This musing came when saving story to read offline. I wrote down "Uncertain Grace" having mis-translated the actual title of the story. The new title stayed with me, until I had to write something down. River seemed to me the epitome of uncertain grace, so surefooted, yet so off balance. Which we all are, and which Serenity's crew is as well. Solid as a rock, standing in quicksand.
Needless to say, the characters are not mine, but Joss'. A line would rapidly form to the right to disabuse me of the notion, should I be so deluded. It is after the BDM, but in no particular time.
Uncertain Grace
She walked through Serenity, listening to the ship's voice. Love kept her in the air, love gave her a voice.
Sitting at the control panel that was her love's, Zoe watches the stars, dreaming of the beautiful child she will never meet. She fingers the shirt hung over the chair, inhaling his scent, finding strength to fly true.
Kaylee doubles over in laughter as Simon tries to learn the steps to a jig. His normal grace lost in the rapid, uncontrolled steps. Tripping, he falls down beside her, and they laugh together. Pulling her into his arms, he leads her into a more stately dance. Their measured steps slow, until they are simply standing together.
The captain barging into Inara's shuttle, stopped cold by the vision of her bathing. Reduced to stuttering, his carefully formed speech turns to anger. Each of them pained, lashing out, their eyes saying what their words cannot. Neither willing to give ground, each seeking refuge.
Down in the cargo bay, the mercenary, fighter, wall that is Jayne lifts his weights. He is focused on his task, thoughts easy to be in. She sits above him, drinking in the quiet, losing herself in his single-mindedness.
Stepping quietly down the stairs, she begins to dance, his presence blocking out the others, leaving her to her own music. "Moon-brain is at it again." they think together, as her movements flow one to another. She dances faster and faster, trying to keep up with her thoughts, feelings.
Admiration washes over her, as the deadly precision of her dance is seen. She spins, tighter and tighter, seeking her center, until she smacks into him. He has moved, quietly, neither heard nor sensed. Gripping her arms, he steadies her, and lets her go, heading for the peace of his bunk.
Serenity's voice returns, and she listens once more. Love keeps her in the air, love keeps her flying. Each of them searching, each of them home.
