"The Monkey Chased The Weasel"

Warnings and Declaimers': Same as before.

Chapter 9: New Britches and a Haircut.

Emrata was one of the more civilised Rim worlds. Situated near Paradiso, its main industry related to the importing and exporting of the many minerals that were excavated and refined from the nearby planets. The port and its surroundings were a hype of activity. Businesses of all sorts held offices there. The many market places and stores offered wares and all sorts of goods of export quality that could be purchased at discount prices. It was a relative market place out on the Rim that was emulated the civilised facilities of a Core world. One of the other benefits of this planet was the fact that it had a full medical facility, which it turn had a rather large research facility. The facility concentrated on developing vaccines and therapeutic medicines for managing many of the ailments and conditions of the surrounding mining planets. Medical conditions caused through either mining the harmful minerals or the terra forming procedures needed to extract them. Unfortunately, the Alliance also had a presence, albeit a small one, mainly security details for the port and the Medical facility. It was at this facility that Simon was to meet his contact.

Simon had gone to medical school with Ashleigh Harvey. They both had majored in genetic research and had done their internships together at the most prestigious of the Alliance Hospitals. In fact, both Ash and Simon had worked on the first trials of the Pax SC60 as well as the development of Pescaline for the treatment of Bowden's malady. Like all pharmaceuticals, the research, development, ownership and distribution was owned and controlled by the Alliance. In effect the diseases or conditions caused by the Alliance domination, could only be cured by them as well. Similar to late 20th century earth, where it was believed the huge tobacco companies, owned the research and cures for cancer. Cures that were expensive. The ultimate marketing success, create a want then a need. Distribution and treatment was selective and only an elite few benefited and were totally cured. Those with money or those with power were considered the elite, though there was as much money in ongoing therapeutic management which of course, for those like the miners and their families on Paradiso, facilitated their dependency on the state. As a result the research and medical facilities were ordered to keep detailed records of those supplies and applications for the quality control of pharmaceuticals and most effective therapies was very selective, stringently administered and highly scrutinized.

As young, naive and ambitious researchers, Ash and Simon were oblivious to the in-depth politics of the Alliance's medical control. Simon, of course, became more suspicious after receiving River's letters from the Alliance run School for gifted children. River's letters started to sound like nonsensical and paranoid musings. Then they stopped coming all together. It was then Ash and Simon started to look into the many secretive projects the Alliance and they're faculties' were actually involved in. It took two years for Simon to formulate the plan to rescue River and in all that time, it was Ash that helped with those plans and held the secrets that would allow Simon to succeed.

While Simon would have liked Ash to have come with them, they both new that the escape would be made that much more difficult. Simon was also not willing to ask Ash to give up her career for a life on the run. Ash was not so much interested in continuing a prestigious career as continuing her research in aide of all. As she put it; she could make a difference. She could help those on the Rim worlds, she could instigate change, but not from the outside, not on the run as fugitive, but from the inside. So, twelve months before Simon was to execute River's rescue, Ash had applied for a transfer to the research facility on Emrata. Until now, they had stayed out of contact. It was important that the Alliance not suspect Ash's involvement in any way, for all their sakes.

Doctor Ashleigh Harvey was a contact for many Rim world medico's hoping to get a little extra supplies, some new trial therapy's, or drugs that were locked away . Ash was good at her sums and the paperwork that allowed her to skim some cream, allowing her to do some independent research of her own. She also had contact with outsiders. Black marketers were a necessity to a certain extent, and they could get more of what she needed without the rorting of the system and drawing suspicion. They could sell and distribute the lower grade or more abundant medical supplies for a cost, which would allow her more funding for research or expensive chemicals. Doctor Harvey was also aware that much or some of her information allowed such people to steal supplies. But, in most cases it was stolen from the Alliance, from their stash! Sitting there doing no one any good.

Amongst the outsiders of course was the crew of Serenity. Ash had followed their story, somewhat. She had heard the rumour about Simon and River taking refuge with them. It came as no surprise to Ash, that it was this same crew who had double crossed Adelei Niska, when they had high jacked a train and stole Pescaline, only then to sneak it back. Petty thieves with scruples and code of honour. Now with the worlds knowledge of the plight of Miranda and the failed cover-up of the Alliance the ship, Serenity and its crew was again known, but most of all, it was well respected amongst the Rim Worlders. They had friends. The operative's report to the Alliance made it clear that the Tam's were no longer a threat, so the Alliance went into recovery PR mode. For the last six months Doctor Ashleigh Harvey and many other research facilities were allowed a little more freedom, a few more supplies with a little less scrutiny.

Once Serenity had docked safely and registered their business there with the port officials; a maintenance stop and supply stock, Mal and Simon discussed the day's itinerary. The girls, including Zoë as protection, would shop and get Anthony that much needed new pair of britches and a haircut. Kaylee and Jayne would find the engine parts and food stocks that needed replenishing and Simon and Mal would meet Doctor Harvey at the Research facility. Simon had filled Mal in on his connection with Ash. Just the same Mal, felt it important that they be relatively inconspicuous, insisting that everybody dress like the locals.

Mal stood at the loading bay doors as the girls approached with a very excited River and Anthony. He scooped the boy up, and tugged at his pink pantaloons.

"Now, don't you go worryin' little one, you'll be outta these girly pants afore ya know it."

"Mal, stop it," said Inara, " you're not funny, you're a homophobic petty thief."

"Oh, now, you know I don't like it when ya call me that. It hurts ma pride. I ain't no petty thief."

The girls laughed. Zoë took Anthony from Mal, "Don't worry sir, he'll have a whole new wardrobe by the end of the day."

"Yes," said River, "with a handbag and shoes to match."

"Oh, you are a funny, Little Albatross." said Mal.

"No, he needs boots," said Jayne.

"He needs toys." said Kaylee, "that way ya won't have ta be worryin' about him bein in the wrong place playing with the wrong stuff."

"He needs books as well," said Inara. "I'd say we should start schooling him. Just a little each day until he is well enough. His speech has improved so much. We may be able to get him writing soon. He has the fine motor skills; he's a really good drawer already."

"Don't we know that?" Scowled Jayne. Picking up Anthony, "ya a good little drawer, ain't Maa lau; monkey. Ya gave everybody a real good laugh at ma face over breakfast, didn't ya?"

"Yea, first time in years I'd been able to look at you without my stomach twistin," laughed Kaylee.

River watched the small group of people each give their suggestions. She looked up and noticed Zoë doing exactly the same thing.

Zoë smiled at River, knowing that the teenager was reading her, and she let her. Zoë was looking forward to the shopping trip, though she was not keen about Anthony having a haircut. Zoë was also just as excited about Simon's visit to the research facility. Simon was hoping to get some SC60 and other supplies. More importantly for her, though, there was equipment he also wanted and needed. Zoë had decided that Simon could fertilize three of her ovum's. Over the last month, they had done a collection, but Simon wanted to make sure the fertilization was done under lab conditions. The need of viable embryo's suitable for either implantations or stem cell collection was a high priority. So, amongst Anthony's blood samples and vials were Zoë 's eggs and Wash's sperm.

Whether Zoë would have the embryo's implanted was yet to be decided. Simon was just hedging his bets, creating a backup plan, and Zoë decided that if Simon believed that was what was needed, then so be it. He had her support and in retrospect, Wash's. River's Prophecy was a truth. Wash had saved Anthony; his blood had helped stimulate Anthony's immune system. The boy's needs would be the priority, clinical,? Unemotional,? No fact. Zoë was always good with facts.

But the fact right now was, that Anthony needed new britches and a haircut.

"Okay, then off with you and be back by 1600. And stay together, and watch Anthony, he'll try wonderin' off, try to be inconspicuous, don't be spendin' too many credits either," whined Mal.

The small group walked down the gangplank, ignoring Mal's nagging instructions.

"Are ya'll a hearin' me?"

"No!" they all chorused and kept walking.

Simon arrived with a large bag, packed and ready for their meeting with Ash.

"Whatcha' got in the bag?" Asked Mal.

"Oh, some of Anthony's blood work, and some other samples, plus some data I wasn't willing to wave over."

"Ya lookin' forward ta meetin' ya old girlfriend, Simon?"

"She wasn't my girlfriend Mal, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't make comments like that around Kaylee and Doctor Harvey for that matter."

"Sure thing, I ain't stupid ya know. Kylee's a sweet little thing, but I'd sure wouldn't like to be on the wrong side of her green eyed monster."

"Yeah, we'll neither do I."

"Fair enough. So, what other samples besides Anthony's blood ya got there?"

"Oh, some of the crew's samples including Wash's and Books archived intra pacs."

"Why?"

"Doctor Harvey is going to run a few more tests for me. I also need some advice on a couple of procedures I'd like to try."

"But, why Book's and Wash? Zoë know about Wash's?"

"Yes, Zoë knows, and in respect to her confidentiality, I'd really not like to discuss that anymore."

'Yeah, well, remember I'm the captain and iffin any of this crew is in danger or at risk I'd be expectin' ya to break that confidence, dong ma."

"Dong ma, Mal. I'm sure if that was the case, Zoë would be the first to surrender it, anyway."

~oOo~

Holding River's hand, Anthony dragged her at a steady pace through the market place, stopping only when he spotted some brightly coloured object or smelt food. The girls were enjoying watching the little boy be awed by the new world in front of him. He grabbed at items and had to be told; "no" on several occasions, and not on a lot more. Inara made a mental note to start to encourage the crew in teaching Anthony some manners. Anthony hadn't liked having "no" said to him, but a stamped foot and pouting lips along with the scowl and crossed arms, sent the girls into fits of giggles.

Getting him new clothes was a bit of a handful. He wasn't keen about shoes in particular. Inara insisted that he wear them for the rest of the afternoon while they shopped. They stopped at a clothing store and purchased several items which included underwear, nightwear, shirts, pants and two jackets. They weren't able to find a pair of jodhpurs Anthony's size, however with the aid of a pair of bright red braces the pair of pants, that Anthony insist he wear, at least stayed up. It ended up being a blessing in disguise, as the little boy was also now quite happy to wear the boots, tucking the extra length of pants into them.

Each of the girls had added an assortment of toys, books and drawing materials to the collection. River returned, excited after visiting one of flea market stands and proudly added a small Hawaiian shirt. They had well and truly by this stage gone over budget, however Mal's wrath regarding that fact was not of great concern. Once Mal got one look at Anthony dressed in the "Mal" lookalike britches and red braces, he would be totally chuffed.

If fitting Anthony out had been a hard task, getting him to stay still while getting his hair cut was a nightmare. They had found an old, Earth- that- Was, fashioned barber in a quaint corner of the market place. The barber made room for Anthony and added a booster seat to the odd looking chair, that ascended , descended and rotated with a push of a button. Anthony went into a role play as a pilot making it difficult for the man to attach a smock around the small boy's neck. Once attached, he smiled at the three pretty women that had accompanied the child.

"Well, now this young man sure is in need of a haircut." Directing his question to Zoë , he asked , "what we will be doing, mom?"

"I'm not, well, I'm not his mother."

"Oh, beg pardon ma'am, you sure look alike though."

"Thank you, for the compliment, sir."

'Well, who then, is the one to make the decision here?"

"Oh , I didn't say I wasn't the one making the decision. Just a light trim please."

"Zoë . He needs more than a slight trim," said Inara.

"Well, just up to the shoulders, how's that Inara?"

"Fine, just as long as it doesn't get caught on anything. What do you think, River?"

"Mal will like it."

"No haircut," yelled Anthony, then jumped from the chair, knocking over the tray of scissors and blades. He made his way to the side benches climbing across the display jars and knocking the neatly stacked towels to the ground.

"Hey, get that kid down from there."

"Anthony, come back here. Nobody's going to hurt you."

Anthony ignored Inara's request and continued to jump and skip from one bench to another. River turned around to watch the game that Anthony was now playing, but stopped suddenly as she spotted the twirling barbers' pole stationed at the door. She became mesmerised by the red and white stripes and started to dream off into the space of her mind with flickering images trying to push their way in.

"River, you might want to convince, Anthony that everything is alright. He's scared River," called Zoë.

Zoë noticed her detachment, " River? River? What is it?" Zoë made a move towards the captivated girl, but was abruptly distracted at the sound of Anthony's protesting squeals.

The boy had climbed up into the rafters and was now jumping the narrow spans of the roof trusses, yelling. "No haircut, no, no ,no ."

Inara and the barber followed Anthony's movements above them, gently trying to coax the little boy down. River continued to stare at the pole.

"River!" pleaded Zoë, "Get Anthony to come down , he's going to hurt himself."

"Our gifts all join up , just like the lines." River was seeing the lines and the faces of her family of Anthony's family old and new. "They all join up, chasing each other, there's no need; they all join up round and round the barber's pole, and the monkey chased the weasel. There are others. It's not right. Jayne knows it's not right, Jayne wouldn't want it that way. He understands the others. The monkey chased the Reaver. Reaver that was a father first. Pop goes the Reaver."

River snapped back looking at Zoë, then to Anthony perched above her. "Use your words, Anthony , use your words, Zoë," she directed.

Zoë stood in the middle of the room and looked up at Anthony. She knew Anthony could read River, but she wasn't sure what perception he had with the rest of the crew. He understood their words and gestures and was aware of the rules and expectations.

"Anthony. Get down from there, now!"

"No Zoë," yelled Anthony and he leaped again.

Inara and Zoë gasped as Anthony lost his footing and nearly fell. He managed to grasp the thinner cross beam and flip himself upright. The fact that Anthony was confidently dextrous did not alleviate Inara's or Zoë growing concern for the boy 's safety.

"Anthony, if I have count to three before you get down here, you will be one very sorry little boy. And, Cappy will not be pleased either when I tell him how naughty you have been. One…"

Before Zoë got to two, Anthony quickly scampered down. Zoë had to laugh. It seemed all children must be readers, because Anthony's reaction was identical to the ones her and her brothers had , when their mother made similar threats. She had to consciously stop herself from adding… and if I have to come up there and get you …..

Anthony sprung himself at her, "Anthony, good see. No tell Cappy."

Zoë quickly planted Anthony back in the chair. "Well, if you come back with a decent enough hair cut, we may not have to go into too many details."

The barber quickly started to trim the boy's curls, "Gee, the kid can really climb. Where did you say you folks were from?"

"We didn't," stated Zoë. So much for staying inconspicuous.

"Not from any place in particular," interrupted Inara, "We're travellers, entertainers so to speak."

"Well, that answers why the boy could do those things."

Zoë added to the fabrication Inara was developing , "Yes, his father was a trapeze artist."

"Oh yeah, I seen one of them performing shows once , with these people flying around , it was amazing."

"Yes, amazing," said Zoë.

"So, ya all perform then?"

"Yes," said River, "I dance."

"Can we just get on with the hair cut," groused Zoë, knowing too much imaginative fabrication could well be their undoing.

"Sure lady, but I cin' talk and cut at the same time."

"Yeah, well the boy's father won't be too happy, if you take his ear off because you too busy talking or asking questions."

Anthony looked up at the barber and wagged his finger at him, " No take ear off. Cappy smack naughty man."

"Well I best be careful then , your daddy sounds like a mean son of a …"

"Beast...One with no choice and the other ;a choice to yet make." Interrupted River.

Zoë just wanted to get out of here. She hoped Mal and Simon's meeting with The Doctor at the medical facility was going better. Anthony's misbehaviour and River's episode and consequential musings had also unnerved Inara. They would not relax until all four of them were back on Serenity, where they would try to interpret and decipher River's vision. What choices were they going to have to face, what were the warnings and prophecy of families, what did they all have to do with Anthony and Jayne.

"God, we need to get home, she whispered."

Zhe, jian, xiao, wu, ji,qi, zhong, zhi, yi shi, kuai, le,yue, gong, bi, yi, ge, ku, qi, de,di, geng, hao.

Better the cottage where one is merry than the palace where one weeps.

TBC

Chapter 10: Making deals with the Devil and Mad Maggie.

A.N: Thanks for reading . Merry Christmas. Please review it's also my birthday. Yay, no actually I don't want to talk about it. LOL