Disclaimer: I own nothing.
*
(Mal 'Malcolm' Reynolds Jr.)
Nights are cold on Bellerophon. I was surprised at the cool air that engulfed Mec and I as we walked onto solid ground. I had heard stories that told me that Bellerophon was a beautiful place and even though it was night I could see why so many people came here.
The estate was suspended over a vast sea of calm water. The sound of sloshing waves was soothing beneath us.
I could see Mecca hesitating as we walked toward the cottage. "Nervous?" I asked.
"No," she spat, raising and eyebrow. "If anyone here's nervous, it should be you. This plan, need I remind you, is all your idea. If some thing happens I'll be blaming you," she articulated.
"Glad to know you're on my side," I muttered.
Resting back on my heels I took a moment to review the estate. The word cottage did not do the dwelling justice, as it was one of the most beautiful homes I had ever seen. The general design of it was glass and deep mahogany paneling. It rose up from the ground, reaching for the stars that clustered the brilliant sky.
"Look at this place," Mecca murmured, "I wouldn't mind living here."
"I'll say. Alliance pay must be pretty damn incredible to afford something like this," I commented. "C'mon," I added, nodding at Mecca, "let's show these aristocrats how the brown coats do things."
I offered her my arm, bearing an encouraging smile and we set off up the marble pathway. The sound of conversation and light music was emitting from the inside of the structure. I bit my lip and quickly reminded myself of some different rules of etiquette.
Mom always insisted I take etiquette lessons with her. Those were back when I was a kid. That was back before I joined the military. A funny thing happens to you when you become a soldier- you tend to lose all kinds of manners.
"You're grinding your teeth," Mecca informed me.
"Am I?"
"Yeah, and from the look on your face, I can tell that you're nervous," she added. I looked down at her and chewed on the inside of my cheek. She was trying her best to hold back a terrified look.
I stopped and clasped her shoulders.
"We have nothing to be afraid of," I said firmly.
"Actually," she whispered, "there's a lot to be afraid of."
I couldn't deny that. If we were caught God only knew what the Alliance would do to us. Torture most likely, try to dig information out of us that they couldn't get from fighting the brown coats. It was risky. It was really risky.
And tonight I didn't have just my life to think of.
Mecca stared at the ground, refusing to meet my eyes. "I..." she began, "I just don't want any of u to get hurt."
"I know," I answered.
I also knew that I was putting her right in the line of fire. Mecca was a big girl, she could handle herself, but from what I gathered she didn't know too much about what it meant to be a soldier. Could she defend herself if we were found out?
Then I remembered something Dad used to tell me. Placing my finger under her chin and lifting it slightly I said, "We'll get through."
We'll get through.
Sighing heavily she nodded her head, "Alright Mal."
*
(Marvin 'Maverick' Sinclair)
I strapped a pistol to my chest and zipped up a black jacket over it. Patting my chest I congratulated myself on how well I concealed it. Some training you receive from the military you never really forget. It was interesting how concealing items under clothing comes in handy in your everyday life.
I took the opportunity to spit out a wad of tobacco out of my mouth and onto the ground.
Kai made a face, "You're gross."
"You're judgmental," I retorted.
"Hey, watch it pal," Hoban said and it shut me up. I didn't want to get in no scrap with Kai with Hoban hanging around. He'd kick the tar out of me... or at least try to anyway.
He's a shrimp compared to me. Not that I'm bragin', I'm just a big guy is all.
"Look," Kai said softly, turning to her boyfriend, "be careful."
Hoban smiled confidently. "Don't worry babe, we'll be back before you can blink," he told her, a smile on his face.
Kai half-smiled and then leaned in and kissed him. He took her in his arms like she was all he had. I don't generally like it when people kiss the hell outta each other in front of me.
"Hey! Let's go! You two can have all the fun you want when we get back," I said, loading a gun and cocking it loudly.
"Yeah, yeah I hear you Mav," Hoban rolled his eyes.
Hoban reluctantly left Kai and she hugged herself, watching us descend onto firm ground. "Be careful!" she called to us once more.
"We will!" I answered for Hoban.
He gave me a stern look. I shrugged my shoulders. Well, if I didn't say something the three of us would be here 'till dusk. Those two like to talk. And I just like to get the job done.
"You know where we're going?" I asked as Kai turned out the lights to Serenity and sat in the cold dark, waiting for our return.
"Yeah," he said, pulling out the blueprints.
"Good," I turned back, happy to see the ship was almost completely concealed in darkness. Kai would be safe.
Turning back to Hoban I clenched my teeth together. "Let's do this."
*
(Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds Jr.)
Blending in wasn't the problem. No, I made a pretty good purple belly... if I did say so myself. And Mecca was magnificent. She fit the part perfectly well, being as cultured and confident as any of the best companions. I was proud of her.
But in terms of problems- it came down to time. The boys weren't afforded much time to get in and get the job done... without getting caught.
It was only so long before the host found out what was happening. And until then I hoped desperately that I didn't-
"Can I offer you a drink sir?" A waiter in a white dress coat was speaking to me.
"Yeah, sure," I said. What the hell, I could use a drink. It would calm my nerves.
"Had that champagne shipped in," another voice said from behind me.
Spinning around I saw what appeared to be a purple-belly dressed in a nice tuxedo. A getup that was nicer than mine. I gulped. I realized that I was talking to the owner.
"Must have been expensive," I remarked, and then kicked myself for making a stupid comment. What was money to these people? It had as much value as kindling.
He laughed, "I like to have good alcohol at these things, it makes them more bearable."
An Alliance member I could relate to. Hell froze over.
He stretched out his arm and offered his hand, "Smith, Tyler Smith."
"Cale Brody," I returned with a smile.
"Brody, eh? I apologize, but I don't remember seeing your name on the guest list," he raised an eyebrow questioningly.
Shit.
"No, I know. I'm here in the place of my college and good friend, Doctor Lin Ming." I used the name of the doctor we had met on Shinon.
The host's face lit up, "Yes, I know that man very well. We've actually worked together on a few projects. He's a brilliant scientist. I actually owe much of my success to him."
"Is that right? I didn't know the Alliance was so interested in chemistry," I added.
"You'd be surprised Mr. Brody. I think that chemistry is one of the most important sciences the Alliance can invest in right now."
I nodded my head cordially. Inside my ribcage my heart was leaping through my entrails.
"Are you here with anyone?" he asked suddenly.
"Yes... yes actually, my wife," I pointed to Mecca who was involved in a deep conversation with an older looking man. She glanced over and I smiled at her.
Smith's eyes lingered on her body for longer than I would have liked, but luckily Mecca didn't notice. "She's lovely," Smith said, clapping me on the back hard.
"Thanks."
"So what kind of work do you do with Doctor Ming?" Smith was lading to me to the bar and ordered me another glass of champagne.
"We're actually looking into uranium right now," I said.
"Uranium? Fascinating."
"It is actually. Do you know anything of it?" I inquired casually.
He shook his head, "No, sadly. But, I do have quite an impressive collection of rocks and minerals that only a chemist such as yourself could truly appreciate. Would you like a tour?"
He was playing right into my hand. "That would be perfect."
Smith smiled, "Always happy to oblige."
*
(Hoban Washbourne Jr.)
The party was taking place downstairs and Mav and I were trying desperately not to disturb it. We tip toed around the upstairs, staying as hidden as humanly possible. As the navigator I was forced to take the lead and I worried about having Mav behind me.
After all, he was a big guy. And big guys are usually clumsy.
"Doing alright?" I whispered behind me.
"Yes mother," Mav answered.
I examined the blueprints that had been folded neatly in my back pocket. "We're looking for the library," I confirmed.
"And where is this library?" asked Mav.
"Well according to these, and if these are correct, it should be located down the hall and the first door on the right."
We began walking to the hallway, leaving the window behind us open ajar so we would be able to sneak back out the way we came in. The light and sound from the party wafted up the stairs and made us cautious as we began our move to the library.
"There's something wrong here," I pointed out as we reached the room where the library was supposed to be.
"What are you talkin' about?" asked Mav.
"Well, we are supposed to be looking at a library right now and I don't know about you, but all I see is a wall," I whispered impatiently.
Mav furrowed his eyebrows together. Leaning forward he knocked quietly on the wall. "It's hollow," he concluded, "and I think that mister downstairs has some stuff hidden in there that he really don't want us to see."
I nodded my head, "He's a smart bastard, that's for sure."
"There has to be a way in from somewhere."
"Yeah, but where would he hide the entrance?" I questioned.
Mav looked confident as he strode lightly around the corner. I followed.
*
(Malcolm 'Mal' Reynolds Jr.)
Smith lead me into a room that was darkened from the lack of light. The moon shone in on the scene, shrouding the two of us in milky light. Smith offered me a cigar, but I declined. Lighting up, he breathed in a long lungful of sweet-smelling smoke.
"Uranium is an important asset of the Alliance, you understand, don't you Brody?" he began.
"Yes," I answered.
"Its in my best interest to keep people around me that I can trust. I've found too many rats in my system... many more than I had expected."
I didn't answer this time. I knew things were getting too close for my liking. Was Smith on to me? I had to find Mecca and get the hell out.
"It's been a pleasure meeting and talking with you sir, but I'm afraid-"
"What? Leaving so soon?"
Smith smiled malevolently at me. I spun round to see two men holding Mecca. She was bound and gagged, fighting to yell. I could feel a heavy hand on my shoulder and I swallowed a large amount of nervousness that suddenly rose in me.
Smith got up. As he walked toward Mecca I could feel my hands being tied behind my back. Smith ran a finger down Mecca's back. She strained to look away from him.
"The party is just beginning," he said, sighing contentedly.