Sins of the Past – Chapter Ten
Author makes no money from his efforts. No copyright infringement intended. Perfectly okay not to sue him.
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
"No, Chelsa, that's not right," Simon said again.
"What did I do wrong this time," the girl sighed.
"The splint has to be in just the right position before you inflate it," Simon told her with infinite patience. "Inflating it this way," he pointed to her work, "will cut off the circulation around the knee. If left that way long enough, it could cause damage, or even result in amputation."
"What? I could cause someone to lose their leg?" The horror in her voice was palpable. "No said anything about that!"
"I just did," Simon smirked. "And you can only cause it if you do it wrong. That's why it's important to do it correctly." They were working on a 'dummy', one that was used for teaching first aid and CPR. Thankfully.
"Try it again," Simon ordered.
"Uncle Simon, maybe I'm just not cut out to be a medic," Chelsa said mournfully. This had looked really attractive when she'd volunteered to be Companion's medic.
"It's a matter of learning, Chelsa," Simon told her sternly. "No one is born knowing about anything. You have to learn. That's why you're here. To learn. I know this doesn't seem as glamorous as flying," he waved his hands to encompass the exam room they were in, "but life saving skills are just as important in the black as knowing how to fly."
"Okay." She dutifully broke down the splint and went back to work.
Simon watched her, saying nothing at this stage. When he'd first started training her, he had talked her through each stage of whatever exercise they were on. Not anymore. Now, she had to go through the entire thing, and only then would he critique her work.
He was careful to keep his features neutral as she worked, this time applying the air splint in the proper fashion. Once satisfied, she slowly added air until the splint was swollen to keep the 'leg' stable. Once she was finished, she stepped back, and looked up at her teacher.
"Much better," Simon smiled at her. "Much better. Now, tell me, in detail, how you approach an unconscious person, and what you would do to check them for injuries."
"Well, if it's someone I know, I call them by name. . . ."
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
An hour later, Simon called a halt to the class. Chelsa was learning, despite a few setbacks.
"Don't forget the reading materials I gave you," he pointed to the disc on the cabinet. "And next time, there will be a test. A written test, with no help. I suggest you study hard."
"Yes, Uncle Simon," Chelsa nodded. She hugged him, gathered her bag and the disc, and left. Sighing, Simon left the room behind her, walking to the waiting room. He was pleasantly surprised to see Kaylee coming through the door, in the process of hugging Chelsa. Watching the girl bound away, Kaylee came on inside.
"Hello, ai ren," Simon smiled, embracing her. Kaylee hugged back, then drew back to look at him.
"Simon, I think maybe we oughta talk."
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
"What?"
"I said I'm late, Simon," Kaylee repeated, watching him closely.
"How late?" Simon asked, kicking into 'doctor' mode without thinking.
"Ain't had my monthly in the last two," Kaylee told him. "I wanna think I'm. . .well, I wanna make sure."
"Uh, yeah. Good idea," Simon stammered, his head swimming. "Let me see. . . ."
Twenty minutes later Simon was grinning like the proverbial donkey when he returned to the exam room where Kaylee was waiting.
"We're. . .we're gonna be parents!" he exclaimed, grabbing his wife in a fierce embrace. Kaylee squealed as he spun her around.
"Oh, Simon I was so hopin'. . . ." she sobbed. "I mean, wasn't no real way ta tell, ya know? I shoulda come in earlier, but I kept thinkin' I'd wait and see."
"Well, there's no doubt about it, now," Simon smiled at her. "And, I checked everything else it could be, as well. You're healthy, and everything's fine! I'd say you're about six weeks along."
"We're gonna be parents," Kaylee said dreamily, her voice wistful. She looked calm and peaceful for about thirty seconds. Until it hit her.
"OMIGOD, SIMON WE'RE GONNA BE PARENTS!"
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
"Baby?" Mal looked stunned. Inara beamed, and hugged Kaylee tight. Her parents had already gushed and awwed over the couple. Now it was Mal and Inara's turn.
"That's wonderful news, mei mei," Inara exclaimed. "How far along are you?"
"Roughly six weeks," Simon answered that one, still smiling. His feet hadn't really connected with the dirt in nearly an hour.
"Well, that's great!" Mal told him, offering his hand to Simon, and a hug to Kaylee. "Wantin' a boy or a girl?"
"Boy," Kaylee replied.
"Girl," Simon said at the same time. Both frowned, and looked at each other.
"I thought you wanted a . . . ." Each said at the same time. Again.
"Well, looks like you two got some'at ta talk about," Mal grinned, pleased with himself. The couple glowered at him for an instant, then back at each other.
"Mal," Inara chided. "It doesn't matter what it is, so long as he or she is healthy. Don't forget that."
"True," Simon backed down first, though Kaylee's glare may have had something to do with that. "Speaking of which, we need to get back. There are some pre-natal vitamins you should be taking, bao bei. To help keep your strength up."
"Okay," Kaylee smiled. "See you two later," she smiled at Mal and Inara. Mal watched them go, then turned to Inara.
"Well, how 'bout that," he smiled in pleasure. "Lil' Kaylee's gonna be a momma."
"She'll be a wonderful mother," Inara stated.
"That she will," Mal agreed. "Wonder what this is gonna do to her business?"
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
"What do you mean I can't keep workin'?" Kaylee demanded.
"I mean it's not good for you or the baby, Kaylee, to be around all those chemicals. And the heavy lifting you do is out of the question. You could very easily miscarry, trying to lift some of the parts you use."
"Simon, I can't not work," Kaylee informed him. "I can't leave Daddy alone out in the shop. This whole thing was my idea! It ain't right!"
"I'm sorry, Kaylee," Simon replied, sincerely. "But it's just too dangerous. The things you absorb through your skin could very well cause trouble for the baby, and for you. Your body chemistry will be changing quickly. It's just not a good idea."
"Simon," Kaylee said evenly. "I may not can do some things, but there's a ton of work I can do 'thout strainin' nothin', or gettin' no chemicals on me. And I can't just quit!"
"I'm not telling you to quit," Simon tried to reason with her. "But you are going to have to take some time off until the baby is born."
"That's months!" Kaylee exclaimed. "No, there has to be a compromise we can find. I can find a mechanic to help daddy, for now. But that means we won't have my pay no more," she warned. "I'll have to use it to pay the help."
"We can get by fine on what I get paid," Simon smiled. "And, once the baby is born, and you're able, there's no reason you can't go right back to twisting wrenches as much as you want."
"We'll have to see what we can work out."
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
Kaylee and Simon visited Companion next, giving their good news to Jayne and River. River made squeeing noises and embraced the woman she had come to love as a sister, while Jayne smirked at Simon, pumping his hand and slapping his back. As always, Simon mentally checked his spine for damage. Jayne really didn't realize his strength sometimes.
"Way to go, Simon," Jayne told him.
"Yes, well. . ." Simon blushed.
"Always the prude, dear brother," River snarked, hugging him tightly. "Congratulations to the both of you."
"Thanks, River!" Kaylee was almost gushing.
"Ya'll make good parents," Jayne nodded his own approval. "And prob'ly a pretty baby. Course if it takes after Simon it'll be snooty and uptight, but. . . .oof!" Jayne broke off as a well aimed elbow caught him in the stomach. He was grinning, though.
"Pay him no mind," River sniffed. "Babies are wonderful and beautiful, and. . .well, messy, and noisy, and. . .and. . .congratulations!" River ended, realizing she was making it worse. Simon and Kaylee just laughed at her discomfiture.
"Well, we wanted you to hear it from us," Kaylee smiled. "Now I got to go tell Daddy that I can't work no more until the baby's born, and gotta find someone to help him out 'til I can come back."
As they left, River sighed, watching them walk away, so happy.
"What's on that mind o' your'n," Jayne asked her, seeing the look in her eyes.
"What?" she jolted, looking up at him.
"I seen that look. What's wrong?"
"Nothing," River sighed again. "I'm very happy for Kaylee and Simon."
"But?" Jayne prompted. River smiled. He knew her too well.
"It would be nice if we could have a baby," she admitted. Jayne snorted.
"We done got one," he complained. "Still if ya want one, don't see no reason we can't. . .what?" He broke off seeing the look on River's face.
"We haven't had any success so far," she told him. Jayne frowned.
"You're on birth control," he pointed out. "Ain't no way. . .what now?" he asked, seeing a different look on her face.
"I haven't taken the shot in six months," she admitted sheepishly. "Don't be mad," she added, seeing his eyes narrow. "I. . .I wanted to try. To see. I don't think it's possible for me to conceive, my great bear. I think we shall be baby less." Jayne looked at her for a moment, then shrugged.
"Like I said before, just means I ain't gotta share." She smiled, and hugged him. He was so understanding. Most men would be. . .let down.
"I ain't let down," Jayne told her. She grinned into his chest. She had thought too hard, and he had 'heard' her.
"I know," she looked up at him. "But it is disappointing."
"Well, you never know what can happen," he said, sounding far too philosophical for Jayne Cobb. "We'll just have ta keep practicing." This was accompanied by a comical leer, which made River burst into giggles.
"So we shall," she agreed happily. "So we shall."
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
Goldie and Zoe walked through Astra, mostly window shopping. They had had dinner with Gerry and Rebecca, who had gone to see a movie afterward. They weren't dating, so far as Zoe could tell, or sleeping together. It was more of a friendship.
And, so long as it didn't affect their work, was none of her business.
Zoe had thought long and hard about her position as Captain. She had nearly wrecked her relationship with Goldie before it had gotten off the ground, had nearly alienated Jayne to the point that they had lost him, as well. She had vowed to herself to do better, and she had. She had no intention of reversing that now.
"What's on your mind?" Goldie asked, jolting her from that review.
"Just thinkin' on how things has changed," she replied. "Some for the better, some for the worse."
"I'm for the better, though," Goldie grinned. Zoe didn't reply, but kept her stoic face looking forward.
"Um, Zoe?" Goldie prodded. "I'm for the better, right? Zoe? Baby? Sweetie? Honey?" Zoe finally lost her battle with the grin that had been threatening, and kissed Goldie lightly.
"Very much for the better, I guess," she sighed theatrically.
"That ain't funny," Goldie put on his 'hurt' face.
"Oh, yes it was," Zoe laughed. "And yes, you are a change for the much better, my handsome grease monkey," she kissed him again. "I was mostly thinkin' about me. How I've changed. And how the rest of us have since we came here."
"We pretty much stayed like we were when we were all crammed on Serenity. We didn't have much to look forward to except the next job. We ate canned protein, and mostly were glad to have it. We were constantly havin' to shoot our way outta scrape after scrape, usually with someone we were supposed to have been able to trust, and do business with."
"Now, we're all different in a lot o' ways. I mean, Mal is the gorram Sheriff of all things! And Jayne's a ship captain. And so am I," she finished. "Kaylee has a business, Inara and Mal are planning on gettin' married, and Inara is openin' a school. Jayne and River are married, and got a near on full grown daughter. Just a lot o' things has changed."
"Well, that's all good changes aren't they?" Goldie asked. "I mean none of'em sound bad."
"No, they aren't," Zoe admitted. "Mostly I guess I was reflecting on how I've changed. Especially since I took on so much responsibility. I didn't do so well at first, but I think I'm doing pretty good, nowadays. Least I hope I am," she added.
"I'd say you are," Goldie assured her. "I mean, you run Reynolds' Shipping pretty damn good, Zoe. You're a good ship captain, and a good boss. Everyone enjoys workin' for you, and you get the best out of'em." Zoe smiled at that, and kissed him again, lightly.
"Thanks, bao bei," she almost whispered. "I appreciate it."
The talk turned to lighter things as the two continued their walk. Zoe feeling much better.
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
Friday rolled around right on time, Mal decided. He was tired, and hurting. He knew he had pushed himself too hard, trying to find some way to stop the monster in their midst.
Thankfully, there were no more bodies, at least for the moment. That meant no new clues, but Mal would rather never find the killer, than have to wait for another young woman to die a horrible death.
He informed Toby that he had been 'ordered' to take the weekend off. Toby smiled.
"Inara gonna make you rest this weekend, I guess," he smirked. "That's a good idea. You're not back to battery yet, boss. And you been pushin' hard. Truth is, had she not said somethin', I would have next week. You can't keep on like this. Gonna wind up back in the hospital." He lost his smile. "And that would leave me in charge. Which would mean I'd have to kill you."
"Ah, the loyalty around here is palpable," Mal grinned. Toby shook his head.
"We'll keep a good watch. Won't call ya less'n it's a sure 'nough emergency. Get some rest, enjoy your new home, and some quiet."
"Thanks Toby." Mal headed out to his car, and started for home. He was already almost out of town when he realized that home wasn't in his office anymore. Laughing at himself, he turned around. Minutes later he was sitting in the drive of his and Inara's new home. He studied the place for a few minutes. It was a large place, since Inara's school would be there as well. Two stories, with a full basement. He shook his head at the good fortune that had placed him in a position to afford such a place.
Between what his ships were making, and his salary as the Sheriff, he and Inara were doing quite well. Once her school got into motion, they'd be doing even better. He had seen some of the figures. It was amazing what folks with money would pay to have a former Companion teach their young ones the about the finer things.
Getting out of his car, Mal hobbled to the door. He was very tired. He decided when he got inside he'd have one of the pain pills that Simon had given him. He didn't take them too often, but today would be one of those times. The door opened before he could get to it.
"Welcome home, sailor," Inara beamed. She stepped back, bowing slightly, waving Mal into the house. He laughed lightly, walking in.
It was still a bit bare, of course, but it was very nice. Inara's touch was visible everywhere he looked.
"We're gonna need some furniture," he noted, and Inara nodded.
"I'm planning on going with Jayne and River on their next run. I have a list of things I need to get the house finished, and to get the gate house prepared. There will be more than enough room on the Companion to bring everything back when we come."
"How much all that gonna cost?" Mal asked. He would always be the Captain, Inara realized. Used to balancing their needs against what they could have.
"Mal, let me worry about that," Inara soothed. "We're in very good shape, financially, since I don't have to give up everything to the Guild. We can live very comfortably on your salary alone. I am making a loan from the shipping funds to pay for the school's start up. The loan will be repaid, with interest, from the proceeds of the school. Tax deductible for the school, and investment venture for the shipping firm. All very legal," she added at his frown. "I've spoken to a very good accountant here in town."
"Okay," Mal shrugged. He was too tired, really, to worry over it.
"Now," Inara told him firmly. "You take this," she handed him the very pain pill he wanted. "And this," she offered him a small glass. "Simon said it won't hurt," she added. Mal took the drink and turned it up.
"Wow," he shuddered. "That's pretty good."
"You can have one more like that," Inara smiled. "But you'll have it on the back porch." She led him through the house to the back veranda. He saw the furniture there, and smiled. Two rocking chairs, a matching table, and a swing.
"This is our private little hideaway," Inara told him. "Now, have a seat, and rest. I'll have supper out here in a few minutes." There was a picture of ice water on the table, with two glasses. Mal sat down, opting for the water rather than another whiskey. As he leaned back, sipping the water, he kicked his boots off, and sighed with pleasure.
Yep, this was nice. He could get used. . . .
Inara had to wake him when supper was ready.
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
Mal slept very late on Saturday, and Inara let him. She went about her daily chores quietly, and had disconnected the phone and cortex receiver in their suite. She had both installed in the sitting room that was adjacent to their large bedroom, knowing that Mal would always be getting calls late at night, at least so long as he was Sheriff.
She also knew that he would need a quiet place to work, once her school was opened. For that reason, the smaller bedroom on the upper floor had been converted into an office. She would keep their important papers and files there for Reynolds' Shipping, and he could keep his 'Sheriffy' things there as well. School records would be kept in her own office, downstairs.
All in all, Inara was very pleased with the house, and the grounds. It was far too big, of course, had it just been the two of them. But with the school, the extra room would be needed.
The doorbell rang, and Inara looked at the clock. That should be Mrs. Blalock, one of the women interested in working at the school. She needed someone to cook for the students, and to live in the gatehouse with the domiciled students who would bunk there.
"Yes?" Inara smiled, as she opened the door.
"Miss Serra?" the woman at the door asked. She was a little taller than Inara, and heavier, but not overly so. She had a kind but stern face, and looked very much like a woman who would not take a great deal of back talk.
"Yes," Inara replied. "Are you Mrs. Blalock?"
"That I am," the woman smiled. "I'm here about the job?"
"Please come in," Inara opened the door wider, and waved the woman into the house. Mrs. Blalock entered, looking around at the house. She whistled softly.
"I like what you did with the old place," she nodded approvingly. "I was afraid it would set here and go to seed."
"Well, I have no intention of allowing that to happen," Inara assured her. "I loved this place the moment I saw it."
"Think you and I'll get along," the older woman smiled. "I used to live here, when I was a girl. Anyone who takes care o' this place is all right in my book."
"You did?" Inara was surprised.
"My ma was the elder Mrs. Brown's cook and housekeeper," Blalock told her. "I grew up here. Livin' in the gatehouse, in fact," she added.
"Well, that's wonderful!" Inara said, genuinely surprised. "It must have been nice, having all this ground!"
"It was at that," Blalock nodded. "Forgive me rattlin' on like that. I'm here to interview for a job, not hash over old times."
"Not at all," Inara assured her. "And, I think your connection to the place adds to your application. Tell me, what do you think of my idea to have a finishing school here?"
"Well, I think the school is a fine thing," the woman frowned. "It's just too bad that folks don't take time to teach their own kids, these days."
"Well, I can understand that," Inara smiled. "But, there will be more to the school than manners and graces," she added, leading the woman into her office. "I took the time to see what the local school systems offer in the way of the arts. Their curriculum isn't bad, but there is a lack of opportunity to study art, and a limited interest in teaching music. Also art and music history. I want to be able to offer the students those opportunities as well."
"I like that idea," Blalock nodded.
"Well, we aren't an accredited learning institution of course," Inara went on. "The main focus of the school, and the thing that most parents are interested in, is preparing the children that will be going to study off world for the differences between here and the coreward worlds. I think I can do that nicely."
"I 'spect so," Blalock nodded. "Can't just let young'uns loose on the 'verse these days 'thout no preparation. What would you be 'spectin' o' me, was I to be hired?"
"Well, first of all. . . ."
FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF
"I see no reason to interview anyone else," Inara smiled as she and Mrs. Blalock finished speaking. The woman was ideal. "As far as I'm concerned, if you want the job, you have it."
"I do want it," Blalock told her. "I do have one question. Well, two, before I accept."
"Fire away," Inara smiled.
"First off, I need to know how stable this position is. I can't give up a steady job, even for a better one, without knowing that I'm going to have stable employment. If the school doesn't pan out, will I be let go? Or will you keep me on as a cook and maid, like my ma was? And let me continue to live in the gatehouse?"
Inara was surprised by the question. She hadn't even considered that the school might not work. And if it didn't, would she need Mrs. Blalock? If the school didn't work out, what would she do? She had thought about opening a dress shop. She could always do that. And, she thought, if she did, then having Mrs. Blalock would come in handy.
"I don't expect the school to fail," Inara told her plainly. "But, should the worst happen, then yes. I think I would be delighted to keep you on as our housekeeper and cook. And of course, you can stay in the gate house."
"Thank you," Blalock smiled.
"And the other question?" Inara asked. Mrs. Blalock fidgeted a bit, looking uncomfortable.
"I don't mean to pry," she said quietly, "but, well, your livin' arrangement with the Sheriff is pretty much common knowledge, Miss Serra. I want to know, will that be changin'? To a more. . .well, conventional relationship? Not that it's my business," the woman added hurriedly, "but it's. . .well, it's uncomfortable to me. To my beliefs. I'm not passin' judgement in no way," she explained. "It's for my own peace o' mind."
"I. . .see," Inara said slowly. She was stalling, allowing her not to lose her temper. The initial question had angered her. After hearing the woman out, Inara decided it was a fair question, so far as Mrs. Blalock's own beliefs were concerned.
"I assume you know the events of the past year?" Inara opted for an opening. Blalock nodded.
"Then I will tell you that the Sheriff and I have been together for quite some time," Inara spoke slowly and deliberately. "In fact, if you'll look at my finger," Inara held up her hand, "you'll see an engagement ring. The Sheriff asked me, before he was injured so severely, to be his wife. Something I have been in all but name for quite some time. Before, when we lived on ship, things were different. So long as we honored our commitment to each other, neither of us were concerned with 'conventions'."
"After coming here, however," the elegant former Companion continued, "we discovered an opportunity to have more from life than just living aboard ship. We saw the chance to have a home of our own, to put down roots, and have a stable environment in which to actually raise a family."
"That opportunity made us re-evaluate our 'relationship', as you put it. We decided that the chance was there for the taking, and we were going to take it. But before we could actually have the wedding, the Sheriff was injured, and nearly killed. He is still recovering. When he has recovered, I intend for us to be wed here. On the grounds. I wanted the perfect place, and for me, this is it. Does that answer your question?" Blalock sat quietly, flushing slightly. She nodded finally.
"It does, miss. And I'm sorry if I offended. As I said, there was no judgement intended. It was for my own beliefs that I asked, and nothing more. You'll find that I'm not a judgmental person. I live my life, and let others live theirs. I asked only because it would be uncomfortable for me. I hope you understand."
"Actually, I think I do," Inara smiled. "And, so long as this is the only time I have to answer you about my personal life, then I'm prepared to leave it at that, and offer you the job. Do we have an agreement?" Blalock didn't miss the steel in Inara's voice, and her impression of the smaller, younger woman went up a notch.
"We do indeed, Miss Serra," she smiled. "I think I'd be a fool not to take it. I look forward to working for you."