Jack was flicking through the data she'd been gathering on the cortex. Mr. U had sent over another job, this one of a lower priority, they could do it when they had the time or when they were in the area. He gave them the details this time. He needed a soil sample from some moon in the middle of nowhere; relocation had been on his mind lately.

That was what Jack was trying to distract herself with.

New Mecca had been hit up by Necros. The whole verse knew about it by now and the pressure was being put onto the Alliance to do something. New Mecca wasn't just some backwater moon, it was one of the hub planets that kept the 'verse going. The same night Jack had been talking to Riddick, the same night they'd dealt with their own murderous kanith and the same night a new life had come to them in the form of Doo-Dog.

Jack let out a sigh, returning to what she'd been doing before. Hacking into the satellite feeds around New Mecca, checking to see if anything had jumped off of the planet before the Necros started rooting everyone out.

"Seem to you we cleared out of Santo in a hurry?" Wash asked a few moments later. He knew all about the recent and ongoing massacre. Thankfully he wasn't asking questions about it. Instead he was asking her menial, mindless questions.

"Seems we do that an awful lot lately."

When had Zoe joined them? Jack turned to see her leaning against the pilot's chair, glancing at Jack when she turned. Jack looked around to see if anyone else was on the bridge. No. Not even Jayne. He was down in his bunk using her cortex to write out a message to his mother.

"Heard tell we're going to stay a while on Persephone though," Zoe continued. She looked over at Jack. "We're meeting up with Imam, right?"

"Hopefully," Kyra sighed, turning to look at the upcoming planet. Her answers would be there. The real, concrete answers, warm bodied and breathing. "His wife is pretty nice, and his daughter, Zisa, she's cute. Bit of a troublemaker."

"Shiny," Wash grinned. "Seem to be picking up kids an awful lot though."

"Well that's because they're all joyful," the clunk of Mal's boots sounded up the stairs, Zoe and Jack turning to face him while Wash continued to take them into orbit. "Ain't taken anymore on board though less it's to take 'em somewhere safe and their parents are paying."

"Or a war buddy calls up a favor," Zoe smirked.

Mal made a noise, walking to stand between Jack and Wash. He glanced down at Jack's work, another sound escaping his lips before he began to curse softly. The Alliance was never high on his list of favorite things, but they might get bumped down real soon. The captain leaned forward, flicking through one article in particular as he read about the Necro Strike. It was the first time they'd taken out one of the Alliance's big planets. Most times they stuck to the Union side of the verse or the Freelands.

"Planet's coming up a mite fast," Zoe spoke. Both Jack and Mal looked up to find she was right.

"Well, yeah, that might be because I'm landing us a bit fast." Wash was regaining his control of the ship, but it looked to be a bit shaky. "Like to crash and kill us all."

"Well, that happens, let me know." Mal pushed himself off of Jack's chair, turning to head down the stairs. "We need to get Doo a leash."

Jack rolled her eyes as she shut the screen down. Zoe was watching her expectantly, waiting for something. The younger rose from her seat, hardly surprised when Zoe motioned for her to follow. The two went down into the Washburne bunk, Zoe moving over to a dresser while Jack leaned against the ladder.

"You think they're going to try and take the whole Helion system?" Zoe asked. She was getting her gear out, Mare's Leg was pulled from the gun rack and set into the leather holster.

"Probably. Everyone's in so much shock from New Mec..." Jack let out a shaking breath, tears falling just as Kyra sank to the floor. Zoe was sitting next to her a few minutes later, her own tears trickling down.

Both of them had family on New Mecca, and while Jack's might have gotten away, there wasn't a high chance Zoe's had. Not unless they'd managed to leave planet before the invasion even happened, tipped off or just lucky. It was different, crying with Zoe. It was one thing to expose her feelings in front of Inara and River, but some things she'd show only in front of her mentor.

They'd fallen into silent tears as the ship hit dirt, staring at nothing in particular as they calmed themselves, assured themselves that it was alright, they still had the world around them. They still had Serenity and the crew. In a few, they'd hit up the cortex, see if any ships had popped up in Jack's search.

"Come on," Zoe rubbed Jack's arm. "We have to put our emotions away right now."

Jack nodded, following Zoe from the room after both had calmed themselves down. They didn't need weepy women on this job, and Inara was talking about going to some party tonight. Crying girls didn't make companions look good.

Persephone had a mood about it. Alive and moving, laughter and shouts and a mix of every language Jack knew and didn't ran to meet her ears as the hatch opened. The smell of dust and strangers came at her as well as she moved down the ramp with Kaylee. Inara had asked, delicately, if Jack might go out and get them a few things before tonight's party. A suggestion to soothe herself by spending money as she waited for her brother to come home, there was also the suggestion of returning before dark so they could relax at a ball.

Only Inara would see a room full of Core-bred, law loving, Alliance supporters as relaxing.

Possibly Simon, pre-fugitive days.

"Oh! Lookit that one!"

Jack turned to face Kaylee, following her finger and nearly groaning. She'd forgotten about the ball gown part of the ball. On the upside, she wouldn't be wearing the gown Kaylee was fixated on.

"Am I lookin' at the dress or the girls?" Jayne asked from behind her.

"You better not be lookin' at the girls," Jack turned to face him. He was of course looking at her rather than the window, grinning even. "Smartass." He only shrugged, kissing the top of her head.

"Hey, look at the fluffy one!" Kaylee cried.

That had been the dress Jack was trying very hard to look away from. It was just so...loud.

"Too much foofaraw," Zoe shook her head. "If I'm going to wear a dress, I'd want something with some slink."

Wash seemed to pick up on the idea quickly, asking Mal for slinky dress money while Jayne leaned over to whisper into Jack's ear.

"How about you? Want I should buy you a slinky dress?"

"I'd rather you took my clothes off," Jack scowled at him. "Two months Jayne, please."

"Ain't takin' nothin' off less it's white and my name's attached to yours."

"Jayne Serra?" Jack grinned. "It could work."

"Woman," Jayne growled through a grin. An exasperated sort of grin; they'd discussed this a good few times by now.

"We won't even have to go all the way," Jack moved closer, hooking her thumbs into his belt loops. Before her next comment could be made, the captain was speaking quite loudly with very mean words. Words in regards to Kaylee and her well loved, though sorely bruised, femininity. Zoe caught Jack's eyes as she mounted their Quad-ATV, Kaylee climbing on not a second later.

"See ya on the ship Dad," Jack pulled away from Jayne before hopping onto the back beside Kaylee. "We're going to continue our discussion."

The ATV was pulling away before any of the crew could respond, Mal giving Jayne a look while Wash continued to fantasize about his wife in slinky dresses.

"What ya'll discussin?" Kaylee asked, perky and smiling. She was still upset, Jack could see it in her eyes.

"Bedroom stuff and the lack thereof." Jack turned to the woman driving them. "Where are we headed to?"

"Away from idiot men," Zoe smiled. "The harbormaster owes me a favor. I figured we could ask him about recent dockings."

"That's right, we're supposed to meet up with," Kaylee fell silent, suddenly remembering what she'd heard earlier that day. "Man like him, seems like he ain't the type to get caught, even by death his own self."

"Thanks Kaylee," Jack smiled.

The citizens and guests of Persephone were milling around them. Their vehicle would slow to a crawl sometimes, other times it was completely stopped as one man argued with another or a troupe of children followed a nun back to school. Docks held a sort of fascination for all three women, the bustle of life and emotions and exchanging and taking, it created a song of sorts, a rapid jig, or a polka. It was quieter in front of the harbormaster's office. A few men or women coming in and out, lighter in coin than they had been when they entered.

Zoe led the charge, locking the ATV down before heading towards the office.

She didn't knock, simply walked inside with purpose and pursed lips. Jack and kaylee had no choice btu to follow when Zoe was ina mood like this. The office itself was clean, organized, it's occupant a military man judging by the medals on the wall and the immaculate way he dressed. The office wasn't shining and fancy, it didn't have the cold gray feeling of the alliance; Jack had walked into the den of an old general.

"Allayne." A man was sitting behind the desk, a cigar resting in an ashtray beside him.

"General, I need to know about recent arrivals."

"I assume you're asking bout the same planet everyone else is," General grumbled. "Helion Septus hasn't had-"

"Septus got hit?" Jack interrupted. "When?"

"Young lady, if you interrupt you're very likely to miss vital information." He had a way of looking at her that made Jack feel very small and childish. "Helion Septus hasn't had any issue with the necromnogers. Some rumor's been flying around ever since Prime got hit." The general leaned forward on his elbows. "Most folk here got family in NeoDelhi."

Jack relaxed, but only barely.

"Lookin' for a ship from Hellion Prime," Zoe shook her head. "We got family, type of family good at getting out of tricky situations."

The general turned to look at his cortex. "You're in luck, got a ship come in this morning. Docked a few hours, left three people lighter than when it landed."

"Got an idea as to where those three went?" Zoe was standing like any soldier, arms behind her back as she waited patiently. The whole atmosphere had both younger women standing quiet and still.

"Don't imagine they'd gone anywhere but the mosque," General leaned back. "All I can tell you."

"Thank you sir." Zoe nodded, turning around.

"Thank you, very much," Jack nodded, following, heart in her throat. Three people...three people wasn't the four she'd left behind, it wasn't the four she'd been expecting. Kaylee chirped a goodbye as well, mentioning something about the general checking for aether filters on a couple of his docked ships, before following them out.

River blinked as Doo tried to climb onto the couch beside her, he'd been pacing by her feet, worried, but wishing to offer assistance or even just a paw to cry upon. He was a very smart boy, that was why River helped him up. He'd offered his paws to her three times now, knowing as only he could that she was not going to be lucid soon. Simon was fascinated by the reaction, wondering how a simple creature could know something like that. Doo wanted ask ask Simon something very similar.

It made her giggle.

The gray pup, crawled forward on his belly, tail wagging as he rolled onto his back and smiled up at her. Doo was here, for her. Nonjudgmental, not minding of her shivering or her growls. He just wanted to be beside her. To keep her safe when she couldn't keep herself safe.

"Thank you," she pet the soft fur. She could no longer keep him in her lap, he was getting too big now, but his head had room and it rest, heavy and comforting and warm. His breath ruffled the fabric of her dress, moisture spread through the fabric.

Doo could not chase the screams away, but he would try very hard to remind her they were far off.

Simon could only watch, helpless as his sister left the ship, body remaining, brain and heart still in front of him, but her mind was gone for now. She'd certainly improved since they joined the crew. Jack had a sort of fierce protectiveness he'd seen in only one person before. She'd understood right away what had taken Simon months; sometimes, a person just needed to be left alone.

Mal was rather protective of River as well, and Zoe to a point. It was Inara and Jack who put up the biggest fights regarding River and her care. Inara often hid his sister in her shuttle, smiling at him as she claimed not knowing. It upset him at first. It continued happening though, and once, he was struck by a memory of his days at Medacad, when he and his fraternity brothers had helped a fellow hide from his terrifying ex.

River had sister's now, and the sorority of Serenity was something he didn't dare try to demand things from. They were all four quite intimidating.

"Simon, I see our Doo is doing his best to help."

Simon turned to face Book, smiling as he did so. Book was a grandfather Simon had always hoped to meet one day. It was a bit late, but Book was there now. Someone Simon could run to for advice, his own father was less than helpful, and Grandmother had not once mentioned his grandfather's name. He had a suspicion about why.

"Doo had been good for her, the whole ship really." Simon glanced back at the two pups for a moment before following Book to the mess. "He just knows, he'll lead her away if she's around too many people, sometimes he'll bring her his dinosaur."

Book laughed with him at the memory. They'd been sitting at dinner last night, River beginning to rock ever so gently as Jack shifted her knife away from her. Everyone had been waiting with baited breath. A high pitched squeak broke the tense silence as Doo put his paws on River's lap, dropping a bright yellow, saliva covered stegosaurus onto her lap. The mood had lightened, River picking up the toy and kissing Doo on the nose before giving him a piece of her chicken flavored protein.

"The dog has been our caregiver and friend for many centuries," Book smiled, pouring himself a cup of tea. "Perhaps God sent him to us, to do what we could not."

"At this point, I'm willing to have some faith," Simon nodded. "I hear Inara is planning to attend a ball tonight. I haven't been to one of those in almost two years."

"Did you enjoy them?" Book asked as the conversation turned to lighter things.

"They were...well, there was always this one girl, this one kind of girl there, really..." Simon paused, looking at the shepherd.

"I was a young man myself once," Book laughed. "We all start as something different."

Simon nodded before continuing his story.

The Islamic neighborhood of Persephone was much different from New Mecca. The women were more independent, domestic disputes pouring into the streets and a goodly bit of skin showing as men called to them. The smells were the same though. Hot cardamom and turmeric and the smells of home hit Jack with more force than she'd expected. Smells she might never know again. The heaviness that settled on her being was echoed in Zoe's, and now that Jack could see deeper, she could see it in the faces of the people around her. Everyone had felt the blow. Older women she hadn't seen before were weeping silently as they sat in front of coffee shops. Grandfather's were sitting sorrowful across from their sons and watching life with new eyes.

"Up there," Jack pointed. Everyone could see the bright gold dome.

Zoe added a bit of speed, face set.

"Cover your hair," Jack handed Kaylee a piece of linen once they reached the mosque.

Zoe was already putting her scarf on. An attendant had taken her gun already, waiting patiently for Jack and Kaylee to follow suit. Kaylee nodded; Jack could see the questions burning her tongue. Once Jack had handed over Ghost and Emmaline, and Kaylee shrugged, pulling a heavy wrench from her boot, they were allowed into the outer section of the mosque.

Both of the brunette women looked around for a familiar face, Kaylee standing by and studying the grand building in wonder.

"Zisa," Jack breathed, moving towards a little girl she knew well. Zoe followed her, pulling Kaylee along over towards the little girl.

Zisa was pulling on a woman's sleeve, speaking before pointing to Jack. The woman lifted her head, eyes widening as she rose to meet not Jack, but Zoe. Moments passed, low and lyrical speech going back and forth between the four of them, assuring and soft, sorrowful and joyous as they made sure each was truly alive. It was Kaylee who asked what was going on, knowing only manadarin and English. Zoe laughed at her question as Jack held Zisa on her hip.

"Kaylee, this is my sister, Matea." Zoe leaned over to peek at Zisa. "And I'm going to assume this is my niece."

"Small verse," Kaylee beamed. "Families everywhere we go. But where's-"

"Perhaps coffee?" Matea cut with off with a look. Her eyes darted over to an attendant. He'd been watching them for some time. "We can discuss our missing dog somewhere a bit more private."

An coffee shop was something Jack genuinely missed. Not the core style shops, the cafe's and the Starbucks of the universe, but some place dimly lit, smokey from hookah and filled with laughter and disagreement. They were in the women's section of the shop, the clean sunlight and warm breeze blowing across their faces as they sat in the courtyard. Zisa had moved to her mother's lap, talking animatedly with Zoe while Kaylee continued to take everything in. She'd never known much more than the asian style bars Mal took them too and the honky tonks she ventured in when they were dirtside.

"How did you guys get out?" Jack asked as she sipped at her coffee.

"Richard was kind enough to guide us," Matea smiled. Her face fell a moment. "Imam has been in the temple since we arrived, seeking redemption for the lives he took to secure our escape."

"War was supposed to be over," Zoe spoke softly.

"War is never over," Matea shook her head. "I have tried to tell him many times."

"You guys stayin' round here?" Kaylee asked. The caffeine had gone straight to her bloodstream, she was bouncing and humming. Jack was surprised it had taken her this long to speak.

"We are considering it," Matea nodded. "It is the largest Crislam population in this sector. Though work is harder to come by." Kaylee and Zisa were chatting now. "I do not want her to grow up in this place either."

"Seen worse places," Jack pointed out. "Speaking of worse things, where's our big bad?"

"Richard disappeared after we landed," Matea apologized. "Though I suspect Mr. Toombs may have had a hand in that."

Jack nodded, strangely happy with the fact that he was safe. The idea of prison being safe was also odd, and her relief that him being in prison. She leaned back in her seat, eyes drifting to the sky above her as Zoe and Matea began speaking once more. They shared their lives, Zoe didn't know her sister had married Imam, just as Matea had no idea her sister's last name had changed. Kaylee and Zisa were chirping back and forth, playing a clapping game and singing. It was nice. Inara's presence might have made things nice too, and River could have tagged along, but no. Inara was dealing with Aetherton tonight, cleansing herself before she practiced and River had been closely monitored by Doo for the last three days. Next time.

The conversation only broke when a waitress walked into the courtyard, leaning forward to tell Matea that her husband had come to fetch her.

He looked different Jack realized as she followed Matea out. There were circles under his eyes she'd not seen before, his face was a bit harder and he carried himself as Zoe or Cap'n Dad did after a bad night.

"Jack," Imam smiled at her. "Or is it Kyra now?"

"Depends which planet I'm on," she smiled, hugging him.

"Made a bit of a name under Mal's leadership," Zoe spoke, smiling, from behind her. "Imam, it's been a long time."

"Zoe," Imam smiled, faintly surprised. "Now I must know what I missed."

"Come on board," Kaylee piped up. Zisa was in her arms, playing with the bright copper hair. "You can see Mal, visit, we're on land for at least two more days."

"It's good plan," Jack agreed. "I have a party to go to tonight, I'd like to have a real visit before we take off." As if to prove her point, Jack's comm went off. Inara was starting to get ready and Jack needed to get her skinny pi guh back to the ship if she planned to bathe before they left. It was always funny to hear Inara curse.

Jack wasn't a big fan of Aetherton Wing. She never had been. He was smarmy, cocky, and so uncaring it made her want to punch him. But she didn't because that would give Inara a bad name. And because he might have her bound by law and really, she didn't want to go to prison for breaking some prissy damagh nose. So she stayed silent, walking behind Inara as Aetherton's own man walked behind him. The dress she was wearing matched Inara's own, but where he sister's was wispy and suited to Olympus, Jack felt more like one of these Persephone belles. Which made sense, Inara was the one grabbing all of the attention because that was what she was supposed to do.

"I'll see you on the floor," Inara leaned over to kiss Jack on the cheek. The porter was to announce them.

"Of course," Jack responded in kind.

It was as they walked down the servants stairs that Jack was informed of something faintly disturbing. Butler, Aetherton's man, decided to share that Kyra might be in for a change in occupation.

"I beg pardon?" Kyra asked, walking onto the floor from behind a heavy tapestry. They hid the comings and goings of those who weren't official guests.

"Mr. Wing plans to take Miss Serra on as his personal companion," Butler clarified. "I suspect you'll have to find another mistress to serve." He winked at her. "Or mayhap move on to become an official companion."

"She's my sister," Jack pursed her lips. "My birth sister, and I am her secretary, not a companion in training."

"My apologies," Butler nodded his head. That was another thing that pissed her off about this crowd, even the hired help was a bunch of assholes. He wasn't sorry and Butler still wanted up her skirt. "I don't doubt you'd make a very fine one if you chose to follow in the family business."

"I do doubt the level of your intelligence," Jack spoke coldly. "I would suggest you find someone else to speak to. Now."

Butler raised his hands, still smiling at her as he walked towards a group of others like himself. A Gentleman's gentleman her foot. She'd missed Inara's announcement too. Never mind. She could see someone familiar standing by the buffet table. Small and rather skittish around large groups, his blonde date was smiling politely at everyone, curtsying and dancing with those who asked.

"Mr. U," Jack smiled as she approached the man. "Or is it Lord Ungles tonight?"

"Unfortunately," her grumbled. "My dad threatened to cut me off if I didn't come. I don't need it of course but it's the principle of the thing."

Jack had to grin as his 'wife' was returned to him by a rather portly businessman.

"Lenore, it's lovely to see you."

"You as well Miss Serra," the robotic woman smiled. "I am very sorry for your loss."

"My family got off safely," Jack replied, still bemused by the fact she could have a decent conversation with an AI. "Don't suppose you know where some of them got to."

"Of course I do," Mr. U waved his hand at her. "But so do those necros. They have something against everyone's favorite convict, can't imagine what, but they've been stationed on New Mec for almost a three days now."

"Highly unusual for the necromongers," Lenore nodded.

"Necromongers are, in and of themselves, highly unusual Miss Lenore."

Jack turned to see a rather stocky man approaching them. He was older, the type of man too old and too annoyed by ball's to enjoy them any longer. He was there, he'd put on pants, what more did a person want.

"Harrow!" Mr. U grinned, handing his plate to Lenore to shake the man's hand. He took his plate up almost as soon as their hands released.

"Ungles, I surprised to see you off of your moon," the elder man smiled. He turned to Jack then, still smiling, but judging this time, testing to see if she deserved respect. "And you would be?"

"Kyra Serra," she extended her hand to shake. "Most everyone calls me Jack."

"Ah, and what sort of business are you in?" that testing tone was back.

"Tonight I'm a secretary," she answered carefully. "Most other days I'm involved in shipping."

Harrow nodded approvingly. "I happen to be in need of some shipping myself." Harrow took a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter. "If you're the one who...introduced him to Lenore, well, I'm sure you're very adept at keeping things under the radar."

"It's something of a specialty," Jack nodded. "I can-"

The announcement of the next guest stopped Jack in her speech, turning to see something bright pink and fluffy standing at the top of the stairs. Kaylee was bright and shining in her new pink dress, the same monstrosity she'd been staring at in the window earlier. Mal was next to her, incredibly stiff and looking for all the world as though he'd rather be someplace else. They'd fit right in.

"I do believe that's your captain," Mr. U patted Jack on the shoulder.

"Cap'n dad," Jack nodded. "If you'll excuse me Mr. Harrow."

"Captain calling?" Harrow asked.

"No, but Kaylee needs to be rescued from Captain grumpy," Jack smiled.

"Go then," Harrow waved her off. "We have all night to iron out the details."

Kyra smiled at him, reaching on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek before moving to go find Kaylee. She was in a light mood tonight, and despite some unhappy events earlier, finding out her family was alive made her quite happy. Having people she could actually talk to made her quite happy as well. Kaylee was still talking to Mal when she approached, eyes taking in everything as Mal glowered about the room.

"Miss Fry, you are looking exceptionally pink tonight."

"Jack!" Kaylee released the captain's arm, grinning as she hugged her. "I can't believe you get to go to these things all the time."

"Not all the time, sometimes I'm slaving away for that ba wong," Jack tilted her head at Mal. "Dare I ask?"

"This ba wong managed to get us a job," Mal grumbled, moving aside as a duo passed them. "Need to find our contact first."

"That him?" Kaylee asked, pointing to the place Jack had just left.

"That's the buffet table," Mal's lips pulled into a line.

"And the mangoes are in dire need of questioning," Jack pointed out, grinning. "C'mon Cap'n Dad, been living off protein for four months straight."

"Don't make yourselves sick," Mal relented. "I'll meet with you two after a turn about the room."

"C'mon Kaylee, I'd like to introduce you to someone."

~!~

He was gone. The growling prowling shadow was gone, locked in fire and darkness with those unfit souls. Gone gone away, far away from her and she.

Doo's wet nose touched the back of her knee.

"She is fine, he is caged. Safe from death for now, he will be back though." He always escaped his cage, this was known. He would show her how to escape cages when he came to see her. He would come to her and she and they would talk. They would play and whisper in the night, nights full of peppermint.

They were quiet as they entered the kitchen. Claws pulled back to prevent the tic tack of footsteps. Ge-ge and grandfather and sister's man were trading off chores. Book would be without duties for the next trideca cycle. He would still come in and help, always seeking purpose and use, he'd been used and busy for his entire life, being without made him antsy. It made him sad.

~!~

"I'm trying to offer you something you know. A life."

"Atherton," Inara had heard this speech many times, from many different clients. Had she wanted to, she would have accepted long before, but she had a life. And it was hers for however long it might be.

"You can live here on Persephone, as my personal companion."

"You are a generous man," Inara settled on. Generous and confident, very close to cocky.

"That is not a yes." He was approaching dangerous now as well.

"It's not a no either," Inara shook her head. As they danced past another couple, she complimented the woman, an older woman. Mature and carrying a beauty within her few could, she was graceful and full of life.

"You belong here Inara. Not on that flying piece of go se."

"Please mind your language," she tried not to scowl. She had been hoping to avoid such crass language, even if only for one night.

"What? Go se? But it is."

"Atherton, this is something I would have to discuss with my sister."

"Why would you need to discuss it with her?" he asked, reversing their motion across the floor. "I'm sure she'd be fine with you moving off of the ship."

Inara almost stopped moving. He didn't just expect her to leave her life, he expected her to leave Kyra on what he'd deemed to be a junker of a ship. He really did need to stick to bedroom talk. His brain obviously wasn't working very well. She opened her mouth to reiterate her decision, but it was rather useless. He was distracted by someone talking to a lord, a 'scruffy sort' of man Inara knew to be the captain of Serenity. This night had gotten progressively worse.

"Where's the old man?" Jack asked as she and Kaylee returned to Mr. U and Lenore.

"Well hey there Mr. U, pretty fancy isn't it?"

Mr. U smiled at her, admitting that the whole place was indeed pretty fancy. Lenore took Kaylee's attention, suggesting various items she might taste while Jack focused on securing the job.

"Uncle Warrick went to go talk to someone about some such thing." Mr. U waved his hand dismissively. "He likes you, you know that right?"

"Why's that?" Jack reached over to grab something from Kaylee's plate.

"You're willing to set business to the side. He said you had your priorities straightened out as few people did." Mr. U adjusted his posture and voice, miming his godfather. "Money comes and goes, but friends and family are forever."

Jack let a snort out, covering her mouth with her hand as she tried not to laugh too hard. It was perfect, she could in fact hear Mr. U sounding like Warrick once he got older. Lenore let out a polite laugh as well; her laugh had changed sine last Jack saw her. It had taken on a deeper sound. The sound of Lenore's laugh was lost on her as Mr. U continued to mimic his uncle, Kaylee had joined in the giggling and all was going rather well until a shout and a hush fell across the crowd.

Both girls, man, and bot turned to see someone on the ground, and for just a minute Jack wondered if Jayne had gotten into another fistfight. Until she remembered that Jayne was still on the ship. Mal however was not and the man standing up was her sister's client.

The younger Serra pushed her way through the crowd to stand by her sister's side, catching the tail end of the situation. Inara took her hand gratefully as Kyra came to stand beside her, face pale as a whole event unfolded around them.

"I hope you're prepared, Captain." Kyra really didn't like the way Aetherton spoke. Sneering at everything and everyone who didn't benefit him in some way. The crowd was murmuring with excitement, whispering and shushing one another.

Cap'n Dad obviously didn't understand just what he'd done. He rarely did, but if it hadn't been for Inara's lessons, Jack wouldn't' have known either.

"What?" Mal asked, a grin teasing the corners of his mouth as a fire lit up his eyes. "You all talking about a fight? That's just fine by me." Her removed his jacket, a very nice jacket Kyra hadn't known him to wear a once. She hadn't known he owned anything nice. "Let's get out of here, under the stars."

"Not a fistfight," Jack shook her head, moving to take his jacket from his arms. "Abn elghbeh dad."

"The duel will be met tomorrow morning at Cadrie Pond," someone at the edge of the circle decided. Butler, Atherton's man. His winking only served to piss her off.

"Why wait that long?" Mal asked, his jaw was set and that grin was gone. Whatever had happened was enough to have put him on a real sharp edge. "Where's the guard, collected a whole mess of pistols."

"It's a swordfight," Jack hissed as Butler politely asked the crowd for the loan of a sword. She could see Harrow coming towards them, volunteering his sword for the duel. "You got yourself into a swashbuckling swordfight."

"A what?"

Inyego would win.

"Did you say something dear?"

River turned to look at Grandfather. He was sitting beside her on the couch, smiling. He knew that she couldn't always keep the insides in. She could once. Once long ago and he knew that once she'd been leak free, but he didn't know the girl of before. He only knew the girl now, and he wanted the now to be happy.

"Swordsman of Spain, fictional, you killed my father-"

"Prepare to die," Book grinned. "Did you ever read the book?"

"Negative, the girl was exposed to restructured visual feeds."

"I have a copy amongst my things," Book smiled. "It's quite funny, and more than a bit ridiculous at times."

"Hairdressers existed within the walls of Eden." Book nodded, a little perplexed, but happy to talk with her. Happy he could help her be happy, even if her book wasn't his book. "She would much appreciate the opportunity to read it."

"I'll go get it then," Book nodded, rising slowly.

His bones were aching, age was catching up to him and the cold of the ship pushed him closer. He left the common room, but he would not leave the ship for some time. Not until his bones demanded they truly stop. Grandfather was there for her, even when he wasn't sure where she stood. He was listening to her, perhaps not comprehending, but listening and trying.

Grandmother would have liked him. The girl wondered for a moment, how different would she have been had Grandmother found Grandfather. Would her skin be darker, her face more angular?

"Two sets," River found herself saying. Two sets to make one set to make one. Condensing down, further and further, on and on, two and one and one. Grandmother and Grandfather were each their own set.

The thick and throaty laughter of the Holy Man echoed up from the hold. Elder Sister had found her younger sister and the Holy Man and their Zisa. The ship was full of joy and relief. It was light and it raised her up that she might touch the stars without ever moving. The joy she rode upon tickled the Spirits, let down walls she hadn't put up and for a few moments, she could hear an echo. An echo of her grandmother's love, floating through the black to find her. The echo of the jungles and sand she'd known long ago, knew now through Sister, stronger, fresher.

Grandfather returned, happy as the rest.

He would enjoy jungles and sand. His bones would sing for it.

"Would you mind terribly if I read to you?" Book asked. He was shy, embarrassed. Sensitive and scared as all men were. It was known.

"The girl would enjoy it."

~!~

"What's goin' on?" Kaylee asked, finally pushing forward to join them, the party was dispersing, folks going home to share the scandal they'd just heard. Harrow had joined them, Mr. U and Lenore slightly behind him as they spoke in some language Jack could barely place.

"I'm not rightly sure," Mal shook his head. "Jack's sayin' something about swordfights."

"First off, the girl isn't just talking," Harrow spoke up. Jack could see him measuring. Testing again and finding them satisfactory. The deal was good. "You'll be put up in lodgings for the night to make sure you don't disappear." Harrow set his thumbs into his belt loops; Mr. U was miming him a few feet away. "I wouldn't' blame you incidentally. Wing may be a spoiled ponce, but he's quite the swordsman as well."

"This has got to be a joke," Mal groaned, reaching up pinch the bridge of his nose.

"Afraid not my boy," Harrow shook his head. Mr. U was still miming his uncle, facial features making Kaylee bury her face into Jack;s shoulder. "The joke, sadly, is that you're the only one who gave him a worthwhile reason."

~!~

Jack stormed into the hold of Serenity, fury and fire in her veins at the complete idiocy of the people on board her boat. If Cap'n Dad didn't win this it would be her boat, and that was not something she was looking forward to. She wasn't ready, she still needed her family. Up the grated stairs and into the mess, Jack ignored the stares and silence she'd thrown on everyone like a blanket.

"Kyra!"

Jayne's shout caused her to pause in the doorway.

"Thought you were gonna bring me back somethin'."

It was enough to make her laugh, a sad, irritated laugh that did encourage her to take a deep, calming breath.

"Mal got himself caught up in a duel," she sighed, moving back down the steel steps. "Inara is being blackmailed into staying on Persephone, and now I have to plot our course for our new buyer on top of finding someone on this ball of dirt who knows how to wield a sword."

"You'll look very pretty doing it," Wash piped up from beside his wife. "The belle of the smuggling ball."

Now that she'd released her frustration, Jack realized she'd come back in her gown, hair still pulled back and surprisingly free of dirt. The aura of rage must have scared everyone and everything away. The kitchen table was full of people, Book and River absent from them, curious really, but it was still full of people. Her folks, and Zoe's folks, from New Mecca and Jayne was sitting next to Wash. Zoe sitting between her husband and sister.

"Thank you," Jack nodded, smiling slightly as she let herself relax.

"Indeed, I would doubt you were the same girl I met all those years ago," Imam smiled. "Perhaps you might show me where our fearless leader is. I will teach him what I can."

"Sniper, priest, and swordsman," Zoe's brow raised. She turned to her sister. "I think you won."

"Hey now!" Wash argued. "I'm a pilot, an amazing dinosaur, and a champion goose juggler."

Zoe turned to her sister, both women sharing a private laugh. Jack however was grateful that Imam would try to save Mal's life once more. Indeed, he was standing, waiting for her to either tell him where to go or lead him towards the captain.

"Let me change," Jack nodded. "I gotta go ask Riv something too."

"Girl and Book been holed up in the bridge, reading about true love and buttercups." Jayne was still looking at her, eyes a bit dreamy and a lot fiery. "You hurry back, got words."

"Yeah, go get the ATV prepped for me?" she asked as she climbed back towards the bridge. "Mal's got me doing Captain things and Riv's the only one on board who knows how to get me out of this thing without tearing it."

Mal scowled at the piece of metal in his hands. The core seemed to have this bizarre idea that the rim planets were barbaric. The civilized world just liked to hack each other to bits over what should have been common sense. The sword was odd in his hands. Harrow liked them curved, too much time on Moscow he'd explained. Lords and nobles certainly had a strange way of doin' business.

He swung the sword experimentally. Wasn't too hard, not nearly as have as it could have been.

Mal?"

He couldn't help the noise that erupted from his throat. Nor could he help when the sword had lodged itself into a pillar. There she was, the woman of the evening and quite possibly the woman he was going to get himself killed over. She was just standing there, clad in a robe he hadn't seen her wear a once before. It was too much. Not too much cloth, but it was too much for her. Too elaborate. It took away from what made her beautiful.

"Slipped," he pulled himself together. "What are you doing here?"

"Atherton is always a heavy sleeper before a big day," she shook her head. She was smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was bitter, sad. It was even a bit angry. "Killing to do in the morning and a hair cut at noon."

Her joke wasn't terribly funny.

"Real comfort, having friends at a time like this." Comfort would have been holding her in his arms, back on his ship and sailing through the black like they were supposed to. Comfort would have been giving not just one Serra woman his name, but two. A whole Reynolds family.

"I knew the accommodations would be nice," Inara spoke. She wanted to say something else, her body was wound up too tight, a little wrinkle appearing by her eyebrow; it always showed up when she was concerned about something. "Atherton doesn't skimp."

Mal snorted at the man's name and pulled his sword from the pillar. She was using that core bred pansy like a shield.

"I don't suppose I like being kept by him as much as some," he hefted the sword again, trying to figure the damn thing out. It rally shouldn't be so hard. You just stuck them with the pointy end. "So how come you're still attached to him?"

"Because it's my decision, not your," she nearly snapped.

"Yours?" Mal asked. "And what about your sister huh? Atherton's man is a bit chatty, and so is Jackie for that matter. Man ain't got no regard for your sister and he's got even less for you."

"You managed to push him into saying something," Inara admitted. She wasn't happy about admitting that, not in the least. "Made a nice justification for the punch."

She wasn't admitting to a damn thing. She wasn't even admitting that Jack mattered in this choice at all.

"Well, he insulted you, I hit him. Seemed like the thing to do."

"Of course you would think that." Mal made an unmanly noise for the second time that night as a booming voice echoed into his room. An older black man was standing in front of Jack, robes billowing around him as his turban stood bright atop his head. "It seems I am saving you life quite often Malcolm."

"Ain't a pistol duel Imam," Mal smiled. "Glad to see you made it out."

"Miss Jack has explained the particulars," Imam nodded with a smile. He brought a sword from within the folds of his robes and crouched into a stance. "You did use your combat knife, yes?"

Mal scowled. Imam knew damn well his knife had seen use. He was damn good with his knife, but a sword...

"Sword's just a big knife ain't it?" Mal asked, a comprehension coming over his features.

"You can't be serious!"

Mal turned when Inara shrieked. She looked genuinely scared now, clutching her robe tight between her fingers. He didn't like fear on her face any more than he liked that poncy bastard grabbing her or Jack bunking down with Jayne.

"Mal doesn't run from fights Inara," Jack pointed out. She'd changed from her gown into something more befitting his crew and ship. Her brown coat was hanging off of one arm, Ghost on her hip. She'd make a fine captain, specially if Zoe stuck around.

"Yes, he does," Inara shook her head. "He runs, you run all the time!"

"Miss Serra, if you continue to shout, you will awaken the guards," Imam wagged his finger at her. "Jack brought me here to make sure Mal's idiocy does not get him killed."

"Jack also needs to go kick Badger off of what might end up being her ship come noon tomorrow." The girl in question pushed herself off of the wall she'd been leaning against. "He's got everyone at gun point, barely let me and Imam go."

"Go on then," Mal adjusted his stance. Sword was just a big knife. He'd be damned if Badger took his boat.

~!~

Jack walked back onto the ship, completely ignoring Badger and his men.

"Matea, you head on up to the other shuttle," Jack rubbed her temples. "The bed is made up and waiting. Cortex is up too if you have anyone you want to contact or Zisa wants to watch a movie."

"Hey now!" Badgr had come over, gun cocked and a man look on his face. "You aren't giving orders on this boat love."

"Will you let me get my people to bed?" Jack snapped. "She's five, her mother's only ever held a kitchen knife." Badger wasn't pleased, he opened his mouth to say as much. Jack was not in any mood to listen to him though. "Jesus, Mary, and Mohammad, if Mal dies you'll be dealing with me. Not Zoe or Jayne, Me. And I made the deal with Harrow a long time before Mal even set foot in that shindig. Not get the fuck off of my boat."

In the time she'd been yelling at Badger, Jayne had managed to grab the gun from the back of her pants. Four quick shots, his disarming special, had each of their guns on the ground, Ghost smoking as Zoe caught a rifle from the catwalk. River was standing there, smiling through a pout. She must have had some sort of plan.

"Leave the guns," she shouted as one went to bend. "You'll get them back in the morning. In fact, we're keeping that one." Jack pointed at one of Badger's men. "He can take all your guns back once Mal gets on board."

The cock of no less than three guns had Badger backing out, several of his men following suit, lifting their hands even as they backed away.

"Shall I tie our hostage?" Zoe asked, stony face. Her eyes were dancing with amusement. The face must have been very hard to keep up.

"Jayne, keep him in your sights," Jack nodded. "Wash, help me get this bullshit taken care of. Atherton Wing made the wrong kind of enemy tonight."

She was uploading a virus onto Atherton's mainframe when Jayne came onto the bridge. Wash had backed out almost an hour ago, fearful of the look on her face and the stream of curses coming from her mouth. Her battle song he'd joked before darting off to the safety of his wife. Jayne leaned on the back of her chair, watching as she set everything into motion.

"Not a person in the 'verse blackmail's a Serra and gets away with it," she grumbled, hitting the last key. The virus was something rather clever. She'd set it up so in two weeks time, Atherton Wing would be under investigation for embezzlement. He already was guilty of the crime, but he'd been running a small time protection gig rather than outright stealing from his family's weapon company. He was just so impatient; no one would even question it.

"I ever tell you how sexy you get when you start barkin' orders," Jayne put his lips to her ear. "Hellfire and fury all 'cross your face." his lips began to travel along her neck. "Think I might be willin' to rethink our bed rules."

Jack was just fired up enough to have that discussion.

~!~

Zoe went with Jack to Cadrie pond the next day. River as well; she was tired of being left out. Tired of missing the fun parts of their adventure. Fun, watching the closest thing to a dad die over her sister was fun. Jesus, why couldn't they just act like grown ups? Why did they have to stand across from each other with glorified knives and almost a dozen spectators?

"They would see what they have lost," River leaned against Jack's shoulder. The stipulation of River joining involved wearing one of Inara's veils. It ended with both of them covering their faces. "They see the code they have forgotten."

"It's only backing up what they found," Jack shook her head. "Honor gets you killed."

"Imam won't let him die," Zoe shook her head. "He still owes him fifty platinum."

Jack had to snort at that. Sure enough, Imam had taken Harrow's place as Mal's second. When the black man had announced his intentions moments ago, Atherton's face had gone pale. The Islamic sector trained it's sons in swordplay from the time they could hold a sword. Station didn't matter, you learned, you enlisted, you continued your training until you died.

Even if Mal died, Atherton probably would too. It wouldn't bring Mal back, but it sure would be a dose of karma.

Inara moved to stand beside them, absently adjusting River's veil as she kept her eyes on Mal.

"He comes out of this alive, I want you to do something," Jack spoke, watching as the two men took their places. Inara made a noise, chewing her lip as the rules were explained. "I want you to sign that resignation form you requested two months ago."

Inara tore her eyes from the scene before her, staring at Jack before Mal summoned her attention again. Imam's advice had worked, not to say he was winning, but he was genuinely holding his own once he was on familiar ground. Zoe was moving to stand beside Imam, face stony as the battles of the past emerged.

"The wind is enraged," River whispered, leaning into Jack. "He will scream and shout, he will strip her of her jewels and throw her into the dust."

"Come on Inara," Jack hissed. "You left them open on the table. You wanted me to know even you don't know you did."

It was once Atherton had Mal on his knees that Inara finally shouted. The poncey core-bred was raising his sword, ready to remove Mal's head from his shoulders when Inara's words distracted him.

"Wait!" Inara pulled away from Jack, stepping forward to look the man in the eyes. Everyone was looking at her, except for River and Mal. The soldier was waking up in Mal, the man who'd been knee deep in blood for weeks on end. The man who was almost an animal.

"I'll stay here, exclusive to you, please, just let him live."

Those words, so close to a declaration caused Mal to snap back into the fight. His sword, while broken, was so much closer to the combat knife he'd known for years. Hard and jagged, like the man he'd become. Jack watched with River as Mal surged up, blade cutting into Atherton's wrist and making him drop his sword. The broken blade found it's next home in Atheton's chest, just to the right of his heart, just missing a clean kill.

River's grip on her arm had tightened, fear was in her very stance. Jack reached over, pulling her a bit closer.

"It's okay khahar," Jack whispered. "None of us are going anywhere."

"Daddy keeps us safe," River whispered.

"He does."

Inara was the one who walked over to Mal, helping him to stay upright. There was a look in her eyes now, full of determination and admittance. She was going to sign those papers.

Atherton however didn't seem to see the beauty in this moment, instead preferring to shatter it with his words.

"Inara. Inara!"

"You've lost her lad," Harrow harrumphed, picking up his broken blade.

"Graciousness is never frowned upon by Allah," Imam agreed as he moved to help Inara with Mal's weight. She was trying, lord knew she was trying, but Inara wasn't the strongest woman, and Mal was a pretty big guy. She gave Imam a thankful look as he took Mal's weight from her.

"You set this up, whore," Atherton continued to ramble. The pain must have taken his filter away, that or he was the madar ghabeh Jack always knew he was.

"The second is accurate," River whispered. She looked at Jack through the guaze of her veil. "The girl is learning."

"First thing I learned too," Jack shrugged as she began to move River towards the mule.

Zoe had already started the vehicle up, watching through dark eyes as Inara explained just what she was going to do to Atherton. She was going to black mark him. Black marks were a very serious offense, not only spanning through the companions guild, but sent out to every two-bit, gilded brothel in the verse. Every matchmaker and holy man would see it, every judge who'd ever seen a companion. He'd be alone for the rest of his life. Not many knew the depth to which the Companions Guild ruled.

"Secrets and lies, sweet smelling order birthed from chaos," River whispered as Zoe helped her climb onto the mule. Inara was insistent upon helping Imam with Mal. "Butterflies of steel, battling the deep blue of the sun."

Jack wasn't entirely sure what that one meant. Harrow had come over and was now speaking to Mal.

"Truthfully I'd been somewhat doubtful as to your abilities," harrow harrumphed. "You girl, I knew I could trust her. But a man is willing to fight like that, if you're willing to fight for my property that hard...I'm rather glad I broke the deal with Miss Serra."

Mal blinked before extending his hand to Harrow. They shook, blood sticking their skin together.

"I'll have it in your hold by midnight."

When they reached the ship, Inara insisted once more upon helping Mal. It was wordless, nothing more than Inara reaching him first, taking initiative before Imam or Zoe could act. Not that they'd intended to. Jack hopped out from the back, all too intent on getting some real sleep, before spotting the illustrious Badger.

"He does not shine," River stared at Jack.

"Sarcasm," Jack reminded her. "Like saying he's ever so welcome."

"Captain, I was wondering when you were going to show up." Badger stood from his spot, looking disgruntled and slimier than ever. "You get a deal then?"

Mal looked at him, still riding an adrenaline high as his fist flew out.

"Jackie, you go make nice with Mr. U. Persephone's bad for the crew's health." Inara helped Mal to sit as Simon rushed back with his bag. Badger's men were taking their boss off of the ship, not looking forward to something worse. "Stabbings, honor get torn to shreds, jackie's limpin'." He turned hard eyes onto Jack and Jayne both. "Wash, get us the hell out of here."

"Must have been one hell of a party," Wash grinned as he moved to the bridge. Zoe followed, smirking slightly before she spoke in low tones.

~!~

Jack watched as Inara's brush slid across the parchment. She hadn't even reminded Inara of the demand she'd made. As soon as Mal was resting, she'd come into the shuttle, setting the papers on the table in between Jack's cortex and River's drawing. She hadn't even hesitated in between dipping her brush and taking her life back. It would make things harder for a while. Inara had no real skills to speak of, but she had more than enough doors she could open. Allies she could call on.

"I need you to send this for me," Inara slid the paper over. "The next planet with a decent clerk's office, I want you to send it off." There was a beat. "What?"

"We didn't think you'd do it," River deadpanned.

"Not ever," Kyra agreed.

Inara pursed her lips before swiping her brush across River's nose. The look on her face, the shock and utter disbelief was priceless. It was while Jack was snorting that her nose went just as black. Inara was the one laughing as she put her tools away, the parchment sitting innocently on the table top. River was rubbing at her nose, brows knitting together as the ink spread to her hands and across her skin.

"You just leave marks on everyone don't you?" Kyra asked, leaning over to pick a facial wipe from inara's desk. She went to River first; the psychic was becoming increasingly distressed over her situation. "You're really going to do this?"

"I am," Inara nodded as she came to sit beside them once more. She'd picked up a cleanser as well, taking River's face from Kyra and wiping gently. "I'm sorry Meimei, I didn't meant to alarm you."

"Black marks," River explained. "She does not wish to be alone."

She. She was all of them and none of them in that moment.

"No one is alone," Kyra settled on. "Truly."

Mal's frame appeared in the doorway of the shuttle, still pale, but looking much better than he had earlier in the day. His shirt was rumpled from sleep, hair sticking in directions he usually disliked. He was still in pain, but less than he would have been without the doctor.

"Imam and his family are takin' up residence in the other shuttle 'til we get someplace near New Melbourne." Mal walked further into the shuttle. "Matea's makin' dinner iffn' you girls feel like helping her out." Kyra and River both rose, understanding just what Mal was saying. "And don't think for one minute you're off the hook Jackie!"

Jack cringed as she ducked out, ignoring River's giggles and the mooing of Harrow's cows in their cargo hold.

~!~~!~!~!~!~!~

For those of you keeping up with Little One, a prologue if you will,

And you will

There's no set schedule on updates. I tend to write a new chapter after I've had a chat with my own grandma. So a new chapter tends to go up within 1-2 days after talking to Gramma. Sooner if I've visited her.

This story runs a bit differently. Because the chapters tend to be long, or as long as I can make them depending on the episode -still don't like Bushwhacked-, updates are dependent on my schedule. Finals are hitting -quite hard- and this will be the last update until Summer vacation. I do feel a bit cheeky for teasing you with Riddick though ^_^ Bait and Switch.

Khahar -Farsi - sister