Prodigal Son Chapter 10, a firefly fanfic

CHAPTER NINE

Writer own or make no claim to. . . . If everyone doesn't know that by now, there's no point in repeating it, right? Enjoy.

The rest of the trip was intense to say the least. River rarely left her quarters. When she did, she avoided Jayne like the plague.

Simon had met with Jayne the next morning and the two discussed what had happened.

"I don't like it, Simon," Jayne said dejectedly. "It was. . .it hurt," he said softly. "It hurt her, and that made me hurt. I don't. . .I can't take much more o' this. I just can't."

"I know," Simon's voice was equally soft. "I didn't expect her to come at you so directly, Jayne, and I should have. She was never one to sit idle. I just. . .I expected her to ease into things more. Take advantage of the entire trip."

"Me too," Jayne nodded his agreement. "Watched her helping Chelsa in the kitchen first night off world. It was great to see, and it thrilled the girl to death. She told me later on it was like when things were normal, almost."

"River told me," Simon nodded. "Later on, Chelsa did too. I was so very hopeful after that. I thought for sure more time like that would jog her memory loose."

"Might still," Jayne shrugged. "If'n she comes out any."

"I'm working on that." Simon's voice held both confidence, and doubt.

"You knew, too, didn't you, Kaylee?"

"Yeah, River, I did," Kaylee sighed. The two were sitting in the cargo bay on one of the many containers, each with an apple in hand. "I guess I should be sorry for not tellin' ya, but. . .truth is, we're afraid to dump stuff on ya. Simon's afraid if we just sit down and tell ya ever little thing that you won't never get your memory back like ya oughta."

"Some things I deserve to know," River said sharply. "Important things."

"How're we ta know what to tell ya and what not?" Kaylee pointed out. "River, this here is a minefield. For all of us, but for you most of all. What if somethin' we did was ta make ya not get your memory back? What if we was the cause o' you never rememberin' the life ya had before ya got hurt? Think how bad that would make any of us, all of us, feel!"

"We all love you, River," Kaylee continued, her voice serious and earnest. "We love ya so much, and we hate to see ya suffer. You been hurt so much, honey, and we've watch you deal with so much pain, and nothin' we could do but hope for better. It's hard on us, too, ya know," her voice hardened a little bit. "You know me only cause Simon told ya we's married, but me and you used to be thick as fleas. You was my best friend long 'fore you was my sister-in-law, ya know."

River looked up at that, looking at Kaylee. The normally cheery mechanical genius was almost in tears.

"I'm sorry, Kaylee," River said quietly. "I never stopped to think what my. . .condition, was doing to the rest of you."

"Oh, honey," Kaylee hugged her suddenly, tight. "You ain't got to be worried about us! You only need to worry about trying to remember! Let us worry about what we're thinkin' on. I wasn't meanin' you should feel guilty about all this in no kinda way."

"Just. . .remember that we love ya," Kaylee sighed. "And sometimes we got to do what looks best for ya in this, no matter how it might seem otherwise. We need ya back whole and hearty, sweetie. You're too much a part o' this whole family for us not to have you with us. That's all."

"Thank you, sister," River smiled gently, and hugged Kaylee to her. "That. . .that means a great deal to me."

"That's what family is for, honey. That's what family is for."

River rejoined everyone for lunch as the ship neared Astra. She returned everyone's greetings, but offered no attempt to join in the talk around the table. They were still six hours or so out, and everyone was discussing what they would do once they made planet fall.

"I'm goin' lookin' for baby things!" Kaylee announced, and Simon groaned.

"Oh, hush," she elbowed him. "You ain't got to go. I done roped Susan and Chelsa into it, and I'm hopin' River wants to go, too," she looked at her sister-in-law.

"I'd love to," River lied, smiling sweetly. She really didn't want to, but her options were rather slim. And staying on the ship for one minute longer than was absolutely necessary wasn't one of them. Especially if Jayne stayed aboard.

"What are you so interested in baby doin's for?" Wart asked Blade. She just shrugged.

"Just goin' along to look, that's all." Wart snorted, eyeing her suspiciously. But she wouldn't say anything else, and he was finally forced to let it drop.

"Reckon us menfolk can saunter over to the gunshop, then," Jayne spoke up. "Might find us a new toy to play with."

"Hey, I like the sound of that!" Liam perked up.

"Sounds good to me," Wart nodded. Blade looked torn, but one glance at Kaylee's hopeful face reminded her she had promised.

"Buy me something," she told Wart.

"Mebbe," Wart sniffed. "Have to see." She grinned at that, knowing he'd bring her something.

"Simon, you comin' along?" Jayne asked.

"I don't see why not," Simon nodded. "Sounds like an adventure."

River watched the two men as they talked. Jayne and Simon were awfully close. Of course, with Simon taking care of Jayne's. . .wife, they would be, she supposed. She shook herself mentally.

There's no sense in following that thought any further.

Companion sat down at Guildford's delivery pad right on time, Blade setting the ship down with hardly a bump.

"She's getting better at it," River spoke before she thought.

"What's 'at?" Kaylee asked.

"Last time I saw the ship land, it looked like a hard touchdown," River explained. "Not this time. She's getting better." Kaylee looked at her for a minute, then smiled.

"Yeah. Think you're right."

It took less than fifteen minutes to off load, and another ten to reload the returning empties. Blade then moved them to an overnight slip, where the ship was made fast. They needed fuel this trip, which was another reason they would stay overnight. It was only two in the afternoon local time, as the crew and passengers gathered at the ramp.

"All right," Jayne announced. "Everyone's got a com. Any troubles, call out. Holly I expect you're goin' visitin'?"

"Ah, yeah," the red faced engineer replied.

"We're outta here at nine tomorrow mornin'," Jayne informed him.

"I'll be here," Holly promised, and then took off.

"Well, the rest of us are off to do whatever," he announced. "Reckon we can meet back here when everyone gets done, or tired, or hungry."

"We going out to eat, daddy?" Chelsa asked, and then stopped, aware of what she'd done.

"Daddy?" River asked, surprise on her face.

"Chelsa's adopted," Jayne told her, trying to stay calm. "And ya'll can if ya want. I'm stayin' in, I reckon."

"We'll go out, if everyone wants to join in," Blade announced, and everyone agreed.

"Well, that's that, then, let's be off," Jayne ordered, closing the ramp. As everyone started heading off the piers, Chelsa looked at Jayne, hanging back.

"Daddy, I am so sorry," she told him, teary eyed.

"Don't you worry about it, Princess," Jayne hugged her. "Shouldn't have put you through that to start with. This is hard on you, same as it is me. We'll get through, no matter what, you hear? Even it's just me and you, and Liam, we'll get through. Now you hush that cryin', and you go have a good time. Okay?"

"Okay. I love you, Daddy," she hugged him tight.

"I love you more, Princess."

"The other ship that runs from here to Argo has arrived, sir."

"Very well. Take me there at once," Flint ordered. The man nodded, and steered their rented ground car in that direction. Upon arrival, they found the ship, Private Companion, locked up tight, with no response from the door comm.

"This is ridiculous," Flint seethed. "A complete waste of my time. I want the crew of this ship found at once, so we can be on our way." The young man nodded, and walked to the Port Authority office. He returned moments later, frowning.

"The attendant has no information on the crew's whereabouts, my Chief," he said formally. "Crews are not required to check in, or out, if they are regular visitors. The attendant did note that the ship was down for refueling, and their departure is scheduled for nine tomorrow morning, local time."

"Another day wasted," Flint seethed. "Very well, we'll be here early tomorrow."

His anger continued to build as the car headed back to their lodgings. There was no target for that anger, as yet, however.

He would have to wait, like it or not.

Jayne and the others made it back to the ship before the women did, and put away their purchases. Wart had found Blade a beautiful knife that he was sure she'd like, and hid it in their quarters.

"Well, reckon I'll grab me a bite up here at that kiosk, and then get cleaned up and go to bed," Jayne announced. "Whatever ya'll get up to, try not to get into trouble, hear?"

"We'll be good," Wart promised, laughing.

The women returned while Jayne was out, arms loaded with 'things for the baby'. Simon suppressed a groan at seeing so much stuff. He was going to have to start thinking about adding on to the house, if this continued. But he would willingly do that, to see Kaylee happy.

Once they were changed, everyone left the ship, on their way to a good restaurant for their evening meal, and then a walk around town allowing River to see the sights. Anything might jog her memory, and no one was inclined to deny her that chance.

Jayne returned to an empty ship shortly afterward. He ate in silence, surrounded by his memories of times like this spent with River while the rest of the crew were off ship. Quiet times, private times, where they had discussed a days events, planned for the future, or just talked about whatever was on their minds.

As he cleaned his meal away, and headed to the shower, he cautioned himself yet again not to get his hopes up. It wasn't safe.

He went to sleep that night gripping River's wedding band, held to him by a simple piece of leather. Maybe soon. . . .

"Time to roll out down there, boss man," Blade's voice cut through Jayne's sleep. "It's morning already, and we're takin' on cargo. Rise and shine!"

Jayne came awake, and sat up.

"What cargo?" he asked, rubbing his face.

"Out bound for Guildford's, looks like general agri-cargo to me. Seeds, fertilizer, that kind o' thing."

"I didn't know we had anything goin' back," he said, rising.

"Ordered after we set off," Blade yelled down to him. "I already checked with the factory. They tried to call us yesterday, but it was while we were off ship. It's legit."

"I'll be along in a minute," Jayne called back. "What time is it, anyway?"

"Seven in the aye-emm," Blade chuckled.

"Great," Jayne grumbled, and started dressing.

When he got to the cargo bay, everyone was on hand, watching the load out. Wart and Liam were supervising.

"How much stuff are we talkin' about?" he asked Blade.

"Good bit, but Liam and Peter both say it's doable," Blade assured him, handing over the manifest. Jayne merely glanced at it, noting the weight, and handed it back.

"Well, we'll make some extry this trip, I guess."

"Hey, I'm all about coin," Blade nodded. Jayne looked around at the others.

"Simon, you guys have a good time last night?" he asked. He noted that River was carefully ignoring him.

"Yes, we did," Simon nodded. "It had been a long time since we'd been here. I think we need to do this more often," he added, and Kaylee beamed at that.

"Boss, we got company!" Liam called. Jayne looked down to see Liam pointing. Following the point, Jayne saw a group of four men and two women at the ramp, bags in hand or sitting on the ground.

"Wanting passage," Jayne sighed. "We ain't got the room, this trip," he shook his head.

"If there's two couples, we can take'em," Blade replied. "We got three rooms open."

"We also got three other passengers," Jayne noted. "Let's go talk to'em, I guess," he sighed again. This wasn't how he wanted his day to start. The two walked down to the ramp. The older man, who at best looked unfriendly, snorted.

"It's about time," he said. "Where have you people been?"

"You know, it's a bit early in the mornin' for attitude, Mister. . . ." Jayne waited.

"Flint. My name is Flint. This is my daughter, Annassa, and our retainers. We require passage to Argo. We require five rooms, and I'd like to leave at once."

"Sorry 'bout that," Jayne shook his head. "We ain't got that much room this trip. Only got three rooms open. And we won't be leavin' til at least nine. Might be longer, depending on load time. If you can. . . ."

"I said at once," Flint interrupted. "As for your other passengers, I'm sure they can await the next transport. Now, about the fare. . . ."

"Maybe you didn't hear me, Mister Flint," Jayne's voice dropped a degree or two. "We have three rooms available this trip, and that's all. And we'll leave when I say, and not a second before then. And now that I think on it, I don't really think I want to spend three days in space with someone like you, so. . .no thanks."

"Excuse me?"

"I said no," Jayne repeated. "See, we ain't a regular transport. We take on passengers on occasion, when and as we have room. And I've just decided we ain't got the room. Ya'll take care now." Jayne started to turn away, and one of the younger men grabbed his arm.

"The Chieftain is not finished speaking to yo. . . ." His statement was cut short when Jayne turned back to him, wrapped his own arm around that of his attacker, grabbed the man's offending hand in his left, and twisted it hard the other way. The man went immediately to his knees, crying out in pain.

The other two men, and one of the women, moved forward, only to face Blade's pistol, which appeared seemingly from nowhere, to stop them.

"Ah, ah, ah," she smiled unpleasantly. "Let's don't ya'll do something I can shoot you for." The three of them stopped, looking to the older man for guidance.

"Release him at once!" Flint ordered. Jayne smirked slightly, and then reversed his hold, flipping the man over onto his back, to land on the tarmac, wind knocked from his lungs.

"Now then," Jayne said calmly, as one of the women knelt to attend the erstwhile attacker. "I think I already said no, so you folks just be on yer way."

"I'll have the authorities on you for this!" Flint threatened.

"Go ahead," Jayne smirked larger. "But you just attacked a ship captain, inside a port. That's attempted piracy, in these parts. Reckon ya'll can get your own rooms in Astra penitentiary, anyway."

The old man's eyes were smoldering coals. He was absolutely livid at this treatment. Before he could respond, however, his daughter stepped forward.

"Forgive my father, please," she said smoothly. "He has had a long and difficult journey, and wishes merely for it to be over. We are traveling on business of some urgency, and missed the previous ship by mere minutes. We've been here waiting for several days, and the stress of his uncompleted business has left him. . .strained."

"For my part, I am more than willing to share berthing space with my attendant," she indicated the other woman in the party. "I'm sure our three male companions would likewise be willing to share a room, leaving the third available berth for my father alone, allowing him to rest and recover from his trials." She smiled seductively, taking in Jayne with calculating eyes.

"We. . .I, would be most grateful for passage. The sooner we can see our business there done, the sooner we can return home."

Jayne studied her for a long moment. She was tall, with long dark hair, and a model's face. Her build was athletic, but curvy. He was sure that this woman, Annassa, thought that he was thinking about her offer. Clearly she was trying to offer him more, though without really offering him more. It was equally clear she was accustomed to playing men with her looks.

But Jayne wasn't buying. First, he wasn't interested in any other woman but the one he had. Second, there was something else going on here. The decision he had to make was whether or not to allow them on the ship, and find out. He turned to look at Blade, who had lowered her gun, but still had it in hand.

"Give us a minute," was all he said, as he took Blade by the arm, and led her back up the ramp.

"What do you think," he asked softly.

"Shoot'em," Blade responded at once. "Leave'em layin' here," she added.

"Ah. . .can't really do that, you know," Jayne chuckled. "Woman seems serious enough about their urgent business, though she's layin' it on kinda thick. And that old man's wired tight, for sure. Maybe they really need to get a lift."

"Ain't no excuse for attitude, or grabbin'," Blade shook her head. "I say we leave'em, if we can't shoot'em."

Watching from above, Simon, Kaylee and River were watching as well.

"That was really dumb, grabbin' Jayne like that," Kaylee snickered.

"He's certainly learned that by now," Simon nodded in agreement. "Wonder what all that's about, though."

"Desperate," River said softly. "They are desperate. Need to get to Argo very badly. Man is used to getting his way. His aura speaks of power. Not just influence, but real, raw, power. Wherever they are from, he is a force to be reckoned with. He is out of his element, but believes he should still be treated in the manner in which he is accustomed."

"Do you think it's dangerous for them to be onboard?" Simon asked.

"Not with this crew," River snorted in contempt. "There is something else, though," she commented, eyes narrowing. "The woman. . .she is trying to seduce Jayne," her nostrils flared.

"Well, I can guarantee that ain't gonna work," Kaylee gave a snort of her own. "Ole Jayne's a one woman man, and that's the plain fact of it." She could have kicked herself right after the words left her mouth, but it was too late by then.

"Yes, he is," River nodded, cringing inwardly. "But she is pretty, and accustomed to power, and to men doing her bidding willingly."

"Any idea what they want on Argo?" Simon asked.

"They're looking for a man," River replied. "A man named. . .Ironhorse? Yes, that's it. Ironhorse. What a strange name."

Simon and Kaylee exchanged looks. Ironhorse?

"Jayne!"

Jayne looked up, hearing Simon call him.

"What is it, Simon?"

"Jayne, I need a word!" Simon called back, moving to the steps.

"Can it wait?" Jayne sounded irate. "I got a kinda situation, here."

"No, it can't!" Simon yelled back, moving faster. "I need a word, in private, right now, if you please!" Sighing, Jayne ordered Blade to watch the group, and moved to intercept Simon.

"Simon, not to be rude, but this better be important," he told his brother-in-law.

"They're looking for you!" Simon hissed. "That bunch, River says they're looking for a man named Ironhorse. Who else could that be but you?"

FF FF FF

Writer's Note: I hope you're enjoying so far. Thanks for the comments. Reviews always make me want to work harder to make readers happy, and I really appreciate feedback. If you're getting impatient, don't. Rome isn't built in a day ;)

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