(Couldn't sleep so I did some more writing, it's kinda short, but having this scene as its own chapter just felt right to me) Chapter 10 Mal lead more than his fair share of barely trained soldiers during the war. Most of them had no business being on a battlefield, but Sergeant Malcolm Reynolds’s leadership had always been able to keep their spirits intact, even when their bodies were broken. He accomplished this by instilling within them a sense of purpose. Killing another human being was a very unnatural and traumatic event, especially in close combat. Most soldier’s need a purpose or reason for killing to keep them from descending into madness. The reasoning acted as a mental lifeline, allowing the person to do regrettable things in the interest of a greater good. Such reasoning was dangerous, but so were most things in war. Simon, however, was not a soldier. He was a healer and a gentle soul. Violence was simply not in his nature. He was not a weak man, but he had lived a sheltered life that left him woefully unprepared to handle the Rim, the Black, and all the nasty things the ‘verse threw at the crew of the enigmatic Firefly, Serenity. All things considered, Mal was actually impressed Simon had made it this far before breaking. Unfortunately, they couldn’t afford to wait while Simon’s spirit retreated within him and attempted to heal. Mal needed to make a connection and drag Simon’s consciousness back into the real world. Mal whispered to himself, “Time to go fishing.” “So Doc, had an eventful day I take it,” Mal began as he walked in front of Simon. Mal asked, “Want to talk about it?” Simon continued his unfocused gaze at nothing. Didn’t think it would be that easy, Mal thought, gonna need to use different bait. Mal asked, “Kaylee’s worried about ya… did you get her a ring yet?” Simon remained unresponsive. Mal had a feeling this would be difficult, but he was hoping to draw the boy while sparing him as much pain as possible. “Can’t keep a girl waitin’ like that ya know,” Mal continued, “She’s liable to shack up with Jayne.” Simon still didn’t take the bait. Mal tried a different tactic, hoping to provoke a response. “I suppose that’s not so bad a thing though, right? Didn’t think you were man enough for Kaylee anyway,” Mal taunted, regretting the words before he was finished speaking them. Still there was no response. Gonna have to aim lower, Mal thought regrettably. “Your sister’s really worried about ya, it’s makin’ her go nutty as squirrel turds,” Mal said. I really hope you don’t make me use my trump card. Mal wasn’t certain, but he thought he say one of Simon’s eyebrows twitch. “Well,” Mal pressed, “Ya gonna do anything about it?” Gorramit Simon take the bait. “You’re the only one can help her,” Mal pressed further. Mal let out a weary sigh at Simon’s continued silence. Mal said, “You got two jobs on this boat, patchin’ my crew and keepin’ track of your crazy sister. If you can do neither, she becomes a liability and a danger to the crew.” I hope you can forgive me for this, Mal thought as he began walking out of the infirmary and said, “Looks like I’ll have to do the merciful thing and put her down like the rabid animal she’s is!” “No!” Simon screamed as he tackled Mal with surprising strength. Mal struggled to fend off the enraged Doctor. “She’s just an innocent little girl!” Simon continued as he slammed the back of Mal’s head into the floor. “Zoe!” Mal called, hoping she’d get there before he lost his cool and further injured the young Doctor. In the back of his mind, Mal thought, well, I gave him a reason he could kill for, though I kinda wish it didn’t involve me. Zoe burst through the entryway and yanked Simon off of the Captain. Zoe and Mal were both taken aback as Simon raged against her grasp with the ferocity of a Reaver. “Let me go! He’s going to kill her! She-” “Ain’t no one else dyin’ today, just calm down and stay with us,” Zoe said, sounding oddly forceful and soothing. “I… River…” Simon mumbled pathetically as he fell to his knees and began convulsing with quiet sobs. Mal placed a reassuring hand on Simon’s shoulder and said, “Welcome back Doctor.”