Disclaimers: Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alex was reading in her room late in the day when someone knocked. She was surprised to see Captain Reynolds when she opened the door. “A personal visit from the captain,” she said with a smile. “To what do I owe the honor?” “Well, a couple things,” he replied. “First, I want to apologize for runnin’ off on you and the doc like that earlier.” He shifted awkwardly. “I, uh—somethin’ came up, uh—captain-y stuff. Y’know? And, uh—well, I was feelin ‘cross with Kaylee for draggin’ me in there in the first place...anyway, I’m sorry ‘bout that.” “It’s okay,” Alex assured him. “Anyway, Simon couldn’t find anything wrong, not—not anymore than the healing process taking time. You’ve been through a lot. But, physically, he says you’re coming along fine.” Captain Reynolds looked at her curiously. “Physically?” He paused. “So, physically, I’m okay, but—what? Am I not okay in some other way?” Alex shrugged and fixed him with a direct gaze. Why dance around? she thought. I’m only on this boat for a few days, I’ve got nothing to lose. “You tell me.” Captain Reynolds dropped his gaze and didn’t answer. “Don’t be angry with Kaylee,” Alex went on. “She cares a lot about you. She thinks you’re not sleeping well—thinks it’s affecting you during the day. Is she right?” “I ain’t been sleepin’ the best I’ve ever slept,” Captain Reynolds conceded, “But I’m okay. It’ll pass. I’ve just got things on my brain—like the fact our last job fell apart and money’s gettin’ tight. Which brings me to the other thing.” That’s right, Alex thought, change the subject. “We’ll be stoppin’ on Paquin tomorrow, and there’s a possible contact for a job there. Transport. I ain’t sure what and to where yet, but I wanted to run it by you, seein’ as how you’re payin’ us to take you somewhere, and we don’t want to mess up your schedule.” “That’s very kind of you,” Alex said, “But please, don’t give it another thought. Jobs are scarce, I know that as well as anyone. Don’t pass one up if it comes your way.” Captain Reynolds moved to go. “Thanks,” he said, sliding her door closed. Then he opened it again. “Supper’s in thirty.” He left Alex alone with her book and her thoughts. Sergeant Reynolds had fought in the war like no one else, and sheer will got him and his through something many others didn’t live to see the end of. He had a sense of responsibility toward those he led that was second to none. But that sense of responsibility and his need to stay in control was proving to be his undoing now. He was unable to let down his defenses and admit that he had come up against something bigger than him. Alex had seen enough of the long-term effects of torture after the war to know that he was headed for trouble if he didn’t change his course, and soon. She also knew he was not about to change it on his own. The only thing she could think of to do was to use their mutual insomnia problem to try to help him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go to Chapter 7. Back to Chapter 5.