Black on Black

by Blackstar-1

The strangest people drop into the 'verse, and wind up on Serenity. Time for a break. Chapter 13 up.

10. Chapter 10

A/N: I've shown part of Michael's dark side, but Brath has hers, too. We're not finished yet.

Chapter 10 – "Children are innocent and love justice, while most adults are wicked and prefer mercy." – G. K. Chesterton

"You can't do this!"

Brath laughed unpleasantly. "I'd like to know who you think can stop me. You aren't in a position to do anything," she rumbled while gaining altitude. "Most of your friends are gone, and your bosses don't know what's happened, yet. They won't like it, and they can't do anything about it. You're going to answer my questions, unless you want to answer to Michael."

"He's dead! Saw the hundan get blown up," the other man sneered, despite being held upside-down by his ankles.

"You think so? Don't bet on it. Better than you have tried," the dragon replied as she leveled off and released the loud-mouth. His scream faded as he fell, and his partner shrieked as Brath dove, her wings furled back in a stoop. They reached the falling man, and she suddenly began to climb after grabbing his legs. Both screamed in terror as she climbed higher. "You want to change your minds while you still can? I can do this all night."

"This is illegal," the first blustered.

"So is an unprovoked military attack on civilians, and I'm sure Longshore and Blue Sun are outside their jurisdiction, if that applies," she countered. "I'm sure Longshore doesn't have authorization, either, and that leaves you two and your other lucky surviving friends out in the breeze. Literally," she said with a vicious smile as she hovered nearly a kilometer above ground. "So, 'you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?'" Brath moved her jaws nearer, allowing them to smell her breath, which reeked of blood, fire and death. "'Well, do ya, punks?' " Both men shook their heads frantically. "Aw, and I was just starting to have fun," she said in mock disappointment. "Since you can't stomach this, I'll set you on the ground, where Michael can question you at leisure." Her smile grew cruel. "Don't think of yourselves as lucky. He tends to eat people who piss him off, too."

The men tried to run when Brath dropped them, but she was suddenly in front of them, and they slammed into her side, rebounded and fell. At that moment she closed a set of shackles around their ankles, and for good measure pinned the chain to the ground with a six-foot steel rod. "Nobody said you could go anywhere, boys. I told you there'd be questions, and you'd answer them. And don't bother yelling for help. There isn't anyone left who can," she rumbled softly. "You're stuck here, so make the best of it." She walked away, gathered firewood and lit it with a breath. "Be glad I'm not so pissed that I'd let you freeze, but don't take it to mean I'm soft. That would be your last mistake, aside from joining this fiasco."

"Ya think ya won, but ya ain't," the older man replied. "We'll get ya, sooner or later."

"Maybe, but you won't see it, Garrison," she retorted. "You're both dead men walking. Don't make it worse by being smart-asses. You can't keep information he really wants. Here's some advice: Start singing when he asks. You won't like what happens if you don't."

"Talk is cheap, whore," Garrison spluttered, startled that she knew his name. He cringed back when she growled deep in her throat and bared her teeth, some of which were as long as their fore-arms.

"Any idiot can talk," Brath replied. "Okay, I warned you. See if I do you any more favors. Pleasant dreams."

Michael woke to find himself covered with fur – more precisely, a fur-covered body was draped over him, holding onto him tightly. He closed his eyes and let his body talk to him. The aches were gone, but that meant nothing. He was sure any movement would be painful, with stiffness that wouldn't help. He relaxed and enjoyed the warmth, and drifted into sleep again.

Some time later, he felt Mara stir. "Feeling better?" she asked.

"For the moment, at least until I decide to move," he replied. "I don't think I've been hit with a shaped-charge before, so I don't know what it's done."

"It blew your clothes off and burned your fur on the impact side, but nothing else I could see. I'll bet it was like being hit by a vehicle."

"It was."

Mara carefully sat up and stretched, wincing and grimacing. "I hope Simon got all the bullets out. Setting off metal detectors would be very inconvenient."

Michael took her paw and concentrated. "He did, and the treatment was successful. Oh, my little friends want to come home. They missed me."

"How's that work? I don't know enough," Mara replied.

"To quote A'Nalena, 'Wait, watch and learn.' It's not as complicated as you might think, and they can move quickly." Michael held his paw over her arm, and within a minute there was a puddle of silver in the hollow of her elbow. He touched the puddle with a finger, and it receded, vanishing as though it was never there. "There. Nothing to it." He stopped and appeared to listen. "Hmm, there are advantages and disadvantages to being what I am. I always learn something about the people I share them with." He looked at her steadily. "Were you going to tell me, or let me notice the old-fashioned way?"

"I wasn't sure how you'd react," she replied softly. "Never mind what Brath might think."

"She's a dragon, but she's had time to learn, mellow and grow. That doesn't mean the instincts aren't there, but she's comfortable with herself, and that's what does it." Michael kissed her. "I'm flattered, and I have to admit a little worried, but I have a good feeling about this. We'll manage."

"Thank you, Obi-wan," Mara replied with a chuckle. She stood up carefully and held out a paw. "We have work to do, I think. This isn't over."

Michael sobered and nodded, then took her paw and let her help him up. "Oh, I'll have to do some stretching, but I'll survive. Not quite as bad as the fight with Rosamond. Let's go see if there's still breakfast," he added as he wrapped a sheet into a make-shift toga.

"You have to keep up your strength." Mara jumped when he slapped her just above her tail. "All right, that wasn't necessary. Can't a girl have some fun?"

"Stop feeding me straight lines," Michael replied as they walked from the parlor, through the living room and into the kitchen. Petaline and Lucy smiled in spite of themselves; the pair moved with exaggerated care, like old folks. "Got any applesauce, girls?" They laughed, and he added, "Yes, I'm kidding. I think we earned it."

"Sit down," Petaline ordered. "Since ya decided to be funny, Michael, ya get ta feed Jonah."

"Not a problem. Zhou ma. He's got me saying it." Michael grinned sheepishly. "Heard it enough."

"He who?" Lucy asked.

"The Silver Fox. He was a good friend. There are a few nights I can barely recall, they were that … interesting, I suppose."

"Oh, come on, share," Mara said in a wheedling tone as she sat beside him.

Michael looked at her with an exaggerated look of confusion. "But I already have." He held the look, then chuckled. "Not many secrets left, I'm afraid."

"The Fox was real?" Petaline asked as she sat Jonah in his highchair beside Michael, opposite Mara. "Wasn' sure the stories was anythin' but stories."

"I don't doubt it," Michael said as he accepted a large, well-laden plate, and a bowl of cereal for Jonah. "Compared to me, the Admiral was larger than life, and I was a step above many. After he became the Fox, he took it to a higher level, while I actually dialed it back after becoming the Wolf. I wasn't competing with him; I only wanted the job done. He always seemed to publicly go to extremes, while I prefer operating quietly, out of sight. Of course, when you're at our level, it's hard to be quiet, never mind discreet."

Petaline smiled as Michael coaxed Jonah into eating, rather than wearing his breakfast. "Guess so. Kinda hard with the gang you're travelin' with, too. Never knew or heard o' Mal an' company bein' genteel, leastwise for more'n a few minutes."

"Hey, r'semble that," Reynolds said as he poured himself some coffee. "Could take unkindly ta that, don't help it's true. Ain't had need ta be subtle."

"How is everyone?"

"Doin' okay. Still ain't over the carnage," Mal replied. "'Specially the fire. Didn' think would be so bad."

"There's a reason people are afraid of it," Whitmer replied soberly. "I can't think of a worse way to go, and most would rather die than survive. Anything else is kindness."

"Don' doubt it," Reynolds said, shifting his weight. "Gonna wear anythin', or tryin' ta make us all jealous?

"Happens I get back aboard I'll get dressed," Whitmer replied.

"Ain't nothin' ain't seen afore," Lucy commented. "Better packaged, maybe." Mara chuckled, but didn't add anything.

"Stop it. When you're up to it, Brath's found us some guests," Mal said. "Brought 'em in after. Didn' sound too happy. Wonder what she done."

"Probably dropped and caught them more than once," Michael said. "Very persuasive."

"Heard o' that bein' done in the War," Zoe said from the door as she entered. "Usually so the next might have a change o' heart."

"More than once," Michael agreed. "Problem is, the guy you drop might know what you need, and the next doesn't. That's the real trouble with that. No aerospace vehicle can manoeuvre well enough to catch them in flight without hurting them or causing a crash. Brath and the other dragons excel at it. I never knew why, and still don't want to. That's a little vicious, even for me."

Zoe kissed Michael as she passed, then sat down. "One o' these days, gonna tell ya some stories." She attacked her breakfast between smiles as Michael continued feeding Jonah. Makes a good daddy, she thought.

Mal shook his head. He couldn't believe he was hearing Michael talk about dropping people so calmly. "I told you before I wasn't a very nice person, Mal," Michael's voice broke in. "Now you're seeing your childhood hero isn't very heroic." Mal looked to see Whitmer patiently feeding Jonah, making faces and causing the boy to laugh enough to stuff cereal into his mouth; Jonah understood that he was being tricked, from his betrayed expression. "And seeing this isn't helping, is it?"

"Readin' me?"

"He can see your face, and it says a lot," Mara said after swallowing some eggs, and licking yolk from her whiskers. "You wouldn't have wanted to see me last night. From what I remember through the 'combat haze', I was death on two legs."

Mal nodded in spite of himself. He knew what she meant, having been through it more than once himself. "Okay. Well, not okay. Seem ta say that a lot 'round y'all."

"Get used to it, Mal," Brath replied as she walked in, kissed Michael and sat between him and Mara. She looked at them, then said, "So you know."

"I may look human, but my nose tells me plenty, same as yours. Problem?"

"No. It's not your fault. Well, not all your fault."

"Shenme?" Mal asked.

"You say that a lot, too," Brath replied. "Nothing you need to worry about, Mal. Personal business."

"My business, it's on my boat."

"I'll tell you after we leave," Mara said after looking at Michael for a few beats. Mal's confused expression changed to one of obvious understanding. "You're right, Brath, he's not that dumb."

"Asked for that," Reynolds said as the others entered, collected plates and sat down.

"Usu'lly do," Jayne commented. "We goin', or got more goin' on?" River jammed an elbow into his ribs. "What!"

"Grammar." Jayne scowled and muttered too softly to hear, which got him another jab. "Language."

"Ah, young love's such a wonderful thing to see," Michael commented with a glance at Simon and Kaylee. Mrs Tam stuck out her tongue.

"We get back ta the subject?" Mal prompted. "Gonna get a mite sick, all this sweetness an' light."

"Got a few questions to ask those boys I brought in," Brath said. "Probably be asked to help straighten out the mess here. Town's just leaking fear, Jayne. Ain't right, and if Longshore and Schwarzchild are behind this, it's time to send a very clear message."

"Could say don' see how affects us, but Blue Sun's behind it, means River," Jayne said. "Ain't gone through what we gone through ta lose nothin'." He glowered into his coffee for a moment. "Sendin' a message could bring 'em all on us, but they's after us now. Gotta end it, dong ma?"

"We will, but it has to be a step at a time," Michael said as he wiped Jonah's face, surreptitiously recovering his nanomachines. He looked into the boy's face for a moment, then smiled. "He'll be just fine, Petaline. I can see it, now."

"Ya sure? Still don' look right."

"He'll grow out of it. He may not be throwing other boys around, or reaching the top shelves, but he'll be fine," Simon added. "As I said, taking him off the baby food did it."

"Still don' know who'd do that, or why," Lucy said. "What kind o' person would?" Michael sat there, staring at the steam from his coffee, his eyes going very far away. "He do that a lot?"

"Sshhh," Brath replied. "He's running in high gear, mentally. Everyone shut up and eat." They complied, glancing at Whitmer nervously, as his eyes had darkened to ultramarine. "Whoops, he's gone into warp drive. This is serious."

"Interesting," Simon murmured. "Does this happen every time?"

"His eyes always reflect his emotional state: Lighter for fear or worry, darker for anger or concentration. The only time you really have to worry is if they go black. Then he's on the edge of a mindless rage, or close enough not to matter. I've seen it once. Wasn't pretty."

"That when he eats folk?" Mal asked quietly. Brath nodded. "No, not okay."

"That's why he's considered a monster," Mara added. "What else would you call someone who does that and you can't control, or even understand?" When Mal looked at her in consternation, she added, "It's in the books. The parts titled 31 Pieces of Silver and In Absentia."

"I just love pop-psychology, but it's true," Michael said as his eyes faded to their usual Cerulean blue. "My former superiors don't know if they can trust me, but I've almost grown to like it."

"Almost," Jim said. "Ya hate it, but let it lie. Bein' a Watcher means learnin' ta see through lies, Michael."

"Y'know, there are disadvantages to having your Watcher so close. Duncan warned me. Should have listened."

"Technic'ly, I'm Julian's, but about the same," Wainwright replied. "Ain't the first time it happened, dan nang. In the Records."

Michael nodded as he finished his breakfast. He sipped his coffee and looked at the far wall for a few minutes, then said, "How are our 'guests', Brath?"

"Well enough. They spent a long, cold night. Should be about done with their breakfast, if you want to talk to them."

"All right. I'll talk to them after they've had a chance to warm up."

Brath smiled nastily. "Ready when you are."

"I'll have to get dressed first."

Michael and Brath walked outside and soon stood beside the chained men. "Hello, boys. You ready to talk, or do you need a minute? Or maybe persuading?" Michael said, his voice hardening.

"Cào nî zûxiān shí bâ dai, hundan. Ain't tellin' ya nothin'," Garrison snarled. Michael looked at Brath and nodded, and they shifted forms as the two watched, dumbfounded. "Ain't scared o' fancy tricks or drugs, neither."

"Shut up," the younger man said. "You didn't see the mess they left behind, and all that's left is us, Bryce and Marks. Thirty-eight men in less than an hour, Garrison."

"Easy fer you ta say. Sir."

"Captain Carlson, I presume," Michael said with over-done graciousness. "I'm rather disappointed. I'd heard you were good, but you appear to have grown a bit lax. Sloppy, more the like." He glanced at Garrison. "Your choice of personnel speaks volumes."

"And Schwarzchild said you were unbeatable," Carlson retorted. "We nearly got you last night."

"Close, perhaps, but no cigar. I've been through worse than you can bring, boy. All right, you've heard from Rufus, and you're letting me know up front. You apparently think you have something to bargain with. Let's hear it."

Carlson looked at Brath, who towered over them. "Alone."

Michael smiled. "Brath, would you care to take Garrison for a ride?"

"He's already had one, Michael. I'll take him for my ride." She reached out and broke the chain with ridiculous ease. "C'mon, you. Time for a lesson in manners." She grabbed him by his jacket front and launched up and away. Soon, they were nearly out of sight.

"Not what you had in mind?" Whitmer asked as his interlocutor stared after them. "I wouldn't worry about him. If she lets him live, he might be worth salvaging. If not, well, he's earned it."

"What's going to happen to him?"

"That depends. If he bad-mouths her, he's going to pay for it. If he pisses her off – well, it's best not to ask. I wouldn't count on seeing him again. We can read your kind like a cheap novel, and he's the kind she loves to play with. Now then, you had something to say," Michael said as he removed and started a tricorder, his eyes darkening. "Start now, don't try to lie, and you won't go the way Larson did." Carlson blinked. "Ah, you've read them. Then you don't want to see my eyes go to black, with dancing motes of unnamed colours. They'll be the last thing you'll ever see," the Wolf growled. "Don't leave out a thing. Who knows, you may survive this little adventure."

"Gorram ya, put me down!"

Brath chuckled as she climbed. "Are you sure about that?" she rumbled with amusement. "It's a long drop, and you're not being very polite. I can tear you apart without any effort, or I can drop you for real. Make up your mind."

"Ya wasn't a dragon, things'd be dif'rent," he said, his face a mix of cruel lust and fear.

"Oh, yeah? Then let's find out who's who," Brath replied, her eyes gleaming. "You're worthless, other than being a shooter. Let's see if you can keep me interested for more than a few minutes. Hang on; you're in for the ride of your life."

Michael sat on a rock as he listened to Carlson, who told him everything he knew, and confirmed much of the information they'd already gathered. Schwarzchild had approached Longshore, offering the technology he'd stolen and Blue Sun had augmented in exchange for help in gaining revenge. The revenge included everyone who had helped or been helped by Mal and his family. They'd decided to send a message. Simple, yet complicated, Michael thought.

After he ran down, Carlson added, "Okay, I did what you wanted. I want something in return. They'll come after the survivors."

"Naturally. The question is, why should I? You're deserters turned mercenaries, and I've no doubt your 'killer' sobriquet was earned and added to. Your presence says that plainly." Michael stood and lit a cigarette. "You've done me no favours."

"You missed one thing, Whitmer. DuValle's still got some kind of tie to you. He knows what you're thinking before you do. They held him back, but this is going to make them let him off his leash. What about that?"

"All right. You've made your point." Whitmer looked into the distance and winced. "Well, Garrison's just made his last mistake. He's done." Michael looked at Carlson neutrally, until the man began to fidget nervously. A quick probe told him what he needed to know. "Very well. I'll let you leave, but if we cross paths again, no quarter, dong ma?" Carlson nodded. "All right. I'll tell Brath to release you and drop you by your ship. After that, you're on your own. See you."

"What about – " Carlson stopped in shock when the shackle cracked and fell away. "Just what are you?"

"More than you'll ever be able to understand, David. Leave, while I'm feeling generous. That is all."

Carlson watched as the Wolf returned to the house, then looked up as a rush of wind announced Brath's return. He shrank back as blood ran from her talons. "W-what did you do to him?"

Blood dripped from her fangs as Brath smiled, and her eyes glittered. "Are you sure you want to know?" Carlson shook his head. "Good. Ignorance truly is bliss. Now, let's get you out of here, before I decide letting you go is a mistake."

"You won't disobey his orders."

"I will if I think I can get away with it, and have a good explanation. Now shut up, and live." Brath grabbed him and launched away.

Michael walked back inside, scowling, and Mal said, "Find out what ya wanted?"

"More than I wanted. Carlson was very forth-coming."

"What?" Jayne growled. "Ya let that liumang go? Gorram crazy or somethin'?"

Michael's smile stopped him. "He's getting away, but he's not going to enjoy it. All his men are dead, and he's leaving without a scratch. Think of how that looks, Jayne. The worst thing you can do to a soldier – an officer especially – is what I've done. Kill the kingdom, and what good is a king?"

"Ouch," Mal said. "Thinkin' I get ya, Michael. Ya mean it, ya talk about pay-back. Don' have ta kill a man for that."

"So, he tell ya ever'thin'?" Wainwright asked. Michael nodded and looked at the floor. "And?"

"He confirmed everything we thought up. Reggie, Blue Sun, Schwarzchild, all of it. Should have grabbed his ship, but I'm betting it wasn't needed. I could see it in his eyes."

"He's gonna gorram squeal," Jayne protested.

Michael smiled. "I'm hoping he does. It'll put Schwarzchild in Dutch with his friends, and bring Longshore's activities to light. Plus Blue Sun will abandon them, if they're smart, but they're probably too focused on winning to think about anything else. Six years is a long time to be obsessed with someone, and that always comes apart."

"Are you sure?" Inara asked.

"Absolutely. Kessler plagued me for centuries, and I finally got him. There are others who've gone after me and mine, and they're all dead. I never started any of it; they always came after me."

"And you're still here," Simon replied for him.

Whitmer smiled. "Just like y'all."

"Okay. Well, not okay," Mal said. "Question is, what next? They gonna stop an' think, or jump in an' try ta stomp us?"

"I can make a few guesses. Schwarzchild's likely to start panicking, especially after we get closer; he'll likely run. Longshore's probably going to pull into his hole and make a stand. Blue Sun's the hard one, but I'm willing to bet they'll do some of both, plus send out whatever they've got." Whitmer turned to Mara. "Do you know if there are more like you?"

"I doubt it, but I wouldn't say no. Too much went into my making." She paused in thought. "At most, five."

"Five!" Kaylee gasped. "One's bad enough, ain't it?" She looked comically contrite. "Didn' mean that."

Mara smiled. "Yes you did, but I don't hold it against you, Kaylee. I'm not happy about it, either; I like being unique. Ain't right, playin' God like that." Everyone but Michael blinked; she sounded just like Kaylee. "See? We all have something to be sorry about."

"Juh jen she guh kwai luh duh jean jan," Jayne muttered.

"So, what now? Took care o' the problem, 'less we missed sommat," Reynolds said. "No reason ta stay, other'n clean up our mess."

"Find out who in town was helping them, and maybe set everyone straight, but that's all I can think of."

"Hey, where's Gideon? Didn' see him this morning," Clarissa said.

Michael closed his eyes and concentrated. "He's in town, probably asking questions. Would if I was him."

"He's probably thinking you would, too," Inara said. "It's a little frightening how alike you are, Michael."

"It's occurred to me, but I've never had that much faith in any system. Most don't measure up to what they say. Utopias always have that one fatal flaw, at least the ones I've seen." Michael held up a paw as Inara began to protest. "Yes, there have been very good tries, and they've worked, but something always brings it down, and it's usually been someone deciding they know better, and trying to enforce their will and vision. And I've seen some lovely ones fail, more's the pity."

"Uh, well, ain't ya been tryin' with you an' yours?" Mal asked, interested in spite of himself. "Like ya say, in the books."

"I've been trying very hard, but I don't try to change anyone more than they're willing. It's the worst thing you can do to anyone, even if you think it's for their own good." He paused, then shook himself. "Well, back to business. When Brath and Gideon return, we'll brain-storm a bit, then decide. Fair enough?"

"Works for me," Jayne said. "Long as we get ta fix the huh choo-shung tza-jiao duh tzang-huo we got comin' at us."

"Oh, we'll get them," Michael said. "Hopefully, with as little collateral damage as possible."

"What's collateral damage?"

"Dead civilians," Brath said as she entered in half-dragon form. Blood dripped from her mouth and claws. "Carlson's on his way; well, most of him."

"What did you do?" Whitmer asked dangerously.

"He's short his trigger finger, Snake. You have a soft spot; I don't. He's going to remember what happened, and maybe he won't get talked into this kind of go se again," she replied with a bloodthirsty smile.

"Fine. Knock it off and get cleaned up. That's an order." Michael's voice was calm, but his eyes flashed. "Quoli's long gone, Brath."

"Maybe, but we keep finding his long-lost cousins. We'll find a few of Fremla's, dan nang."

"Let's stay focused. We finish up here, then we deal with Niska. Follow your orders, StarDragon Eleven." Brath nodded and headed upstairs. Petaline watched her, then looked at Michael. "Sorry about that. She has to be shut down fast, or it gets worse."

"Guess it's okay, but she could quit drippin' blood ever'where. Got enough on the floor." Petaline smiled lopsidedly. "But ain't unusual."

"Don' wanna know," Mal said. "Bad enough got bad folk after ya."

"It over? Gonna be more?"

Reynolds leaned back, glanced at Michael, then looked at the ceiling. "Cain't say for sure, but hopin' so. Can't afford ta lose like this ever' time, dong ma? Sommat's gotta break, they keep it up. That's assumin' we keep winnin'."

"Taking Niska will go a long way, Mal. If he goes down, maybe you'll be left alone. If nothing else, they'll have to think long and hard before tangling with you. Have to wonder if they'll get out alive," Michael said as Gideon walked in and stood listening.

"That makes a great amount of sense, Mal," Marris said. "If nothing else, they will have to reconsider their action. It won't stop the truly foolish or dedicated, but it will reduce your hazard."

"Mebbe. Might could make it worse, them as wants ta make a name," Reynolds countered.

"Let them come after me, while you do the work," Whitmer said. "'Course, I'll need a ship of my own. Might be a problem." Everyone chuckled. "Did you learn what you wanted, Gideon?"

"I certainly did. They arrived ten months ago, and the terror campaign began not long after. Someone else besides Carlson was in charge, but I didn't get a name. I was told this shadowy person kept out of sight and worked through intermediaries. What I could infer was he was highly educated and a bit eccentric. He was very obsessed with you, from what I could gather," Marris told them. "He left about the time Petaline waved, as well."

"Rufus never had the stomach for a fight," Michael replied. "He ran, both times."

"Both?" Simon asked. "Who chased him the other time?"

"One of my operatives and her motley crew, before she became my operative." Michael smiled. "What's interesting is, y'all and the Ward 9 crew could trade places, and no one would notice a difference. Well, other than the fur, or the green or blue skin colour. Their lives paralleled yours more than once."

"Huhn," Mal said. "Never thought that could happen."

"I've said more than once there are similarities, if you look for them." Michael smiled. "We never could decide whether Seela was more like Zoe or Jayne. She had the right attitude for both."

"Ain't sure I like that," Cobb replied. "One o' me's enough, dong ma?"

Michael chuckled. "No, really?"

"Hey!"

"You said it, Jayne. Maybe you ought to look into that," River said, grinning. "As Michael says, stop giving everyone straight lines."

"A'right, y'all had enough fun? We got work ta do, right? Let's git it done, an' move on."

"You still wanting to run the boat, Jayne? Gonna have to buy one, 'cause Serenity's Mal's." Whitmer stood and refilled his coffee. "Happens I understand Mal's reaction. My ship is actually mine, and I'm worse. I didn't inherit the James T kirk, I built her. I inherited my first command, and there's nothing like your own ship."

"Sounds kinda like yer married ta yer ship," Jayne said with some distaste.

Michael and Mal nodded absently. "Can be," Whitmer replied. "A man's going to be protective of his girl, dan nang. Your tone tells me you wouldn't last as captain. You don't love your girl, you won't take care of her."

Jayne glared at him. "Gorram ya. Ya think I can't?"

"I know you can't. The chain of command is not 'the chain I'm gonna get ta beat ya with', Jayne. If you're going to treat your crew that way, you're not fit to have them, not even as a temporary replacement." Michael stood, placed his paws on the table and leaned forward, his eyes darkening. "Certainly not on any of my ships, you tian sheng de ye dui rou." Jayne put his hands on the table, preparatory to jumping up, when River grabbed the hand nearest to her and turned it in a direction it was never intended to move, then twisted it around behind his back. "Are you going to strike your wife, Jayne? If you do, you won't live another second. I guarantee it."

As River moved, everyone sat forward, tensed to move. "Don't," River said. "This has to be dealt with."

Jayne grimaced, then relaxed, and River released his hand. "Ya had ta do that? Set us against each other?"

"As River said, it had to come out. You keep forgetting I can pick up every thought in line of sight, Jayne. Even now, you're wondering if you can get a piece of the bounty that might be on Brath and I. Don't bother to deny it. It's what you are, and will always be: A back-shooting side-winder."

Mal stood, his eyes hard. "Got no right ta do this, Michael."

"Ever heard the story of the turtle and the scorpion, Mal?" Reynolds nodded, his anger fading. "'Because it is my nature.'"

"Still don' give ya the right."

"Unlike Ariel, perhaps?" Mal reacted as though he'd been gut-shot, while Michael smiled. "Ya think she don't know about that? Can't hide anything from a reader, Mal." Mal and Jayne looked at River, who nodded. Both resumed their seats, red-faced with anger, shame and guilt. "Sometimes you have to spank someone to get the point through, because nothing else works."

"What are we missing?" Simon asked, bewildered and suspicious.

Michael looked at him in surprise, then at River. "I thought you'd told him."

"Ni shi bai chi," she replied. "After Bellerophon, I didn't need to. No reason to give him an excuse."

"This happen a lot?" Petaline asked Zoe, who nodded, a half-smile on her face. "Gao tsau de fong luh."

Michael chuckled evilly. "Sophia might take exception to that, but I won't be the one to tell her."

Clarissa rolled her eyes, then said, "So when we gettin' this road-show movin'?"

Michael looked at Gideon. "Anything left to do?"

"Only some re-building; they did destroy and damage some structures. A few injured. Nothing else. Mrs Burgess is already assembling the materials; all they need is labour."

"Happens can do," Mal said, looking at his crew. "We done some damage. Oughta fix it, dong ma."

"Then we'll get to it. Figure we that stayed take care o' the house," Clarissa said. "Michael and Brath can go into town." She looked at Mara. "You can't go. Nobody'd believe it."

"Suits me."

"Take about a day an' a half, all told," Mal said. "Plenty o' folk in town can do the work, 'cept maybe doin' the drawin's. Gonna look for their stuff, right?"

"That about covers it," Michael agreed. "Whenever you're ready."

During the day, Michael and Brath made several trips into town with the mule, bringing back a very large cache of military equipment between trips hauling bodies away. None of the townsfolk wanted it, and they appreciated the help repairing the damage, and listened to Michael when he displayed a good working knowledge of architecture and organization. Brath joined in, once she convinced everyone she was more than able to work, despite her now-visible pregnancy. Mrs Burgess surprised everyone by supplying the materials necessary, and covered the costs of those worst affected. She told them it was partly her fault; no one believed her, but accepted the help. The general store was mostly finished by sundown.

While that was going on, Mal and the rest of Serenity's crew took care of the house and grounds. Jayne surprised everyone by repairing the stone walls; nobody had known he could. Mara, Clarissa, River and Inara kept water and food available, in-between clearing the yard, taking care of the garden and cleaning the house's interior. The windows were the real problem, until Michael and Brath returned with their last load of gear, bringing materials needed to finish the job. Gideon surprised everyone by showing a knack for carpentry, while Jim revealed he had several of the skills necessary to run any kind of homestead. Zoe was firmly told to stay inside and help, something she didn't like at all, but understood. It was hard to get around.

As they sat down to supper, everyone exchanged information. Mal looked around the table and asked, "How long we got left?"

Michael swallowed and replied, "Mostly trim and fixtures on the store. The houses weren't that bad."

"Walls're done," Jayne said. "Just need ta let 'em set."

"House's back in order," Zoe added. "Nobody's lettin' me do much."

"Ain't gonna change," Mal said. "Gonna take care o' yerself, dong ma?" Washburne nodded with a sigh.

Wainwright and Marris nodded as Michael said, "House outside's done, looks like. Looks as though the big job was cleaning up the mess."

"How much equipment did we collect?" Simon asked. "I didn't think a platoon needed what they brought."

"Not a standard platoon, and they had to have everything for emergencies," Michael replied. "What we can't use will go for materials for the fabricator, once I get it finished."

"Can't sell it?" Jayne asked.

"Could, but it's stolen military, which is a whole load of trouble we don't need," Brath replied. "I checked the numbers on Cortex. That stirred up some trouble, and I think the Alliance might send a cruiser to check what happened."

"Ain't mentionin' us, I hope," Mal replied.

"I checked with the townsfolk, and they're going to let Carlson's boys take the heat. If I didn't know what really happened, it would look to me as though they had an argument that blew up into a fight," Whitmer said. "Carlson's the only survivor, so that means it's his word against everyone else's." Michael smiled and shook his head. "I wouldn't want to be in his place. It never looks good."

"All that leaves is final touches and cleaning-up," Gideon said. "We should be good to leave tomorrow."

"Wanna thank y'all," Petaline said as supper was brought in. Mara, Clarissa and Inara helped, as they had for the past few days. "Been a real godsend."

"Ain't a thing," Jayne replied. "Y'all was good ta us last time, an' owed Nandi. Shouldn'a happened like it did, an' what they was doin' ta Jonah's never gonna be right."

"Still 'preciate it. Y'all need food? Can spare some."

Mal looked at Clarissa. "We're good," DuValle replied. "Still ain't used what Raye sent with us."

"Should be a'right," Mal said. "Seein' as ya might need 'em, whatever ya can use from our plunder ya can have. Never hurts ta have iron on hand."

"We'll look tomorrow," Lucy said. "No hurry."

Mal looked across the table. "Been awful quiet, Simon."

"I'm thinking of what the house needs in medical supplies," Tam answered. "We have enough to spare, at least in the every-day items."

Mal nodded. "As ya see, doc."

"So, we're about ready," Gideon said. When Mal nodded, he said, "Then I'll stay here and ride back with the Alliance force. My ident's still valid, and I can find you and report what I learn. We need information, and this will get us what we need, Mal." When Jayne began to cloud up, he added, "I'll tell them only what they need to know, not what they want to know. That's up to me, not them. As you might have guessed, I've been conditioned to resist interrogation, and they'd need a reason. It can't be done only because someone wants to know something."

"Still hard ta b'lieve yer on our side, even after 'most a year," Cobb grumbled. "Jus' be real careful, 'cause it ain't jus' the Alliance wantin' our pi gu. Ain't no way ta be sure Parliament won' wanna have a long, hard talk with ya, neither."

Marris smiled very slightly. "I can still vanish when I have to. They don't know how, when or where to look; that was part of the system. It prevented abuses by individual members. I know your opinion of what I did earlier, and I still agree. I'll stay well clear of any potential problems or traps, but I still have to look in certain places to get the information we really need. There's no other way."

Mal nodded. "Happens it's true. Ain't a place I'd put a man, hated him or not. Good luck." Gideon nodded, stood, bowed and left.

"Is that wise?"

Michael chuckled. "Probably not, but he's right, Simon. He can get the real word, instead of rumours or gossip. We need it to sort through the noise and learn the truth."

"Still gettin' over Jayne," Kaylee said after a few minutes. "Turnin' inta, dunno, kinda like a gentleman."

"Take that back," Cobb replied with a smile.

Kaylee stood, walked around the table and kissed his cheek. "Next time mean it, Jayne."

"A'right. Gonna finish, should git some sleep. See y'all in the mornin'." Jayne stood and held out a hand to River, who took it. They walked up stairs, smiling at each other.

"Good. Didn't want them turned against each other permanently," Michael said. "Yes, I know, I did it, and I steered it back. Too much practice at it."

"Ain't sure it's fun ta do, an' don' wanna see again," Reynolds answered. "Got enough trouble on my boat. Don' need ta make more, even when it fixes things, dong ma?" Michael nodded. "A'right. Ever'thin' 'bout done? Bodies cain't be found?"

"They can't search everywhere. There's an arroyo too far away for easy investigation, and explosives can move a surprising amount of rock. They're buried too deep. I'll inform the townsfolk to add the winners of the mutiny took the losers and spaced them all. There's not enough evidence to contradict that story."

Mal looked at Whitmer for a long moment. "Done this more'n once, can see that. Never been found?" Michael shook his head. "Thought so. Like Jayne said, get some shut-eye. G'night." He took Inara's hand and left the room, followed by the others.

Soon, Michael and Mara were alone after Lucy left a pot of coffee. Whitmer sat there, elbows on the table, his hands folded and his chin resting on them as he stared hard at the far wall. After a few minutes, he glanced upstairs, just as Brath walked down. "Sit down."

She did, and said, "I know you're mad at me for Carlson, Snake, but I had my reasons. He's not a bad guy, but he followed his orders, and that can't slide."

"Understood. What I want to know is what's gotten into you. Why'd you let it out so suddenly? You've always had yourself under control."

"You're right, and I still am, but being pregnant makes it harder. If I hadn't purged it with blood, you'd have a bigger problem," the dragon replied. "I haven't changed as much as you let others believe. I'm surprised you keep trying. You're as bad as I am, if not worse. I thought you didn't care what others thought."

"It's different here. They know, but I don't want them to see it. Reading isn't the same, and it's always worse, especially if they don't believe it completely."

Brath looked upstairs, then at Mara, who shrugged. "They don't?"

"Who ever did? They saw it back home, but they haven't here. Mal still thinks I didn't actually break anyone. I can see it in his mind. If I ever do, that could turn him against us, and we can't afford that. Not unless we have no other choice. Mal's still an honourable man, in spite of his outward behaviour. I'd prefer him on our side."

Mara looked at them, her face unreadable. "Should I be hearing this?"

"You should. You're a Blackstar, now. We don't keep many secrets. We can't afford to. As I told the others earlier, we're a family first, a military organisation second. That's never changed, even from the days of the Ghostriders or Task Force 88. As much as I might disparage him, the Fox had the right thought behind his actions, and I agreed. I can't go back on that, now or ever. I won't be a hypocrite, or I'll destroy what I've done as surely as thought I'd fired the shots and set the charges," Michael said candidly. "They depend on me, even though they can take care of themselves." He gave a twisted smile. "Every family needs its father figure."

Mara reached out and took his hand. "Yes, we do, and yes, it's all true. You can say you're not happy with it, but that's a lie. You're not happy unless you're taking care of someone. It's how you were raised, isn't it?"

"She's good," Brath said as Michael shifted into Wolf form. "She'd be a good addition to Team Jaguar. Trieva could use the help."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We still have to deal with whatever Longshore's going to throw at us, and perhaps Blue Sun." Whitmer stood, walked out onto the veranda with his coffee and lit up as they followed him. He looked up at the stars and finally recognized his position in the galaxy. "Well, now I know where we are. Starbase 9 should be near that small nebula," he said, pointing to the south-western horizon. "And I located Earth on the trip to Persephone." He sighed. "I have to wonder how they're doing, Brath. Peace has broken out again, but how long will it last?"

"Are you talking about the Federation, or the Republic? And which 'verse?" She took his free hand and sighed. "Can't you for once just worry about the mess we're in, instead of what you can't help? You kept telling everyone the 'verse doesn't care what we want, it'll just go on as it pleases. You can't change that."

Michael took a puff and scowled. "I know. Too much time spent with Nick, the eternal optimist. I've done and planned for about all I can, but I can't help worrying. Well, as the line goes, 'Hope for the best, plan for the worst.' I'll just have to let the rest take care of itself."

"Bed time?" Mara asked. Michael nodded. "Then you get the middle. That way, I can get to the floor without being noticed."

Michael rolled his eyes. "You're both going to be the death of me yet."

"Not for lack of trying."

The next day, everyone was up early, intending to finish what work remained and get back into the black. Breakfast was consequently rushed.

Mal, Jayne, Simon, Jim, Michael and Gideon took the mule into town, while Zoe, Mara, Kaylee, Clarissa, Inara and Brath stayed behind to finish at the house. When they arrived, the men quickly joined in the remaining construction. The half-destroyed storage warehouse was left to the transport company that owned it; Mal was informed they'd arrive some time in the next two weeks. He gave it no more thought.

Back at the house, Clarissa and River replaced window panes, while Zoe and Brath helped with the general running of the place. A few customers arrived and were seen to, and they tipped somewhat lavishly, as though to help make up for the trouble everyone had been through.

Everyone gathered at Serenity's ramp when the work was finished, except for the girls and boys, and Petaline said, "Thanks, y'all. Couldn'a done it without ya."

Mal nodded as Michael replied, "Ain't a thing. Kinda' our fault. You gonna be okay?"

"Should. If like ya said, they's gonna be thinkin' this over a while, an' y'all's gonna be startin' trouble someplace else. Oughta forget about us, dong ma?" Petaline said. "Ya feel a need, come back an' visit. Maybe can't thank ya what we call properly," she smiled evilly, "But don' let it worry ya none."

Mal watched as Petaline walked up to Michael, hugged him and whispered into his ear. He was surprised to see Whitmer straighten and look at her soberly. "If I can, I will, but don't look for me," Michael replied. "I never know."

"Good enough." Petaline smiled at everyone, then walked back to the house.

"What she say?" Jayne asked.

"Wasn't said, was asked," Whitmer replied.

"And?" Kaylee prompted.

"It's between us. That's all you need to know."

"Spoilsport," Clarissa replied with a gleam in her eye. Could see it in her eyes, Snake.

Then leave it there, Khashi. "I guess we're ready. Mal?"

"Got nothin' keepin' us. All aboard." As everyone else embarked and made their way to stations or bunks, Reynolds glanced at Michael. "She ask what I'm thinkin'? Wants your kid?"

"Shouldn't have had to ask, Mal. Don't ask why; I still don't know what they see." Whitmer shrugged. "I may never know, or even guess right. Too many reasons, and who understands women to begin with?"

Mal chuckled as Zoe slapped the back of Michael's head as she passed. "Watch that, or you'll find out," Washburne said as she continued inside.

"Guess that answers ya."

"Right. Lift-off in five minutes, or whenever Kaylee's ready." Mal nodded and they boarded Serenity, separating at the catwalk as Reynolds entered the kitchen for some coffee. Michael arrived to find Mara and River in the co-pilot and Operations seats. "Still don't want this seat?" River shook her head. "But he left a couple months ago."

"Doesn't matter," Cobb replied. "Still doesn't feel right. I can still feel him there, and I can't ignore it like you can."

"Same here," Mara said.

Michael sighed and took the position. "All right, but you can't use that as an excuse forever."

"Once it's gone, I will."

Fair enough." Michael hit the intercom. "Kaylee, you got us warmed-up, or just you an' Simon?"

"Wouldn' be here, was just me an' Simon," Tam answered with a smile in her voice. "Girl's just comin' on line, Michael. Ready in five."

"All right. Starting our check-list now. Warning in three." Michael didn't say a word after that; all three had worked together long enough to know what was done with only a glance, by listening to the switches as they were activated or watching the holographic displays. A final glance and a single nod between them concluded their preparations, as the Ready light from the engine room blinked on.

"Didn' see it, wouldn'a believed it," Mal said as he walked forward from the door to stop between the consoles. "You an' yours do that all the time?"

"Sure do," Michael replied. "Most don't notice it, as it's how well the crews work together, in and out of Starfleet. Most civilian crews are former Starfleet officers, or trained on similar systems or circumstances. Must be unnerving," he finished with a smile.

"Sure is. We ready?"

"Soon as you say the word, Mal, we're gone."

"Then let's git. Need ta see what's goin' on, dan nang. Need some word," Reynolds said, reaching for the intercom. "A'right, y'all, hang on. We's headin' out. Next stop, Space Bazaar Sky Plex. Might have some word waitin'."

Michael let River take Serenity out of atmo, relaxing as he smoked, while Mara watched the engine monitors. He took a pair of headphones from his pocket, plugged them in and turned on some music without taking his eyes from the view forward. "And here we go again," he murmured softly.

Two weeks later, Serenity approached the Sky Plex, her new sensors noting and recording who was there or approaching for the next day or two. Mal watched the displays with some remaining disbelief, then glanced forward. "Looks like business as usual," he said to his copilot.

"Feels it, Mal," Brath replied. "If there's anyone after you, they're good at hiding it. Like we keep saying, can't hide from a Reader. There aren't enough folk as knows how. They never had to."

Reynolds nodded. "Like havin' the advantage, gotta say. Makes life less interestin', dong ma?"

The dragon smiled. "It does, but we never worried about it. Always had back-up, and firepower." She resumed looking forward. "Like to think this 'verse could be a second home, but ain't sure we'd do any good. Everyone's used to how things work now. Changing a government isn't something you do on a whim, or in a short time, and that's peacefully. Nobody likes someone coming in and saying, 'Guess what? You're following our rules now.' I doubt the former Independents would, even if it worked in their favor. Bet they'd be gun-shy. Never mind the Alliance would prob'ly fight to the death." She shook her head sadly. "We'd be doing what they did, and nobody'd like it."

Mal found himself nodding. "Could be they deserve it, but ya ain't wrong. There's them as could say sommat like y'all wasn't no better." He paused, then chuckled ruefully. "Never thought I'd hear myself sayin' the like, neither."

"We sometimes surprise ourselves that way. There's no 'one size fits all' government, at least that we ever saw. Not sure there is one, dong ma? Too many people, too many ways of living, too many points of view, and that's not counting how religions make it spin. Anyone who thinks he can figure out human behavior like solving a math problem is fooling himself. Too many variables, and most folk ain't logical all the time. Then there's the ones that don't want to be bothered by anyone, even with advice. Know-it-alls who really don't."

Reynolds nodded again. "Damn straight y'all know folk. Guess livin' near ta forever does that."

Brath chuckled evilly. "Close, but even with loads of experience we still miss a few things. Have to tell you about it, but that'll have to wait for the next run." She looked at him inquiringly. "Pick up jobs here?"

"Can, but ain't in a while. Have ta look an' see."

"All right. If you've got it, I'll tell the others."

"Got it." Mal watched her leave in the reflection from a screen. "Thought I'd seen ever'thin', includin' crazy women."

The crew – except for Jim, Clarissa, Mara and Zoe – wandered through the sky-plex, calm but watchful. Mal was sure they'd be found and hounded by the carney they'd "exposed" the last time, but Michael said, "Forget him. After the scare, folk would see that 'alien' wasn't, and they'd toss him off. Whether onto a ship or not, I don't really care."

"Yer a vicious man," Jayne commented with a smile. "Still cain't figger why ya turned out so good."

"Neither can I. When I do, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again. Ow!" Michael looked at Brath accusingly.

"Watch that, you. Some things aren't funny," Brath replied crossly. "It's not a joke, and my child isn't going to have a father who thinks he's a jerk. Got it?"

"Techy when they's expectin' ain't they?" Janye asked, just before River elbowed him. "See?"

Mal looked at Inara, and said, "Keepin' it zipped. Ain't stupid."

Serra smiled gently. "There's hope for you yet." She stopped and stiffened, then ducked behind everyone.

"What?" Mal looked around, trying to see who or what had distressed his wife. "What's goin' on?"

River said, "Eleven o'clock, Mal. The man in green. He feels like Gideon did, but colder."

Everyone looked as the man and three others approached. Their eyes looked empty and cold. "Malcolm Reynolds?"

"Mebbe, dependin' who's askin'."

"My name is John, and I've come for Inara Serra."

"Why?" Michael replied.

"Companion's Guild business, which is none of yours," the man replied haughtily.

"Well, ain't no Inara Serra here," Mal replied. "Left my boat on Boros, month or two back. If'n she's still there, don' know. Ain't my lookout."

"I don't believe you." The man's brown eyes glittered. "I'm going to inspect your ship, 'Captain' Reynolds, and you'll let me, if you want to keep your license."

Mal began to cloud up until Michael responded, his cultured accent coming out in full. "I think not. The Guild has no jurisdiction off Sihnon. Certainly not outside its Houses, none over privately-owned ships, and no authority whatsoever in the eyes of the Alliance." He glared down at "John", his eyes going opaque. "And as a representative of Minister Harrow, I assure you I know these facts are correct." He looked at the four, his face and voice calm, but stony. "You will go back to your ship and inform your superiors they should expect a formal complaint forthwith."

The men backed away. Their leader stammered silently, his eyes round with surprise. No one had ever spoken to him that way. "We will see about that."

"You don't want that," Simon replied as he stepped forward. "Alliance law looks very dimly on coerced enforcement of Guild rules, even if they applied here, which they don't. Inara Serra is not aboard Serenity."

"You're one to talk about rules, Simon Tam."

Simon looked at him with a thin smile. "I did what I had to do. Can you say the same, and still hold the moral high ground?" When "John" didn't reply, he nodded and said, "I didn't think so. Inara Serra left Serenity on Boros. Why don't you go there and leave honest citizens alone? Harrassing us isn't your job."

"John" looked at everyone balefully. "This isn't over," he muttered over his shoulder as he turned and stalked away.

When he was out of sight, Inara said, "We have to go, or I do. At least back to Serenity. They're here to take me back, willing or unwilling."

"That's not happening," Michael growled. "Brath and I will take Inara back, and make sure she gets there."

"A'right. Y'all go, an' make it snappy." Mal watched as Whitmer and Draco escorted Inara in a round-about path back to Serenity. "River, ya int'rested in backin' 'em up? Might be they got friends somewhere." Cobb nodded after looking up at her husband; Mal didn't think it was for permission. Jayne growled gently, "Ain't happenin'. Git her back home, darlin'." River smiled briefly, then slipped away and vanished among the passers-by. "Juh jen she guh kwai luh duh jean jan, Mal."

"That ain't a lie. Tired o' folk gettin' in our way, dan nang. Ain't puttin' up with no more."

"Do you think they'll be waiting, or follow us?" Simon asked.

"Mebbe," Jayne replied. "Cain't figger they'd just let go, neither."

"Likely follow. Startin' a fight here ain't smart. Guild can't afford the bad rep," Mal said after a moment's thought. "Question's when an' where they hit us." He looked in the direction Michael, Brath and Inara had gone. "Let's go. There's work needs doin'." He turned abruptly and walked away. After a moment the others followed.

Zoe sat in the co-pilot's seat, listening to the sounds made by the service technicians as they refueled and inspected Serenity. The scrabbling noises on the hull were comforting; just people going about their business, making a living. She sat up and flipped a switch then the incoming call message appeared above the controls. "This is Serenity. What can we do for y'all?"

"It's Michael. We ran into the Guild, and they're here for Inara. We're on our way back with her while Mal finds something," Whitmer replied. "Have Jim and Clarissa get ready to repel boarders, Zoe. They backed off, but I don't think they'll give up. Their kind never do."

Zoe nodded to herself. "Brath with ya?"

"Affirmative. Be there in about a minute. Whitmer out."

Washburne shook herself. Nobody could miss how Michael changed when trouble was close. She exited the Bridge and found Wainwright and DuValle in the dining area. "Michael's bringin' Inara back. Guild's on the 'plex, an' he thinks they'll try somethin'. Get ready, just in case," she said crisply. About the same as Michael, she thought.

Jim nodded. "Didn' think would be this soon," he said as he and Clarissa stood up. "Guess ain't gettin' a break for a while." The two walked aft and downstairs. Zoe turned and went to her bunk, putting on her gunbelt at the last notch. Won't be able to wear it much longer, she thought as she picked up her carbine and shotgun. When she arrived on the cargo deck, Jim and Clarissa were waiting near the hatchway. "A'right. Y'all take a side, an' just watch. Soon as Michael gets Inara inside, we oughta be ready ta go, so start warmin' our girl up, dong ma?"

"No worries, Zoe," Clarissa replied. "They want her, gonna have ta get us all. Ain't happenin'."

Michael scanned the crowd for anything out of place, both visually and mentally. All he found was the usual. "What're they most likely to do?" he asked quietly.

Inara thought briefly as they walked. "I don't know. It won't be in public. Mal's right, they can't afford the damage to their reputation."

"That's not much help," Brath replied.

"So we stay out of places we can be trapped," Michael said as they returned to the docking area. "I wish Keith was here. He's bad news."

"Who?"

"Keith Dawson. He's from another 'verse, and he's been re-worked. Cyberware. Stronger, quicker and has blades installed. He's very dangerous in a brawl, and there's more. The problem with that is do we want Shadowrun here?"

Inara looked at him as they continued. "What are you talking about?"

"We'll tell you when we're aboard," Brath answered. "Too much to tell."

Reynolds rolled her eyes. "You keep saying that."

"I wouldn't, if it wasn't true," Whitmer replied.

Inara nodded as she glanced back. "I can't imagine living as long as the books hint, Michael. How do you stand it?"

"Take it one day at a time, and stay busy so I don't think about it. Of course, I've grown used to the idea, but still, contemplating only a hundred years will shake you. The only bright spot, if that applies, is when something new or different comes along to make it worth the boredom." Whitmer smiled briefly. "That and remembering the people I've met. Some were scum, but most were kind, good and decent folk. Wouldn't trade meeting them for anything."

"Does that include us?"

"Of course," Brath replied as they turned into the docking area to see Serenity waiting. "Of the lot, you're up in the top ten percent."

Michael glanced back and caught sight of River. He smiled when he looked forward. "Thanks, Mal." Any problems, Albatross? He felt her smile. Not yet, Uncle Mike. Clear. Brath and Inara looked at him curiously. "River's on our six. I'm surprised you didn't expect it."

"Did you?" Reynolds asked skeptically. Whitmer shook his head. "You took it for granted?"

"A little. When someone does what I know they'll do, I barely notice. When it's unexpected I take notice, and then wonder what else is happening." Inara looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded.

The man watched as the trio walked into the docking area, his eyes bright and unreadable. He nodded, then murmured into his comms, "They're returning to that piece of go se, just as you thought. What next?"

The voice that replied didn't belong to "John". It sounded an awful lot like Michael. "That's all for now. I'd say they're looking for employment. Wait until they leave and follow. This time, don't get within a day of them. Let them think they're free. You know how this works." The channel clicked off, and the observer watched until they were aboard, then walked to the opposite end of the docks toward his own ship.

Mal and Simon looked at the listings as Janye and Kaylee talked to various people in an informal labor mart. Not only were there notices for cargoes, but ships and crews looking for each other. The men occasionally asked each other about an entry, and received a head-shake. The replies were either, "Too risky" or "Not worth the pay". One couldn't tell who was the captain if one didn't know.

Jayne and Kaylee joined them, shaking their heads in disgust. "Ain't nothin' goin', Mal," Mrs. Tam said. "What is ain't 'zac'ly healthy."

"Gathered that, Kaylee. All's leavin' here's goin' ta Central Planets." Mal's eyes narrowed as he wondered what some of the in-bound cargoes were that someone would take the risks. "Damn straight, ain't healthy."

"Not all the time," a familiar voice said from behind them. They turned to see Marris standing a meter away. "Good day, Mal."

"Not by half." When Gideon looked at him, Reynolds explained, "Guild's after Inara. Showed up here."

"Ah, yes. I should tell you they won't stop until they have her, Mal. It's a matter of face-saving."

Mal nodded, then asked, "What can do for ya?"

"I happen to be one of those needing to go to the Central Planets. Not only can I pay, but I know some routes not even the Alliance military patrols. For some reason, everyone believes they're far too dangerous to travel," Gideon replied with a little smile.

Jayne made a sound of anoyance. "Why ain't I surprised?"

"I'm sure Micheal has said everyone needs a few secrets. What do you say, Mal?"

Reynolds looked at the man for a long moment, then held out his hand. "Where, an' how soon?"

Michael looked up when the message came in: "Wake up, y'all. Got a job. Get ready." He looked out to see everyone, as well as the extra. "Ah, this should be good," Whitmer said to himself as he grabbed the microphone. "Ever'one's back, Jim. Let 'em aboard. Thinkin' we're leavin' soon."

"Gotcha, Michael." Whitmer began pre-flight checks as Clarissa reported, "Serenity's all warmed up, Michael. Bettin' Mal 'preciates it." she said in a wicked tone.

"Me-ow," Mara commented from the co-pilot's seat. "Is this what it's like aboard November One?"

"Not so much, and we're considered downright flagrant by Starfleet. They have no idea," Michael replied. He chuckled. "Ready, normal people?"

"Stop that," Inara said as she walked onto the Bridge to see Mal. She blinked in surprise. "What does he want?"

"Passage, looks like," Michael replied. "Doesn't have more than he left with." Mara appeared to concentrate, and Whitmer added, "Leave the man alone. There's no hurry. If you want to join my organisation, you'll have to learn to curb your impulses."

Inara looked between them. "I shouldn't be surprised. It's not quite beastiality," she said with a smile.

Michael snorted. "Not to me. It's 'normal', whatever the bloody hell that is."

"Speak for yourself. It's freaky to me," Mara replied, her eyes gleaming wickedly. "That's why it's so much fun."

"Let's not break Mal; I don't know if Simon can put him back together."

"As you wish, Inara." Michael reached for the intercom. "Ready when you are, Mal. Where to?"

"Git us some room, first. Tell ya when I get there," Reynolds replied.

"Hmm, sounds ominous," Mara said with a grin. "Sounds kinda fun, too."

"Yep, I'm a bad example."

Mrs Reynolds smiled, leaned over and kissed Michael's cheek. "And you're enjoying every second of it." Michael chuckled and said nothing. When Inara turned to leave, he saw a man step into the gallery to watch the ship. Their eyes met, and they nodded.

Mal arrived after undocking and said, "Set a dog-leg course ta Ariel. Gideon's goin' in, an' someone's comin' out. Ain't said who, yet. Man's a few shades paranoid, dong ma?"

"Happens he's got a reason, Mal," Michael said as he nodded forward. Mal looked at the man who stood in the gallery, then walked away to the docks.

"Guild?"

"No, I think one o' Schwarzchild's boys, or Julian's. Doesn't fit the Alliance mold, take my meanin'?"

Mal looked at him. "What, ya joinin' us again? Ain't gonna play society?"

"I only play that when I have to, or feel like it." Michael looked forward after glancing at Mara. All she did was shrug. "Wonder if they're gettin' impatient, or wondering why I ain't come after 'em yet." He smiled. "A man who ain't bothered me has no worries, Mal. He starts, that changes."

Reynolds found himself nodding. "Happens I'm the same. Lemme be, we get along." He paused, then added, "We's repeatin' ourselves."

"Goes away. Eventually."

"A'right. Get us on the way, then we see what Gideon's got ta share." Mal was about to leave, then stopped at the hatchway. "How's Inara?"

"Took ya long enough," Mara replied. "She's okay. Be better when this is done, dan nang. Go on, time ta do captainy and husbandly things, Mal. We got it." Mal looked at her with narrowed eyes, then left the bridge.

"He's gonna ask me ta r'mind ya o' yer place," Michael said as he applied maneuvering thrust.

"He's gonna think it's punishment. Been wrong plenty o' times afore," Mara replied. She looked when an indicator flashed, and the holograph displayed a ship following them. "Well, hello there. We know this guy?"

Michael looked, then zoomed in. "He was watching when we left. He doesn't feel like Alliance, so I'm guessing he's Rufus' or Reggie's man. No hurry to find out," Michael replied as he calculated their course and burns. "Let's see how brave and skilled he is, shall we?"

Mara checked the course and grinned viciously. "Five says he makes it."

"You wish. I'm thinking he'll give up when we pass Trowbridge; definitely when we pass DuQuesne. Maybe scare him off, maybe he can't keep up. Either way, won't know where we're goin', and plenty o' room to change. Ready?" Michael asked as he set up for the first burn.

"You know the answer to that."

Three days passed, and Mal walked onto the Bridge to see Michael apply a descent burn to a familiar moon. "What's goin' on? Ain't scheduled for a stop."

Michael smiled maliciously. "U-Day's tomorrow, an' was thinkin' ya might want a re-match, Mal. Browncoats are piss-pots, eh? Let's shove those words down that hundan's throat. Could use the release, I'm thinkin'."

"Funny, you lookin' for a fight, Michael," Mal noted. The past few days had been tense, until their shadow vanished part-way through the second day. "Happens could use a drink, an' didn' like how the fight ended." He smiled slightly. "Lessee, think the words 'Make it so' belongs here."

Michael and River chuckled evilly. "You got it Mal. Happens ain't been in a real knock-down-drag-out in seems like ages. Get it out of our systems, dan nang."

"Why cain't we go?" Jayne asked.

"Said wasn' your war, r'member?" Mal replied. "Zoe's stayin' for reasons should be obvious. Simon, Kaylee an' River don' need ta get mixed up in this. Happens Michael's right, wanna shove that ruttin' clown's words back down. None o' y'all gotta stake in this, but ain't goin' in alone."

"Another reason is Mal can check with his contacts, see what's up," Michael added as he shrugged into his duster. "First priority's info, then we can break things."

"Business before pleasure," Brath said. "Beat them down, no killing. Not worth it." Everyone looked at her, which prompted her to add, "It's out of my system. Dragons are like wolves: you mess with our family, you get hurt. That's why Michael tends to disappear after bad missions." She glanced at Whitmer, who looked away. "The last one was bad. We lost some friends, just after we got to know them."

"But you're gonna let 'em live, right?" Kaylee asked.

"I won't kill them, but I can't promise won't tear them up. Once it starts, can't shut it down easy."

River stepped forward. "I'm coming. You'll need the back-up, Mal. Something's not right."

Reynolds looked at her serious expression, then nodded. "Never say nothin' for no reason, can see that. A'right. Stay outta sight. Think ya got that one down," he finished with a thin smile. "Mara, stay on the bridge. Maybe we'll have ta leave quick, like last time. Might need ta put another crater in this here moon, dong ma?"

"No problem, Mal. Just you don't go flying through the front window. Never looks good for a captain." Michael tried and failed to smother a laugh in his hand. "See? Just ask him."

Mal rolled his eyes, then grinned. "Ya got it, darlin'. Don' wreck my boat gettin' us outta a fix." He turned to Whitmer, Cobb and Draco. "Let's go. Need a drink afore any fightin'."

The trio sat at table, quietly drinking as Mal talked to the waitress/dancer. Her initial surprise changed to a genuine smile as they talked. Michael found himself wondering how they'd met, and agreed to work together until Brath and River kicked him under the table. "Knock it off, you two. I'm male, and that won't change. Get over it."

Brath smiled evilly as she waved over the other waitress and placed an order for more ouzo. "Good thing you are, and can do what you do, or I'd have to replace you," she sneered gently. Her eyes narrowed as the bat-wing doors flapped open, and a loud voice shouted, "Drink! Gotta toast ta make!"

"Ah, Mal's best friend," River said, her eyes glittering. "He's a loser. Never took up arms, except to impress the other yokels, or shoot down Browncoats he has outnumbered," she finished scathingly. "What a waste of skin."

Mal returned to the table without being seen by the rabble that strutted in behind the mouth, and said, "Yep, real hero, that one. Got a line on other work, Niska an' such. Have ta wait a little, though. Guess we're gonna get that fight ya wanted, Michael."

Whitmer lounged in his chair and grinned as he cracked his knuckles. "Gonna enjoy m'self, Mal. Never did like bullies, like I said." He stood up and sauntered toward the bar. "Gettin' a re-fill. Be right back."

Mal watched, then turned to River, who said, "He's doing it. Won't need back-up." Reynolds sat down to watch and sipped his drink.

"I said a toast! Been seven years since the Alliance put those piss-pot Browncoats in their place, and I say good riddance. Unification!" The speaker looked as mangy as he had before as he glanced around, looking for anyone who didn't join in, and his eyes settled on Michael. He walked up close, putting his face right by Michael's. "I said a toast. Whatcha got against that?" He noticed how Michael was dressed, and sneered, "What, ya don' like celebratin, Fed?"

"Got no problem celebratin', 'ceptin' the company. Ain't here for you, friend," Michael replied as Mal finished his drink.

"Lookee here! Got a Fed won't drink with us honest folk! That's insultin'!" the man slurred. From the smell of liquor, he'd been celebrating before he arrived, and it was obvious he was looking for a fight. Michael laughed at the words honest folk, earning an angry glare.

"Yeah? Honest folk don' celebrate U-Day 'less they took up arms. Don' see any unit patch on ya, an' got no scars ya prob'ly ain't put on yerself." Michael looked the man in the eyes and snarled, "Go scare some children and women-folk. Ain't got time for loud-mouths an' blow-hards. The Independents was wrong, but they fought and took their beatin' like men, 'stead o' whiny little momma's-boys that runs when it gets rough."

The bar went silent as everyone watched the two standing face to face. "Take that back," the man said as his friends stood up and moved to stand in a circle around them.

"What's wrong, hero?" Michael asked softly. "Can't do anything without back-up? One riot to take down one Fed, that it?"

The man took out a knife and held it near Michael's face. "Said take that back. Ya don', gonna cut ya good."

Michael laughed in his face as he stepped back and drew his own knife. "Bring it on, ya think ya can take a veteran o' Serenity Valley, blow-hard."

"Piss-pot. Ya ain't nothin'." He lunged, leading with the knife. Michael stepped to one side and his fist connected with the man's face as he stumbled past. He turned and parried the knife that came at him from the left as the drunkard staggered into the table. Mal and Brath stood up quickly as he yelled, "You!"

Mal blocked the punch and returned the favor, then slammed into the man's other friend as he ran in. Brath grabbed a chair and threw it into the next attacker's gut, and waded into him, kneeing him in the groin. A shot rang out, and they looked to see River flipping the gun's owner over into the jukebox, then spin around to chop a broken bottle from the wiry Chinese's hand before breaking his nose.

The fight made everyone else seek cover. The barkeeper ducked as the loud-mouth slammed against the bar, shook his head and ran back in, grabbing Whitmer from behind in a bear hug. Michael's head slammed into his face, and he let go, falling to one side as another of his friends swung a pool cue, which Michael ducked under, catching it across his back as it broke. He kicked, simultaneously sheathing the knife, and then clothes-lined the man who rushed at River with a chair.

The barkeeper popped back up with a shotgun and shouted, "Take it outside!" Michael complied by throwing his assailant out the window and diving after him. Brath took advantage of a brief show of chivalry to drag her opponent out through the doors. Mal charged the pair that followed, plowing into them and driving them through after her. River drove an elbow into another's gut and kneed his face when he doubled over, then tossed him after Michael. She ducked as the last one missed her and joined his companions.

It wasn't quite the "Maidenhead Massacre", but after a vicious brawl, Serenity's crew stood over the others, panting and checking various bruises, scrapes and cuts. Michael kicked the one who wouldn't stay down in the stomach, then walked over to the loud-mouth, grabbed him by one ear and snarled, "Had enough, or we gotta get mean?" The man drew his gun, and Michael grabbed it away. "Guess not." He threw it over the cliff after punching him unconscious.

Mal walked over, shaking his hand and grimacing. "Well, didn' exactly want a fight, but felt good ta paste that tian sheng de ye dui rou some. Y'all?"

River watched as the bar's patrons left the windows, where they'd been watching, and checked the long scrape on her leg. "Felt good, Mal." She stopped and looked at Michael. "I didn't cripple anyone, just like I wanted."

"Good," Brath said as she tied her hair back up. "Get anything, Mal?"

"Yeah. Niska's got a bounty on us, which ain't surprisin'. No takers, though. Ain't sure it's 'cause o' him, or us."

Michael chuckled as he wiped blood from the cut on his forehead. "After today, prob'ly be us." He took out a comm-link and said, "Come an' get us, Mara. Fight's over."

"Right away. Be there in two."

"Ya dai dai liumang! Why'd ya throw my gun?"

"His head must be harder than I tought." Michael walked over and put his foot in the center of the man's chest. "Ya don't want it gone, don't draw. Simple. Ya want it, gotta work for it, dong ma? Prob'ly the most honest work ya gonna do." He stopped and stood up, hands up as a shotgun was pumped. He looked to see the last of the loud-mouth's friends standing by the door, covering them. "Might wanna think this over. Gonna hit your boss."

"Don' matter, Browncoat. Yer goin' down, an' ain't gonna rise again," the man replied, glancing at Mal.

A familiar roar announced Serenity arrival, and Mal smiled. "Guess again."

"That piece o' go se can't put a crater," the loud-mouth said as he stood up. "Freighter's unarmed." His mouth dropped open as the fifty spun up and fired one shot, killing the shot-gunner instantly. "Ai ya."

"Happens y'all's kinda behind the times," Mal said as the ramp opened, revealing Wainwright, Jayne and Simon, who aimed various pieces of mean-looking ironmongery. "Y'all get to live, an' mebbe learn. Ain't a thing, either way. Be seein' ya," he said before following Brath, River and Michael aboard. He closed the ramp, reached the intercom and said, "Let's get the di yu outta here, Mara."

"You got it, Mal," she replied as Serenity rose, heading for the black.

Reynolds sat on a container as the guns were put away, and Simon began checking everyone's injuries. "I assume you learned what you were looking for," Gideon's voice said from a few feet away.

"Happens we did. Niska put a bounty on us. Guessin' he ain't happy from last time was there."

Marris nodded. "When you're ready, I'll tell you where and who, Mal. You might not like it." He glanced at Simon as he checked River, then added, "I'm positive they won't."

Mal looked at him for a few moments. "Gotta feelin' we's goin' near to Osiris." Marris shrugged. "Fair enough. Gimme an hour. Gotta change my shirt."

"Fair enough. There's no hurry."

Everyone gathered in the dining area to find Whitmer and Marris leaning over the holo-plotter, which had a familiar structure above it. "You can't be serious," Simon protested. "They'll recognize us."

"You won't be going, Simon," Gideon replied. "Michael, Brath and I will."

"Why's that?" Jayne asked.

Michael smiled thinly. "Anyone who can afford it goes to the Core for treatment. Y'all know the best facilities and treatments are there." He sobered. "We'll be meeting Gideon's contact there, after using Brath's examination as cover."

"Won't they notice anything unusual? Brath is a dragon."

Brath smiled. "All they can do is compare my medical data, and we have that. The only thing we have to worry about is if they decide to search for my records, but we don't think so. If you have money, they'll over-look just about anything." Simon's face went pale, but he nodded. "We're not insulting you, Simon. The system was that way long before you were born."

"I wish that wasn't true, but I can't change that," Tam replied softly.

"Ya sayin' docs look t'other way?" Mal asked.

"Like the old saying goes, 'Money talks, gou pi walks'," Brath replied. "Celebrities used to routinely go into hospitals for check-ups, and their doctors seldom mentioned their problems. The only time they went into rehab was when their careers were at stake."

Simon nodded. "That hasn't changed," he grumbled.

"Ain't ya worried someone's gonna spot ya?" Jayne asked. "One o' them blue-hands got away. Could be he might be there."

"That's a possibility, but a very slim one," Marris replied. "Blue Sun doesn't send its operatives out unless they have good reason. No one's seen Michael or Brath anywhere but Persephone, and why would they?"

"We still can't ignore it," Inara commented.

"We won't, but we have no reason to worry, unless there's a bounty on us, and I doubt that," Michael replied. "Those after us won't want anyone else to know."

"Ain't goin' in unarmed," Mal said. "Could get ugly, things go wrong."

"We won't be carrying, but we're never unarmed," Brath replied. Reynolds flashed-back to the brawl, and nodded.

"Who we meetin', an' where? Said was meetin' a contact. Who's the real cargo?"

Marris looked at Simon and River, then replied, "You had a clue earlier, from what Captain Harken told me. Gabriel Tam. Things have grown uncomfortable for him since Miranda. He had nothing to do with the circumstances, but you are his children."

"What's happened?"

"Nothing obvious, but since your parents divorced, there's been an on-going smear campaign against him," Gideon told him. "Rumours, mostly, but lately it's escalated into vandalism and threats. He's worried it may come to violence, and I doubt he can defend himself against that. He's a doctor."

Simon's face was a study in conflicting emotions, with anger and curiosity fighting for the lead. "Mother left him? Why?"

Gideon slid a record through the hologram. "You'll find it all there. I'm certain you'd prefer to view it privately, until you're ready to let everyone else know."

Tam picked it up gingerly, as though it might bite him. "Thank you."

"Why'd they divorce?" Michael asked.

"I'd let Simon explain that," Gideon replied gently. Michael nodded after studying Simon's face as he and River walked away.

"Man like that cain't just up an' walk away," Jayne said. "Doctor's got it easy. Never make it on the Outer Worlds. Don't zac'ly pay good, dong ma?"

"I'll inform everyone when Simon lets me. We'll meet my contact on Ariel, then on to Osiris, once we have the information we need."

"Thinkin' they's watchin' him?" Mal asked. Marris nodded. "Gonna take some work, gettin' him out. Need intel."

"We'll be getting that on Ariel. The risk was too great to go further. If this is meant to draw you out, we'll have to be ready for anything short of a Cruiser. That can't be justified."

"Assumin' it's the Alliance, 'stead o' Blue Sun," Zoe observed. "They done the work, an' can't see Parliament goin' down alone."

Gideon smiled. "The other reason you held that valley for so long. No wonder you've lasted as long as you have." Zoe shrugged with a half-smile.

"Okay, what else we gonna need?"

"That'll have to wait for the meeting, Mal. We can't plan until we know what we're going into," Whitmer said. "You got away by sheer luck the last time. Can't trust to luck too much. Ain't no lady; she's a fickle little tchen wah."

"A'right, but make sure got ever'thin' covered 'fore we start," Reynolds answered. "Don' wanna sound cheap, but how's he payin'? Mighta locked-down all his accounts."

"I don't know the specifics, but he's been making transfers and purchases to put his funds beyond that," Marris replied. "He's not hurting, but it's not helping him. It's not easy, either, making that much money disappear. They may be watching him for everything that's been said. We can't know."

"Like ever' other time," Jayne said. "Ain't a surprise."

Kaylee sat there, watching the corridor, and finally asked, "What ya think Simon's thinkin', right now?"

"Don' wanna know, mei-mei," Michael answered. "Truth ain't always pretty."

Simon sat on the bed, looking at the record in his hand. He was torn between wanting to know and not wanting to know what had happened. After a few half-hearted attempts to play it, he handed it to River. "I can't. I just can't, mei-mei."

River nodded and accepted the record. "I know. I'll do it," she said after giving him a comforting hug. She placed the record in the reader, and they watched as their father's image appeared.

"Simon. River. I hope this finds you well," their father began. "Things have grown worse between your mother and I, and Miranda was the last straw. I think she blamed me for everything. She asked for a divorce, and I couldn't refuse. She left three months ago.

"Since then, I've been harrassed and shunned, mostly as a reaction to the wave about Miranda. It didn't take much for everyone to put the pieces together, and guess at your involvement. Up to now it was mostly whispering, but now it's accusations of treason, and I've been finding parts of the property vandalized. They're letting me know – or so it appears – they can hurt or kill me whenever they want to, and it's only a matter of time.

"I'm sending this mostly because I need your help. I've been converting what's left of our money into hard currency and goods, and shipping them elsewhere, and preparing to leave. The plans are a little vague, but I can trust my contact. If you can forgive my mistakes, please help me. If you can't, I can understand, and I'll get out on my own. I hope we can see each other again, so I can explain. If you'll let me."

He paused, then said, "I'm sorry how this all turned out. Until we meet again." The record ended with his hopeful smile. They sat there, slightly shocked at how old he looked. It had only been five years.

River looked at Simon, who stared at the deck. "Are we going?"

"Yes, and we'll help however we can. Even after all the trouble we had, I can't believe any of this was his fault."

River retrieved the record, then stood up and took his hand. "Let's go tell the others. They need to know."

When they returned, Simon was surprised to see his own house on the plotter, with Mal, Jayne and Jim looking at it closely. Michael and Zoe were nowhere to be found. "You're going through with it?" he asked as Kaylee hugged him.

"Sure are," Mal confirmed. "Michael thinks they's more goin' on, an' he's gettin' his gear ready."

Gideon walked in and said, "I've informed my contact we'll be there in three days." When he saw Simon's face, he added, "I took the liberty of viewing that. There's more data, and we'll need access to it." Tam nodded and set the record on the table before heading forward.

"Where ya goin'?" Jayne asked.

"I'm going to ask Michael for a loan," Simon replied as he exited.

"He gonna ask for guns?" Cobb asked his wife. She nodded, and he said, "Ain't gonna be good, Mal. Simon did a'right afore, but dunno about this. Too close, dong ma?"

"He wants to know," Marris replied. "Michael and I had a discussion en route to Deadwood, and we believe it was more Mrs Tam's doing than anyone else. They wanted Simon, and she let them create River so she could keep him."

"Made a deal with the Devil," Mal said after a few moments' thought. "Problem is, devil don' always let go, I see it. Like Michael said afore, 'Ain't over 'til I say it is.' Couldn'a been good, dan nang. Badger ain't too dif'ren'."

"Fair to say," Gideon agreed.

"Albatross? Ya okay?"

River looked at Mal. "You were there when Michael scanned me, and you heard it. I knew parts, but not all of it, and I want to know as badly as Simon. You can't believe it until you hear it from someone involved, and I want to hear it from her. Just to see if anyone can really be that cold-blooded." Her face never changed from its unnerving calm.

"Cap'n? This true?" Kaylee asked in an appalled whisper. When Reynolds nodded, she half-moaned, "Ai ya. Ain't right."

"Ain't a lie, darlin'."

Michael looked up when Simon approached, and saw the look in his eyes. "So you know, or some of it."

"I want them again," Tam replied with a growl.

"Not until we retrieve your father," Whitmer replied flatly. "That's not up for negotiation, Simon. I don't need an undisciplined tyro mucking it all up. Intelligence before action, unless you want him dead."

Simon began to cloud up until Whitmer finished his speech, and he sighed. "You're right. It's impossible to believe, but it all makes sense. I'm surprised I haven't gone mad."

"How do you know you haven't?" Michael asked with a grin, and Tam chuckled. "Exactly. I've said more than once you have to be a bit mad to live in this or any 'verse. There was a time on Earth-that-was where you had no choice: the Cold War period. Everyone seemed to take the threat of nuclear annihilation in stride, when it should have horrified them. But ignorance is bliss. I can't see that changing."

"How could one remain ignorant of that? I can't see it."

"I can't explain it well, but everyone was too busy making a living and going about their lives to think of it. I don't see that as a bad thing, considering the alternatives," Whitmer replied as he removed the Springfields. "Keep these in your room, and give these to River," he added passing over a pair of guns Jayne had taken from Badger's. "They've been re-worked to her specifications. You'll do fine with what you have."

"Why the change?"

"You understand more of what's at stake, now. You didn't have all the facts. You still don't, but you know a bit more, and even that helps." Michael removed the range bag and closed the container. "As I said, intelligence first. Going in blindly isn't an option. It can get you killed."

Simon nodded and returned aft as Brath came down from the bridge. Her gaze never left the doctor until she reached Whitmer's side. "Is he going to be all right, Snake? We've seen that look too many times."

"I know, and he will. Mal said he wasn't weak when they came aboard, and he's right. Simon's strengths are what make him the perfect doctor, and that can be applied to other endeavours. We've seen him at his best, and I doubt we've seen him at his worst." Michael paused, then re-opened the container to retrieve Cassandra and Deborah. "You and Zoe will have over-watch, once we reach Osiris, if it comes to an 'extraction'. No negotiating," he added when Brath started to protest. "I don't have to tell you why, and I shouldn't need to."

"I'm not incapacitated," Brath snapped. "I can see Zoe and Kaylee, but – " She stopped when he turned glowing eyes on her. "Acknowledged, Blackstar One. No unnecessary risks," Brath replied with a sigh. "But don't think for one second I like being left out."

"You're no worse than the others, Brath, and they have to follow the rules. If they apply to me, they apply to everyone, no exceptions. I've lost too many, and getting them back doesn't remove the pain. If anything, it's sharpened for the ones I'll never see again." Brath looked at him in surprise. As far as she knew, he'd never told anyone that. "Now you know why I'm so careful with Trieva and Shel. I don't want to lose them again. It was bad enough with T'Sal."

Brath took his arm and kissed him. "Thank you for trusting me, Chief Barker."

"You've earned it, Commander."

They passed the remaining days practicing. The first day, Michael instructed Simon in slightly more advanced hand-to-hand with Mara's help; he thought if Simon could maintain a grip on her fur, he wouldn't have any trouble with clothing or skin. Brath worked with Kaylee, who didn't want to fight, but wanted more practice defending herself. They were slightly surprised to see River and Inara practicing what had to be Companion techniques; Whitmer recognized various styles, all of which were very effective for anyone.

The second day was spent shooting on a holographic range in the cargo bay, mostly to give the Tams more confidence. Simon and Kaylee had improved, but needed to practice for smoothness rather than speed. After the session, Michael presided over a "free-for-all" where Simon and Kaylee were attacked by the others in succession, mostly to improve their situational awareness, as well as their reflexes. It wasn't perfect, but Whitmer noticed their speed increased along with their confidence.

The third day, Michael, Brath, Jim and Gideon searched Cortex for any information that seemed relevent, with Whitmer simply going where a word or image caught his attention. Everyone had asked about that, and Brath replied, "He calls it free-form association. I've seen it many times, and while you wouldn't think the final item wouldn't be useful, it turns out to be. You'd have to see the path to understand, but sometimes I'm as mystified as you. I don't think anyone who knows Michael truly understands him."

Serenity gracefully soared into atmo, following the flight paths docilely, behaving like any other arrival until they reached the traffic levels, then turned away toward the outskirts of the city. There was still no word of whether the warrants had been rescinded, and the possibility of Blue Sun making an appearance couldn't be ignored. Nobody wanted to meet the "blue hands", especially after they'd seen what Michael and Mara looked like afterwards. The two seemed to be spoiling for another encounter, and no one liked that.

Mal stood in his usual place between the consoles as Mara and River guided them toward the junkyard they'd used before. He didn't think they'd need parts. They'd stripped Michael's fighter and the gunship of everything that could be used, and they had plenty from the other ship from near Lilac. Make a good hide-out, he thought. Ain't gonna notice a Firefly there. Serenity turned as he thought it, and he said, "Cain't ya wait 'til I say it?"

"Save time now to have plenty later," River answered.

"Thought ya was in a hurry, Cap'n," Mara added with an impertinent grin.

Mal rolled his eyes as he kept shut. He knew they'd start on him again, and he didn't want that. Rather tangle with Brath, he thought.

"You're learning."

Michael, Brath and Simon stood by as the car they'd ordered arrived, followed by another. The driver got out and said, "This is a strange place for a pick-up."

"We have our reasons," Michael replied. "Let's say our usual transportation isn't suitable, and leave it there."

The man nodded as he turned over the control module to Simon, who was dressed as a chauffeur. "Everything as you requested, Lord Whitmer. I have to say, it's unusual to arrive in this style for a medical examination. Most have the doctors come to them."

"That's another reason. Our current residence isn't suitable, either." The driver nodded, turned and got into the other car, which pulled out and left. "Well, Simon, are you ready to play your part?"

Tam chuckled. "I was usually the one riding, but I can. Aren't you sure someone else could do it?"

"Right. Mal or Jayne. That would go over well." Simon chuckled again. "Then you're it. Since you know the protocol, this should go more smoothly."

Brath shifted her dress over the bulge, and said, "Can we get on with this? I'm going to need new clothes before long, never mind the rest."

"I think a little shopping afterward is in order. Better yet, we can order and have it delivered to the hospital. Will that do?" Michael asked.

"For a start. To quote Mara Jade, 'If you ever do this to me again' – " Brath began as they entered the vehicle and got comfortable.

"Stop that. You don't mean it. You said so yourself," Simon said as he looked at them in the viewer. Brath glared at him, and he added, "First child?"

"No, and that doesn't matter. If you think human women are bad, you'll need a new yardstick."

"Please. Can we get on with it? You can't get those dresses if we sit here arguing," Michael said reasonably.

"I hate when you do that."

"You can make me pay for it later."

Mara sat in at pilot, monitoring Brath, Michael and Simon's progress as the others relaxed, slept or took care of various kinds of business. She wasn't bored, but wasn't too interested in playing over-watch. She'd wanted to go along, but that had been vetoed by Simon and Michael. The biggest objection was cats don't belong in hospitals, and there wasn't any other way for her to hide. She'd given in with ill grace, even though she knew they were right. She didn't want to let Michael out of her sight, and couldn't understand why.

"You love him," River's voice said from aft as she walked in almost silently, her dress barely swish-ing through the air. "I'm betting hormones aren't helping, either."

Mara sat back. "No, they're not."

"I'd have thought they'd temporarily sterilize you before sending you out."

The Feline smiled nastily. "They couldn't. How old would you say I am?"

River looked hard, then said, "Based on how long they had me, and time that's passed, five, maybe six."

"By the calendar, yes. They learned force-growing clones isn't easy to get right, so they had to take their time. I'm four years old, but I'm fully mature. They couldn't do the surgery because they weren't sure how to approach me, as human or cat, so they took their time studying. The mission to get you came on suddenly, and they never got the chance." Mara curled up in her seat, her eyes focused past the hologram. "That's why they want me, dead or alive. Imagine if I breed."

River glanced at her with a smirk. "I think they're going to find they out-smarted themselves, if they put you onto Michael as well. I'd guess some things they'd want don't have corresponding genes."

Mara's smile never touched her eyes. "You can't select for loyalty or obedience, and you can't code it in, either. It's either there or it isn't. I think Michael's in for a surprise. He doesn't know just how deep my emotions run, and I'm still surprised at how intense they are. That night defending Petaline was a big hint for everyone, but I don't think we've seen it all."

"Hmm, what's that?" River asked as she noticed an incoming ship. "Never seen it before."

Mara sat up, looked and checked the scans. "I don't recognize its type. Something new, or really old?"

River felt a twinge of warning, but it wasn't enough for her to act. "We'll watch, just in case it's someone we don't like."

Simon guided the car to the hospital's entrance, stopped and got out, opening the rear doors for Michael and Brath as a chauffeur should. He'd been in the passenger role many times, and had watched. Later he'd engaged their friver in conversation, asking about the job and how it was done. It was only curiosity, but the information had stayed with him, allowing him to play his role correctly. Amazing what's useful. Mal would approve, he thought as he held out an hand to Brath, who accepted with a slight smile. They know their roles, too. I wonder how.

Michael followed Brath, saying, "We'll be back in about an hour. Wait for us." His eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Yes, sir," Simon replied. He watched them enter, then closed the door and returned to his seat and drove to the parking area. After stopping, he activated the vehicle's Cortex and transmitted the clothing order Michael had set up. The system accepted the information, and the message Order accepted. Delivery en route appeared on the screen. Satisfied, he switched functions for news feeds and relaxed as much as any driver would.

After the trio left, Mal and Jim prepared to accompany Gideon to the rendezvous. Marris wasn't expecting trouble, but agreed to minimal precautions. All three had commlinks and their preferred "friends" hidden under the long coats that had never really gone out of fashion, even in the 26th century. Their dress suggested mid-level businessmen. Not Corp, but local. Jim had suggested it, knowing they'd blend in nearly anywhere in the Core.

As he finished, Mal said, "R'member, anythin' goes south, them as isn't in trouble goes on as we planned. 'Ceptin' Simon, can take care o' ourselves, an' ain't 'spectin' trouble in a hospital." He turned to Marris and said, "Ain't 'spectin'any on your end?"

Gideon shook his head. "Not likely. He was my contact before I became an Operative. I suspect Shepherd Book's path and mine parallel to some extent. I know we're chosen for our loyalty and capability, and from what you've told me, he hadn't lost anything." He looked down briefly. "It does pain me, having to kill him and his, Mal. You were right, they were innocent and didn't deserve to die. My faith was that strong. I don't know if you can, but I hope Book and his can forgive, if they're aware."

Wainwright looked at him, and said, "Happens they might. Still mysteries out there, happenin's cain't be explained. He was former Operative, I 'spect he'd understand, but not approve."

Marris nodded. "I know it's a thin hope, but at the moment it's all I have."

Mal straightened his bolo. "Kinda in a bad place, havin' ya aboard an' not knowin' how ta think. Unnerstan' your view, but cain't agree. Ain't nothin' in the 'Verse worth that, goin' by what I been through. Faith ain't all."

"Y'all done philosiphizin', can get movin'," Clarissa said. "Won't take long, maybe an hour an' a half for Brath's exam. Cain't waste time."

"Know that, darlin'. Ready?" Mal replied.

"Ready," Jim replied. "Thinkin' Kaylee'd 'preciate us hurryin', too. Don' show it, but she's worried about Simon."

"Ready," Gideon said. "I agree, we shouldn't waste time. My contact won't wait very long."

"A'right. Got a hard job, Clarissa. Zoe's not like ta take it well, but her so close, gotta step down. Mara an' River's in charge, an' need ya ta back 'em up. Can do?"

"Will do, Mal. We'll keep Serenity ready, ya need to scoot." Reynolds nodded, and the men left. Clarissa turned and looked up as Zoe carefully walked out onto the catwalk. "Ya heard, Zoe. Don' make me push it."

"No worries on that," Washburne replied. "Cain't wear the rig, so no shootin', an' promised Michael." She stopped at DuValle's side and sat on a container. "Question is, you ready, case we got to leave someone? Don' want to, never did in the Time of War, but can't say won't happen."

"Won't like it, but will, Zoe. Sometimes, ain't no choice."

Simon sat up as two men in delivery uniforms approached, got out and said, "Can I help you?"

"Lord Whitmer's order," one said. "Three dresses for Lady Draco, plus ancillaries, and a dozen roses." He looked back and said, "Is she all right?"

"This is something of an apology, as they're expecting," Tam replied as he moved to the rear and opened the trunk. He held out his hand for the display unit. "I'll have to accept, as they'll be a while." The older man passed it over as the younger began placing the boxes inside. Simon checked the list against the items, then nodded and signed. "Everything's in order," he said.

The men nodded and left, and Simon closed the trunk. "Well, that should make her a little easier to live with," he said as he got back in and resumed scanning the news feeds.

Gideon led the way through a few back-alleys and walkways while Mal and Jim kept their eyes peeled to make sure tey weren't being followed or watched. Though Marris had said there shouldn't be any trouble, all three were too experienced to take that for granted. The trip had taken them through some high-security areas, but nothing untoward happened. The few check-point they'd had to pass were cleared when Marris passed his ident under the scanners; the guards had straightened and tried to salute before remembering an Operative didn't want or need it.

Mal looked back and said, "Hope gettin' out's as smooth. Wouldn' wanna have ta run-an'-gun our way out."

"Everything's as it should be, Mal. We have a few minutes, yet," Gideon replied calmly, even as his eyes roved ahead. They arrived at a particularly official-looking building, and he said, "Here we are."

Mal looked up incredulously. "Library?"

"Most people don't realize how well-suited they are for clandestine meetings. Everyone wants quiet and privacy, and they can have it. The Alliance doesn't consider that, and it's something I've exploited for some time," the former Operative said as they entered. He led them to a small alcove that was occupied by a non-descript man in his late forties, and he sat opposite the table from him. "Good day, Charles."

The man looked up from his reading and glanced at Reynolds and Wainwright before speaking. "On time as always, Giideon." He slid a record across the table under the cover of passing a book, and said, "It's all here. Time and place, and recognition phrases." He looked at his companions again. "I'd have thought Simon would be here, for easy recognition."

"That wouldn't have helped, and we think there's still a watch for him. We're not positive Parliament doesn't still want them."

"Official and true word is the warrants were rescinded. If anyone heard there was a search still going on, there'd be back-lash. So far as I know, River and Simon Tam are safe, but not their father. Word on him is his wife left and turned Alliance evidence, but not what it was. He's to be bound by law, but no word of the charges," "Charles" replied. "It sounds bad, Gideon. Not something I'd like to be involved in."

"I made a promise, and I still keep them," Marris answered after pocketing the record. "How time-sensitive is this?"

"Today only. Doctor Tam wasn't sure when he could make arrangements for another time, and I'm guessing he can't. What did he do?"

"What ya know is all ya need," Mal said quietly. "Someone ain't too happy with how ever'thin' turned out, an' Doctor Tam's takin' the heat for it. Ain't sure they don't want Simon an' River, so takin' it cautious, dong ma?"

"Charles" nodded. "Be careful, Captain Reynolds. Word is you're not off the hook for your part. Parliament's split on what to do, but it could go south fast if you give them a reason." He nodded at Gideon. "This could be it, if they hear about it, and they won't from me."

Mal nodded. "Happens I 'preciate that. Braggin' ain't my style, neither. Get too many after ya, lookin' ta make a name."

"Thank you, Charles. As always, if you need my help, it's yours." "Charles" nodded, stood up, collected his books and records and walked deeper into the library, vanishing almost immediately. "He'll be all right, Mal. You might have guessed that Charles and I have worked together for some time. We're both professionals."

"Good enough," Mal said. "Might wanna study that, 'fore we set out. Could tell we got time, but not a lot."

Gideon looked up at Mal with the half-smile and said, "As I said, you'd have made a good Operative, Mal. No one else I know has ever cause me as much trouble as you have."

"Take that as a compliment," Reynolds replied with his own smile. "Might as well catch up on the news," he said as he sat down, while Jim looked through the nearby shelves.

Simon looked at the hospital's entrance to see Michael and Brath walk out to the stand, and he started and drove over to them. After getting them settled inside, he set the destination, then asked, "How'd it go?"

"Their chief Obstetrician could use some manners, but fine otherwise," Brath said. "I think it's time to make an official complaint, Michael. Some things we can't tolerate with these idents."

"We'll do that once we're in the Black," Whitmer replied.

"The delivery came while you were inside," Simon told them as the vehicle joined the traffic stream. "Everything checked."

"Good. Maybe we can stop worrying, for a change." Whitmer said as he relaxed.

"Not until we're in the black," Brath countered. "Something's niggling at me, and I can't tell what it is."

Mara looked at the tracker and said, "Ah, Michael and Brath are on the move. Good." She checked the other transponders and said, "And so are Jim, Gideon and Mal. This is going well." She shivered. "Maybe too well. Something's wrong, River."

Cobb sat up and flipped a few switches. Lights blinked on in reply as Kaylee made preparations, and Serenity's engines started soon after. "I feel it too," she said as she waited. "Watch those tracks."

Mara did as River closed her eyes, composed herself and reached out. Michael. Brath. There was no response, and she couldn't feel them. Michael! Brath! Nothing. Simon. Simon! Still nothing, though she could feel him; he seemed groggy. "Kao! Something's definitely wrong," Cobb snarled as she signaled Mal. Mara noted the vehicle changed from its expected route to head west, and tracked it.

"What's wrong, Albatross?" Reynold answered.

"Something's happened to Michael, Brath and Simon, Captain. They don't respond, and I can't reach them," Cobb said, the anger in her voice plain as day. The limousine stopped a few miles outside the city, and the transponders cut out.

"Hundan. Got what we need, an' on our way. There's a problem, darlin'. Gotta go now. Cain't go chasin' 'em. We do, your daddy might not make it."

River closed her eyes and began the calming exercises Michael taught her. Mara watched as her face visibly lost its feral lines, then shivered when her eyes opened, as they were sane; all too sane. "Get back fast, Mal. I think I know what's happening."

"Got it, darlin'. Warm up Kaylee's good girl, ya ain't already, and watch. Might be they slip up, an' we can get 'em, we got your daddy. Fahng sheen. Michael an' Brath can take care o' themselves an' Simon. Won' let nothin' happen ta him, dong ma?"

"Hurry."

As River talked, Clarissa and Inara came onto the bridge, and stood listening. Mrs Reynolds looked at DuValle as her face went pale, then deathly still. "What are we going to do?"

"What we came here to do," Clarissa replied calmly. "We'll get Mr Tam. Then we're going to teach someone a lesson."

"Well, well; lookie who's leaving," Mara said as a familiar ship climbed up, then passed from sight as it cleared atmo. She compared scans, and the unfamiliar ship that came in matched the one leaving. She followed it with sensors, recording every characteristic before it was lost. "Got them, River. They're not going to get away. Not forever." She got onto Cortex, comparing the scans to the ship registry archives, and was rewarded a few minutes later with a result, just as Mal, Jim and Gideon appeared on the local horizon. "Julian, you tian sheng de ye dui rou. And your friend Rufus. You're dead. You hear me? You're dead."

A signal diverted her attention, and the opened comms to hear Simon's voice, "H-hello, can you hear me? They've taken Michael and Brath. Serenity, please answer."

"Simon, where are you?" Mara asked.

"I'm not sure, Mara. Somewhere to the west of the city, I think." He stopped to cough; the gas had been concentrated to near-lethality. "I regained consciousness just in time to see their ship lift off."

"That's it, then," Clarissa's voice replied. "We're picking you up after we get the others aboard, then we're continuing our mission, Simon."

"But what about – " he began, but was cut off when Clarissa replied, "They can take care of themselves, Simon, and Mal said your father can't wait. Think it over, but don't take all day." Her tone of voice stopped his protests. "Grab everything and get ready to board fast. Serenity out." The channel cut off, and he shivered. She spoke the way Michael did when he was mad enough to kill.

Mal loked at Clarissa and didn't like what he saw. She reminded him a lot of Michael, and what he'd read in his books. Stories tell she'd do anythin' for him. Don' know as we can stop her, neither, he thought.

"No, you can't, Mal. It's not just me, they took one of your crew."

"Who are they?" Marris asked. "I didn't recognize that ship."

"It's our good friend Julian DuValle," Mara replied. "I guess he's decided it's time for a show-down." Her smile was devoid of any feeling, as she added, "I don't think he's ready for this, but no one ever is."

Mal looked at Clarissa. She said, "He's not my daddy any more, Mal. I'm not sure who he is, and I don't want to find out. I'll let Michael tell me, if he thinks I shold know."

Everyone grabbed for railings when Mara and River brought Serenity down just long enough for Simon rto rush aboard, his arms laden. "What the – Why's he bringin' that frippery aboard?"

"It's for Brath, and I intend to see her wearing it, Mal, just as I intend to see my neice turn out all right. That doesn't happen, I'll kill Julian myself. He's working with Reggie, remember? Are you going to leave two of your crew in that kind of mess?"

Mal's eyes flashed angrily. "Like hell, I will." He turned and looked at everyone who'd gathered. "We finish this, time ta send a message, dong ma?"

"River, let's go. Set course for Osiris. We got info ta study."

"Got it, Mal. On our way."

Mal looked forward as they lifted off and raced toward the Black. "No way. No way this is over."

A/N: Sorry about the wait. I moved, and haven't had much free time in the past couple years.

Now we get to see who and what Khashi really is.

Acknowledgments: "Do I Feel lucky?" quote from Dirty Harry © 1971 The Malpaso Company; referential quote from The Mask © 1994 Dark Horse Entertainment. Chain of command reference from Firefly episode The Train Job.

Chinese phrases: Tah-mah-duh – fucking; zhou ma – damn; shénme? – what?; Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze – Son of a drooling whore and a monkey; dai dai – stupid; liumang – bastard/asshole/criminal/gangster; juh jen she guh kwai luh duh jean jan – this is a happy development; Huh choo-shung tza-jiao duh tzang-huo – Filthy fornicators of livestock; dan nang – I'm certain of it; dong ma – understand?; tian sheng de ye dui rou – inbred stack of meat; Ni shi bai chi – you're an idiot; gao tsau de fong luh – dog-humping crazy; cào nî zûxiān shí bâ dai – fuck 18 generations of your ancestors; Ai ya – My God; Tchen wah – Slut; Kao! – Fuck!; hundan – bastard or son of a bitch; Fahng sheen – Don't worry