Title: Serenity: Protocols
Universe: Serenity/Firefly
Pairings: None
Rating: PG
Warnings: Mild language
Author's Note: A ficlet about lingering doubts some of the Serenity crew still have over River. Although, at the end of the movie, she appears better than before, I believe some of them wonder if she truly is better. This is for the Flash Fan Fiction Friday theme "their, there, they're." We had to include all three in one fic. Word count: 229
"I'm just sayin', it ain't safe, s'all. What if the girl gets all bat shit crazy again?" Jayne crossed his arms, scowling. "You seen her."
"She pulls her share. So does big brother. They earn their keep. That's more than I could say 'bout you, sometimes," Captain Mal Reynolds said, matching the other's glare.
"Yeah, they's useful like, but I don't wanna be there when the little lady blows whatever fuses she's got left." Jayne glanced sideways at Zoe as she entered the room.
Mal held his arms wide. "I ain't keeping ya here. And, 'sides, I kinda like the thought of her around, if'n the Alliance comes callin'. Paints a pretty image, her tearin' through them." He smiled lopsidedly as he entertained that thought. Focusing back on Jayne, he said, "They're stayin'."
Jayne threw his arms up, muttering under his breath, "Chǔn zhū."
Mal waved a dismissive hand at him. Turning to Zoe, he asked, "Everything shiny?"
"Right as rain, Cap'n," Zoe said. "All the prep for the BSCP is in place."
"Good."
"Wait, what?" Jayne pointed at Zoe. "What's that you're talkin' about?"
"Emergency protocols. Just in case," she answered. The first mate stood at ease, hands clasped behind her back.
"Case of what?"
Mal replied, "In case of one of the crew misbehavin'. BSCP. Bat Shit Crazy Protocol."
* Chǔn zhū – Chinese for idiot or ass.