Into The Coming Storm (2/8)- SPN/FF/HL/SV - Immortal!Dean
Title: Into the Coming Storm (2/8)
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Pen37
Rated: PG - 13
spoilers: For the movie Serenity: The plot goes AU from the end of the movie
Prompt: #79 Desert for crossovers100 my table is here
Fandom: Firefly, Highlander, Supernatural & Smallville. The rest of the Immortal!Dean Universe can be found here.
Characters: From FF: Mal, Zoe, Wash, River, Jayne, Simon, Inara, Kaylee. From I!D 'Verse: Dean Winchester, Duncan MacLeod, Richie Ryan, Chloe Sullivan and Sam Winchester. Dean/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators.
Summary: The Immortal hunters have joined forces with the crew of Serenity in hopes of capturing a Reaver and finding out what these creatures really are. Unfortunately, the answers are not what they expected.
Chapter Summary: The firefight with the Reavers.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8
A/N: The story begins at the moment that The World As We Know It ends - That should be read first
Chapter 2
As soon as Wash had confirmed the presence of the Reavers outside their ship, everyone took up their positions. Dean, Duncan, Richie and Sam waited patiently in front of the closed bay doors as Chloe finished placing a large semicircle of salt around the Devil’s Trap. They’d have to break the salt line to bring the Reaver on board because they couldn’t bring him through the trap. It was Chloe’s job to make sure the line stayed unbroken during the battle.
Duncan looked around to make sure the mortals were safely entrenched behind the barrier of crates stacked in the middle of the cargo bay. Each was armed and ready to defend the ship.
Chloe moved to the control panel; awaiting Duncan’s signal to lower the ramp.
“Wash.” Duncan called. “We’re heading out. Any thing we should know?”
“No activity from their ship yet,” came the pilot’s reply.
The plan was for the Immortals to stun a Reaver; toss it into the prison they’d made and then exorcise the rest of them back to wherever they came from. Simple enough but like all plans there were places where things could go awry.
Any Reavers that made it past the Immortals and onto the ship would be funneled right into the trap and the mortals firing range. Like shooting fish in a Barrel, Dean had assured Chloe. She hoped he wasn’t wrong.
Duncan nodded to Chloe, who released the ramp. She smiled as she watched the four walk shoulder to shoulder out the opening. It reminded her of the old action movies when the heroes strode into danger; the music would swell and the image would slow, making the most of the moment. Big damn heroes, She thought as she grabbed her gun and took up a position next to Jayne behind the crates.
Mal and Zoe were stationed at the opposite end of the short wall, with the weaker members of their group in between.
The four Immortals reached the bottom of the ramp. There was still no activity from the Reaver ship. Duncan signaled to his companions to take up positions behind the various natural formations that dotted the scant distance between the ships.
Dean and Sam headed to the left and crouched behind a several large boulders while Richie and Duncan moved toward a small collection of trees and bushes to the right.
“What are they waiting for?” Dean said to Sam.
His brother shook his head and sighted his rifle over the top of the rock.
Mal’s voice whispered over the com. “Anything?”
“Not yet,” came Duncan’s reply.
The minutes ticked by. Dean could feel the sweat begin to trickle down his forehead. The damn moon was a desert-like world and it was high noon.
The silence was split by the hydraulics of a ramp being lowered. The four went on immediate alert as the ramp finished its motion with a resounding thud. Silence reigned momentarily before the howls of madmen echoed through the dessert.
Dozens of crazed Reavers poured out of the ship. All were armed with blade weapons but at least half had guns.
Duncan indicated to his companions to let the lead attacker break through to him. Dean, Sam and Richie began to pick off the ones behind allowing the chosen one to close in on MacLeod. As the Reaver reached the copse of trees, Duncan fired off the stun gun. The victim toppled forward and Duncan hoisted him up. Using the Reaver as a shield, he began dragging their quarry toward the ship. Richie moved to cover his mentor’s retreat by firing rapidly into the closing crowd.
“Dean, Sam. Get back to the ship; we’ve got one.” Richie called and then grunted as a wayward shot clipped him on his right shoulder.
“Richie!” Duncan called.
“I’m okay, Mac. Keep moving.” Switching his gun to this left hand he kept up the steady stream of cover.
Dean crouched low and darted over to join Richie in protecting Mac’s retreat. The Reavers continued to advance with additional reinforcements exiting the ship to join the fray. Sam was pinned down; unable to leave his hiding place. The Reavers noticed and converged on his location. Dean reached the cover of the ramp and tried to draw the attackers off his brother by focusing his fire in that direction.
Richie took another bullet; this one to his thigh and went down. He struggled back to his feet trying to regain his position shielding Mac.
“Get out of here Richie before I have to carry both of you.” Mac shouted
The younger Immortal nodded and limped painfully past into the cargo bay. He collapsed behind the crate wall, waiting for his wounds to heal. River scooted next to him.
“I can fight now?” She asked. Her instinct was to join the fray but she had stayed secluded behind the crates as she’d been told. She made as if to run toward danger, Richie grabbed her hand and forced her back down.
“They’ve got it. Stay here,” he commanded.
She nodded. “I’ll protect you,” she smiled and positioned her self to fire over the top of the crates if the Reavers broke through.
Mac was struggling to carry the dead weight of the Reaver when the creature began to revive. Seeing that Duncan was now exposed as he tried deal with the Reaver, Mal and Zoe sprang into action.
“Guys get back.” Chloe yelled after them. They ignored her.
Duncan was fumbling with his stun gun unable to get it cleared from his holster. While Zoe laid down cover, Mal grabbed the gun and jolted the prisoner back into unconsciousness. Then together the Captains carried the Reaver up the ramp toward the sound proof prison at the back of the cargo bay, while Zoe continued to fire at the approaching hoard.
Turning to Jayne, Chloe commanded. “Stay with them,” indicating the rest of the mortals stationed behind the crates and moved into position to repair the salt lines as they carried the Reaver through
“Get back, Zoe,” Mal commanded “We’ve got him.”
Zoe was too occupied with killing Reavers to register the command. She’d moved to the left side of the ramp to support Dean in his attempt to give Sam cover.
Seeing the group closing on him, Sam made a break for it. He was two steps from where Dean was standing, when he suddenly pitched forward, slamming his full weight into his shorter brother sending them both sprawling to the ground. Blood flowed from a gun shot wound to his back.
“Sam! Sammy!” Dean yelled as he tried to revive his brother. No use, the younger Winchester was dead and the elder was trapped beneath him. Seeing his distress, Zoe stooped to help lift the body.
“Look out!” Dean shouted as a Reaver grabbed Zoe from behind. The creature was trying to drag her backwards, his mouth clamped on her shoulder in an attempt to subdue his prize. Dean finally succeeded in pushing Sam aside, sparing a Sorry Dude for his brother’s prone form before springing to his feet. He took one step and placed his gun against the retreating Reaver’s head pulling the trigger. The creature flew back releasing its grip on Zoe who tumbled forward onto Dean.
“Son of a Bitch” He growled as her unconscious form knocked into him. He quickly checked for a pulse and breathed a relived sigh. But he had no time to celebrate as Reavers were over running the ramp.
Dean was firing as quickly as he could but he was trapped as he tried to protect Sam and Zoe. Then, he heard Mac’s voice over the com link.
“Wash, hit it.”
Relief flooded trough Dean as he heard his own voice blaring over the speakers reciting the ritual. The Reavers’ howling switched from madness to pain as the exorcism rites began. The crew continued to fire as smoke poured from the demon-like creatures’ mouths and turned them to dust.
Dean lifted Zoe into his arms and carried her into the cargo bay then immediately returned to get Sam.
“Sammy, wake up.” Dean urged quietly. Knowing his brother should return did not abate the fear that maybe he wouldn’t. Richie appeared beside, him his wounds now completely healed, and helped carry the younger Winchester up the ramp. Together they placed him on the floor next to Zoe.
Once everyone was inside, Mal hit the button to close the ramp. The ritual continued to blare from the speakers both inside and outside the ship.
“Wash.” Mal clicked his communicator. “You can stop the tape. We got what we came for but keep an eye out for any activity from the Reaver ship.” He didn’t want to tell him about Zoe until he knew the extent of her injuries.
“ Mei wen ti” the pilot replied as the speakers went silent.
Chloe raced over to where Simon was working on Zoe’s wound. “Let me.” She said.
Dean looked up from where he was kneeling next to Sam. “No, Chloe don’t.” He shouted. “She’s may have been infected.”
His warning came too late as Chloe had already touched the woman’s wounds taking them on herself. Simon and the other Serenity crew members gathered round and watched in awe as the gapping hole in Zoe’s shoulder closed and healed.
“Chloe stop.” Dean pleaded.
She glanced over at him to respond when suddenly her face twisted in pain. Dean was beside her in an instant as she collapsed into his lap.
“Chloe?” he begged her to answer. “Are you ok?”
She was breathing heavily and was still dazed. “Yeah I think so.”
Relieved he hugged her close. “Good, because I’m really getting tired of catching falling bodies today.”
He could feel Chloe’s smile against his neck. “But you’re so very good at it.” She snuggled closer, drawing strength from his embrace.
“What just happened?” Simon asked as he knelt to examine Zoe’s wound. “It’s healed.”
“How is that possible?” Mal asked Duncan.
Mac ignored the question and went to crouch beside his friends. “Chloe, I’ve never seen you react like that. What happened?”
Chloe sat up away from Dean. “I’m not sure. It felt strange like she was fighting me. I can’t really describe it.”
“Would one of you like to tell me what the Shen sheng de gao wan is going on?” Mal demanded.
At that moment, Zoe gasped and sat up. Her hand immediately went to her shoulder. Finding nothing she sent a questioning look to Simon who was still kneeling beside her. He shook his head.
“I can’t explain it Zoe but I’m sure they can,” he said gesturing to the Immortals who were still fussing over their blonde companion.
Richie stepped in to answer Mal’s question. “We should have told you before. Chloe’s also immortal -- but with a twist.” He began. “She’s got a genetic mutation that allows her to heal and use that power to heal others.”
“She’s a mutant but not the key.” River leaned up to whisper in Richie’s ear. He threw her a quizzical glance but put his questions on hold as he dealt with Mal.
Mal’s eyes grew dark. “And when were you going to share this gorram information?”
“Sorry Mal but it never really came up.” Richie tried to downplay their secret keeping.
“That’s Go’ se” Jayne interjected.
Duncan stood. “We didn’t feel the need to share but now you know.”
Mal was still angry. “Any more secrets you keeping? ‘Cause you need to tell us now.” He demanded. Jayne, Kaylee and Inara had come to flank their captain, arms crossed and similar expressions of displeasure on their faces.
River tugged at Richie’s hand. “I know a secret.”
Richie smiled down at her. “Later.” He promised as he squeezed her hand.
“No, No more secrets.” Mac assured them sincerely. He hoped that the trust between the two crews was not irrevocably damaged. “You’re right we should have told you. I’m sorry.”
Tight lipped Mal nodded. The others murmured their acceptance of Mac’s heartfelt apology.
Mal looked over to where Simon was helping Zoe to her feet. “How are you feeling?” he asked.
“A little dizzy but fine.”
“Doc, make sure she’s really okay.” Mal said.
“Sure Mal,” he replied as he prepared to lead Zoe away toward the infirmary.
“Wait a minute, Doc.” Dean called from where he was still sitting between Chloe and Sam. “Check her blood work. We need to make sure that she’s not infected,” he said. “And you too,” he added looking at the petite blonde in his arms.
Simon’s eyes went wide. “But you said Chloe healed her. How could they be infected?”
“Just do it.” Dean insisted as he helped Chloe to her feet. “Doesn’t hurt to be sure.”
“It’s unlikely that we are in any danger but Dean’s right we should double check.” Chloe agreed.
Simon nodded. “It would help if I knew what I was looking for.”
“Time to get some samples from our guest?” Mal suggested.
“That can wait.” Duncan said. “First we need to get over to that ship and make sure we don’t have any stray Reavers lurking about. Dean, Richie, you’re with me.”
Dean shook his head. “Not going anywhere until Sam wakes up,” and turned to examine his brother.
All eyes locked on the prone body of the younger Winchester. “Is it supposed to take that long?” Kaylee asked.
“Just depends.” Richie said. “The older and stronger you are the quicker you recover.”
As if on cue, Sam gasped for breath and opened his eyes. “Dean?” he said as he stared into the concerned face of his brother. “What happened?”
“You suck at dodging bullets.” Dean replied as he helped him to his feet. “And you could stand to loose a few pounds.”
Sam threw his brother a quizzical look. “I was dead, wasn’t I?”
“You’ll get used to it.” Richie laughed as he came over to check for himself that Sam was okay.
“Let’s not make it a habit, Dude.” Dean said.
“I’m all for that.” Sam said as he took in the group gathered around him. “I assume we were successful.”
“You’re just in time to help us check out the Reaver ship for stragglers.” Duncan said. “Gear up and let’s go.”
“Jayne and I are coming too.” Mal insisted and held up a hand when Mac started to protest.
“Fine.” The Immortal replied. “Kaylee, make sure we’re ready for take-off just in case.”
“Shiny, Mac.” Kaylee said and headed off to the engine room.
Simon also left, leading his patients toward the infirmary.
“I’ll do a little housekeeping with River.” Inara offered, gesturing to the piles of sulfur dust all over the cargo bay.
Dean smiled. “A woman after my own heart.”
Duncan tapped the communicator. “Wash, anything outside?”
“All quiet.”
“We’re heading out to do a final sweep. Stay alert we may need to make a hasty retreat.”
“I'm on it,” he replied and signed off.
The six headed off the ship and Inara closed the ramp behind them.
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Pen37
Rated: PG - 13
spoilers: For the movie Serenity: The plot goes AU from the end of the movie
Prompt: #79 Desert for crossovers100 my table is here
Fandom: Firefly, Highlander, Supernatural & Smallville. The rest of the Immortal!Dean Universe can be found here.
Characters: From FF: Mal, Zoe, Wash, River, Jayne, Simon, Inara, Kaylee. From I!D 'Verse: Dean Winchester, Duncan MacLeod, Richie Ryan, Chloe Sullivan and Sam Winchester. Dean/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators.
Summary: The Immortal hunters have joined forces with the crew of Serenity in hopes of capturing a Reaver and finding out what these creatures really are. Unfortunately, the answers are not what they expected.
Chapter Summary: The firefight with the Reavers.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8
A/N: The story begins at the moment that The World As We Know It ends - That should be read first
Chapter 2
As soon as Wash had confirmed the presence of the Reavers outside their ship, everyone took up their positions. Dean, Duncan, Richie and Sam waited patiently in front of the closed bay doors as Chloe finished placing a large semicircle of salt around the Devil’s Trap. They’d have to break the salt line to bring the Reaver on board because they couldn’t bring him through the trap. It was Chloe’s job to make sure the line stayed unbroken during the battle.
Duncan looked around to make sure the mortals were safely entrenched behind the barrier of crates stacked in the middle of the cargo bay. Each was armed and ready to defend the ship.
Chloe moved to the control panel; awaiting Duncan’s signal to lower the ramp.
“Wash.” Duncan called. “We’re heading out. Any thing we should know?”
“No activity from their ship yet,” came the pilot’s reply.
The plan was for the Immortals to stun a Reaver; toss it into the prison they’d made and then exorcise the rest of them back to wherever they came from. Simple enough but like all plans there were places where things could go awry.
Any Reavers that made it past the Immortals and onto the ship would be funneled right into the trap and the mortals firing range. Like shooting fish in a Barrel, Dean had assured Chloe. She hoped he wasn’t wrong.
Duncan nodded to Chloe, who released the ramp. She smiled as she watched the four walk shoulder to shoulder out the opening. It reminded her of the old action movies when the heroes strode into danger; the music would swell and the image would slow, making the most of the moment. Big damn heroes, She thought as she grabbed her gun and took up a position next to Jayne behind the crates.
Mal and Zoe were stationed at the opposite end of the short wall, with the weaker members of their group in between.
The four Immortals reached the bottom of the ramp. There was still no activity from the Reaver ship. Duncan signaled to his companions to take up positions behind the various natural formations that dotted the scant distance between the ships.
Dean and Sam headed to the left and crouched behind a several large boulders while Richie and Duncan moved toward a small collection of trees and bushes to the right.
“What are they waiting for?” Dean said to Sam.
His brother shook his head and sighted his rifle over the top of the rock.
Mal’s voice whispered over the com. “Anything?”
“Not yet,” came Duncan’s reply.
The minutes ticked by. Dean could feel the sweat begin to trickle down his forehead. The damn moon was a desert-like world and it was high noon.
The silence was split by the hydraulics of a ramp being lowered. The four went on immediate alert as the ramp finished its motion with a resounding thud. Silence reigned momentarily before the howls of madmen echoed through the dessert.
Dozens of crazed Reavers poured out of the ship. All were armed with blade weapons but at least half had guns.
Duncan indicated to his companions to let the lead attacker break through to him. Dean, Sam and Richie began to pick off the ones behind allowing the chosen one to close in on MacLeod. As the Reaver reached the copse of trees, Duncan fired off the stun gun. The victim toppled forward and Duncan hoisted him up. Using the Reaver as a shield, he began dragging their quarry toward the ship. Richie moved to cover his mentor’s retreat by firing rapidly into the closing crowd.
“Dean, Sam. Get back to the ship; we’ve got one.” Richie called and then grunted as a wayward shot clipped him on his right shoulder.
“Richie!” Duncan called.
“I’m okay, Mac. Keep moving.” Switching his gun to this left hand he kept up the steady stream of cover.
Dean crouched low and darted over to join Richie in protecting Mac’s retreat. The Reavers continued to advance with additional reinforcements exiting the ship to join the fray. Sam was pinned down; unable to leave his hiding place. The Reavers noticed and converged on his location. Dean reached the cover of the ramp and tried to draw the attackers off his brother by focusing his fire in that direction.
Richie took another bullet; this one to his thigh and went down. He struggled back to his feet trying to regain his position shielding Mac.
“Get out of here Richie before I have to carry both of you.” Mac shouted
The younger Immortal nodded and limped painfully past into the cargo bay. He collapsed behind the crate wall, waiting for his wounds to heal. River scooted next to him.
“I can fight now?” She asked. Her instinct was to join the fray but she had stayed secluded behind the crates as she’d been told. She made as if to run toward danger, Richie grabbed her hand and forced her back down.
“They’ve got it. Stay here,” he commanded.
She nodded. “I’ll protect you,” she smiled and positioned her self to fire over the top of the crates if the Reavers broke through.
Mac was struggling to carry the dead weight of the Reaver when the creature began to revive. Seeing that Duncan was now exposed as he tried deal with the Reaver, Mal and Zoe sprang into action.
“Guys get back.” Chloe yelled after them. They ignored her.
Duncan was fumbling with his stun gun unable to get it cleared from his holster. While Zoe laid down cover, Mal grabbed the gun and jolted the prisoner back into unconsciousness. Then together the Captains carried the Reaver up the ramp toward the sound proof prison at the back of the cargo bay, while Zoe continued to fire at the approaching hoard.
Turning to Jayne, Chloe commanded. “Stay with them,” indicating the rest of the mortals stationed behind the crates and moved into position to repair the salt lines as they carried the Reaver through
“Get back, Zoe,” Mal commanded “We’ve got him.”
Zoe was too occupied with killing Reavers to register the command. She’d moved to the left side of the ramp to support Dean in his attempt to give Sam cover.
Seeing the group closing on him, Sam made a break for it. He was two steps from where Dean was standing, when he suddenly pitched forward, slamming his full weight into his shorter brother sending them both sprawling to the ground. Blood flowed from a gun shot wound to his back.
“Sam! Sammy!” Dean yelled as he tried to revive his brother. No use, the younger Winchester was dead and the elder was trapped beneath him. Seeing his distress, Zoe stooped to help lift the body.
“Look out!” Dean shouted as a Reaver grabbed Zoe from behind. The creature was trying to drag her backwards, his mouth clamped on her shoulder in an attempt to subdue his prize. Dean finally succeeded in pushing Sam aside, sparing a Sorry Dude for his brother’s prone form before springing to his feet. He took one step and placed his gun against the retreating Reaver’s head pulling the trigger. The creature flew back releasing its grip on Zoe who tumbled forward onto Dean.
“Son of a Bitch” He growled as her unconscious form knocked into him. He quickly checked for a pulse and breathed a relived sigh. But he had no time to celebrate as Reavers were over running the ramp.
Dean was firing as quickly as he could but he was trapped as he tried to protect Sam and Zoe. Then, he heard Mac’s voice over the com link.
“Wash, hit it.”
Relief flooded trough Dean as he heard his own voice blaring over the speakers reciting the ritual. The Reavers’ howling switched from madness to pain as the exorcism rites began. The crew continued to fire as smoke poured from the demon-like creatures’ mouths and turned them to dust.
Dean lifted Zoe into his arms and carried her into the cargo bay then immediately returned to get Sam.
“Sammy, wake up.” Dean urged quietly. Knowing his brother should return did not abate the fear that maybe he wouldn’t. Richie appeared beside, him his wounds now completely healed, and helped carry the younger Winchester up the ramp. Together they placed him on the floor next to Zoe.
Once everyone was inside, Mal hit the button to close the ramp. The ritual continued to blare from the speakers both inside and outside the ship.
“Wash.” Mal clicked his communicator. “You can stop the tape. We got what we came for but keep an eye out for any activity from the Reaver ship.” He didn’t want to tell him about Zoe until he knew the extent of her injuries.
“ Mei wen ti” the pilot replied as the speakers went silent.
Chloe raced over to where Simon was working on Zoe’s wound. “Let me.” She said.
Dean looked up from where he was kneeling next to Sam. “No, Chloe don’t.” He shouted. “She’s may have been infected.”
His warning came too late as Chloe had already touched the woman’s wounds taking them on herself. Simon and the other Serenity crew members gathered round and watched in awe as the gapping hole in Zoe’s shoulder closed and healed.
“Chloe stop.” Dean pleaded.
She glanced over at him to respond when suddenly her face twisted in pain. Dean was beside her in an instant as she collapsed into his lap.
“Chloe?” he begged her to answer. “Are you ok?”
She was breathing heavily and was still dazed. “Yeah I think so.”
Relieved he hugged her close. “Good, because I’m really getting tired of catching falling bodies today.”
He could feel Chloe’s smile against his neck. “But you’re so very good at it.” She snuggled closer, drawing strength from his embrace.
“What just happened?” Simon asked as he knelt to examine Zoe’s wound. “It’s healed.”
“How is that possible?” Mal asked Duncan.
Mac ignored the question and went to crouch beside his friends. “Chloe, I’ve never seen you react like that. What happened?”
Chloe sat up away from Dean. “I’m not sure. It felt strange like she was fighting me. I can’t really describe it.”
“Would one of you like to tell me what the Shen sheng de gao wan is going on?” Mal demanded.
At that moment, Zoe gasped and sat up. Her hand immediately went to her shoulder. Finding nothing she sent a questioning look to Simon who was still kneeling beside her. He shook his head.
“I can’t explain it Zoe but I’m sure they can,” he said gesturing to the Immortals who were still fussing over their blonde companion.
Richie stepped in to answer Mal’s question. “We should have told you before. Chloe’s also immortal -- but with a twist.” He began. “She’s got a genetic mutation that allows her to heal and use that power to heal others.”
“She’s a mutant but not the key.” River leaned up to whisper in Richie’s ear. He threw her a quizzical glance but put his questions on hold as he dealt with Mal.
Mal’s eyes grew dark. “And when were you going to share this gorram information?”
“Sorry Mal but it never really came up.” Richie tried to downplay their secret keeping.
“That’s Go’ se” Jayne interjected.
Duncan stood. “We didn’t feel the need to share but now you know.”
Mal was still angry. “Any more secrets you keeping? ‘Cause you need to tell us now.” He demanded. Jayne, Kaylee and Inara had come to flank their captain, arms crossed and similar expressions of displeasure on their faces.
River tugged at Richie’s hand. “I know a secret.”
Richie smiled down at her. “Later.” He promised as he squeezed her hand.
“No, No more secrets.” Mac assured them sincerely. He hoped that the trust between the two crews was not irrevocably damaged. “You’re right we should have told you. I’m sorry.”
Tight lipped Mal nodded. The others murmured their acceptance of Mac’s heartfelt apology.
Mal looked over to where Simon was helping Zoe to her feet. “How are you feeling?” he asked.
“A little dizzy but fine.”
“Doc, make sure she’s really okay.” Mal said.
“Sure Mal,” he replied as he prepared to lead Zoe away toward the infirmary.
“Wait a minute, Doc.” Dean called from where he was still sitting between Chloe and Sam. “Check her blood work. We need to make sure that she’s not infected,” he said. “And you too,” he added looking at the petite blonde in his arms.
Simon’s eyes went wide. “But you said Chloe healed her. How could they be infected?”
“Just do it.” Dean insisted as he helped Chloe to her feet. “Doesn’t hurt to be sure.”
“It’s unlikely that we are in any danger but Dean’s right we should double check.” Chloe agreed.
Simon nodded. “It would help if I knew what I was looking for.”
“Time to get some samples from our guest?” Mal suggested.
“That can wait.” Duncan said. “First we need to get over to that ship and make sure we don’t have any stray Reavers lurking about. Dean, Richie, you’re with me.”
Dean shook his head. “Not going anywhere until Sam wakes up,” and turned to examine his brother.
All eyes locked on the prone body of the younger Winchester. “Is it supposed to take that long?” Kaylee asked.
“Just depends.” Richie said. “The older and stronger you are the quicker you recover.”
As if on cue, Sam gasped for breath and opened his eyes. “Dean?” he said as he stared into the concerned face of his brother. “What happened?”
“You suck at dodging bullets.” Dean replied as he helped him to his feet. “And you could stand to loose a few pounds.”
Sam threw his brother a quizzical look. “I was dead, wasn’t I?”
“You’ll get used to it.” Richie laughed as he came over to check for himself that Sam was okay.
“Let’s not make it a habit, Dude.” Dean said.
“I’m all for that.” Sam said as he took in the group gathered around him. “I assume we were successful.”
“You’re just in time to help us check out the Reaver ship for stragglers.” Duncan said. “Gear up and let’s go.”
“Jayne and I are coming too.” Mal insisted and held up a hand when Mac started to protest.
“Fine.” The Immortal replied. “Kaylee, make sure we’re ready for take-off just in case.”
“Shiny, Mac.” Kaylee said and headed off to the engine room.
Simon also left, leading his patients toward the infirmary.
“I’ll do a little housekeeping with River.” Inara offered, gesturing to the piles of sulfur dust all over the cargo bay.
Dean smiled. “A woman after my own heart.”
Duncan tapped the communicator. “Wash, anything outside?”
“All quiet.”
“We’re heading out to do a final sweep. Stay alert we may need to make a hasty retreat.”
“I'm on it,” he replied and signed off.
The six headed off the ship and Inara closed the ramp behind them.