Striking The Balance
Chapter One
I own none of this. I'm just playing with their toys. Thanks to BadKarma00 for the inspiration. Apologies to all others if I lifted a few ideas here and there. This is my first fic ever posted and is unbetated. Please be kind.
Rated Hard R for violence, sex and or implied smut and more violence. There will be Rayne. Canon pairings. Set in an AU 6-8 months after the BDM where nobody but Mr Universe died.
"Are you ready for this mei mei?" asked Wash as he looked to his left at River. "Velocities and angles of entry have been weighed. Optimal results will be achieved in 6 minutes 42.5 seconds." replied the co-pilot with a huge grin.
Sometimes Wash felt a little funny when she was so exact in her calculations but so far she was always pretty close to the money on her estimates so he just smiled back hit the intercom and said " We're down in less than 7 minutes folks. I'm letting River handle this one.".
Back in the galley Jayne smirked and looked at Mal and said " Betcha the first round she don't even bounce us once this time.".
"Well the little albatross is getting a might better with her landin's an all. But she does tend to come down like she's makin a combat drop, so you're on Jayne.".
Inara laughed from the stove as she picked up the teapot, looked at them "You do realize that Wash is letting her land blindfolded again.Dong Ma ?". Jayne just smiled but Mal got that look he always has when he finds himself out of the loop about what's happening on His boat. "Wash I thought we already had this discussion!." he yelled over his shoulder.
She smiled at Mal poured them both tea and sat down next to him. "Relax. You're still the Captain. Besides you know River would never hurt your ship. And the last two times you didn't even notice she did it.". Then seeing him at a loss for words just grabbed him by the front of his shirt pulled him to her and gave him a kiss that kept him speechless about River for the rest of the landing. "Woman, I do believe you are usin' your wiles on my yet again and to be truthsome I'm liking it.".
Simon looked totally out of character for a core raised doctor. Wearing old work clothes and pretty much covered in grease and flakes of fine rust layin' on the deck plate partways under Serenity's engine core, thought Kaylee to herself. "I think you're finally gettin' a feel for my girl. And you look so shuai with a little grease on ya. I'm thinkin' I should be lockin the door for a bit.".
"Well" replied Simon, "Your new compression coil will be in at the parts depot. Since Inara quit the guild and started being cargo master I've spent more time helping you fix the ship than patching up the Captain. Not that I mind that is.". He quickly added looking up at her. "How's bout we just lock that door for a few minutes there Dr. Tam. I'm thinkin I can fit you in my busy schedule." came her reply as she flipped the lock and shucked out of her coveralls. Simon just smiled as he unbuckled his belt.
Zoe lay resting on her and Wash's bunk. She smiled and lightly passed her hand over her belly. No one had noticed that her body armor had been fitting kind of snug as of late. The last few jobs she didn't need it but had worn it anyway. She thought it was funny how that Wash had been getting sick in the mornings while she felt fine. "I think I'd better have a talk with my husband real soon." she thought to herself.
Wash looked a little green as he watched the altimeter spinning down and the friction flames licked over the outside of the cockpit glass. "Uh River, don't you think we're dropping a bit too fast?" he asked. "Negative, we are at proper velocity for angle of insertion. Hull temperature is still within safe operational limits. And besides you have other things to worry about." she said turning to face him with her blindfold firmly in place. "We are going to acquire new crew members soon. You're going to need more dinosaurs. And will have to learn to share them."
Wash was puzzled by her remarks. New crew? Share his dino's? River was the only one that he ever played dino's with. Sensing his confusion she said "All will become clear soon. Now relax while she lands the boat. There is still a factor of difficulty involved.". Wash quietly buckled his harness as River giggled.
Jayne sat and worked the edge of his knife over the stone. There had been a few changes since Miranda. The first had been Doc an lil Kaylee. They'd started sparkin' like flint on steel an purt near set off the smoke detectors. An the first time th capt'n caught em sexin' in th engine room he heard Mal all the way into the cargo bay. He looked down the back passage way when he heard the engine room door close and smiled to hisself. At least the were closin th door now. Hell of it was ol doc weren't so prissyfied since they bin sexin. He even spotted for him once in a while since th Sheppard went back to Haven. Course Jayne lettin him know Kaylee and River liked ta hide and watch em lift kinda spurred em on too.
Capt'n an 'Nara was getting long better too since he pulled his head outa his pigoo. A little maneuvering with the rest o the crew fixed that. All it took in the end was a couple of bottles of cheap saki n lockin em in the Capt'ns bunk. The rest kinda just worked itself out.
Since they'd been makin' tidy coin lately. Jayne decided he's spend a bit when they landed. A good bottle and maybe a trip to the local gunsmith. What with the almost regular schedule Nara had em on runnin' supplies of all kind o fancies to different Companion Houses he ain't shot nobody fer a while an it was right boring. Bout all he ever did was move cargo an go wrangle supplies with th womenfolk ta get their scary man discount.
Serenity seemed to scream into the landing pad but at just the last minute paused into a solid hover as the gear came down and settled gently, much to the relief of the ground crew on the next pad. The Eavestown dock crew exchanged a few coins between themselves and went to hook up ground power, water and septic vac as the engines spun down. Captain Reynolds
cargo mistress was a fine tipper and they took good care of her and her ship.
Wash sat open mouthed watching River on final approach. Balancing the two vertical thruster controls with one hand and holding the yoke with the other and dancing her feet over the lateral trim pedals without benefit of a visual, he never got over his amazement. "How is it possible for you to do that?" unable to hide his envy.
"Leaf on the wind. Her secret is she looks through your eyes. You shine so bright when you fly, the girl cannot help but see the light.".
Wash looked at her as she took the blindfold off. "So you read my mind then?".
"Of course." she said "But only when you are so bright and loud, and when you fly you really shine and sing very loud."
"Um, am I ever so bright and loud other that when I'm flying that you, uh see or hear me?" he asked nervously.
"Used to." she replied "Not so much now, I can filter it better now that I know how everyone thinks. But if you think really loud I can hear you.".
"Wow shiny." and thought to himself quietly that this was interesting.
She looked at him very conspiratorially and mentally whispered "It's a secret don't tell anybody except Zoe.". He was looking right at her when he heard her say it. His mind almost missing the fact her lips had not moved.
"Did you.." he started to say. She put a finger to her lips. Winked and disappeared from the bridge like a puff of smoke. "Ta Ma De." thoughtWash as he shut everything down.
Chapter Two
Mal heard her coming. The pitter patter of little combat booted feet ringing down the deck plates from the bridge even as the engine's whine started to spin down. "Albatross. What did I say about landing the boat without looking?" he said in his best captain'y voice.
"If you crash my boat playin' them mind games you'd better kill me in the crashin' or you'd tan my hide." she parroted back to him like he'd told her the first three times. "I was watching the whole time. Because this boat's my home and I just love my captain." changing her accent from Captain to Kaylee in an instant.
River threw her arms around his neck from behind for a quick hug and speaking just loud enough in her own voice for Inara and Jayne to also hear "You're buying the first round sir and it looks like some of us landed easier than others." smiled and took off at a run for the cargo bay.
"Rough landing." Mal said as Simon and Kaylee entered the room a few seconds later. "Were a might bumpy for a lil bit Capt'n. But it smoothed out there at the end." Kaylee replied glowingly. Simon just looked at a loss for words. It was quiet for about two seconds and then everybody started laughing.
"Doc just keep her happy and remember to lock the doors or I'm turnin' Jayne loose on ya. Dong ma?". Simon stiffened and stammered "Yes of course Captain. I wo..". "Relax Doc. Cap is jes yanking ya a little." Jayne interrupted. "Side's iffin I hurt ya, Crazy would jes kill me with her brain." he laughed.
Simon visibly relaxed at Jayne's simple statement. He had made his peace over Ariel with Jayne long ago, and even though he was an untrained ape at times he felt he could trust him.
None of this unspoken dialog went unnoticed by the rest present.
Mal even saw the change in the merc toward the doc but was unsure about it just a little. Like everything else he was just a little blind to things right in front of him. But now Inara clued him into things like that.
Inara saw how hard Jayne had worked on Serenity's refit with her and River while Mal and the others were recuperating. She noticed the haunted look he got at times. He was good at hiding it from the others but her training made it glow like a neon sign. She was pretty sure River saw it too but had never spoken to her or him for that matter, about it.
Kaylee on the other hand wore her heart right there on her sleeve and was beaming that her bao bei and Jayne were getting along so shiny. She also knew if she said something about it they'd both deny it.
Mal spoke first "Jayne I'll be needin you onboard till the new guild house picks up their cargo then you can do as you like. 'Nara if you would wave em please I'd appreciate it.
Doc, after you and Kaylee arrange for our parts to be delivered can take the rest of the day off. Wash and Zoe are gonna be gone overnight. Something about a hot bath and bed.
I thought it would be nice to meet up about 1800 at that little restaurant we went to the last time we were here. My treat and you can pick up your pay. I don't expect to leave here till at least noon tomorrow.".
"Capt'n?" asked Kaylee "I'd really like to install that new coil while were here, but um..".
"Mayhaps you might be needin a little more time. I know its a big job. I think we could spend a little more dirt time so we don't end up on the drift mei mei." Mal could see the look both women gave him and he knew he'd earned a few points. And thought how it didn't take that much if an effort to keep his crew happy.
"Shiny, I love my Captain." she laughed. "Come on Simon we need to clean up.". She dropped her voice and said to Simon " I'm thinkin we should conserve us some water.". And grabbing his arm fairly bounced out of the room.
"Lock the door" all three of them said at the same time smiling.
"Well if you will excuse me I'll go to my office and send that wave." Inara said as she took the tea service to the sink. "I'll wait to book a cargo until we get our parts installed if thats alright with you Mal." and she came over and kissed him again. One of those 'wait until I get you alone later' kisses.
And left for her old shuttle she used as an office nowadays.
Jayne looked at Mal "Ya don't really think you run things anymore do ya Mal?". Mal just smiled and said "Reckon I don't really but don't be tellin th rest of th crew ok?". "Your secrets safe with me." said the big man, and he didn't even break a smile as he continued to hone the next knife.
"Lamby toes?" Wash called as he came down the ladder. "I asked Mal for the night off. Lets go find a bath and a bed. And some food the Doc didn't get near.". Zoe stretched like a cat on the bunk "Husband that sounds like a wonderful idea." .
"River says I'm all bright and loud," Wash started to say.
"That you are husband, that you are.". Thinking back to that horrible day on Mr Universes moon and how the girl snatched Wash out of his seat and death for certain. Smiling she grabbed the front of his Hawaiian shirt and pulled him close "I have a job for you. I'm naked under this blanket flyboy."
"Work, work, work." Wash said as he kissed her.
Chapter Three
"Thank you we'll expect you within the hour. I'm not sure of our departure as we will be doing some maintenance while we are here. We would be happy to transport a few passengers If you can wait until we get a little housekeeping done." Inara said to the young woman on the cortex screen.
"There is no real rush Miss Serra The girls can wait a few days. The trainees will be abuzz about shipping with you and your pirate captain." she laughed. "Is it true, the stories I mean?".
"Not a word my dear. The temple never caught fire. I'll wave you when we have a departure scheduled and we will get them all settled in." Inara smiled and cut the connection.
It really caused a scandal when she left the guild for Mal. She felt at home on Serenity. Two bottles of cheap saki and a locked door. Most of that night was fuzzy still, but the next day and night were clear as a bell. "I wonder when they really unlocked that door" she thought humming happily to herself.
"Come in." She said turning to the shuttle door knowing Malcolm Reynolds never knocked, and was unsurprised as River entered. "What can I do for you mei mei?".
"Fourteen hours and nine minutes." River said cryptically "Amount of time door was locked. Only sent Zoe to check after thirty six hours.". Both women smiled knowingly. Inara was getting used to getting answers to unasked questions in private from her. "Wasn't peeking, you asked loud and clear." River said taking a step back toward the door. Inara just opened her arms and the girl flew to her. "So fragile" thought Inara soothing her. "How can I help you?".
"Beautiful companions coming to visit our home?".
Inara knew she was being read but River was very discreet and she trusted her like her own child. "Trainees sweetheart. Going to Sihnon.".
Tears ran down Rivers face as she looked up. "Too many variables, too many beauties, she will be overlooked. An ugly duckling among swans!".
Inara understood immediately, but still had to ask "Overlooked by who dear?". "The haunted bear who should really be a swan, but he builds the wall..."cried River into Inara's breast.
"You mean Jayne don't you sweetheart. I think it's time to teach you some feminine wiles you are not a girl anymore. It's time for everyone to see what a lovely woman you really are.". River looked up and brightened "But..".
"Don't worry I know just what to do. If this is what you really want.".
"Yes I do, please..".
"Well let's get started." and Inara got a look on her face that would doom a mortal man to that Special Hell that Book told Mal about.
"Mal?" Inara's voice came over the com. "Yes bao bei." He replied.
"Our cargo will be picked up in the next hour. We have a charter booked at our leisure to Sihnon. We can pick our cargo there and go just about anywhere you want to after that." ."Thats mighty fine news 'Nara." One of these days he was gonna have to make an honest woman of her.
"Mal would you mind, River needs a few things. I'd like to take her shopping. We could meet you later at the restaurant?".
"That would be fine. Both of you carry sidearms and comms. And be careful." he added knowing River could take care of them both.
"I love MY Captain." she said, broke the connection and looked at River. "Let's go shopping." she said smiling.
"Well shiny Inara takin Crazy shoppin n I don't gotta go." rasped Jayne. "Plus I'm getting paid and won a bet and getting dinner sprung fer. What a good day to be me!". He picked up his knives and stone. "I'll put these up and meet ya in tha bay." and with that he headed for his bunk passing Zoe and Wash as he left.
"Wash did you let River land blindfolded again?". Mal growled.
"Why no Captain." he replied smoothly "She said she was watching the whole time.".
"Well ok then if you say so. We might be kissing the dirt a little longer than I thought. Kaylee's got some parts ta install that'll keep us off the drift. So take a comm an go relax for a couple a days. If you'd like we're all meetin for dinner at 1800 at that place we ate last time, my treat and I'll have your pay then too.".
"Sounds good sir. Meet you there." and Zoe shouldered her overnight bag.
"Lamby toes, You gonna need more clothes?".
"Husband I'm only gonna need clothes for dinner and coming back to the ship" She purred. "Shiny" was all he said with a big grin on his face.
Mal and Jayne loaded the last of the cargo onto the transport. Got their coin easy peasy and locked down the ship as soon as the Doc and Kaylee were ready. "Everybody got your comms?" Mal asked. "Yes." came the chorus in trio. "Ok remember where we parked." He joked. And they headed into town.
And once again Mal marveled at Inara's foresight. She'd wrangled a spot only a short walk from town and in the best part of the docks. Yep wiles that is what it was. He took a big stretch, smiled and followed after his crew. "Yes gonna have to keep her this time." he thought.
