Summary: Following the traumatic events after Miranda, Mal and the crew of Serenity have to redefine their lives as well as their relationships with one another, not to mention the challenge of accepting others into their close knit group.

Author's Note: This story is dedicated to Jlbrew23, whose request prompted me to post this and encouraged me to finish this story. This story picks up shortly after the movie Serenity left off.

Warning: This story will contain the non-sexual, disciplinary spanking of a teen and possibly adults. If you do not like or approve of this PLEASE do NOT read this story. Some harsh language.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Firefly/Serenity characters nor do I make any money from writing, this is strictly for fun. I do not speak any of the foreign languages represented in this fiction and have used online sources to the best of my ability to represent them.

Taking Care of Your Own

Mal sat on the bridge of Serenity, relaxed back into the pilot's seat, staring into the black of space. His mind was fractured as he tried to focus on the items of most imminent importance, but kept sliding into the memories of the past month. A wave of pain swelled as he thought of Wash and Shepherd Book. Miranda had changed so many things, but they were still flying and that was something.

They had been able to pick up a job, enough to make a few more repairs on his much-abused Firefly and provide them with fuel and grub. Mal had dutifully taken Inara back to the training house, and waited on baited breath until she returned with her belongings, setting herself up in her shuttle almost as if she had never left. Relief won out over distress when he realized she had chosen to stay on Serenity. Though she utterly befuddled him and twisted him about, he didn't know if he could have born seeing her leave again.

His thoughts went to Zoe. Losing Wash had been a blow he wasn't certain she would survive, but she had somehow managed. She was stronger than he was, of that Mal was certain. It was like a knife in his gut to see her this way, but she did her job. Really, what else could he ask of her?

Not wanting to pour salt in an open wound, he had put off looking for a new pilot. Truth be told, River could probably fit the bill if it came to a pinch. Problem was, though she was hell far and gone better than she had been, she was still more than a bit wooly in the head. He wasn't willing to risk his crew, which included River herself he admitted, to her instability. After all that had happened, he could not deny the truth that Kaylee had pointed out once before. This was not just his crew, but his family. His jaw clenched. He would go to any lengths to protect his family.

Which brought him back to what he should have been thinking on this whole time - the next job. He didn't have as much information as he would like going in, but a job was a job. He hadn't been out to Bedros in a few years and Randall was no longer in charge, but this new man, Gerhard had apparently built up a thriving business. Word had it he had a medical condition that needed seeing to and was offering a good paying job if someone could bring a doctor who was able to evaluate and treat his condition. Mal had high hopes.

He heard a rustling behind him. "Yer up early, little one," he stated with a grin.

"Sleep is overrated. It's more peaceful here," River answered her voice quiet and far away as she stepped lightly to take the copilot's seat. Her brow furrowed. "You're not at peace, though. You shouldn't worry; this will work out better than you expect."

"Will it now? Care to elaborate?"

River just shook her head staring out into the stars. They sat in comfortable silence for some time.

"Simon will complicate things…his sensibilities will be offended," she said almost sadly.

Mal snorted, "Yeah? Well it'll hardly be the first time the Doc and I ain't seen eye to eye."

She turned to the captain her dark eyes practically begging, "Don't be too hard on him. He means well. "

"I'll do my best, little albatross. I'll do my best."

She nodded, satisfied. Mal would do what he needed to do and this new saga would unfold.

***

In two days time Mal found himself walking down Fenghuang docs on Bedros with Simon and Zoe at his side and Jayne not two steps behind him. This place had changed a great deal. Where most places progressed naturally toward civilization, quite the opposite had occurred here. Just the place for men like he and Jayne. Zoe could hold her own as well, but Mal was just as glad he had ordered the others not to venture off the ship. Especially since the primary form of commerce declared itself most garishly as they progressed toward their destination.

Personally, the captain abhorred the slave trade. Time and again he had fought for freedom. Fought and lost, usually. These people were not his concern, however. He had to watch out for his own. So he remained aloof and detached as he continued walking. He gave a sideways glance to the doctor, though, thinking about River's words from a couple mornings back.

Simon stood out like a sheep in a wolves' den here. Mal could almost feel hungry eyes upon the young doctor. If the Doc let his mouth get away from him, as he was wont to do, this could get ugly. Stepping quickly out of the way in between two vendor's booths, Mal grabbed Simon and pulled him roughly after. Zoe and Jayne shared a look of surprise and curiosity before following close behind.

"Whatever, happens here, Doc, you need to remember that we're family."

The look Simon gave Mal clearly showed that he thought the captain had lost his mind. "Well, Mal, er, ah that's very…"

"Yer my baby brother. Our Ma's last request was that I see you schooled and look after you."

Simon's mouth formed a small "o" as he realized what the captain was getting at. His brow still furrowed in confusion.

"So that's what I do. Look out for you. So you keep your mouth shut and do as your told baby brother."

There was a sound beyond them, for a brief moment Simon thought he saw a shadow, but then it was gone. He nodded in response to Mal's instructions, aware that the captain had his reasons. Later he could demand an explanation, but now was not the time. Mal cast a quick look at Zoe and Jayne, each gave a nod to indicate they had the story straight.

They continued on their way to a bar where Mal stepped up to have a word with the man behind the bar. The burly barman called roughly to a boy who scurried up ducking his head. Mal motioned to the others and they all followed as the boy led the way to a back room guarded by two armed men.

Once granted entrance to the room, both Zoe and Jayne were warily tense, though Mal outwardly appeared at ease. Several more armed men sat at raised tables. To one side of the room was an intricately carved wooden desk, but that was set away from where everyone was sitting. Near the center of the room, a scantily clad woman sat playing a large harp while further back another dark haired beauty sat on the floor next to a raised couch. On the couch sat a silver-haired man, probably in his fifties.

"Ah, come in. Captain Malcolm Reynolds isn't it?" the man asked with a smile that did not reach his steely gray eyes.

"It is? You Gerhard?"

"Phillip Gerhard," the man answered with a nod as he sat up waving the woman at his feet away as he stood. "I understand you are in the transport business and that you have a doctor on board."

Mal nodded and motioned for Simon to step forward. "My little brother. Simon."

"How very nice to meet you Dr. Reynolds," Gerhard said.

For some inexplicable reason, Simon blushed. "Mr. Gerhard," Simon answered inclining his head in greeting.

"I don't see a family resemblance," Gerhard stated looking between Mal and the doctor.

Mal's lips quirked a bit at that. "I hope by that you're not casting aspersions on my Mama' s good name. Zoe what ever happened to the last feller that did that?"

"Dead sir," she answered without hesitation.

"Nah, he didn't die. Had a limp maybe, but I clearly recall him livin'."

"No sir. That was the one before last." Zoe barely even blinked as she answered, as stony faced as ever.

Gerhard burst out laughing. "I like you, Malcolm Reynolds. Seriously, though, the boy looks young to be a doctor."

"He is," Mal nodded. "Still wet behind the ears. Gifted is what I think they called him. Finished up his studies early. Top 3% of his class. Mama would have been proud. Not much experience of course, but he's gettin' that."

Simon blushed again as Mal intertwined truth and lies. Here he stood, one of the top trauma surgeons of Osiris, being discussed as if he were a kid rather than a trained medical professional. He cleared his throat.

"I understand someone was in need of medical attention?" he asked with a note of frustration.

Mal glared at him almost as if he were a child interrupting the adult's conversation. Simon cast his own look of irritation at the captain. Gerhard chuckled.

"I have a new shipment that could use a thorough medical inspection. Considering the price I paid, I'm expecting there will be some health issues. Perhaps, Doctor, you can see to them while your brother and I discuss business."

Despite the courteous request, Simon still felt as if he were being sent away so the grown-ups could talk and clenched his jaw. He felt someone grasp his shoulder and he looked up into Mal's blue eyes, which were clearly warning him to keep his mouth shut. With great effort, Simon curbed his frustration and gave a nod.

"Zoe, go with Simon," Mal ordered brusquely.

Gerhard waved Mal over to a table and they both took a seat. Jayne moved to stand behind Mal, continuing to watch the armed guards in silence.

"Can I offer you a drink, Captain?"

"Not so much thirsty as I am anxious to hear what you have to say. Wasn't my understandin' that you were wantin' a doctor to look after your purchases," Mal explained carefully schooling his features to keep his revulsion for the flesh trade hidden.

"I'll feel more confidant after his assessment and treatment of my property, Captain. Should he prove a competent physician, I'm willing to offer you a great deal of money for him."

Mal's face turned hard and his blue eyes seemed to darken as he leaned in closer to the other man. "I'm a businessman, and I came to do business so I'm gonna ignore the fact that you just offered to buy my baby brother."

Gerhard lifted his arms, palm out, "My apologies, Captain. I did not mean to offend. There are many who would be more than willing to make such a transaction. I can see that you are not such a man, and I will not suggest it again." The older man waved his hand and drinks were brought. "If he is able to help me I will of course be willing to pay his fee and offer you a well paying job."

"What kind of job?"

"Transport of course." The sliver-haired man took a sip of the liquor and then winced as if in pain.

"Transporting what?"

"Ah, that is the question isn't it? Something tells me you will be…shall we say, more selective than some in what you agree to ship."

"Let's just say my ship's better equipped for certain types of cargo," Mal answered.

"Very well. There is a large ore shipment on Jiangyin that I need brought here to Bedros. Might that fit into a cargo type your ship is suited to carry?"

Mal nodded. The man's tone had made the last part of his question almost a slur, but Mal supposed he could understand that given the circumstances. This job sounded almost like an honest one, there had to be more to it, but he supposed Simon would have to prove himself to the slaver before he would share much more.

Raising the glass in front of him he answered with a smile, "That it might." The two sat and visited for some time after that, speaking of news about the verse and how current events impacted business. Such conversation allowed the men to measure one another among other things. Mal was trying to figure how much of his story Gerhard really knew.

After a time they were interrupted by the irate tones of one Dr. Simon Tam aka Dr. Reynolds. Zoe followed, offering Mal a shrug and shake of her head to let him know she hadn't been able to contain their good doctor without physical restraint.

"These people are not only severely malnourished, but several are almost incapacitated with disease or injuries obviously sustained from beatings. There are children and a pregnant woman among them! Tian sha de emo!"

Mal's jaw clenched, "Watch yer mouth, little brother," he snapped, standing to get between Gerhard and Simon, noticing that several of the men had brought up their guns training them on the doctor.

"But, Mal-"

The Captain lifted up his hand to forestall the doctor's tirade. "We're here to do a job Simon. I know you have a heart for people but we've our own to look out for," Mal admonished, willing the younger man to calm down and recognize the potential danger.

Simon caught Mal's meaning, suddenly recognizing the tension in the room and the guns leveled at not only himself but his crew mates as well. What hope was there for River, Kaylee and Inara if they failed to make it out of this meeting alive? Swallowing what tasted like bile Simon struggled to calm himself and looked down at his feet.

Mal caught his arm and pulled Simon to his side as he reseated himself at the table and looked across to meet the laughing eyes of their host. "Like I said before, he's young still. Might undisciplined and a touch idealistic, but that don't interfere with his docotorin' none."

Simon bristled at Mal's words, but the increased pressure on his arm kept him still and silent.

"If it helps to ease your mind at all Dr. Reynolds, these people have just arrived into my care. Their needs will be seen to and their health restored before any demands placed upon them."

Simon literately bit his tongue to keep from commenting about the life they faced once their health was restored. He had to think of River. Not to mention Kaylee and the rest of Serenity's crew.

"Now, if you don't mind expending your expertise on a monster," the older man grinned as he repeated part of Simon's insult, "Perhaps you will give your opinion on my own ailments. I have private quarters beyond that door," he stated pointing behind the lovely old desk.

It didn't take Simon long to determine that, contrary to the back berth doctor's diagnosis, Gerhard was not suffering from an acute cardiac condition. His problems were caused from a hiatal hernia, which had led to severe gastroesophageal reflux. These conditions had resulted in shortness of breath and pain, pressure, tight squeezing, and dull ache in the man's chest. Repairing the hernia was easy for the brilliant trauma surgeon, and he mapped out a regime to restore the man's health in short order.

Always thorough, the doctor wanted to be available to follow-up with his patient through the night. This also gave him some time to further treat some of the people he had examined earlier. Mal contacted Inara and explained the situation, reiterating his order for the three women to stay aboard Serenity.

The next morning a very pleased Gerhard quite happily gave Mal the Jiangyin job, paying him to make a small drop off on a nearby moon as well. As special thanks for Simon he had provided a few much needed medical supplies to restock Serenity's infirmary. Before Mal left, the older man asked if he could have a private word with the Captain.

"You were right about you're brother. Very talented young man."

Mal nodded.

"Right about the other parts, too though. He's young, idealistic, undisciplined."

Mal nodded again.

"I can understand that. A lifetime ago I was educated on one of the central planets. I was young and idealistic too," Gerhard paused and shook his head. "Another man, might not be so understanding, Captain," he stated more seriously, his gray eyes going hard. "You need to take the boy in hand, Reynolds, for his own good and yours." With that the man gave a wink and turned to stalk out of the room.

As they made their way toward Serenity, Jayne ranged ahead while Zoe fell back to flank, ever watchful. This gave Simon the opportunity to ask Mal about his private conversation with Gerhard.

"He's a notion I should take a firmer hand with my little brother so that you don't end up dead."

"A firmer – that ungrateful ben tian sheng de yi dui rou!" Simon exploded.

"I conjure he's likely right in his reasonin'," Mal stated his voice cold and angry. "Most those we got to deal with aren't nice nor purdy, but that's the way of things. We want to live we gotta work. Meanin' we deal with he chu sheng za jiao de zang huo as the need arises. Fancy sensibilities ain't somthin' we can afford, we want to stay alive. Dong le ma?"

Simon's face flushed. Mal had offered them not only passage, but a home when few would have. He had stood by them and come to their rescue even when River's condition had nearly cost the crew everything. The doctor was well aware that his outburst could have gotten them killed and left the rest to be enslaved.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"Damn straight it won't! Cause if it does I'm takin' Gerhard's advice."

Simon rolled his eyes. "You've hit me before, Mal," he stated with acerbity.

Mal chuckled as he watched Jayne board Serenity. "Man recommends to another he should take a firm hand with his baby brother, he ain't talkin' 'bout throwin' punches, Simon. Side's, hittin' you in the face never did much more than bruise my hand anyway. Might be that takin' my belt to your other end would be more effective."

Simon stopped in his tracks and looked aghast at the captain, his face drained of all color. He was utterly speechless, but his mouth worked to get the words out nonetheless. Had Mal gone utterly insane? Or had he? Perhaps the stress of the last month was finally catching up to him and he had just snapped.

"Fact is baby brother you ever make a fuss like that again when we're on a job, we might just have to find out." With that final statement Mal turned and headed onto the ship, careful not to crack a smile until he was well away. Simon was such an easy mark. Let the young doctor chew on that worry for a while.

TBC