A/N: Here is the next chapter. Hope you like it.

After a few days, Simon’s injuries were healed enough for him to resume normal activities. Zoe had decided to stay aboard Monty’s ship as crew, at least for the time being. She hadn’t forgiven Monty yet, but they shared the fact that they fought in the war together and that both of them were fiercely loyal to Mal.

“You sure this is what you want?” Monty asked Simon.

“Yes. You already have a fine medic. I’m not needed here.”

“It’s not the matter of need, Simon. I promised to Mal I’d take you in.”

Simon smiled at Monty in appreciation.

“You’ve already helped enough by making sure Zoe has a place here,” Simon said. “I just don’t think it’s smart if we stayed together. You are an obvious link to Mal and you are already taking a big chance just keeping one of us on board. With two, you’re just asking for trouble.”

“Suppose that may be so.”

“Anyway, I need to move on. There is a lot that needs to be done; people that need to be found.”

“River?” Monty asked ruefully.

“For one. Inara maybe. And then there’s Mal.”

“Still feel horrible bad about him. I didn’t…”

Simon cut him off.

“You did what you thought was right. You can’t change it. A very wise woman once told me ‘what’s done is done’.”

“I know, but…”

“He’ll be OK, Monty. That cryo unit will last a long time. I won’t rest until I find him.”

Monty nodded his head and sighed.

“Where do you want me to drop you?”

“Paquin. I have some business there.”

“Business?” Monty inquired with an arched eyebrow.

“I’m not saying anything else.”

“Wasn’t gonna ask,” Monty said, smiling. “We’re passing Paquin on the way to our next job. Be there in two day’s time.”

“I’ll be ready.”

On Paquin, Simon said his goodbyes.

“Thanks again,” Simon said as he held out his hand to shake Monty’s. Instead, Monty gave him a big bear hug, lifting Simon off the ground.

“Can’t breathe…” Simon squeaked. Monty put him down.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to squish you.”

“Will you do me a favor?” Simon asked with a serious tone.

“Anything.”

“Look after Zoe for me? She’s so lost right now. With Wash being gone and Mal being…” Simon started. He paused before continuing. “Well, I worry about her.”

“You don’t have to ask. Mal and Zoe saved my life more than once. I’m right happy to be doin’ the helpin’ this time.”

Simon smiled sadly and patted Monty on the back. He picked up his gear and headed to the exit of Monty’s ship. Zoe was waiting for him. It looked like she hadn’t slept for days. Their recent experiences were obviously weighing on her, both physically and emotionally. He set his gear down and rubbed his shoulder softly.

“I should have warned you that Monty was a hugger. Always has been,” Zoe said wistfully. “He hurt your shoulder?”

“Just sore. Nothing to worry about,” Simon said smiling. An uncomfortable silence fell between them. After a moment, Simon spoke softly to her. “I’m leaving now.”

“You could stay,” she offered as her eyes fell to the floor.

“You know I can’t.”

She nodded wearily.

“I know. It’s just that I’ll be alone without you here.”

“That’s how it was planned and besides, Monty will be here.”

“Not the same.”

Again, they stood together in silence. Neither of them moved. Finally, Simon embraced her.

“I’ll never stop looking for them. Not as long as I’m breathing,” he whispered into her ear. She let out a stifled sob.

“Neither will I.”

Simon pulled away from her and looked her square in the eyes.

“Keep me updated?” he asked with a smile, trying to lighten the situation.

“Regularly.”

“We’ll find them. I know it.”

Zoe nodded in agreement. Simon picked up his gear, touched Zoe lovingly on the cheek and left, disappearing into the crowd. Zoe turned and disappeared back into the ship. Neither one looked back.

As Simon mulled over his next steps, he made his way towards the place that was his next step in the Plan: his pick up point. Once they were off the ship and it was safe, he was to travel there. Supplies had been left there in advance. This action was not for him alone, they all had their egress paths.

It was decided that the stronger fighters of their group would go out on their own since it would be easier for them to blend in on the Rim. Simon had protested vehemently on the thought of River being out on her own, but Mal insisted.

She’s been good since Miranda. She’ll be fine. Mal said firmly. Give her more credit. She’s not so fragile no more.

She should stay with me. I could watch her. Simon pleaded.

It would be too obvious to have you two together, Simon. A brother and sister making their way through the ‘verse? You’d be too easy to pick out. Ain’t safe, Simon. Mal persisted. I promise that someone has been assigned to know where she is at all times and that they will intervene should she need it. Don’t you worry none.

Who, Mal? Simon demanded.

Ain’t safe, Simon. Mal had repeated. Simon realized that Mal was not going to tell him. Don’t argue what’s been decided.

Although she wasn’t as strong as Mal, Zoe or Jayne, Inara worked out her own path. She had her own contacts. She had people who she trusted.

That only left Simon and Kaylee. Alone, they were the most vulnerable. Together, they would be much stronger. They could watch each other’s backs. It was decided that they would impersonate a married couple. That was the only part of the Plan that Simon was comfortable with.

Ain’t that shiny, Simon? Kaylee had told him one night while they lay together in bed. She was trying to assuage his concerns about River and the Plan by being her cheerful self. We get to be married.

Wish it were under different circumstances.

Yeah. She conceded sadly. But should it come to pass, we’ll still have each other.

Simon walked until he stood outside of a small bank on the outskirts of town. He hated coming here alone. He was supposed to come here with Kaylee. This was their pick up site. He took a deep breath and proceeded inside to the teller.

“May I help you?” the young teller asked.

“I have a box here. My name is George Stiles.”

“Right this way,” the teller said as she led him to the viewing room.

She gave him his box and left the room for his privacy. What he found astonished him. The box was only half-filled, but it held a substantial amount of coin. Enough for him to live in anonymity for a long time. He wondered how Mal had managed to put his hands on so much cash. There were also several ident cards with various names and professions on them. He picked up the one that read ‘George Stiles’ and put it in his pocket. A small envelope lay inside the box. He shakily opened it to find a plain handwritten card. His heart sagged when he saw River’s handwriting.

Dear Simon and Kaylee,

Mal asked me to assemble these items for both of you. I “acquired” these funds and official ident cards should the Plan be executed. Be safe.

Love, River

River. He didn’t even want to think about what was happening to her. With a heavy heart, Simon started to put the money into his duffle bag when he stopped abruptly. He shuffled through the ident cards and all of them were for him. There were no cards for Kaylee.

Why aren’t there any for Kaylee? He wondered.

Something clicked in his brain causing his mind to race. With reckless abandon, Simon dumped the full contents of the box on the table. He spread out everything and found no other ident cards. In his haste, the card that River wrote had fallen off the table, landing face down on the floor. He stared at it for a moment and then slowly picked it up, wondering if he was seeing what he so badly wanted to. On the back of the card, a string of very small letters has been written in the corner. CYS-ILU-K+J2. Simon smiled.

“See you soon. I love you too, Kaylee,” Simon whispered aloud.

Now there was more to look for; Kaylee and Jayne were alive.

Thanks for reading. Please comment. Shiny reviews are always immensely appreciated, plus they get the creative juices flowing.