A/N As stated in the first chapter, I don't own anything Firefly related material nor do I own anything related to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Done purely for entertainment.
As Simon hurried back into the brightly lit infirmary, he saw that both Kaylee and River were still asleep. At least he wouldn't have to worry about River panicking and becoming more distressed than she already was. Kaylee also was blissfully unaware of the intense danger the crew of the ship was in. So focused was he on his two patients, that Simon didn't notice Sheppard Book standing in a corner until he spoke up.
"Doctor Tam. I was surprised when I didn't find you here when I arrived a moment ago."
"I find myself surprised to be in this current situation, Sheppard. The thought of being killed so soon after I thought I had gotten away has darkened my mood." Simon spoke. "I was in my room looking for a book to read to River while she slept." Simon's face softened for a moment and his voice grew quieter. "It was one of the things that she and I shared and it was always the last thing we did before she went to sleep each night." The emotions that had been running through Simon threatened to overwhelm him at this point. "I just didn't think we might lose each other so soon after I found her again."
Book was silent for a moment before replying, "I came here to be with Kaylee and your sister and maybe say a few words of prayer for all of us if it won't bother you. The captain doesn't approve of it but it seems that in the face of all opposition, sometimes all a man has left is his faith. Whether it's a faith in a higher power or a faith in his fellow man, all men share that trait. If one doesn't have that, he is missing part of himself." Book paused and looked down at Kaylee. "I'm not really a fighter like Jayne or Zoe, nor do I have piloting skill like Wash or your healing skills. What I do have is my faith and I'll rely on it till the end."
Simon spoke quietly. "I understand what you mean, Sheppard and I wish I could share that sentiment. It's hard to put my faith or trust in anybody or anything after what I've seen done in my job as a surgeon and recently what the government who supposedly protects the people did to my sister."
Book was quiet for a moment before he came over and laid a hand on Simon's shoulder. "If you don't believe anything else, rely on faith in yourself and your love for your sister. That level of devotion will lend you strength when you think you have nothing left. You've believed in those two things all this time and you've made it this far. If that isn't faith, I'm not sure what is." Book finished with a smile.
For the first time since boarding the ship, Simon felt something like peace descend on him. "Thank you Sheppard, I never looked at it like that. Thank you, you've done more than you know." He walked over towards his sleeping sister and put his hand over the blanket, finding her small hand beneath it and grasping it through the coarse fabric.
Just then Mal's voice came back over the intercom. "We've made it past the Reavers and they're showing no sign of following. We're good, people."
Simon felt a surge of relief pass through his body. They were safe, for now. He wasn't sure what it was with close calls lately. He wasn't even sure if what he'd had so far could be considered good luck. He thought he'd stay out of casinos until he knew for sure.
Book smiled and without another word nodded to Simon and left the infirmary. Simon leaned against the counter and rubbed his eyes, wishing for some semblance of rest. What with the constant worry of River being discovered before boarding the ship, being held at gun point, Kaylee being shot, River being forced out of a cryogenic state before she was ready, having to explain to a crew of strangers why his sister was basically on the Alliance's most wanted list, and now Reavers, Simon was surprised he hadn't succumbed to exhaustion. The first thing I'm going to do when this is all settled down is sleep for a day he mused. For now, there was still much work to be done.
Leaving the infirmary, Simon nearly ran into Captain Reynolds as he came down the stairs. "Doc, how is my mechanic?" Mal's words came out innocent enough, but there was no mistaking the hard edge that seeped into them. Clearly, things were still not shiny between the two of them.
"Kaylee is in a deep sleep at the moment. She seems to be doing fine, but I won't be able to tell until she wakes up. Concurrently, the best thing for her now is to remain in that state so her body can heal itself." Simon replied.
"I'd like to see her if I may." Mal said.
"Of course. As I mentioned, she probably won't wake up and if she does happen to, I must ask that you don't stay too long. I'm sure a man such as yourself knows the importance of rest after being shot." Simon said with a trace of sarcasm in his voice.
"I'll keep that in mind, Doc. By the way, get some rest, you look like hell." With that, Mal walked into the infirmary.
Simon sighed and walked towards the cargo bay, thinking of visiting Inara to see if she might have some additional medicines. No rest for the weary, he thought.
Simon knocked at the door of Inara's shuttle, waiting a moment before hearing her voice granting him access. She looked up at him when he walked in and smiled.
"I had a feeling it would be you." she said.
"Really, I had no idea I was so predictable, what with being a fugitive and all. That is a trait that will need to be fixed." Simon replied tiredly.
"Relax." she said with a laugh. "I knew it'd be either you or Sheppard Book. No one else knocks at my door. Mal never has since day one, Wash and Zoe always use the intercom, Kaylee always walks right in and Jayne..." Here Inara's smile faded and was replaced with a slight grimace. "Let's just say I don't let him anywhere near my shuttle."
"I must say, I can certainly understand your hesitation to allow that." Simon said with a hint of a smile.
"You really have no idea." she said with a shake of her head. "I know you didn't come up here to discuss the crew's quirks though so what may I do for you, Doctor?"
Simon scratched his head nervously. "The infirmary isn't as well stocked as I'd hoped it would be for dealing with what I'm sure River will have symptoms of. I was wondering if you had any medicines or immunization packets I might borrow. Some of what I think I'll need are not exactly easy to get out on the border worlds and I was hoping you might have picked up some things in your travels. I'll be sure to replace them for you before I leave."
"Hmmm... I don't have much but you're right I have picked up a few things and I do have some standard Companion immunization packets. I'm not sure if it will help but...you're more than welcome to them." Inara dug into her trunk and brought the items over. Simon took them from Inara's outstretched hand and glanced over them. Inara looked down at the floor, paused and added quietly, "Kaylee is very dear...to all of us."
Simon looked up at Inara. How could he possibly respond to that? He felt a pang of guilt. " I--I'm sorry for my part...in what happened." Simon said. "This...this certainly isn't how I saw things playing out. "Thank you for immunization packet. It certainly won't hurt. If you'll excuse me, I really must be getting back. She might wake up soon and I think it'd be best if I'm there when she does so she isn't as frightened."
"Of course, Doctor. Stop by again another time, your company is a welcome change of pace." With a faint smile, Inara showed Simon out.
Preoccupied with additional medicines he might require, Simon nearly walked into Mal rounding a corner.
"Doc, just the man I wanted to talk to again." Mal said with a faint trace of menace back in his voice. "I'm not sure that you're comprehending the level of danger you're putting everyone on this ship in. This whole crew, their lives can be snatched away because of that one fed. At some point, someone's going to have to do something about him. That person should be you. But I don't think you've got the guts and I know you don't have the time."
Simon seethed momentarily, "What is that exactly supposed to mean, Captain Reynolds?" nearly biting each word out.
Mal gave him a hard look and said in a quiet voice. "Kaylee's dead." With that, he turned on his heel and headed towards the bridge.
Simon felt his heart freeze up momentarily. Never for a moment did he think this would happen. How could Kaylee be dead? He had checked her vitals only minutes before. After seeing the many sides of Mal, he didn't doubt that the man was capable of throwing him out the airlock. But what about River? He had to get her out. Perhaps Inara would get her off the ship in the shuttle. It was a slim hope but it was all he had. For now, he had to get back to the infirmary and see if anything could be done. Maybe Mal was wrong.
Taking the steps two at a time and nearly stumbling on the way down, Simon raced through the cargo bay, hurtling past Jayne's weight set and taking the turn into the common area sharp enough to nearly crash into the wall. Trying to catch his breath at the infirmary door, he looked into the room with his heart beating in his ears, steeling himself for the worst. What he saw was Kaylee sitting up, happily chatting to Book. When she saw him in the doorway, she gave him a cheery wave. Simon gave a half-hearted wave and slumped against the doorframe muttering to no one in particular, "That man's psychotic." From the direction of the bridge, he could have sworn he heard the rumble of loud laughter.
Simon finally collapsed in his bed. He wouldn't be here if the Sheppard hadn't pushed him gently but firmly out of the infirmary. Kaylee clearly wanted him to stay for awhile but Book overrode her, saying all three of them needed rest. Book had promised to stay and come get him immediately if River woke up. Kaylee would be fine, she just needed continued rest. Simon rubbed his eyes, Sheppard Book is right, I'd be no good to River or anyone else right now. I need my rest too. With that thought, he closed his eyes and was instantly asleep.
Simon woke refreshed after a few hours. After the tension of the past few days (had it only been that long?), he certainly needed more sleep but he could function on what he had gotten. He quickly splashed some water on his face and made his way out of his room, stopping to check on his patients. They both appeared to be still asleep. Book was sitting in his usual spot, between River and Kaylee reading his Bible. As much as Simon selfishly wanted River to wake up so he could see her and speak with her, he admitted privately that her sleeping this long would give him time to prepare and her time to heal what she could through rest.
Upon seeing Simon, Book rose, gave him a smile and spoke quietly, "As you can see, I had no problems while you were gone. I finally got Kaylee to wind down and go back to sleep. She seems to want to get up and get back to work in the engine room. I think having to sit still is making her quite restless." He glanced over at River. "Your sister twitched a few times and mumbled some things I was unable to make out. Will she wake soon? I overheard Wash telling the Captain we had reached Whitefall."
"She should, the sedative I gave her earlier was just to ensure she went into a normal stage of sleep to try and counter the shock of being suddenly woken out of her cryogenic state." Simon spoke as he walked over and took another reading of her vitals. "Probably within the next several hours, so perhaps the Captain will remain on planet until she wakes up. If you'll excuse me, Sheppard. I'm going to try and have a word with Captain Reynolds before he leaves for his black market dealings."
"Not at all Doctor, I think I better check in on our federal hostage as well." Book said, getting up to leave as well.
Simon walked into the cargo bay just as Wash raised the ramp. "Looking for the Captain?" Wash asked. "Just left but he should be back within a few hours." Wash looked over at Simon and spoke. "If you've got some time, why don't you come up to the bridge, have a bite to eat or some coffee? A lot has happened since I hauled your sister across the docks." Wash said this with a smile and Simon knew he meant no harm.
"Thank you, that would be nice." Simon replied following Wash up the stairs towards the bridge.
Once seated on the bridge, Wash turned towards Simon and spoke again. "You should know that the Captain...well he's not like a lot of people. He did play a mean trick on you but truth be told, he's really impressed with how fast Kaylee is coming around. His crew is his family and he's got a soft spot for Kaylee, treats her like his own daughter. Whether you caused it or not, you got her better and that counts for a lot in his book."
"I'm glad to know my services were appreciated." Simon replied dryly.
"Speaking of family, maybe you should ask Mal to drop you somewhere else. Whitefall ain't exactly civilization."
"Thank you for your concern, but I think we'll be fine." Simon spoke. "I just need to find somewhere safe for us, it doesn't have to be comfortable."
Just then the intercom crackled to life and Kaylee's voice came over, speaking laboriously. "He took her...he took River."
Simon froze and his heart plummeted towards his stomach. River... Without another thought, he turned and ran out the bridge doorway. He heard Wash following behind him then Wash's footsteps halted as a rapid beeping filled the cockpit. Simon was on his own.
Simon scrambled down the bridge stairs, running past the crew quarters towards the catwalks overlooking the cargo bay. Clambering as quietly as he could out of the doorway, he looked down towards the floor, his heart beating rapidly. Gripping the railing, he took in the scene below him. Dobson had River by the arm and was holding a gun in each hand. He had gotten the bay doors open and was intent on leaving the ship. That bastard had his sister and Simon would be damned if he let someone take her away from him again. Without a thought about how badly this could end, Simon quickly calculated the distance and vaulted over the railing, falling fifteen feet towards the floor of the bay with Dobson partially breaking his fall. Luckily, he missed River.
Still partially stunned, Simon looked over at a groaning Dobson. In the background, he could hear River's scared whimpering. He wanted to go to her but Mal was right. He had to take care of Dobson first. Quickly scanning the floor, he noticed one of Dobson's guns laying nearby. Dobson recovered quickly crawling towards the same gun. Simon reached over, grappling with Dobson trying to prevent him from reaching the gun first. Struggling with the lawman, Simon received an elbow to his lip for his efforts, knocking him back into a stack of barrels. Bouncing off them, he noticed that Dobson had managed to shove him back towards the other gun. The metal of the gun gleamed on the floor, beckoning Simon towards it, insisting that Simon end the problem lawman once and for all. Simon snatched it off the floor and cocked the pistol a split second before Dobson could reach his weapon.
"Don't move!" Simon spoke in a quavering tone. "I will shoot you."
Wash's voice echoed over the intercom announcing the arrival of Reavers, incoming towards their position. Was there a normal day on this ship? Simon glanced back at River, she seemed more terrified now, seeing the gun in her older brother's hand.
Dobson spoke for the first time, "You're going to do that? You're going to kill a lawman in cold blood. Look, I know what you did for your sister and I understand. Nobody is going to hurt her or you but they will if you shoot me. " With that he slowly reached for his gun.
"No!" Simon spat out. "I said don't move."
The whirring of the engines started up, distracting Simon for a crucial second. Dobson dove for his gun, firing off a shot towards Simon. Simon rolled to the side and brought the gun back up to take in the terrifying sight before him. Dobson had made his way to River's position and yanked her out in front of him with the gun pressed to her head.
Standing in the open, Simon's heart felt like it couldn't take any more stress. With the gun leveled at Dobson, he was torn between taking the shot or trying to hold Dobson off from doing anything stupid. Mal was right, this is my mess to clean up. He briefly thought of what Book had told him earlier. May my love for River lend me the strength to do this he thought. His finger slowly tightened on the trigger.
A loud bang echoed through out of the cargo bay. Dobson pitched back, shot through the eye. Simon looked dumbfounded at Dobson's body, then the gun in his hand. He hadn't even realized he'd fired. Just then Mal strode past Simon, holstering his smoking pistol. Simon checked his pistol. He hadn't been the one to fire. He wasn't sure how he felt about it. He heard River whimpering again and quickly made his way towards her. Her breathing intensified when he got close to her and she began making small screams again. He looked down and saw the pistol still in his hand. Simon threw it into a corner and took his little sister in his arms, brushing her hair out of her face and holding her close. Gradually, her cries ceased and she looked up at him. River looked up at him and whispered, "You came for me."
Mal had walked over toward Dobson's body, checking to make sure he was dead. "Jayne!" he called. The mercenary walked over, grabbed an arm and a leg while Mal grabbed the others and together they pitched Dobson's body off the ship.
Mal called out, "Inara, get the passengers on your shuttle and prepare to take off if the Reavers board. Jayne, get Kaylee to the engine room." Inara hurried down the stairs and gently grasped River's arm.
"I think I can be of assistance in the engine room." Book said as he followed quickly on Jayne's heels.
Simon stood there, torn between the desire to help and his desire to see to River's safety. He stared down the corridor Jayne and Book had taken and started to take a step in that direction when he felt a small hand intertwine with his own. He looked back and saw River's brown eyes staring into him. "Don't go." she said softly. "Be ok, dogs of war will not be slipped. The general knows the path to victory and the enemy will be routed." Simon stared back at her, uncomprehending. River took the opportunity to gently squeeze his hand and pull him towards Inara's waiting shuttle. Upon arriving at the entrance, Simon understood. Right now, he needed to take the safer road to ensure River's safety. Without him, she was lost. Without her, he was lost. There could be no stupid risks at this point.
After making his way through Inara's chamber into the shuttle's cabin, Simon focused on getting River settled into a seat along the back wall. Helping her with her straps, he buckled her in. He quickly took a seat next to her and secured himself as well. Inara went through the shuttle's pre-launch sequence at a brisk pace and when finished sat there, her hand hovering over the launch button.
"The waiting is the hardest part." she said with a forced laugh.
All of a sudden, the ship gave a violent lurch and came to a brief halt before accelerating in the opposite direction they had been taking. The engines rumbled louder and then roared as the shuttle's three occupants were pressed back into their seats.
"Wanna get off this rollercoaster." River said with a green tinge to her face. "Gonna be sick."
"Shush, it's ok River, just close your eyes." Simon said with a soothing tone as he gently pulled her a little forward so he could rub her back.
Gradually, the acceleration eased and Mal's voice came over the intercom. "People, we're away and no signs of pursuit. We made it."
Simon swore he could hear Jayne's cry of victory clear across the ship. Strangely enough, after everything that had happened, it was music to his ears.
Later, Simon joined Mal on the bridge.
"Doc, I can't tell you what it means that you patched up Kaylee. She's a spark of life on this ship and I don't tell you this lightly when I say she is a large part of what holds this crew together. I'm not one for soft talk or a sentimental nature but she is part of my crew and therefore part of my family." Mal said in probably the most neutral tone Simon had heard the entire trip. "Now, I also want to talk to you about a few other things. First and foremost, I think you can agree we need a medic. After seeing with your own eyes, things get a little rough out here sometimes and I need someone who can put us all back together."
"I believe that would be an understatement, Captain." Simon said with a wry smile.
"Perhaps, but it's true, none the same. Now, I'm making this offer as well because I believe it can be to your benefit as well. Being fugitives and all, you're safer on the move and we're always moving. If you can do your job and take care of your sister, making sure she doesn't get into trouble, I think we can work something out between us."
Simon stared at the captain, choosing his words carefully. "It is indeed a generous offer but I must say I'm confused."
"Nothing to be confused about, Doc. Offering you a job. It's your choice to take it or leave it but I advise that you take it under strong consideration."
Simon paused. "Thank you. I think I'd like to give it a shot."
"Welcome to the crew, Doc." Mal said.
Simon turned to leave but was stopped by Mal.
"One last thing Doc. I have to ask this. Were you really going to shoot Dobson?"
Simon looked at his hands, trying to word an answer. "If I had to and if I had known I could hit him, I would have. I thought at the time I was going to have to. If he had taken River away, I'd be better off dead."
Mal stared at Simon long and hard before replying. "Taking a man's life is nothing to be taken lightly. I understand your reasoning and nobody could have faulted you for doing it, even if it goes against everything you were trained to do. You were just protecting your family same as I do. I served in a war where I did my fair share of killing. It changes a man. A change that some aren't too comfortable with. That's why I shot him for you. It's not something that's easy to live with. You stay here, keep to our agreement, you'll be family too." Mal said, not taking his eyes off Simon.
The full weight of what Mal was saying hit Simon and he wasn't sure of how to respond. Mal took notice of this and turning back to the control panel said, "Get some sleep, Doc. You still look like hell." With that, Mal waved Simon off the bridge.
Simon's feet somehow took him back down to the room he and River currently shared. Not having the energy to make up another room, this would be a good temporary solution. In addition, River was still having some difficulties re-adjusting after her cryogenic shock so being close would be beneficial. Resting a hand on the doorframe, Simon sighed and thought home for now.
Walking into the room, he smiled at his little sister curled up on the bed. Kaylee had been kind enough to lend River some clothes to sleep in and she trembled a bit, caught in what Simon hoped was a dream and not a nightmare. Simon moved closer to the bed to tuck her in more and she opened her eyes to take him in fully. Leaning over her, he pulled the blanket up to her chest and stopped when her hand gently touched his face, following it's contours before she spoke in a soft voice, nearly a whisper. "I didn't think you'd come for me, back at..." She shuddered as if a vile word had just been spoken.
Simon's heart ached at that. For her to be subjected to unspeakable tortures was bad enough but having to endure that while thinking she was all alone must have been unbearable. He looked into her eyes and gave his genius sister an appropriate response. "Well, you're a dummy." he said with a half smile. River looked at him for a moment before giving him an uncertain smile. Bending down, he pulled her into an embrace which she returned. Nestling his forehead against hers for a minute before gently lowering her back done, a thought came to him.
"Back when you were asleep, right before one of the many incidents on this ship, I had wanted to do something for you." he spoke as he dug into his bag. Pulling out River's copy of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, he turned around to see her eyes light up in a way he hadn't seen in over three years.
"Toto. Scarecrow. Dorothy." River whispered. "Trying to find home, find missing parts. Looking, always looking for what's already there."
Simon carried the book over to the bed and sat on the edge of it. River immediately moved over to allow him to recline with his head against the wall and his feet trailing down the length of the bed. Once he was in a comfortable position, she nestled against his side. Looking up at him she gave another soft smile and eagerly waited for him to begin reading.
Simon glanced back down and smiled at her and opening the book to the beginning but not before thinking. I'm not sure if we're on a yellow brick road but River and I are beginning a new life and traveling into a new world.
A/N. Well, that's it for my first attempt at fan fiction. I certainly enjoyed writing it as I had to opportunity to re-watch the pilot episode and try and blend my own elements into the story. I hope you enjoyed the story or at least had a good time killing a good half hour or so. Special thanks to RionaEire for reviewing my two previous chapters and giving me some really good advice. Anyway, writing this was pretty fun for me so I'll be working on a new story in the meantime, one with more original work then this one. Still it was good to get my feet wet on this one. Cheers.