly go anywhere without being subjected to the most outrageous speculation of our so-called friends.
What has happened to River? If she was mistreated in some way, you must tell me and I will make sure those responsible are held to account. If she is ill, you must bring her home where she can be properly cared for. And what do you mean by "for your sake as well as ours"? Honestly, Simon, you sound as paranoid as when you left. The scruffy man who delivered your letter looked like he should be running a craps table or peddling pots and pans in the market. I've paid him handsomely, but Heaven only knows if he will actually send this reply to you. What is going on, son? How do you even know such people?
We hired several detectives to look for you, but they got no further than Persephone and then your trail vanished. I would send them to Whitefall, but I know you wouldn't be so mendacious as to lie about no longer being there. Please tell me you are not hiding on some other primitive, lawless Rim planet completely cut off from civilization.
Your mother is worried sick and so am I. It was clear you had fallen in with rebels and troublemakers, but I never thought you would go to such extremes. Please come home, Simon. Come home, Simon, and whatever you have gotten yourself into we will work it out together. I know we parted with harsh words, but your mother and I love you and I promise I will do all in my power to intercede with the authorities on your behalf help you and your sister. If you need money for the journey, tell me where and I will send it.
Dad