Disclaimer: I do not own Firefly any of its characters or the wonderful universe it is set in. Joss Whedon has that privilege. Nor do I own Hellsing any of its characters or what remains of its universe inside of this story (I think I've covered this before but ah well). I do own a few people, an Atlas of the Verse and many, many, MANY hours of research that was put into this story. (Kinda pathetic I know)

Dedication: To my love family. Who tolerate me.

A/N: So…I spent all of Spring Break on the couch with my daughter watching magical girl anime. Not much writing got done. However, conversely, instead of grading I have been writing during my off time. I'm a bad teacher.

Anywho, I forgot to mention that I am not really doing most of the actual episodes. I am just kinda writing missing scenes. I hate writing from a script so…yeah.

Unintended

oooo

I'll be there as soon as I can

But I'm busy mending broken

Pieces of the life I had before

oooo

Simon was getting used to the criminal way of life. Most of the jobs the crew took on were fairly simple and straight forward. A lot of small time smuggling, looting wreckage, and acting as hired guns. He had even gotten rather used to his role on board. After the first rush of the long overdue medical issues that their line of work forced them to put off, Simon spent most of his time with the Crew disinfecting cuts and abrasions (sources ranging from contracts to simple repair work)or administering inoculations when they landed on some of the more remote moons of the Rim.

Serenity didn't feel like home, but it no longer felt so alien. He might not be using his surgical skills to the best of their advantage, but he was still doing what he loved: practicing medicine. At times, he could almost pretend that he was doing volunteer work, especially when they landed on more rural places that paid in random crops for the chance of seeing an actual doctor and not a local healer. Even better, when none of the crew needed him, he could spend however much time he wished working to help River.

It wasn't so bad. He was getting used to it.

Except for one thing.

It had been many years since anyone, including his parents, had told him where he could and could not go. Yet, suddenly, he was forced to listen when the Captain told him he couldn't go planetside. It didn't happen often – typically the people they were helping were as far removed or distrustful of the Alliance as the crew of Serenity was. Even more, the more populated planets or moons were often not ones that he had any particular desire to visit. Still, there was no way to guarantee that he went stir crazy like being told to stay in place when everyone else was free to move as they liked. (Except River, of course, but she didn't seem to mind.)

The doctor watched as the crew loaded up for their restocking trip to Persephone. After a few minutes, he handed a short shopping list and some of his own dwindling supply of money to Zoe and Wash. The First Mate commented that restocking the infirmary was usually considered a ship expense.

"I'm pretty sure that if the Captain is ignoring Kaylee's pleas for new parts, he will ignore half this list. Probably say that we can do without it."

"You mean doctoring requires more than gauze and duct tape?" Wash chimed in wryly.

Zoe rolled her eyes at her husband before nodding to Simon. "Still, don't think you always need to do this."

"I…," the doctor started before breaking off with a sigh. "My money isn't much good just sitting in my pocket. I've already bought River some new clothes and other things to make her feel more at home…." He gave Zoe a sort of grimace cum smile. "Let's just say it makes my life easier and leave it at that."

"Will do."

Wash patted him on the back. "Just don't let Jayne know that you still have cash. He will try and get it from you."

"I'll keep that in mind," Simon murmured as they moved to leave, The Crew of Serenity going planetside together. Kaylee half turned to give him another wave before turning around and heading into the town proper. He watched them for another moment before turning and pushing the button to close the bay doors.

He didn't think he would ever get used to the feeling of being left behind.

Like he didn't belong.

"River?"

oooo

Jayne had never been the sort to feel out of place or like he didn't belong. Men like him usually kept to two kinds of places: where the work was (and ain't no one ever paid him to look pretty) or where the booze was. But even when he wandered into finer sort of places, muscle is muscle. It don't have to talk pretty (which he probably could, his mamma havin' taught him a fair bit of learnin' outside normal school stuff). Guns did most of his talkin' for him. Being a mean sonuva bitch did the rest.

Or so he'd thought.

"Mal, we don't belong here."

"It does make a man feel right uncomfortable," Mal agreed, enjoying the frilly showroom while they waited for an attendant, clearly amused by the sheer amount of frippery.

The lady that ran the store was trying real hard to pretend that they were in the high-class parts of town. She was almost kissing their boots trying to make them feel special. Maybe the girfolk liked it, but it was just giving Jayne the willies.

"So are you buy for a lady or for yourselves?"

The burly man was barely able to muffle a guffaw at the idea of Mal (or, hell, even himself).in a dress. A quick look at the Cap told him Mal probably had a similar thought.

"No, it's for a lady," the Captain replied. "Do I need her to be here? She's a might bossy and I kinda wanted to surprise her."

"We ladies do like surprises," the woman responded with an approving sort of smile. "Is she your wife?" Her eyes flitted between the two of them who were a bit of a loss as how to respond.

"No…we ain't married," Jayne put in when the pause had the lady fixin' her focus on him.

"She's kinda….like a sister," Mal answered, clearly deciding not to explain why two men decided to buy their mechanic a bit of fancy."

"Oh, how nice!" She turned to look at a catalog sort of thing before stoppin' and lookin' back at them. "Do you know her size?"

"Sorry, ma'am," Mal answered. His voice was pinched and Jayne had the impression he was regretting the whole thing. "You have a clue?" he turned, asking in frustration. "Seen anything in the washing?"

"Nope." The mercenary paused a moment, not really wantin' to offer the next bit of information. "Seems like she might be 'bout the size of my sister, Mattie, looks to have."

"That should probably do," the lady responded. "If it doesn't fit, have her come here with the dress and we can get her something more fitted." She winked at them. "Always helps to have that surprise in hand. More fun." She paused at the side door and pushed a button, letting in a parade of show models. "Now, did you have anything in mind?"

"Yeah," Jayne replied. "I know just the one."

oooo

Seras didn't do balls much anymore She was long past the need to do politicking and she never really stuck around one place for long enough to need to socialize either. Even when she did, most of the people of this political generation had only seen her wearing her dusty friendly "frontier" clothing. She doubted any of them could picture her in any sort of elitist formal setting much less a ball gown.

However, she wanted to talk to the head of the Persephone Colonial Recruiting Division about the recent attack on some of the colonies they were most in the habit of sending people to and, apparently, he could only spare time on the one night at this one place. She knew a dodge attempt when she heard one – he undoubtedly figured she would be unwilling or unable to attend, but all the same, she broke out one of the Companion dresses and went to the ball.

She hadn't expected much and he told her possibly less. The vampire had not had to worry about money for centuries – even after funding a large portion of the war and recovery. Still, she felt cheated of her money spent obtaining a black market ticket to the stupid affair only to be finished with her "meeting" within five minutes of hunting her contact down. Truth be told, she could have got in on her own merit easily – and for free – but she was trying to keep a low profile and she always enjoyed finding the dark underbelly of a city. There people were typically far more honest, even as they tried to sell you dishonest goods.

Truly, though, it was a lovely affair, and if she had been interested, she would have been delighted with it. But…something made her feel out of place. Like a piece of clothing from an earlier time in life that still fit, but wasn't comfortable anymore, grandiose entertainment didn't seem to suit her anymore, not that it really ever did. She would have left and returned back to the sphere where she belonged but for one thing.

Years of paranoia mad her keep an eye on the entrance, assessing each guest as they entered. It was a passive habit that she barely noticed during her short conversation on the balcony. Just as he was trying to excuse himself – forcibly – from the conversation, a spritely young woman entered with an escort trailing just behind. She felt a shock when she recognized his face – one the slurring bureaucrat took full advantage of to escape. Seras barely noticed the man losing himself in the space around them as she walked quickly over to the railing.

Malcolm Reynolds.

He looked good. Sure, she had glimpsed him on Book's feed, but that only showed so much. Even in the crowd, he was familiar enough to her that she could feel him out. A smile curved her lips. He was really, truly healing, though the pain and anger were still there, simmering under the surface. As someone who had survived war more than once, she knew that, sometimes, those emotions didn't ever leave you. All too often, they became a part of a soldier's core and, along with fear, drove everything in life thereafter.

But still, he was healing.

She watched him for a good long time as he socialized (undoubtedly meeting a client) and even took to the dance floor. She watched him and the grown-up Companion, Inara, dance quite well together. She had actually meant to stop and say hi to the young woman but had been too focused on finding the politician to stop when she first noticed her. Now, she was battling the urge to go talk to the little boy she once knew. she hadn't had a face-to-face conversation with him since well before the war. Longing for comfort from the past washed over her. Despite knowing that it was definitely not the time nor place for her to present the mystery of herself, Seras turned and moved towards the stairs, sighing internally at missed opportunities. And corsets.

She stopped in her movement, however, when she watched Mal punch Inara's current patron in the face. Quite handily, too. She felt a swell of pride as she leaned on the railing to watch events unfold.

"Your latest favorite doesn't seem to belong in this company."

"Not my latest, but definitely a favorite," she responded without looking at the speaker. Her eyes were fully focused on the little drama below. "Trying to sneak up on me? It is the only reason I can imagine for concealing your presence so absolutely."

"Just enjoying the practice," her estranged, though legally still bound, husband purred into her ear. "My work generally requires little subtlety."

"I had heard in the grapevine that you and a few of your students had been in the field recently. The program is going well then?"

Despite all the tension between them on the topic, her voice was tinged with hope. Picking up on it, Alucard pressed even closer. With no room left, she was pressed between him and the balcony railing. He took full advantage and ducked his head into the curve of her neck, ghosting his lips on her flesh.

"Exceedingly. They are practically boy scouts trying to earn their little merit badges in diplomacy and politics." He snorted slightly. "It's all very boring."

"How it should be," she breathed, trying to remain steady as his nuzzling turned into small bites. "I-I take it you wish to have that talk now."

"I don't think that my mind is on talking," he growled softly, pressing into her.

"Alucard," she gasped. "Play fair. We are no longer…I can't just…," Seras trailed off, gripping the banister before her. "There are reasons why I left. You can't just pretend they don't exist and try to sleep with me because you don't feel like…talking."

His chuckle flowed over her like warm velvet, full of dark promise and delicious memories of their shared past together. She shivered, biting her lips, fighting the urge to give in.

"You should know, my draculina, that I never play fair. I take what I want by whatever means necessary. You may have walked out, but do not doubt me: I want you. As much now as ever."

He caught her ear between his teeth and tugged. Almost, Seras gave him, unable to deny to either of them that she still loved him and very much still desired his wicked touch. As if sensing her near defeat, he pulled her back into him, his arm snaking around her possessively. Tired of fighting an ache that still woke her in the middle of the night all too often, she began to wonder if there was a room that would be obligingly empty….

"Master Alucard?"

The sudden interruption by the surprised voice acted like cold water and Seras broke free from Alucard's grasp, turning to face him and the man who had addressed him. The master vampire looked as if he wanted to rip the man to pieces. Seeming to realize this, and apparently understanding the very real possibility of it happening, the man took a step back.

"I'm sorry, sir. I was simply very surprised. I shouldn't have interrupted your time with your wife. My Lady," he greeted with a short bow.

"I believe you have the advantage," Seras smiled, eyeing Alucard as he calmed his ire, slowly.

"This is one of my students. Officially, he no longer has a name, as an operative of parliament, but I'm sure he would be delighted for you to call him John," the vampire introduced, a touch of curiosity on his face. "I don't remember you meeting my wife though. Few could recognize her on sight, especially in…recent years."

"Ah," John began with a blush. "She was pointed out to me once by an older classmate when we went to the Companion House." He turned to look at Seras. "You were teaching, ma'am, I believe. Most of us knew who you were actually."

"Really?" Seras was slightly surprised and more than a little amused at his awkward embarrassment. "Why?"
"Well, ah," he stuttered, "n-none of us wanted to get killed for trying to contract with Master Alucard's wife. Not that we were likely to have a chance, but forewarned is forearmed."

"Indeed," Alucard agreed, clearly caught between amusement and resentful ire. "Are you here on assignment?"

"Yes, sir," the Operative confirmed, his composure molding into place and revealing a man that seemed cool, removed, and empowered. "I received information that-"

"I do not need details," the vampire broke in. "I am not here to oversee. Send in your report when the issue has concluded."

"Yes, sir. Then I will wish you a good night, sir. My lady."

With a quick bow, he was gone, leaving a better impression for the project on Seras in one conversation than was made through years of quiet reassurance.

"As I said, it is going well."

"So I see," she allowed, watching the man for another moment before looking once more to her husband. "But it still warrants nothing if the government behind them is corrupt and dark."

"Every government has some corruption. Even my reign on Earth could not stop it completely and I was most…persuasive."

"There is more than just corruption here, Alucard. I have seen it. While you sit on Sihnon until called to your special tasks, a pet to a new master," she added dangerously, "I have been to every planet and moon in our Verse. I have seen it first hand, drowned in the depths of their secrets, and gagged on the vileness that they support in the name of the mighty Alliance."

"Seras…," Alucard nearly growled, trying to break in.

"No, master, I'm not giving you warnings from dreams you cannot see. I am telling you what I have seen and done fully awake. You say you get what you want, but I am not something to be claimed, no matter the seduction. I am not going to play the role of your pet or your sidekick or your damsel in distress. If anything, you are the pet, following the orders of yet another master instead of going out on your own. You've spent too many years taking orders and now you are tamed and trained to obey. Feel free to defend your masters, Alucard, but I obey no one but myself now. Not a government, not a power made husband. Myself."

His face had gone cold, formed into that perfect mask that she knew so well. It used to give her chills of fear and uncertainty, but not anymore. Instead, she dropped him a fine curtsy and rose again to full height.

"Goodbye, Alucard. May your lease never chaff and your certainty never waiver."

Without another look, she turned and left him standing stonily alone.

oooo

"So…instead of usable information you got the runaround and a run away."

"Yes."

"And instead of being seduced, you gave your husband a verbal bitch slap that I hear from here."

"…"

"Don't give me that look, I have sources everywhere."

"Bite me, Nikolai."

"Gladly."

oooo

Mal didn't mind cows, reminded him of home. Actually, it felt like the first piece of honest work they'd done in ages. It was an added bonus that he got to watch the girls fawn over them, hand feeding each one, and giving all of them silly names that might change from one day to the next. 'Cepting Zoe, who thought they should all be called Bessie and River who had an odd look of curiosity about them given her upbringing and her attempt to find every secret Serenity might hold from engine to control panel.

Plus it was fun watching Jayne clean the cowpats up every other day.

Still, he and cows had a strange history of mischief and it wasn't a week in that one of them managed to mischief him into tripping on the stairs and busting his newly won stitches.

"This was a clean cut," the young doctor commented as he examined the bleeding seeping from Mal's side, "But it would heal a lot better if you took it easy. IT's already prone to tearing because of where it is on your torso." He straightened and gave the captain one of those lie detecting doctor stares. "Did you contaminate it when you fell?"

Mal looked up and gave the doc a smile he knew wasn't foolin' anyone. Without a word, Simon went to get the torture disinfectant. Resigned, the captain put his head back and tried to find something to talk about.

"Heard in the Dangerous Rescue Plan you were gonna be the diversion. What were you gonna do?"

Simon gave a warmer smile than Mal had expected. "Ah, the Plan. Not sure. Might have talked Badger into thinking he had some strange disease of the ugly and painful variety. It is a trick we doctors can do."

"I bet. That would have done a number on that arrogant ass." Mal winced as the needle started its work. "Way I heard it, your sister had already knocked him down a peg."

"That's River," her brother agreed in an absent way as he pulled the thread taut. "Haven't seen her like that since…well, since before," he finished, clamming up again.

"Have faith, Doc. Way I hear it, she was might impressive. Wished I'd seen it myself."

Mal watched the boy as he worked. If he were honest, he didn't know if he could handle something like the way that the doc did. Sob story of lost money and easy life aside – which Mal respected a bit more than he let on – not sure what would be worse: having someone dead or having someone who looked like the person you loved, but wasn't. He'd seen trauma do bad things to people. Looking at the doc was the first time he'd seen the side of the people they went home to.

"She'll heal," Mal offered abruptly.

Simon looked at him strangely, cluing the captain into how long he'd been quiet. "I certainly hope so. I'm trying everything I can think of."

"You got her somewhere safe. Healing starts from there." Mal smiled wryly. "No matter what the military doctors say, don't get better til you get home where you belong.

The doctor stilled for a moment, concentrating on the final knot, before continuing on. "It's hard to think of her as an ex-soldier, but…thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

"You'll figure it out eventually," the Captain assured as he began to button his shirt. "Well, thanks, Doctor. Hopefully, I won't be back."

"Not a problem…."

oooo

As Simon watched River dance, he thought the Captain might just be right.

oooo

Flying, twisting, spinning. Hand in hand and lost in joy. She flowed over the floor and through the air, lost in ecstasy. Simon, too. Happy, looking at her and not seeing shadows. Flew higher still. Not a lodestone around the neck, but wings lifting up.

Shattered.

River stumbled to a halt, clumsy and awkward, reeling from the echo of a gunshot and the spoke of fear from those looking on. She was clumsy, hadn't heard. Not the preacher. Men looking to steal. How, when they always shouted, had she not heard?

Stumbling off the dais, she saw them pull him away. The crowd surged around her, kindness impeding. Not sick, just suddenly lost. Breaking free, she had to choose.

Home couldn't stay, needed a doctor and Simon was getting farther away. Would they come if she told them? Yes, but can't. Not enough time. Have to come back. Men need a doctor, too. Won't hurt Simon, but being left behind would. Proof he didn't belong.

River looked towards Serenity, Home, her mind focusing some. No, Simon needed her more.

oooo

"We got a ping from Alliance Cruiser Magellan."

"Oh," Seras blinked at the console, her mind refocusing from other thoughts. "What for?"

"Book, Derrial Ident scan."

"Good man. Send the okay. And…back to my reports."

"Indeed."

oooo

She did remember. She remembered every silly game and boring social party their parents dragged them o made fun by sharing jokes and little laughs. She remembered fourteen years of happy life, when she could go through the day and might have a feeling about someone, but didn't have to listen to their thoughts.

But it was like a movie shown out of order, the end in the middle of the beginning with bits of other things put in. Memories, schemes, cheats, and plots all coming from other people cutting in. So much running around that she wished she didn't remember. Just too much.

The way Simon looked at her, as if he were the broken one, as if he failed her.

"I understand," she told him, trying so hard to say things the right way. It was getting easier, but still so hard. Especially when it mattered. "You gave up everything you had to find me and you found me broken."

She wanted to tell him how sorry she was. He wanted his sister, his playmate, and got a broken girl, half-madness, half-monster.

oooo

Mal stood there staring at Book as he laid there, recovering. The Shepard had called Serenity home. Really, though, what reason did he have for still being on this ship? He gave counsel, knew more than a Shepard had any right to, never failed to work when asked, and sometimes made relations much easier, a man of God and all.

Still, without any real good reason, he had become one of Mal's crew.

Mal didn't regret for a moment doing what he had. Time could not be ignored and sacrifices had to be made. Including sacrificing pride and going to people he hated for help. The results were what mattered most.

Home. Crew.

He turned and made his way to the bridge. Zoe was already there with her husband.

"Was, head back to Jianying."

The blonde man gave his wife a knowing look. "Already on the way, sir."

"Good," Mal grunted, only slightly put off that they had anticipated it. "Now, call Jayne up here and tell him he's gotta start tracking. Time to get the Doc and River back where they belong."

"Yes, sir."

oooo

"Came back for us."

Mal jumped only slightly as he turned in the pilot's chair. The girl was already almost to the console, still not making a sound.

"Sweetheart, unless you are trying to give me a heart attack, can you do me a favor and try to make at least a little more noise?"

She nodded, her fingers trailing the bumps of the stegosaurus. "Didn't have to come back for us. Could have left us there," she stated matter-of-factly, her eyes peeking over at him almost shyly.

"Gotta collect my crew," Mal returned gruffly. He'd expected this from Simon, but, though she was definitely getting better at communicating with people, River didn't always seem to live in the present.

"Saved us."
"Well, can't have people burning you and your brother," he chuckled, not surprised that the situation had turned so bizarre so quickly.

"No," she shook her head furiously, her dark hair fluttering wildly. She looked at him, her brown eyes bottomless. "He gave up everything and found a broken girl, not right-not his sister." She broke off, her eyes looking away again as she gave a short self-deprecating laugh. "Can't say sorry to him. Asked him to come, waited, lost hope. Can't say sorry cause I'd rather disappoint him than…."

"Now, River, girl," Mal began, nonplussed that she would choose him of all people to confide in. Looking at her, though, he broke off seeing that she was trying to get something out, her fingers going white at the knuckles where she made a fist above the dinosaur parade.

"There were empty rooms in a big impressive house, another status symbol." She met his eyes again. "They didn't come for me. Only him. Out of sight, out of mind."

"Your parents," he realized. He'd never thought of it. The Doctor was full grown, able to make his own choices and Mal – quietly – admired him. But what kind of jinu de wu tui er zi parents left their teenage daughter in that sort of place?

"Didn't expect them to," she cut into his rising disgust. He looked at her an saw the truth in her eyes, truth and acceptance. "Known for years, had Simon, didn't mind. But, he didn't, gave up everything, even them. Can't be where he is supposed to be, money gone, home gone. Sister crazy."

Wherever the thought this strange conversation may be going, Mal had never guessed it would lead to this. He gave her a small smile, understanding at last.

"And we saved you. Gave you a home. Family."

"You saved him. Let him work, gave him home," River straightened fully and gave him a radiant smile. "Thank you."

Mal's lips quirked further. 'Nothing to thank. Just…don't go calling me dad or anything."

She cocked her head at him, eyes appraising. "Definitely not father." Then, with a strange sort of look, she floated out of the bridge leaving the space feeling as if she'd never come in.

"Huh."

oooo

Simon stretched out on the bed, fully ready to sleep. He ached all over and still couldn't quite explain the day.

It was good to be home.