Title: River's Serenity
Author's Note: This is my first Firefly/Serenity fanfic, so be gentle!
Scene 1: Black.
River: (voice over) Almost eleven years ago my brother Simon risked everything to get me home.
Scene changes. Flash back of Simon and River fighting guards. River is doing much better than Simon. Scene changes again and Simon is helping River into a cryogenics chamber. River is distraught and Simon has to talk to her.
River: (v.o.) At the time I didn't know what home was, but Simon found us one.
Serenity's Cargo Lock: Simon talking to Mal, arguing. Simon is grabbed by Jayne as Mal kicks open River's chamber. Infirmary: Simon helping River onto a table.
River: (v.o.) Not everyone was all that accepting.
St. Lucy's: Jayne calls the Alliance.
River: (v.o.) But they came to realize we weren't going anywhere.
Serenity's Cargo Lock: Mal hits Jayne. Mal accuses Jayne. Infirmary: Simon talks to Jayne.
River: (v.o.) Some even became our friends.
Serenity's Cargo Lock: River runs about with Kaylee chasing, both laughing.
River: (v.o.) But the Alliance doesn't like to lose and I knew something they wanted to know.
Miranda: The crew watches the video on the Reavers.
River: (v.o.) My secrets cost lives.
Serenity's Cockpit: Wash gets killed with a shard of shratnel. Haven:Shepherd and the carcasses. Mr. Universe's body and his android wife holding him.
River: (v.o.) But somehow... they forgave me.
Serenity's cockpit: Mal hands River the controls. Serenity's Cargo lock: Zoe asks River's help on an invoice. Jayne's room: Jayne quite reluctantly hands River Vera.
River: (v.o.) And Simon fixed me.
Infirmary: Simon helps River out of the bed. Her head is bandaged. Jayne, on a prompt from Mal, hands River a gun. River looks at it and hands it back. Everyone laughs at somethings she says and embrace her.
River: (v.o.) So it's been ten years. For those years we've done a lot, been chased quite a bit. Things change. But luckily enough stay the same.
End scene
Scene Two: Main Titles
Scene 3: Serenity's cockpit.
We see a set of decrepit Barbie dolls sitting along the edge of the controls.
Moria, a young woman about twenty and dressed like a politician, is playing with the dolls, brushing their hair.
Jayne: What is it with you pilots and these plastic toys?
Cut to-
Jayne, standing in the doorway. He looks just about as he always does, just a little older and with a few more guns strapped randomly about his person.
Cut to-
Moria: (Setting aside her toys) It keeps me sane out here.
Cut to
Jayne comes towards Moria, the camera following him to swing around as he sits down.
Jayne: Right. We all need a dose of that. Some praying wouldn't hurt with Captain landside.
Camera focuses on Moria
Moria: Sir, about that. I've been with you guys for three years and as far as I can tell the only time Captain goes landside other than for a job is this one day a year. And even on the jobs, you usually run out because most people don't like working with a-
Jayne: That's enough, short stuff.
Moria: But sir-
Jayne: I said enough. When the captain's off ship I'm in charge, remember?
Camera focuses on Jayne.
Jayne: Besides, Captain knows what's what down there.
Moria: I hope you're right.
Camera cuts to the intercom.
Jayne: Of, course I'm right. I'm always right.
The intercom suddenly crackles with static and Inara comes on.
Inara: Jayne? Are you there?
Cut to
Jayne leaning over the com.
Jayne: Where else would I be?
Cut to
Inara: You might want to have the com checked out. We've been trying to get through all day.
Cut to
Jayne: I'll have Captain look at it. What can we do you?
Inara: Is River there?
Jayne: 'Nara, you know she's landside today.
Cut to
Inara: I know, but this concerns her most.
Cut to
Jayne: Can't you just tell me?
Cut to
Inara: Sorry, Jayne. But she has to know.
Cut to
Jayne leans back in disgust.
Jayne: Alright, but she's not gonna be happy. You know what today means to her.
Cut to
Inara: It means it to all of us. Don't hurry on my account.
Cut to
Jayne hitting a button.
Jayne: (mockingly) Don't hurry on my account! Captain's not gonna like this. Not one bit.
Inara: Jayne? I can still hear you.
Scene Four: Wash, Mr. Universe and Shepherd's graves.
We see the graves, the holographic images scratchy and fading.
Cut to. The back of a figure. The figure walks over to the nearest pillar.
Cut to.
Hands, clad in dark gloves reach into the pillar and pull out an old battery. A new one is placed in and the process is repeated on the second and the third
Cut to
The figure backs up.
Cut to
The figure takes off a hat. The camera follows the hat down to the figure's side and we see the figure is carrying a six shooter.
Cut to
The images of Wash, Mr. Universe and Shepherd are renewed and looking better.
Cut to
The figure's front and we now see it to be an older River Tam. She is wearing a long coat, a dark brown leather vest, a bright pink bohemian style skirt, combat boots and two six shooters. Her hair is tied back in a simple braid.
River: Hey boys. Sorry I have to cut this visit short. But duty calls. Still, how have you been? Simon and Kaylee finally got off my ship and settled down. Mal and Inara keep dancing around the same question. We all know the answer. Shepherd. We all miss you. Wash, Zoe sends her love.
Behind River we see Serenity landing. River puts her hat back on.
River: Sorry boys. I'll be back. Don't miss me too much.
River turns and heads into the open bay of Serenity.
Scene 5: Serenity's loading Dock
River storms in, nodding curtly to Moria who rushes back to start the ship up.
River: Jayne. Just what the hell was so important that you had to drag me back on ship today of all days. Think carefully.
Cut to
Jayne isn't looking pleased with this line of interogation
Jayne: Look, Capt-
Cut to
River: I'm not captain. I'm just borrowing. Mal's captain. Remember that.
Cut to
Jayne, following River up the stairs.
Jayne: Right, River. Inara just called up.
Cut to
River glances at Jayne. She continues up and into the infirmary, opening doors and such.
River: That's not exactly ground breaking. They call about twice a week.
River suddenly cocks her head as if listening. Without warning she runs out of the room.
Cut to
River running along the bridge.
Cut to
River entering the cockpit. Moria starts to stand up but River crosses to the intercom before she can get up.
Cut to
River hits the button.
Cut to
Inara smiles at River.
River: Inara.
Inara: River.
Cut to
River: What's wrong?
Cut to
Inara: It's your parents. THey need your help.
Cut out.
Scene Six: Rora
The hatch of Serenity as the ship is landing. River and Jayne are standing in the opening hatch.
Cut to
Inara and Mal are standing a bit away. River and Jayne come forward. River throws her arms around Inara then Mal. Inara returns the hug and Mal, a little startled, does so too.
River: It's been a while.
Cut to
Inara: Yes. It has.
Cut to
River: What's wrong with my parents?
Cut to
Mal: What isn't? If you ask me-
Cut to
Inara: Well no one did.
Mal: It used to be my oppinion actually counted for something around here.
Inara: It still does. And the next time we need some one insulted, I'm sure we'll come to you.
Mal: River, are you just gonna let her talk like that to me?
River: You should just kiss already.
Mal: What? River... Jayne!
Jayne: What? Mal don't go draggin' me into this!
Mal: Well where do you think she gets these ideas from?
Jayne: I don't know! What about Kaylee?
Mal: I'm sure if she were here I'd be berating her too. But she's not and you're in charge of River.
Jayne: I can't be responsible for what her dirty little mind comes up with!
River: What if I told you my dirty little mind was coming up with you naked?
Cut to
Jayne: Well I reckon I can help with that...
Cut to
Mal, giving Jayne a look as the girls walk towards Inara's home.
Jayne: What? If she's offerin'-
Mal: Keep your guns in check, Jayne. All of them. Just cause she can banter and think doesn't mean she's right as rain again. You know what Doc said.
Jayne: Yeah. I know. But, dammit Mal. That doesn't make it any easier.
Mal: Nor should it.
Scene Seven: Inside Inara's house
River and Inara enter the main room.
Cut to
Mr. and Mrs. Tam, sitting at the table there. Both rise.
Cut to
River: Mother. Father.
Cut to
Mr. Tam: River. I... you've grown so big.
River: Thanks. You've gotten... whiter.
Jayne: Well? What's the job?
Mr. Tam: Oh, I'm sorry. You are?
Jayne: Jayne. River's first mate. Now, the job?
Mrs. Tam: Is it too much to ask to talk to our daughter for a bit?
Mal: I reckon if you really wanted to talk to your daughter that badly, you might have contacted her sometime since she was no longer on the wanted list for the Alliance. Or maybe after she exposed the secret of Miranda? Or any other time in the past ten and a half years.
Cut to
River: Mal. I appreciate the galantry, but I can handle this.
Cut to
Mal, who does not look insanely happy about this.
Cut to
River: There is a point in all this. What do you and dad want Mom?
Mr. Tam: River... we need to find Simon.
River: Why?
Mr. Tam: River, this isn't the time for games.
River: Two by Two. Hands are blue. Those are games. Why do you need Simon?
Mr. Tam: Your sister's dying.
Cut to
River and Mal: ... huh.
Cut out
Scene Eight: Serenity's kitchen table
River sits at the table, her parents opposite her.
Cut to
Jayne and Moria watching them from the cockpit.
Moria: Wow. You couldn't cut that tension even with a chainsaw. Are they really her parents?
Jayne: Yup.
Moria: And that cargo? That's her sister?
Jayne: Yup.
Moria looks suspiciously at Jayne, suspecting he isn't really paying attention.
Moria: And Inara and Mal are happily married.
Jayne: Yup.
Moria: And River doesn't wear underwear to bed.
Jayne: Yu- What?
Moria: Have you heard a word I've said.
Jayne: A little. Maybe. The part about her parents.
Moria: Do you know what's wrong with her sister?
Jayne: That's what we have Doc for.
Moria: But if the best of the Alliance run hospitals can't figure it out, what makes them think he can?
Jayne: I don't know. Why are you asking me?
Moria: Because I've tried River and she fakes like she's in a less lucid state.
Jayne: What makes you think she's faking?
Moria: 'Cause she stops when I switch the subject. When she goes into a mood she tends to stay that way until she's finished talking about the subject not when I decide to change it.
Jayne: Well, let's see what Doc has to say. We should be close enough to reach him on the Com.
Cut to
Moria and Jayne gather close to the Com.
Static then
Simon: Jayne. What a pleasure.
Jayne: Ah, Doc, you're using that sarcastum thing again, ain't cha?
Simon: Remind me to thank River for getting you a dictionary for your birthday. What can I do for you?
Jayne: Well we've got a sick little girl on board and no one quite knows what's up with her. Fancy takin' a gander?
Simon: Seriously? I've got a few hours break. How far out are you?
Jayne: We can be there by supper time.
Simon: I'll actually let you stay through supper if you can make it in two hours. Kaylee's home with Wash and Bishop. You know where it is right?
Jayne: I reckon we can find it. We did last time.
Simon: See you at Haven.
Jayne: I really hate that man.
Simon: Jayne? It's usually more prudent to turn off the intercom before you start insulting people you want to help you.
Scene Nine: Haven.
Zoe and Kaylee are standng at the dock as Serenity comes in. Haven has been rebuilt and Kaylee has two little boys clinging to her.
Serenity touches down and River once more steps out of the hatch. Jayne and Moria, carrying the cryogenics chamber with River's sister. Following them are Mr. and Mrs. Tam.
River smiles and hugs Zoe. The two women hold onto each other just a little too long and Moria glances curiously at them.
Zoe: Come on in. Simon's almost finished.
Kaylee: Hi River! Uh, who are they?
River: My parents. (leans over the two young boys) How are my little geniuses?
Kaylee: Bishop keeps telling me how he's going to fix your engines and Wash likes playing doctor. Did you say your parents?
River: Yeah. Apparently that's my sister in that chamber.
Kaylee: Oh. Right.
Jayne: Kaylee.
Kaylee: Jayne. How are you?
Jayne: Good.
Kaylee: Do you think River would mind if I showed Bishop the engine?
Jayne: Don't see how. River! Do you mind?
Cut to
River's receding back. SHe waves a hand vacantly with approval.
Cut to
Kaylee: She seems a little cranky.
Jayne: She is. Know that thing she does? Well she got a little interupted. Was royally upset. That and us callin' her Captain behind her back doesn't help.
Kaylee: Simon said there would be side effects--
Jayne: Don't worry, darling. This isn't them. It's just good fashioned PMS if you ask me.
Scene Ten: Simon's medical room.
Simon looks up as River enters with Zoe.
Simon: River!
River: Simon!
They hug.
Simon: How are you? Are you doing ok? I mean you're not-
River: (giggles) It comes and goes. But better.
Simon: So then what brings you here?
Zoe opens the door fully and his parents enter, followed by Jayne and Moria with the Cryogenics chamber.
Simon: Mother... Father... what?
Mr. Tam: It's Katie.
Simon: Who's...?
Jayne opens the chamber, revealing a girl of about ten or so.
Mr. Tam: River, Simon. Meet your sister Katie.
Scene 11: a small room outside Simon's opperating room.
Mr. and Mrs. Tam sit on a bench, waiting. River leans against a wall, half asleep. Zoe comes in with a mug of coffee which River takes greatfully.
Cut to
Simon examining the small girl.
Simon: (v.o.) When did everything start?
Mr. Tam: (v.o.) About a week ago. She complained of nausea in the mornings and head aches.
Cut to:
Simon exiting the exam room. Behind him we see Katie curled up on the table. Kaylee is in there, holding her hand.
Mr. Tam: Katie, is she-
Simon: She's six weeks pregnant.
Cut out
Scene 12: Same room as before
Mr. Tam: Are you sure?
Simon: Quite. Now want to tell me what happened to my baby sister? When I left Mother was three months pregant herself. That puts Katie at just about eleven years old.
Mr. Tam: About seven months ago, Katie was kidnapped. We received no ransom, nothing. A month ago, Katie was returned. We had her examined, of course, but we could find nothing about her. No signs of abuse, anything. Just a small needle prick in her elbow. They told us it was simple barbituates, common, if archaic tranquillizers.
Simon: Very well. Now get out.
Mr. Tam: What?
Simon: You heard me. Get the hell out of here. You already destroyed one of my sisters. Did you really think I'd let you destroy this one too?
Mrs. Tam: But Simon! We can help Katie! We can get her an abortion-
Simon: You really have no idea, do you? Someone wants Katie to have a child. Eleven is the bare minimum for a girl to have her period. I'd imagine it was just shortly after that Katie was taken. Someone wants her to have this kid. Do you know what might happen if you try to stop them. They took her from you once. Next time they might not give back.
Mr. Tam: Just what makes you think you can protect this kid any more than we could?
Zoe: He might not be able to, but he's not alone in case you didn't notice. I can handle myself and River, Jayne and Moria are the only three people in the 'verse who know the exact coordinates to this place.
Mr. Tam looks around and realizes he's lost. He runs from the room.
Scene 13: Serenity's cockpit.
Mr. Tam is pouring over the controls.
River: Looking for something, father?
Mr. Tam looks to see her standing in the doorway.
Mr.Tam: River--
River hits her dad, sending him to the floor.
River: I'm not stupid, daddy. How much did they offer you to experiment on their daughters?
Mr. Tam: I don't-
RIver: The hell you say. It was you who first introduced me to that institute. You knew Simon would do everything to get me out. How long have you been planning to sell out Katie?
Mr. Tam: They said they wouldn't hurt you.
River: They lied.
Mr. Tam collaspes. River stands still as Jayne comes up behind her.
Jayne: Cap- River?
River: Put him in the brig.
River leaves the room. Jayne frowns.
Jayne: River! We ain't got a brig!
(A/N: Much thanks to Luna's Blades who has been an enormous help in deciding to post this fic after all!