Disclaimer, 'cause y'all need remindin' – I don't own Firefly or Serenity. Those belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy Productions and Universal Studios. Fox can rot in hell. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm just having my little romp in the 'verse, like everyone else.

A/N: Revelations aren't all good, especially self-revelation. Best done in small doses, if you have that option.

Chapter 12 - "Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect." – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

(((())))

Clarissa looked up to see a very familiar face walk into the infirmary. "R-Raven?" DuValle waited until the young woman she was helping was seated, then gave her a long hug.

Raven looked at her, then smiled. "Khashi. Well, I knew you as Alanna. How's my little girl?"

Inara looked up at her in surprise. "Did I hear that right? You look about the same age."

"Raven was my mother back in the 1870s, Inara. I only know her first name, so..." DuValle trailed off significantly.

"It's still Raven Yellowhorse. And anyone who pays attention has at least heard of Inara Serra." Inara held up her hand, and Raven corrected, "Oh. Reynolds? You quit the Guild? And I thought I had a problem."

"That can wait," Inara said as she resumed working on Simon. She patted his arm as he grimaced. "Next time, please learn to dodge."

"I'll try. I promise," Tam replied as he studied the three women patients now crowding the space. "When you're finished, I'll get to work. I can still help, but I'll need a chair."

"Done deal, doc," Clarissa replied, making everyone groan.

Raven glanced at DuValle as she treated Mei Ling's injuries, and noticed the underlying tension. She's blowing off steam. She's definitely Khashi, she thought. "Behave, or I'll have Daddy spank."

"That won't work," Inara said cryptically. Raven gave Clarissa an appraising look, then smiled and shook her head.

(((())))

Brath joined Jayne as he secured the Operative to one of the catwalk's stanchions after a very thorough search. "Gorram Operatives always got tricks up their sleeves," he muttered as he checked the manacles for the fifth time. "Ya okay, Brath? Michael looked poorly."

"He had other problems, while I was only sedated for the time," Draco replied. "We're going to have a hard time getting to sleep at anything like a decent time." She grinned evilly. "O' course, decent don' apply here, does it?"

Cobb chuckled. "Nope." He straightened and said, "Cain't think o' much more. Checked best I can."

"One moment." Brath walked to the Infirmary, then returned and scanned the prisoner with the tricorder. "Ah, you wouldn't find this," she said as one hand changed to a draconic claw, and she dug a thin metallic object out of the man's wrist. "Very clever, but not enough."

"Kinda crazy thing ta do, ain't that?"

"Not really. If done right, won't hurt much coming out, and if you've got to escape, pain's a small price to pay," she replied as she scanned again. "Hmm, a hollow tooth. Poison or transponder." She held the Operative's head still, then almost casually ripped the tooth out; Jayne flinched. "There." A quick scan made her scowl. "Transponder." She crushed it between her clawed fingers before returning to normal. "Michael will want to study what's left, so we know who's after us," she added after depositing the debris in a small jar taken from a container.

"Can tell who from the scraps?" Cobb asked.

"Some. What it is should point in some direction or other," Brath answered as Mal walked down and sat on one of the containers. He reached down and picked up Michael's lightsabers from the floor, looking them over with interest. "What ya need, Mal?"

"Was hopin' y'all had info could be used." He started when Draco removed a half-dozen records from her pockets. "When ya get this?"

"Before we left, I ransacked the ship's computer while Michael ransacked Julian's mind. I had the less unpleasant part," she replied as she handed them to Reynolds.

"Thought he said don' work like that," Cobb said with distaste. "Couldn' go in after anythin'."

"It can, but only with people who are very much alike, or when in rapport." When Jayne looked confused, she amplified, "It's when two minds are essentially one, for lack of a better term. It's very intimate, and hard to lie. Since Michael and Julian are almost identical, Snake could go after whatever he wanted." She looked aft with a pained expression. "It must have been bad; he's closed himself down, so we can't see it."

"We?" Mal asked.

"Me, Clarissa, Mara, River and Raven. You know how Mara and River can, but Raven, Clarissa and I have an easier time. They're Spoke Souls, while I'm a dragon. We all have a link to him, but not like Julian did."

"Twins?"

"No, from what little he let me see and hear, I learned Julian's a copy, and not a very good one. I'd have to ask, but not right this minute," Brath replied. "He's sleeping, but not peacefully. It was bad, Mal."

"He gonna be okay, come Boros? Gotta deal with Cassandra an' company," Reynolds said. "Hmm, think they mighta' got a bead on us? Crash got attention, but someone had ta be watchin'."

"Ask Mara or River. I think we squeaked through without being noticed. A ship falling outta the Black gets everyone's attention," she finished, her eyes gleaming.

Mal smiled slightly. "That they do. Okay, check when we's settled. Gotta get this passel under control." Mal looked at the women who stayed in the cargo area as they chattered softly. "Mebbe not, but get 'em settled." He looked at them for a long moment. "Was they...?" he trailed off.

"Julian and his crew's play-things. They weren't nice men. We didn't leave anyone alive. Couldn't risk word getting out, among other things."

Mal sighed. "Happens can't afford ta. Not just our old friends after us, now seems we got Parliament or a faction after us." Brath smiled, and he added, "Yeah, ain't a thing ta ya. Is ta us, dong ma?"

"No problem, Mal. We're all on the same boat, and won't go rockin' it." Brath yawned. "Think I'll keep Michael company. Hmm, might get to be a bit crowded," she said as she took the lightsabers and walked aft.

"Cr-what?"

(((())))

Simon leaned back after finishing the stitches on Damia's face, then applied the protoplaser in stages, carefully removing the sutures as the wounds healed. Forty minutes later, he smiled. The young woman looked at him nervously, and he said, "It's all right. I know you went through some bad things, but I'm smiling because you won't have any scarring. You'll be fine, mei-mei."

She sat up, and Raven held up a mirror. Damia relaxed and said, "Sheh-sheh, doctor." She slipped off the table and said, "Where's Wolf? I want to thank him for getting us out of there."

Raven looked aft, a look of concentration on her face. "He's sleeping. You'll have to wait." Something in her voice made Simon look at her questioningly. "Later, doctor." She looked out the windows and asked, "Is that everyone?"

Inara finished cleaning and sterilizing the instruments, then looked up in thought. "Michael's leg was injured, from the way he walked, but I think he can take care of that. Other than him, that's everyone."

"Good. If there's nothing else, I'm going to stay with him. I know how he is after this kind of situation." When Inara looked at her questioningly, she continued, "I was his wife twice in the past, Inara. The 1870s as Clarissa mentioned, and later in the 2020s." She looked aft with a concerned expression. "I hope she takes after Michael more than Julian, but it's still her."

"She does," Simon said as Damia left. "The way she looked and spoke when she was angry or thinking was a lot like how he does." He looked at Raven as though studying her, then said, "If she was your daughter, there should be something of you there, so she ought to be all right."

Yellowhorse smiled nastily. "Not necessarily. I finished Julian, and I took my time, Simon. This may be the twenty-sixth century, but I'm still very much the woman I was back then, and no one wanted to be taken prisoner. We tended to collect for the loss of our husbands."

"Perhaps. Can we safely assume you only do that when you have a reason?" Raven nodded. "Then we don't have much to worry about. Just don't be surprised at what you might find."

"Mara and Brath have nothing to worry about, Simon. I could tell from how they looked at and spoke about him they're in love with him, and I have eyes. Brath's in her second trimester. I'm not that possessive. Michael won't have anything to do with women like that, and he never seems to attract them. I can thank heaven for that favor."

"You'll probably have the others to worry about, first," Inara said. "Were they really play-things? I can't believe that could still happen."

"They were, and you'd be surprised. Outside the Core Worlds it's common, more so on the Rim. Companions always carefully screen their clients, right?" Inara nodded. "Then you'd never choose someone like Julian. There are always signs, and I'm sure the Guild does research. They'd have to."

Inara nodded as she put the instruments away, then looked at Simon with her hands on her hips. "I think you'd better go and apologize to Kaylee. She doesn't know you've been shot. Yet," she finished significantly.

Simon stood, took the cane he'd used after Early shot him and nodded meekly. "Thank you, Inara. If you don't mind, you might want to learn more about medicine. You'd make an excellent nurse."

"It should help with Mal, since he gets shot a lot, or so the rumors go," Raven added dead-pan.

Reynolds chuckled. "I'll think about it. Go. We've got it." After Simon left, Inara asked, "What did you mean by a copy? A clone? That couldn't happen unless Michael had been here."

"I don't understand it, but he mentioned something he called 'quantum entanglement'. It sounds like the transporter from the Star Trek vids back on Earth-that-was, but there's more to it, from what he said."

Inara nodded as she led the way from the Infirmary to the kitchen, where they found Clarissa making a light supper. After she left for her room, they sat and sipped some tea Inara had on the stove. "Michael told us something about it, but not much. He may not know everything, from what he didn't say. I don't think the technologies between 'verses are comparable. He mentioned FTL drives and phased energy weapons, but nothing about terraforming, and the way he spoke about tampering with minds told me that's beyond the Pale where he's from." Inara stared at the refrigerator/freezer for a few minutes. "He's very much a collection of contrasts and contradictions, even more than Mal, now that I think of it."

Raven nodded. "That hasn't changed in seven hundred years." She stopped and thought. "Or longer. Does he talk about things that haven't happened as though they were old news?" Reynolds nodded. "I thought so. I remember hearing about the Black Wolf as a legend, and there were stories that he did that, too. Andrew had those dreams while we were together, and I remember reading a few parts of his novels where that happened."

Inara tilted her head to one side. "'Andrew'?"

"He was Andrew DuValle then, and lived in Virginia City. His family moved there not long after the Comstock silver strike. We met when he got lost in the hills and my people rescued him," Yellowhorse replied with a smile. "Although, I wonder if he wasn't meant to get lost, considering who's watching him." Inara looked at her questioningly, and Raven continued, "A'Nalena, or Mother Earth, as we call Her. I'm sure he mentioned Her."

"Ah, yes, he did. All of that." Reynolds glanced aft, then asked, "You know who and what he is. Doesn't that bother you?"

"No, it never did. The People – as all American Indians call ourselves – are more spiritual than most, but it's not the neurotic mess the Christians have to deal with. I could see something in him then, and it's still there, but much stronger. He's more than he was, but he hasn't really changed." Raven shook her head. "There's no other way to describe it, but you can see and feel it, Inara."

Reynolds nodded. "Yes, you can. He has a draw. He's compelling. He's always been this way?" Raven nodded. "I don't know how he manages, though I'm sure Mal and the other guys wonder how he survives," she finished with a smile.

Raven chuckled. "Yes, there's that, too. Not just him, but Khashi, and a few of his other children, I'm sure." She shrugged. "How does anyone get through life, except one day at a time?" She was surprised by a yawn. "Oh, dear, Michael was right. This was a long, eventful day. I'm going to sleep, and maybe he'll sleep peacefully if I'm beside him."

"You may have company," Inara warned gently.

"That's nothing new." Raven smiled at Inara's look of surprise and chuckled as she walked forward. "I really should stop freaking the mundanes."

(((())))

Raven quietly shut the door and climbed down the ladder barefoot, then stopped and looked around the small but comfy-looking space. Brath opened her eyes and looked up, then smiled when she saw who was there. "Come on," she whispered. "He's okay, but he'll be better."

Raven undressed and slipped in on Michael's open side, snuggling against his fur; he was still in Wolf form, which was much more comfortable. "I was wondering," she whispered back after getting comfortable.

"You know better," Draco replied as she rolled over to face Raven over Michael's chest, wincing slightly as the baby protested by apparently doing a gymnastics routine that needed the uneven parallel bars. "Umf. I'll be glad when this is over. Now I know why I don't let myself get pregnant often."

"That must be nice," Yellowhorse commented with a glance at Brath's abdomen.

"It has its good points." Brath took Raven's hand and asked, "Are you going to do what he – well, it was really an order, Raven. Are you going to give him any trouble?"

"No, of course not. I know he wants me safe, and I have to watch the others until we can figure out where their homes are, or can help them make theirs on Boros. I know Duncan and a few of the others, and I can count on their help. Not every Immortal and Spoke Soul meeting is hostile. Richie was a very nice surprise."

"Hmm. At home, he's dead." Brath looked at her for a long moment, then asked, "Can you feel him? Snake here, I mean. Usually we can, even at great distances."

"Just barely. He's alive, but I don't know where he is or what and how he's doing. I don't know if there was any way to leave Earth-that-was after the migration, and I don't think it matters any more." Raven looked at Michael with a small smile Brath recognized. "I have some time with him, and the rest can wait. It's going to have to. Boros is a month away."

"How?"

"The planets do odd things, sometimes, and there was an asteroid swarm that's still passing through the system. Last I knew, it was between here and there. I'm sure River took it into account."

"Oh, of course. He'd have told you," Brath said. She rested her chin on Whitmer's chest, watching Raven. "It's too bad you can't come with us, but I told you why not. I think I miss you more than I miss anyone. I can always talk to you about anything."

"So what's keeping you? Let's talk. Michael's going to be sleeping awhile."

Brath smiled. "That's one thing I like about you. The rest will have to wait."

(((())))

Mara skittered down to the cargo area in cat form, not only for some exercise, but to keep an eye on the women. They weren't a threat, but they were invading her territory, and she was curious about the kind of women Julian would surround himself with. Five minutes' time told her plenty. They were all very sweet, even though they'd been passed around like a bottle of whiskey, and took pleasure in having her there. Mara also understood the psychology of pets; part of her repertoire was to exploit that chink in human mental armor. She made her rounds, being fussed-over by all of them, then stopped in her tracks at Chiara, who looked at her with completely empty eyes. Mara's back arched and she hissed as her ears went back, startling everyone. They edged away as they saw Chiara's eyes.

Mal held Inara's chair as she joined him and Gideon and reported on the passengers' situation. He listened with half an ear to her; he was listening to Serenity "talk" to him, through the soft noises a ship always made, and she was telling him everything was ship-shape. The low feline yowl jerked his head around. He'd only heard that once before, just before the fight started. He walked aft and looked out to see Mara crouched in front of one of the women, who looked back with no expression. "Gwai-gwai long duh dong?" he asked, making Mara's ears twitch.

As he watched, the woman struck at Mara with inhuman speed, and the cat just barely avoided the blow, then sank her teeth into the hand and bounded away. The woman didn't seem to feel the bite, and Mal didn't see any blood. The woman stood up, her attention fixed on the cat, and Mal drew and shot, drilling her in center of the chest. She stopped, looked down and her expression when she looked at Reynolds was as empty as the Black. She began to move, and was struck by two small, fat darts, and went rigid and collapsed to the deck. Nothing happened for a few minutes.

Mal turned as Gideon stepped forward, reloading the taser, his eyes intent. "I think we've learned why Julian was so easily taken, Mal."

"Wuh duh ma huh tah duh fong kwong duh wai shung," Reynolds said. "What was that, and how'd it get aboard my gorram boat?"

Gideon walked down the stairs cautiously, his eyes never leaving the figure. When he reached its side, he drew his sword and stabbed in a particular way through its waist. He withdrew the weapon and looked at it carefully, then shook his head. "I'd heard rumours of this, but never expected to see it, Mal."

"Care ta tell me, or gonna have ta play guess-who?"

Gideon looked at him, then shrugged. "I understand, Mal. It's harmless, now," he said, speaking where everyone, especially the women, could hear him. "One moment." He sheathed his sword, grabbed the "body" by the feet and dragged it near Michael's containers. When he straightened, he nodded. "I was afraid of this."

"Shenme?"

"It's an android. A robot, of sorts. It looks completely human, but isn't." He looked aft. "I'm going to guess Michael knows more than he likes about them."

"Why?" Mal asked as he calmed. "An' why the stab?"

"They have a specific placement of their power systems, and that shorted it out without damaging anything else. When I was informed and trained, there weren't any, and I was told there wouldn't be for some time." He shrugged. "I suppose five years could be a long time to someone."

"Wo de tian ah," Mal breathed as Mara stopped beside the thing and looked at it. "This s'posed to be more o' what we talked about?" he asked, looking at the cat. She barely nodded as Marris replied, "That could be, Mal. We won't know until we inspect it."

Xia looked at them, then said, "It's dead? No more trouble?"

"It is," Gideon replied. "I wonder if Julian knew. I'm sure you are, Mal."

"Gorram right," Reynolds grunted. "Thinkin' maybe someone knew they'd meet, an' set 'em both up. What Brath brought could tell us, but can wait." He looked at the stiff, still figure with hooded eyes. "Why can't it ever go smooth?" He looked at Mara. "Back on the bridge. Might be we need ta move fast. Check for signals." She skittered up the stairs and was gone. "We need ta wake Michael?"

"Not immediately. The problem is over, for now. We should all get some rest, Mal. It may be a while before the next time we can."

Mal looked at Gideon, then nodded. "Happens you're right." He looked at Marris for a long moment, then said, "Might be rude, but have to know. Was Darriel Book one o' y'all? Early said wasn't a Shepherd, an' knew more'n a little about things no Shepherd oughta', dong ma?"

Marris nodded as he led the way back to the table; Inara was gone. "I can't say for certain, but he carried himself that way, and we do have access to much more than most. I would have to say yes; I recall an Operative on Hera who left suddenly, right after Serenity Valley. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only one, but I'd have to say you're right, Mal. No one else would have known, and could warn you." Marris looked forward, then said, "I wonder what made him leave."

Mal shrugged, then stood, got coffee for them both and sat down again. "Couldn' say, 'less his faith took bad hurt. Like ya told me, you're a human man, an' got yours shook bad, I 'spect." Mal wrinkled his brow. "An' ya told us afore."

Marris nodded. "It's a hard thing to find your beliefs are misplaced, Mal. You have no idea how hard it was to let you go, but I truly had no choice. I couldn't have lived with myself if I hadn't, and my mission was finished. I failed, and nothing could change what happened." He grunted a laugh. "I believe the quote goes, 'He only is exempt from failures who makes no effort.' I imagine Michael would agree."

Mal nodded and finished his coffee. "Happens we agree. Need ta rest, like ya said. See ya in the mornin'." He stood and walked forward. Marris looked at the steam from his coffee for a few minutes, then finished it and left.

(((())))

Michael woke to find himself bracketed by female bodies, which wasn't unusual. He had to really wrack his brain to recall when he'd last slept alone. What was different was Raven, and he had to look around before the 'verse steadied down and he knew he wasn't at home. Part of the problem with World-As-Myth was there were often duplicates, mostly due to relatively minor changes in "real" history, if that was even true. Raven had been born here, and also in the reality where he'd sacrificed himself to save three who were dear to him. Then there was how Vanessa came to be... He shook his head to stop trying to recall all the differences; he'd be there all day.

He carefully sat up and checked his leg. It was healed, but still a little stiff. He sat there, looking at Brath and Raven for several minutes. He chastised himself for putting them at risk, even however slightly it was his fault. The main problem with being a leader and patriarch was taking your responsibilities seriously, sometimes too seriously. It didn't help that he'd lost too many over the centuries, and still mourned their loss, even those he'd gotten back. The pain was still there, and that was what drove him. No one likes pain, and will do almost anything to avoid it. He'd managed a way to ameliorate the pain, as well as re-gain loves once thought gone forever. And for him, forever was a very, very long time.

Brath stirred and opened her eyes to find him watching. "Good morning," she murmured softly, taking his paw and holding it to her breast after kissing it. She looked at Raven and said, "Yes, we were talking, like we always do. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to do that here, Snake."

"I know. You still smile in your sleep when you're happy, and you do that more after your talks," he replied as he leaned down and kissed her. He watched as she looked startled, then put a hand on her belly. "Three months, give or take. This is going to be very interesting to have Serenity turning into a nursery."

"Let's hope we can get through that and everything else," Michael," Brath replied. "We're going to be seriously limited. Zoe and I will be trying to juggle responsibilities, and then a few months later it's River and Kaylee's turn. That's going to be difficult to get through."

"No, I'm sure Jim will pitch in, and Clarissa, Mara and I can manage. But you're right, this is going to change everything. You know how I am about risking children. There's no real choice, and I'm not happy about it."

"And they'll be just like any Blackstar about staying in the fight, rather than bowing out. Face it, they're very much like us, and though you don't like it, would you respect them otherwise?"

"You know the answer to that," Michael replied.

"Then learn to live with it. I remember you telling Nicola he can't be everywhere and protect everyone, and how you knew. I shouldn't have to remind you."

"Yes, but I can't change, don't want to and shouldn't. Everyone knows I'll be there when I'm needed, and that's saved more lives than I can count. Well, not always, but they understood. I'll never forget Trieva telling me to go save the others, knowing she was dying. That's one reason. If I never have to go through that again, I'll be much happier."

Brath nodded. She'd felt Trieva die, and was as overjoyed as she could be when Fontaine returned to them. She understood, but still wanted to make her own decisions regarding her own fate. She'd learned that from the Blackstars back in Universe 3172, and that lesson stayed with her since. It was the only thing Michael wished hadn't happened, but he accepted it. He was the same way.

Raven chose that moment to speak. "If this is what you call pillow-talk, I can see why you're this way," she said as her eyes opened.

"Shame on you," Brath teased. "Well, now you know a little more about us. I hope it doesn't frighten you off."

"I think you know better than that." Raven sat up and kissed them both. "Let's go meet everyone. I'd like some breakfast that was made by someone who wasn't worried about being sold down the river."

(((())))

Mal and Zoe were in the kitchen when they arrived, and Michael noticed the change in mood. Instead of being "high" with their success, they were worried. "What's going on?"

"Got another surprise," Reynolds answered. "Ya might wanna wait on breakfast a mite." He watched as Michael closed his eyes, took a deep breath and slowly released it. His face nearly shouted What now?

"All right. Who really needs to know?"

"Just you, Michael," Zoe replied. "I'll help. Guess I gotta learn how to be a housewife."

"Never happen," Brath commented as Michael and Mal walked forward. Reynolds led him down to the cargo deck and showed him the android. After a few seconds, Michael walked to his containers, opened one and retrieved another tricorder, which he used to scan the thing.

"Well, Rufus got this one right," Whitmer said. "Soong-type android, and an earlier model, by the look of this. I never suspected."

"How?" Reynolds asked as he picked his teeth.

"The only way for me to find them is by the lack of emotions. Put them in with a group and it becomes that much harder. I can't detect a lack of something unless it's either obvious or alone. Put one amongst living beings and I can't tell." He shook his head. "That's how I sometimes work." When Mal looked at him questioningly, Michael added, "I can suppress the effect I have on local energy fields, to a point. If I don't want it to happen, I can't be detected by sensors. The drawback is I have to concentrate."

"Thinkin' they's more?"

"I can't say no. The real question is do they have the resources to make more than a few. They're expensive in time, work and coin. They can't be mass-produced; they're too complicated, and the positronic neural matrix can't be copied. You're essentially building a one-off, high-precision machine every time." Michael's eyes went far away for a brief time. "It's something like what they did with River and Mara. Too much work to do, so you go slow to get it right. One mistake and you have a very nice, very expensive paper-weight."

Mal winced. "Bettin' they wouldn' like hearin' that."

Michael nodded. "Doesn't make it less true, Mal. How'd you find it?"

"Mara did. Knew it right off. Gideon knew how to deactivate it; said he was briefed, an' wouldn't be seen for a while." Mal looked at the android for a few minutes with his fist to his mouth, thinking. "This gonna be a serious problem?"

"Now that we know about it, no. The problems I mentioned will make it difficult, but not impossible," Michael answered. "I'll be inspecting it carefully later." He looked at the Operative, who was still bound and apparently unconscious. "I'll start with him, if no one has first call."

"Thinkin' Gideon's gonna wanna talk to him first. Might wanna let him; I conjure he knows all the tricks."

"We might want Gabriel to add what he knows. That should give us a better idea who and what we're dealing with," Michael agreed.

"Sounds like a plan," Mal said. "Think oughta wake him?"

Michael kicked the Operative's right kneecap, and a loud, agonized groan escaped. "Gideon! Get your sorry excuse for an arse down here!" Michael waited until he heard footsteps. "Covered, Mal."

"An' some accuse me o' bein' a 'Larry Stu'," Reynolds said.

"Nah, not you. Kaylee. I've been accused of it more than once, but I'm not that limited."

"Modest much?" Mal countered, and they chuckled.

Marris arrived with Brath, who carried a plate. "What is it?"

"Well, first, it's breakfast," Michael said as he accepted the plate and a large mug of coffee. "Thank you, dear." Brath smiled, and walked back up to the kitchen. "Mal thinks you'd best ask your friend the questions we all want answered. Use whatever methods you deem most effective. I'll enjoy breakfast whilst you do."

"If I use certain methods, you might regret it."

"No, you've forgotten what I eat when I'm made dreadfully unhappy," Michael replied. "Mal knows, first hand."

Reynolds' face went stone-still. "Didn' need remindin'," he said stiffly.

"You may want to remember, so you know what you're dealing with," Whitmer said. "I'm disliked for many reasons, but I'm loathed for that one in particular, Mal. They call me a monster, and they're right." He continued eating.

Gideon looked at his former comrade and said, "I trust you'd prefer to leave this ship alive and whole."

"Why should I believe it will happen?"

"Your death serves no purpose, other than to get you off our trail," Marris replied. "You should stop the pursuit, as we're more capable than you were led to believe."

The Operative looked at them in turn, then nodded. "All right. Ask."

"Who sent you?"

"The Parris faction. They lost face over Miranda. They also lost monetarily, as the Blue Sun division responsible took a serious financial hit. They had invested heavily, and the wave nearly bankrupted most of them. They're just now recovering, and they want retribution."

"Why Doctor Tam?" Michael asked after finishing his eggs and setting his plate aside.

"His son and daughter, of course. They made the transmission possible, and she still knows many, many secrets that shouldn't come out."

"Y'all catch an' take advantage, or ya tell him what to say?" Mal asked.

The Operative looked at him appraisingly. "They say you're smarter than you look, Captain Reynolds. They understated the case." He looked at Reynolds for a long moment. "We found his data-trails, and only watched until he received the message about leaving. We didn't expect you to be alone, but we didn't think his son would be there, or he'd be ..." he paused, thinking, "… as dangerous."

"Is Julian DuValle involved in this?" Michael asked as he lit a cigarette.

"No, he isn't. We're not sure what or who he represents."

Michael nodded to himself. He doesn't know. Good. Let them wonder. "What about Rufus Schwarzchild?"

"He's part of the Faction. He's the only one who didn't lose anything, and he doesn't like you very much, Lord Whitmer. No one knows why that is, but his actions are growing more erratic as time passes. He's obsessed with you."

Michael didn't look surprised. There was a brief silence. "Anything else? Mal? Gideon?"

"Nope," Reynolds said. "No," Marris added.

"Right. We'll drop you on Boros. In the meantime, I'm afraid you can't be conscious." Michael made a cutting motion with a hand, and the Operative was dead to the world. "I'll see to it he's fed, but I don't want him knowing anything more," he explained.

"Fine by me," Mal replied. "Drop him someplace else than McIntyre City. Should be okay."

"I concur," Marris agreed. "What about them?" he asked, nodding at the women.

"We'll see what the Watchers or Immortals can do. They should be with their families, not someone's toys," Michael said. "That will never be right."

"Okay, we'll go with that," Mal replied. "Thinkin' we lost our tail. Might could pick up the pace a little, we get the chance."

"We did, and I'm sure River's way ahead of you. Worry when it's time."

(((())))

Later on, everyone gathered in the dining area, and Gabriel Tam looked around as Raven brought him in. "This only concerns me, River and Simon," he said with nervous defiance.

"That's where you're wrong, father," Simon contradicted as he put his hand on Kaylee's, where their rings could be seen. River did the same with Jayne.

Gabriel remained stubborn. "All right, but this doesn't concern anyone else."

"Sorry, but ain't your say, not on my boat," Mal replied. "That man," he nodded at Gideon, "came after us, killed a lot o' our friends, and got two o' my crew killed, cause o' the secrets in River's head. Secrets she shouldn'a been carryin', and drove her crazy. Still ain't sure she's okay, but gotta deal with it. You know what an' why, tell. Might we could figger who's doin' it, an' mebbe stop 'em. We can't stop 'em, then we expose 'em again." Reynolds shrugged. "Your call, but don' 'spect some to like it if'n ya say no."

Zoe stood up; her pregnancy couldn't be ignored. "Lost my man to those secrets. Gonna lose your kids to them, too, how I see it. That gonna do any good?" Her eyes glinted with conflicting emotions.

Gabriel stood there, then sat down between his children. "No, it won't. I heard about the deaths, but didn't know why, until that man contacted me. He said I could have my life back if I cooperated." He grunted an ironic laugh. "Cooperate. More like do what he said, and it wouldn't get worse. I've dealt with his type before; some Operatives come into hospitals to make their inquiries, and they don't take to the rules, if they even pay attention to them.

"He said I could erase the black mark if I continued with the contact and the meeting." Tam looked at Gideon. "He was genuinely surprised to see you, and I think that ruined his plans." He looked at Michael. "And what are you? No one can jump from that height and walk away. Some can't survive it."

"I'll answer your questions, but not now," Michael answered. "Honestly, after all you've been through, do you really want to know?"

"I'll have to think about that." Tam took a breath, then continued, "You know what I told you earlier, about how it started, and what I've just told you is really all there is. He told me to keep him appraised of what I learned, and follow his instructions. All I had to do was go on, and everything should be fine."

"An' ya believed that go se?" Jayne sneered.

"Of course not. I may be many things, but I'm not a fool."

"That can be argued another time," Gideon commented, earning him a dark glance.

Mal sat back in thought as Raven, Michael and Brath set out coffee and tea. "Got other problems, but ain't related. Where was ya goin', an' how'd ya plan to get your valu'bles there?"

"Boros. It's far enough out to be safer, but close enough in to be relatively civilized. I had the goods shipped with a large, bearded man named Monty; he said he was a friend of yours, Captain."

Mal nodded. "Monty's a good man. Trust him with my life." But not your wife? Michael's voice said in his head. Reynolds ground his teeth together. Zhou ma, tah-mah-duh, dai dai, gao tsau de fong luh hundan, Mal thought, knowing Whitmer would "overhear" it.

"Been called worse, Mal."

"Don' make me feel better," Reynolds said.

Gabriel looked at them. "What am I missing?"

Gideon smiled. "We hear that a lot, too."

Simon looked at his father. "Where is she?" he asked softly. Everyone looked at him in surprise, except Michael, who flinched. Oh, shit, you had to ask it, Simon, he thought. Not that I wouldn't have. I'd want to know.

"I don't know, and I don't want to," Gabriel replied. "You think you know who you fall in love with and marry, then later you find out who they really are – well, I didn't try to keep track of her. Not after everything came out."

Michael glanced at River, who briefly met his eyes. He doesn't know, he heard. He really doesn't want to know, either. "Ouch," he said.

"You understand?" Tam asked incredulously.

"Not personally, but I've seen it," Whitmer replied after lighting a cigarette. His eyes rested on Kaylee, who only looked at the table top. "Kaylee?"

"Ain't sayin' nothin'," she replied. "Not 'til I got all the facts."

"Gonna be able ta do your job?" Mal asked quietly. She nodded jerkily. "A'right. Got us about a month to Boros. Gonna be a long trip, an' can't rush any. Y'all gonna be peaceable-like, or gotta be doped the whole time?"

Simon looked at Reynolds, then nodded. Kaylee copied him a few seconds later. River only looked at him steadily, while Jayne said, "Nothin's gonna change, Mal." As he looked around the table, he noticed Zoe had an odd expression on her face. "Zoe? Sommat wrong?"

"Ain't sure, sir," Washburne replied. "Strange feelin' in my stomach, and – " She grimaced as though in pain, and Michael was up on his feet, moving fast. "Ah, no. Not now. Jen dao mei! Why now?"

"Brath, let's move," Whitmer said urgently as he scanned Zoe. "First babies don't always wait for you to be ready, Zoe. Come on." He helped Serenity's First Mate to her feet and guided her towards the stairs. "Remember what you said, Zoe?" She nodded as perspiration appeared on her face. "You're off duty 'til we say different. Let's go."

"Sir?" Zoe looked at Mal pleadingly. He shook his head, and she nodded, conceding defeat. "Yes, sir." She looked at Michael. "You got the job," she said before clamping her mouth in a hard line.

"Oh, boy," Brath said. "You don't hurry, might not make it in time." Michael scooped Washburne into his arms and carried her, moving surprisingly fast and well. "Guess I'd better get moving."

Everyone watched as they disappeared downstairs, then Simon carefully stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I have a patient. Two patients." He made his way down with Kaylee's help.

Mal slumped in his chair with his fist to his forehead. "Juh jen she guh kwai luh duh jean jan," he muttered to himself. "Better clear a room, River. Gonna need it."

"Right away, Mal." Both Cobbs headed aft and down. "Good an' bad time for this ta happen."

"Not necessarily, Mal," Gideon replied. "You have a fine crew."

"Maybe so, but now I gotta deal with Michael more'n want to."

Clarissa chuckled, then said, "Ain't that bad, Mal. Could do worse."

(((())))

From Michael's Journal

Zoe's timing could have been better, but I shouldn't complain. We knew she was about due. It didn't help, other than giving us something else to think about as we made our way to Boros.

I arrived in the Infirmary, laid Zoe down on the bed and switched on the instruments. Her contractions were less than three minutes apart, which bothered me. First children are always a problem, in one way or another, and Zoe's seemed to be in a hurry to greet the 'verse. I had to wonder why, and her contractions starting so suddenly bothered me. She was fine, otherwise – healthy as the proverbial horse – so what caused this? I shook my head as Brath and Simon joined us, and Zoe stripped. Every birth is different, every patient is different and trying to understand the workings of this or any 'verse is a waste of time. It simply is, and that's all I have to say about that.

Simon began setting up as Brath and I prepped and sterilised the instruments. "Did the contractions start right then?" he asked. Zoe nodded, biting her lip as another contraction hit. "Has your water broken?"

"Last night," Washburne gasped. "Should'a told ya, but – "

"But nothing," Brath replied. "Damn it, Zoe, you can stop being the tough bitch for a few hours. Nobody's going to think less of you."

"Don't know how." I stopped and looked at her as she fought her way through the discomfort; I didn't see any signs of pain. Perhaps it was going properly, at least for her. I'd heard of some women who didn't know they were in labour until the last few hours, but hadn't believed it until now. I was still thinking about the admission she didn't know how to be anything else. I glanced out the window when I saw Kaylee move; she was almost hopping from foot to foot with – not exactly worry, but concern. She probably didn't know she was doing it, either.

"All right, Zoe, relax," Simon soothed, or tried to. His voice wouldn't hold steady.

"Take your own advice, doc," she replied with a little smile. She looked at me and said, "C'mere. Said you'd hold my hand, it started. Keep your promise." I should keep my bloody gob shut. I moved to her side and took her hand. "Better," she said before clamping down with a grip-strength I wasn't expecting. If that was an indication, it's no wonder people she hit didn't get up straight-away.

"Mmp! I think I'll be next, Simon," I said through clenched teeth. He looked and chuckled at my discomfiture, then returned to his work. No respect. It's a good thing I'm nearly indestructible, but I could do without the pain.

Brath chuckled as she assisted Simon, passing what he asked for with the efficiency of a well-trained scrub nurse. It didn't hurt that she'd worked with Vanessa after – I clamped down on that thought. The incident was still fresh, and I was still feeling T'Sal's loss, despite the gains. I'd need more time before I could confront that head-on. Perfect recall isn't a blessing, it's a curse.

For what seemed nearly no time at all, I stood there, holding Zoe's hand, wiping her brow and murmuring encouragement. The next thing I knew, Simon was holding a newborn girl, who resembled Winston Churchill. Where did that come from? Oh, yes, a Clancy novel. Never mind it's true; that only makes it worse. After checking her carefully, Tam wrapped the girl in a blanket and gently laid her in Washburne's arms. She didn't even fuss. I Looked at her, and relaxed as Simon finished with the after-birth procedures. She was fine, and I could see she'd be the best of both her parents, but would still be herself. "Did you have a name in mind?" I asked.

"Do. 'Talked' it over with Wash, and her name's Miranda," Zoe replied, her eyes misty. "Somethin' good's comin' outta that name."

I leaned down and kissed her cheek. "An excellent idea. Still want me as her godfather?" She nodded. "As you wish, Zoe." She smiled, and was soon sleeping. Despite the ease of this one, any birth is hard on the mother, and Zoe tended to hide everything behind the tough façade. I watched as Brath braced her arms with blankets to keep Miranda in place. Simon wrapped up and let out a breath. "Better?" I asked as he dimmed the lights and we left them to sleep. I activated the commlink so we could monitor them.

"Surprisingly easy," Tam replied. "Is it just her, or is it because she was a soldier?"

"Most women who keep themselves in shape tend to have it easier, if not out-right easy," Brath answered as she closed the door. "None of the Blackstars have any, and we're in top condition. The fact you were using our drugs helped."

"About those, when can you build the replicator? All I'd want it for would be medicines, and so forth."

"Once I can find what I need, I'll start on it, as well as a fabricator," I replied. "The technology isn't that far away, so to speak." We walked upstairs to find the others waiting with expectant expressions. "Never seen an easier birth, Mal. Miranda's going to be fine."

"Miranda?" Jayne asked, his face oddly resembling Wile E Coyote in his confusion. Don't ask me how. "Ain't that gonna lay a lot on her?"

"Zoe said something good should come from the name, and I agreed," I replied. "She's right." I grunted a laugh as I sat down, whilst Inara found and poured some champagne. Where did she get it, and when? "I wonder how she'd react to knowing who she shares the name with."

"I think Mira wouldn't mind," Brath said just before we clinked glasses and toasted Zoe.

"Well, hate ta bring y'all down, but gonna have ta start, Michael," Mal said after he set his glass down. "Ain't sure ya know what's needed, but Zoe's my second-in-command, plus other stuff involvin' cargo an' such."

"No problem, Mal. I haven't done it much, but I know the job. Take care of it on Boros, if we need. Been First Officer a time or two." He nodded, apparently satisfied.

"Can we go see?" Clarissa asked as she took River's hand.

"Looking through the windows can't hurt," Simon said. "But only look. They need their rest."

"All we wanna do," River said as they stood and walked down. After a few minutes they were back, and River said, "Time for more work, Michael. Let's make sure." By now most of River's programming was either gone or rendered harmless, but I didn't doubt she wanted to be absolutely sure, and could call it up when she wanted, not have it triggered by anything else but her will.

Gabriel, who had been all-but-forgotten, said, "What are you talking about?"

"River was programmed, father. We think she was supposed to be an assassin, based on what we've seen." Gabriel's face went pale. "Yes. Imagine how I felt once I saw what they were doing to her. It … wasn't ... nice."

The elder Tam looked down at the table-top, then sighed loudly. "I didn't want to know, but I suspected that was true, from rumors I'd heard. Word gets out, even on highly-classified projects."

River hugged him, and whispered something I couldn't catch. I was thinking of asking, but dropped it when his face displayed almost comic relief. I didn't need to ask, and it didn't matter what she'd said. As a father, I had some idea what he'd been thinking, and any one of the scenarios I was recalling would produce that reaction when they were no longer applicable. I felt for him. No-one wants to think of his daughter as anything but an angel it was his privilege to raise as his own. "I'll tell you when you're ready," she promised.

I followed River into the cargo bay, and removed a few items from my storage. This was going to be both kinds of work-out, mental and physical. I was still slightly angry about Julian, and River seemed to be on edge; being cooped-up aboard such a small ship causes cabin fever, no matter what distractions you have to stave it off.

River sat cross-legged on the deck and I joined her, our knees touching. We joined hands and closed our eyes, and I began a careful probe, which met only token resistance. I couldn't believe how much trust she had in me, but I suppose it was from that first day. She'd gotten a good look at me, and hadn't flinched. I smiled to myself as a stray thought passed: I'll bet Harry Dresden wishes that would happen after a Soul-gaze.

I frowned at that. I've never been to Jim Butcher's world, and had no desire to go there. Not only wasn't it my area of responsibility, I didn't need to see a kindred spirit of that dark a cast. We were too alike, both warriors who fought our demons, external and internal, every day of our lives; who worried about falling into the abyss every time we fully called upon our power; who secretly feared we'd be the death of everyone we cared about; who had enemies who'd stick at nothing to get to us, or allies we couldn't fully trust who'd use us for their own agendas; who loathed the darkness within us, even though it made us who and what we are.

Stop that, Uncle Mike, River said through our rapport. You're not the only one. I felt a mental snort. As you say, you do seem to find us, the ones uncomfortably like you. It's not that bad, and neither are you. Stop it.

I took a breath and nodded, then continued my search. One last bit of programming undone, and I searched again. Nothing was left. River was free, probably for the first time in her adult life. I felt better about myself. As I've said before, sometimes I get it right on the first go.

We opened our eyes, River's smile made all the trouble worth-while. Good. We stood up, and she hugged me. "Right. Let's have a little fun," I said.

(((())))

As the noise of the work-out reached the dining room, Gabriel said, "Who is he?"

"You have a copy of the DuValle books, father. You might want to re-read them," Simon replied. When his father's eyes widened, he nodded. "Yes, it's him. I can't believe it completely either, but the Black Wolf's been with us for the past eight months." He shook his head. "And I can't believe I'm taking it in stride."

"But, that's only a story."

"And so am I," Brath said, her eyes changing to red-gold for a few seconds. "I've seen copies of the Silver Fox autobiographies here and there, though I have no idea how they got here. We'll have to look into that."

Tam looked at her for a long moment, then said, "That will take some getting used to."

"You'll manage. Be glad you're not along for the whole tour."

Mal looked at her, then shrugged. "Happens some's luckier'n others." He stood up and stretched. "Gonna look at the info ya brought back. Someone needs ta spell Mara, too. Make sure ya remind Michael o' his duties, dong ma?"

"Roger, wilco, Mal."

(((())))

The time passed slowly. Serenity wasn't fast; no ship in the 'verse truly was. Sub-light travel was and still is measured in days, weeks or months. The distances aren't great enough to make anyone look into FTL, and technology isn't up to it. Not yet. The crew spent their time reading, playing games – computer or physical, listening to music, practicing various skills, performing maintenance or just thinking.

Mal did a lot of thinking after reading the material Brath gathered from DuValle's ship. The man was, in his estimation, a complete whack-job. He might have been smarter, maybe stronger, but he wasn't up to Michael's level. He'd cheated, as far as Reynolds was concerned, and got lucky. For all the good it did him, Mal thought. All the trouble he went through to prove himself got him killed, and all for nothing.

Michael spent more time on the bridge, mostly to make sure everyone else who piloted stayed off so they wouldn't give into the temptation to go faster. He checked Cortex for mention of himself, Serenity and all aboard her. Nothing, or it wasn't being waved where he could find it. He also sent a message to Cassandra, letting her know what was coming their way. Mara joined him occasionally, and they spent their time talking about her past and origin. If he shared that with anyone, they never mentioned it.

Zoe spent her time in her bunk, taking care of Miranda. She wasn't given any options by Mal, Michael, Simon or Brath. She was going to do her new main job first, then the rest once they decided she was up to it. She grumbled, but that didn't help. She knew they wouldn't budge, and she wouldn't have respected them if they did. She could count on them, and that mattered most.

Raven and Clarissa spent more time reminiscing than anything else. Michael joined in occasionally, but listened more than he talked. Past a certain date there wasn't anything in common, so he learned more about the ladies in his life after the timelines had split off.

Gabriel spent his time getting to know his children all over again. To some, five years wasn't long, but when you're worried about someone, it can seem like forever. He especially wanted to know about the people they'd married, not so much for the usual reasons, but to understand what could draw them together. He kept silent about sex being a primary factor; that was a given. He wanted to know the rest. He was pleasantly surprised.

Brath played 'house mommy' as she once did in Universe 3172A, mostly because "No one else could get this passel of kids to behave longer than a few minutes," as she put it. Jayne made the mistake of calling her mama-san only once. River set him straight.

The girls they'd rescued from Juggernaut slowly resumed their original behavior and personalities, and told Mal, Michael, Raven and Brath what they remembered about their old lives. They all knew where they'd lived before; surprisingly, some didn't want to go back. Even though he was a despot, being Julian's toy was far better than what they'd gone through. Michael found himself both disappointed and cynical about that. Human nature was the same everywhere he'd found them, and from what he could tell it wasn't likely to change.

The only excitement came when Michael decided to "thread the needle" by passing through the asteroid swarm instead of going around. Not only did he want to save time, he wanted anyone following – there was still a chance – to give up the chase. He also wanted to test himself, as the last time he'd done this was either in simulations or months ago aboard Cruiser HC-201, in Universe 3172A. It wasn't much of a risk; Earth's asteroid belt wasn't as "solid" as people once thought, and this wasn't even close to that. The largest object was perhaps one kilometer at its widest point. Everyone spent a few minutes watching over the ten hours' transit; they'd never known anyone who ever tried it, and Mal, River and Mara wanted to see how it was done, just in case they had a need to do it again. Whitmer made it look easy, but he took the time to explain everything he did. As he put it, "You only need to make one mistake, and you don't usually get a second chance."

About a month after leaving Osiris, the warm, friendly sphere that was Boros appeared, and everyone relaxed a little. It was good to reach a friendly port-of-call.

(((())))

"We're grounded, Mal," River's voice announced.

Reynolds grabbed the microphone. "Thanks Albatross. See what we need, far as our girl goes," he replied. As he replaced the device, Mal turned to the gathering in the dining area. "Well, we's here. Might wanna see ta what business we got, then get what supplies is needed. Still got jobs ta do."

Michael, Raven and Brath stood and walked to the cargo deck as Kaylee emerged from the aft corridor. "We gonna say goodbye?" the engineer asked. "They's real sweet girls, Cap'n. Cain't see doin' 'em anything but right."

"Happens Michael's got that covered, mei-mei," Reynolds replied. "Can't see' 'em just shufflin' the girls off an' ya don' get to. Better catch 'em, though, just ta make sure." Tam walked forward and disappeared as River and Mara walked from the bridge. "What's the word?"

"We're good for now," the Cat replied as she walked to the refrigerator. "All we need might be fuel, depending on our next stop."

River nodded agreement. "Michael said he was going to check the new instrumentation, but that can wait, Mal."

He nodded. "Good. Maybe our luck turns back around."

"Happens it is," Michael's voice said from the door. Mal turned just in time to catch the bag of coin Whitmer tossed. "Like I promised, Mal. Ain't letting anyone down."

"Just gonna hand it back, we need supplies," Reynolds pointed out. "Kinda your job, now, 'til Zoe's back on her feet."

"She's been up and around, but nothing more than she needs to do," Michael replied. "First month's the hardest one; lots to learn and adjust to. Now Miranda's sleeping through, should go smoother, 'specially for Zoe." He shook his head and smiled. "And no, she's not happy about it."

"Woman like Zoe likes to be workin'," Mal agreed.

"Miranda's still her main priority," Michael replied in his cultured manner. "Have to play the game for company. Excuse me, sir." He walked forward, and Mal could hear familiar voices; Cassandra and McLeod were here. There were a few long conversations in Cantonese that faded, and then it was quiet. Guess they can help, Reynolds thought.

He walked to his and Inara's bunk to find her dressed to go out. "We missin' sommat?" he asked.

"I tested positive last week, Mal," Inara replied with a smile as they exited and returned to the dining area. "It's time to get prepared." She moved into his arms with a contented sigh. "Life is perfect. I never believed it could be."

Mal cleared his throat and murmured, "Ya ready for this? Big step, maybe biggest."

"I can handle anything if I have you with me." She paused, then shook herself. "I'll need to find the supplements. I think Simon has the list, and then I'll go find what I can here."

"A'right, but take Brath an' Mara with ya. Still got the Guild lookin', dan nang. They don' just give up." Inara sighed, then nodded, kissed him and headed down to the Infirmary.

"Gonna take some gettin' used to," he said to himself. "Zoe wondered what kind o' mother she'd be; gotta wonder if'n I'm ready to be a daddy."

"It's not that hard, but you're in it for the long haul." Mal started as Gabriel spoke from the table, where he'd been sitting for a few minutes, going by the coffee pot and dishes. "It's the hardest, and most rewarding job you can have, if you do it right, Captain."

Mal joined him. "How ya think ya done?"

"Except for being a complete idiot about the Academy, not bad. I'm very proud of Simon, and River's more than I could have ever hoped for. The fact everyone aboard will stand by them says a lot." Gabriel sipped his coffee and finished his eggs as his children climbed the steps from below, carrying their breakfast dishes.

So that's how I missed 'em, Mal thought. "Any thought about, well, her?"

Tam looked at the forward bulkhead in thought. "I'm not sure if I want to be there, Captain."

"It won't get ugly," Simon said. "All I want is to see and hear her as she answers."

Mal turned to look at River. "Albatross?"

"Not saying a word until I know, Mal. She made her decision." He shivered slightly at her cool tone. Maybe she done this, but still your ma, he thought, knowing she'd hear it. River only shrugged. That would have to do.

"When was ya plannin' ta leave?"

"In the next few minutes. I have the papers, and Gideon should have given you your payment?" Mal nodded. "Then I'll go now. Thank you, Captain Reynolds, not only for being there, but for taking care of Simon and River." He extended his hand, and Mal shook it firmly.

"Been a pleasure an' a real education ta have 'em aboard, sir. Good luck to ya." As Gabriel left, Simon waited. "Sommat botherin' ya?"

"That obvious," Tam replied as River escorted her father. "There's something else, Mal, but I think it's personal. Something he doesn't want anyone to know until he's ready to tell it." He shrugged. "You probably understand."

"Nope, ma raised me along with a passel o' hands, doc. An' don' start feelin' sorry for me. Can't miss what ya never knew, an' turned out okay. Still dunno how or why, so countin' my blessin's."

Simon's expression was droll. "That would be prudent."

Mal glared, then shook his head. "Got any business ta take care of, 'sides med supplies? Not gonna be here more'n a day." Tam shook his head. "A'right. Soon as Inara's done, we see to Serenity's needs, an' go from there."

(((())))

Michael stayed watchful as they walked toward the boarding house Cassandra had picked. He wasn't expecting trouble, but he never discounted it. Some always found him, no matter where he went. He didn't think anyone would bother them, however. He was openly carrying a shotgun, and wore what appeared to be an official law-enforcement badge; to outward appearance, he was a lawman on escort duty, which wasn't too far from the truth.

Wainwright kept his eyes open, too, as they walked. He'd given a record of his journal to the runner who'd appeared not long after Serenity's arrival, so his business was done. He'd had a long talk with Raven, and she'd given him a good amount of information on Snake, at least to a certain point. The Archives' keepers would appreciate it, he was sure. At the moment, it was good to just do something that needed to be done.

Raven led the way. She'd never been to Boros, but the message from Cassandra and directions Clarissa gave were clear. It would be good to get the girls settled or on their way home, and maybe even married. They deserved that much, she thought, after everything they'd been through with Julian.

She glanced back to see Michael walking along behind her, and felt a slight twinge of guilt, but her mind was made up: She was going to have Michael's child, and she'd tested positive a week ago, along with Inara, and they'd agreed to keep it a secret. Michael always ended up leaving his loved ones behind, sometimes children – it was plain from the books – but they'd never felt the loss. She wondered why, then shook her head. That's for another time, she thought. His line will continue, as it's supposed to.

When they arrived, Cassandra was waiting. She kissed Michael and smiled at Raven, and said, "All the arrangements have been made."

"Did anyone say anything about Julian?" Michael asked.

"No, not a word. I don't think anyone's ever met him," Cassandra replied after a few moments' thought.

"Good." He handed her a record. "Here's all the information, at least about the girls. They've had a rum go of it, Cassandra."

She looked at him. When he used those old phrases, it meant the situation was serious. "I'll see what can be done." She waved the others to the house, and they followed Raven inside. "What's the real story?"

"It's there," he replied, touching the record. "Raven can tell you the rest."

"What aren't you telling me, Snake?"

"Plenty you don't need to know right away, and there's nothing you can do. Julian DuValle is dead, and so far I believe his allies have no knowledge of it. Not yet. I'm using the delay to best advantage, make no mistake about that. By the time they put it all together, it will be too late to salvage anything, if there's anything to salvage." He paused thoughtfully. "I've the impression his grabbing me wasn't to anyone's plan, and they'll wish he was still alive so they could scold him – slowly and painfully – for his impertinence," Michael finished with a smile.

"Only scold? They still needed him?" Cassandra chuckled. "All right. I'll see to it the transition's as smooth as possible." She glanced at the house. "So, another Spoke Soul for the Watchers to keep track of. They'll thank you, I'm sure," she finished, rolling her eyes.

"Heh. Tell them they can insert it where it will do the least good. I've still got a few problems to cope with." Whitmer glanced back in time to see Brath and Inara leave Serenity. A few seconds later, Mara skittered after them. "Well, there go three of them."

Cassandra looked at him inquiringly, but gave up when he only watched them go. She knew he'd tell what was bothering him when he felt like it, not before. "You can't carry all that weight on your own, Michael. You have to let someone help you, some time."

"Perhaps, but not now. It's not that great a burden, and I don't mind playing Dad, not after doing it for real so may times. We all do what we do best, after all." He sighed as the trio passed out of sight. "I'll let you get to it. We've both got responsibilities we can't put aside."

Cassandra nodded. "I'll see you when I see you." She smiled dreamily. "It's too bad you can't stay longer. I wouldn't mind seeing the Wolf again."

"Is that all you ever think about?" Michael said with mock anger. He smiled and added, "Next time we drop by. Promise." They hugged and kissed, and left to take care of business.

(((())))

Brath looked up when Inara tapped on the door. She set her book aside and climbed up to join Reynolds. "Ready when you are, Inara."

"I'm ready now."

"Oh, then just a second." Brath climbed back down, then re-emerged, buckling her gunbelt after shrugging into her duster. "Mara!" she called. The Cat emerged from the Bridge, walking with her usual casual grace. "We're going. You might want to change." Mara smiled, then was replaced by the grey cat that came aboard a few months ago. She gave them a lazy, half-lidded gaze, then scampered down the passageway ahead of them. The dragon chuckled. "I suppose she gets cabin fever, too. Can't blame her at all."

"Will she be all right?"

"She snuck aboard here, Inara. I'd say she knows McIntyre City better than all of us put together." She paused. "Damn. We told 'John' you got off here. Well, we told him Inara Serra stayed. I wonder if they're still here."

"They probably didn't believe you, but it couldn't hurt to be careful. We have our 'links, so we can call any time."

Brath looked at her for a few seconds, then nodded. "All right, but let's make sure the others know we're going out, and when we plan to be back."

"All right. I'll tell Mal while you tell Jayne and anyone else. Meet you at the ramp."

Inara walked aft, and Brath watched her, then closed her eyes and searched. Jayne and River were in their bunk, so she stopped there and rapped on the door with one of her Springfields. "Y'all decent?" she asked loudly. Muffled grumbling from Jayne told her what she already suspected. When the door opened, she said, "Shut it. Inara an' me are goin' out for 'women-in-delicate-condition' meds. River need anything?"

Jayne's scowl went away as she spoke. "Couldn' hurt," he admitted. "Prob'ly Kaylee, too." He stopped and thought. "Better ta ask which women ain't expectin'," he added with a lecherous grin.

"Good thing I been here a time, or might wanna hurt ya," she replied with her own grin. "Anyway, plan on us back in an hour. That don' happen, stand back an' let Mal and Michael go. Won' get run over."

"Expectin' trouble?"

"Told the Guild thugs we left Inara here, remember?" Jayne nodded. "Ain't takin' a chance, Jayne. Michael an' me think o' y'all as family, an' ya know what that means, dong ma?"

"Got it. Be ready when it's time," Cobb said. "Can get back ta business?" he asked with a leer.

"Sure. Just don' fall asleep too deep. River knows how ta wake folk, dan nang." Brath chuckled as he descended the ladder with a worried expression and closed the door. "Ain't the only one knows how ta freak the mundanes, Raven." She continued aft to find Inara and Mal facing off, with Simon, Gideon and Jim watching. "Only one answer ya can give, Mal. Don' make me choose sides. Won' like how it ends."

"Still ain't overly happy, Brath. Ya know who's prob'ly here."

"The day I have to worry about what a mere mortal can do to me is the day I'm on my deathbed," the dragon replied, allowing her fearsome presence to manifest slightly as her eyes flickered red-gold. "If they go after Inara, they'd better be either really slick or take me as well. They might not like what happens after that."

"Mmrrr?" Everyone looked to see Mara at the hatch, her paws on the coaming as she looked at them curiously.

"Ain't goin' alone, Mal. Only Inara's unarmed."

Reynolds looked at them, then nodded. "A'right, but call when y'all's comin' back. Got a feelin' won' go away."

"When did you last shower?" Simon quipped. Mal stared daggers at him.

"Go on. Git, 'fore I change my mind." As they walked out, Reynolds looked at Wainwright. "Tell your 'friends', Jim. If'n goes south, wanna know where they's hidin' yesterday, dong ma?"

"You got it, Mal." Wainwright stood and left for the bridge. "Not on my watch, neither."

When he was out of ear-shot, Mal said, "Get ready for trouble, Simon. Like Michael says, kinda finds us." Tam nodded and left for his bunk. "Hope I'm wrong."

"You've prepared as well as you can, Mal, short of going with them," Gideon said. "I'm not certain they'd appreciate a man getting in the way," he finished with a malicious twinkle in his eyes.

Reynolds nodded. "Ya got business to take care o', might wanna get to it. Leavin' tomorrow mornin'."

"Nothing I can't take care of anywhere, but I'll scout the area. You can't be too careful." Marris stood and walked aft to his room.

(((())))

As they stepped off the ramp, Brath looked around, then saw Michael, Jim, Raven and the girls standing in front of a boarding house. She thought she saw Michael glance their way, but wasn't really paying attention. "Mara, thought you were coming with," she said in a conversational tone. The cat scampered outside and dropped to a walk a few feet in front of them before sniffing the ground, then catching up again, scampering ahead and to the left, her tail high as she looked around curiously. Brath had to wonder if it was natural, or if she had to think about her behavior, then let it go. Plenty of time to find out, she thought as they turned down a lane and found it blocked by a carriage that had lost a wheel, blocking traffic, which was deepening as they watched.

"Oh, go se," Inara spat quietly. "We'll have to go around."

"It's a nice day, especially for walking," Draco replied pleasantly. "Are you in a hurry?"

"No, but it's inconvenient."

"You're just like anyone else, and it's what you chose when you left the Guild. Get used to it, Inara. Besides, you wanted to learn what it was like to be ordinary. No better way," Brath said as she led the way to the next lane and "broke trail" for Reynolds and Mara, who trotted along behind, occasionally looking into store windows as she trotted on the windowsills. She occasionally paused as people stopped to pet her, but never lost sight of her charges. A dog tried to give her a problem, but one quick claw-filled swat to the nose changed his mind. A few witnesses would swear they thought she'd actually smiled after that.

Brath turned into the alleyway, which was nearly packed with bodies, all of whom seemed to want access to the same street. She sighed, and continued, her height and expression convincing others to move aside.

It happened before anyone knew it. Inara felt a hand grasp her arm, and she looked to see "John" glaring at her with grim triumph. She was about to call out when she caught the acrid odor and her world went black. "You made a mistake," he said.

Brath felt Inara's surprise and shock, and turned to see him dragging her toward a doorway. Mara, stick to her like glue! she thought as she fought her way through the crowd, which seemed to thicken magically. When she made some headway, two grinning, beefy cowboys stood in her way, smiling. "Get out of my way."

"Hey, darlin', what's y'all's hurry?" the tall, black haired one said. It was so innocently put that she thought he might have been one of Badger's punks. "Cain't ya spare some time for a couple tired an' hungry cowboys?" She looked down, and she saw the knife he'd concealed. So, that's it, eh? Her anger overcame her fear for Inara, and she bared her teeth in a snarl.

The men looked at her, and felt a chill. Something wasn't right. Most women were easily intimidated by their size, and all were afraid of knives. This one wasn't playin' by the rules. One shrugged internally. Guess she needs ta be taught how the 'verse works. He drew the knife and said, "You're comin' with us, ya know what's good for ya," he said, giving her his best glare. He expected anything but a laugh.

"Sorry, boys, but got better waitin' aboard ship. Also got no time for ya ta waste. Move it, 'fore I move ya." Brath turned her full attention to them after seeing Mara streak through the crowd, leaving several people falling as they tripped over her. The older, tow-headed man reached out and grabbed her shirt-front. "Bad move."

She reached up and grabbed, twisting the hand in a direction it was never meant to go, bones and tendons crackling. The man cried out, and she let go to block his partner's poor attempt at a slash. She let her fearsome presence out at full power, and the people around them began to run, some screaming, fleeing from a formless terror they couldn't see, but that felt as thought it was going to eat their souls.

The men flinched, but didn't move, and she took advantage to blind them both with her fingers going straight into their eyes. Both grabbed their faces and collapsed, screeching in pain and fear. She ignored them as she ran for the door, only to find it locked. She stepped back and looked up, and realized they'd been right to suspect a set-up, but not this soon. Her eyes swiftly shifted to crimson, and she snarled as she walked away to search for another entrance. Damn them! I'll suck the marrow from their bones after this is over! I'll roast them slowly – alive!

(((())))

Michael was half-way from his and Brath's bunk to the kitchen when he felt it slam into his mind like a freight train at full speed. Brath was beyond angry; she was in a Draconic rage, and that meant – the image of Inara unconscious and being dragged away burned itself into his mind.

"Mal! They got Inara!" Michael sprinted and nearly dove down the ladder. He grabbed his gunbelt, dropping the Springfields and replacing them with the Eagles, then swapping magazines. He grabbed-up the shotgun and swarmed up the ladder, then was banging on Jayne's door. It opened immediately to reveal River, who was dressed for a fight, including her guns, with Jayne right behind her.

"Huh choo-shung tza-jiao duh tzang-huo," Reynolds muttered as he passed them on the way to his bunk. "How long ago?"

"Maybe twenty seconds." Michael reached out. Brath. Where is she?

Alleyway between streets. Looks like a hotel. Too many exits to cover, but Mara's with her. I hope. He felt her anger, frustration and shame at being fooled so easily boiling behind the rage. They're not getting away with this, Michael. "I'll grind their bones to butter my bread!"

Whitmer leapt from the catwalk when he reached it and ran outside to find five men in official-looking garb standing in his way. "Stand down!" one snapped. "You are bound by law!"

The shotgun snapped up to low ready as Michael growled, "Credentials. Now! If I don't see them in ten seconds, the Guild will be paying your death benefits in jig-time." His eyes blazed.

They froze in surprise, then held up their hands, and slowly extracted their idents as Mal, River and Jayne arrived. "We're here on official business," the spokesman said defensively. "Which one of you is Michael Whitmer?"

"Mal, you'd better check," Michael said as he stepped to one side, keeping his line of fire while leaving Reynolds clear. "I might be inclined to hurt someone."

Mal took and studied their idents, scowling. "They's real."

Michael didn't lower his weapon, but said, "State your business. One of our crew's been kidnapped, and we're losing valuable time."

"If you mean Inara Serra, we're here to keep you from interfering. She's being returned to the Guild for disciplinary actions."

"She resigned from the Guild, and her name is Inara Reynolds, now," River said in a too-calm tone. "I think aiding-and-abetting will do for a start, Lord Whitmer." The men flinched almost as one as Michael thought, Damn it, I don't want to trade on that, River.

I'm sure Lord Harrow took that into account. Get over it, she replied.

"The Guild has no jurisdiction or authority outside its Houses," Gideon's voice said as he joined them. "Whatever they might think, they're in no position to forcibly return anyone who has properly resigned," he added as he tossed a record to the leader, who caught it by reflex.

The Lieutenant looked startled, then slotted it and read the information, and then paled. "H-he's right. It's a correct and proper resignation." He looked up, his face ashen. "W-we'll let you go about your business."

"One thing first. I want a ground lock on every ship in McIntyre City. No one leaves this rock until we find her, dong ma? Once you do, report to me. Now get lost, and I don't want to see you ever again. Stay out of our way," Michael replied in his cultured manner, which came out cold and deadly. "Leave. Now!" he hissed. The lawmen beat a hasty retreat after Mal returned their idents, and Michael barely relaxed. When they were out of sight, he started out, but Gideon grabbed his arm. "What?"

"They've had the time they need to leave the scene," Marris said calmly. "They'd be heading to their ship."

"Where?"

"Not far, but not here near us," Marris replied. Mal nodded agreement.

Michael took a deep, calming breath and reached out again. Mara, where are you?

(((())))

Mara hated crowds, which is one reason why she tripped people. It was her way of getting even with the 'verse for giving her so many opportunities to get her tail stepped on. Her dislike actually worked in their favor; when Inara was grabbed, she was on the same side of the alleyway as the hotel her abductor was fighting to reach. It was a simple matter to flit through the crowd – tripping people as she went – to reach the door slightly before he did, and wait her opportunity.

And there it was. Mara silently slipped into Inara's carry-all as the man paused to close and lock the door. The only problem was if he noticed her weight or checked the bag, but she was sure he was more interested in escaping without a trace than anything else. She would be, after anything even remotely illegal. She'd be fairly obvious, even if no one believed a cat could do what she'd been designed and trained to do.

The heard the man speak softly, "We have her. No sign of pursuit, yet." There was no reply, which meant a 'link. "Understood. I'll try to get there before nightfall, but the crowd we created isn't dispersing, even after the sudden fear everyone felt. What? Yes, there was a tall red-head. No, we couldn't get her. She was more than we expected. Something like Alleyne." Another pause. "No, it's not possible. The law's probably been notified, and I only told them to delay him, not have him bound by law. That's too obvious, and too much."

There was a longer pause, and he said, "All right. If you want Reynolds so much, he'll come. So will his new friends. I have to get moving." There was silence, then he dragged Inara a few feet and laid her in some kind of cart, covering her with a blanket. Ah, it must be the old laundry dodge, she thought. Old, but always effective.

Mara, where are you? Michael's voice asked in her head as the man moved around furtively, grumbling, "Where are they?"

Inside a building, somewhere. I don't know where we're going, but they're using the laundry disguise. You might want to hurry. I think they're headed for a ship, she replied as a large double-doors opened.

Right. Keep your eyes open, and your head down, if possible. We'll find you, then we'll find out who's behind this. Promise. She could feel his barely-contained rage, and it wasn't too different from Brath's. The two were ready to kill. Well, hell, so am I. No one does this to my family. She dug deeper into Inara's carry-all. She'd keep still and silent until they stopped moving, then look around, feed Michael the intel he needed, and stay with Inara. Mal had already gone through more than most people did in a life-time, and she wasn't going to let them make it worse by taking Inara from him. I'll see them in hell first.

(((())))

"You're sure about that? I only said that as a bluff," Michael said after remaining silent for a few minutes.

Marris looked at him, then understood. "The Guild has no real power, only tremendous prestige and influence. Unfortunately, it doesn't extend far from Sihnon, nor to many Companions. Too many think of them as whores, the imbeciles. Your comment regarding Geisha was quite accurate."

"I'll congratulate myself later. Right now we have to find Inara, or where they're taking her. Once we do – well, it's going to be a blood-bath. The Guild needs to be taught a lesson, methinks. School is in session," Whitmer said calmly.

Mal shivered despite his anger. He was reminded how Reggie was, way back when: Just as cold, just as dispassionate, and just as ornery-mean when his back was up. The only difference was, Michael would go in – alone if he had to – and clean house himself, not leave it to some goon. Knowing that didn't make him feel any better, though. He had what amounted to a force of Nature on his boat, going by the books, and he didn't know what to do, other than go along for the ride. Means gettin' Inara back, he can have all the fun, Reynolds thought.

He watched as Michael tilted his head to one side, as though he was listening to someone. He nodded, then tapped his 'link. "Brath, break off and come home. Mara says they wanted you as well. I don't think this is the Guild, but someone else."

"But Michael – "

"Follow your orders, StarDragon Eleven," he snapped. "We've been through this once before, and I'll not have a repeat."

"Acknowledged, Blackstar One. On my way," she replied softly. Michael tapped his 'link off and looked out, his eyes hooded and unreadable.

"What was that about?" Jayne asked.

Whitmer closed his eyes, and he said, "It was while I was aboard HC-201, where Brath and I became re-acquainted. We were on leave when someone I cared about was being threatened, and Brath rushed in to stop it. She was nearly killed." He opened his eyes and shook his head. "I vowed that would never happen again. It's bad enough I nearly lost Vanessa and did lose T'Sal."

"Oh, go se," Mal said. "Almost couldn' read that part," he added in sympathy.

"Spare me your sympathy," Whitmer replied flatly. "Save it for them. I'm not in a particularly forgiving mood."

"Mal, it's not the Guild. They're not even here," Wainwright said as he joined them.

"Then who's the liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze grabbed my wife?"

"Ain't sure, but gettin' word on who they is. Saw the ground lock go up, so ain't leavin' any time soon," the Watcher replied. "'Scuse me, gotta get some iron."

"No, stay here. It's someone else, might try here," Reynolds countered. "Gonna be the usual wreckin' crew. We'll find her."

"Got it, Mal." Wainwright continued aft, calling for Clarissa.

"What have you in mind?" Gideon asked, more out of curiosity.

"We find 'em, go get 'em, an' find out who's behind 'em. Anythin' better?"

"No, it's dead simple, and leaves all the worry to them," Marris replied. "Of course, defense is easier than offense."

Mal nodded. "Know that. Been on both sides."

"We's wastin' time talkin', Mal," Jayne said as he shifted impatiently.

"Can't move until we know where they are," Michael said. "A search would alert them, and we can't have that. Inara's not going to pay for this, they are."

"So we just gonna wait, an' hope that cat can lead us to her? Crazy," Cobb snarled as Brath arrived.

"That's what we're going to do," the dragon said. "We don't have a choice." She looked at Michael significantly.

"They can't go anywhere. Lord Whitmer has spoken," Michael replied without humor.

"Cat an' mouse," Mal said. "Gotta play the game."

Jayne snorted. "An' what good's that when the cat's a retard?"

The men gave Cobb a bad look, but Brath only chuckled until she passed him, then gave him what Michael called a "Jethro Gibbs head-slap". Hard. "Dumb-ass," she said.

(((())))

It was a rough ride. The cart, like any other, had no suspension, and every bump was jarring. Mara kept her silence despite that, and listened to the traffic and conversation around her. So far, it seemed they were headed toward the docks, and the sunlight on the linens over her and Inara confirmed that. She was about to try to reach Michael when a particularly bad bump shifted Inara, and she rolled over on top of her. Being pinned was bad enough, but her back legs were caught in a very painful position, and she wasn't expecting it. She gave out an involuntary yowl, and the cart stopped.

The linens were pulled back, and an unfamiliar man's face looked in. "Well, what are you doing here?" he asked in a voice that didn't match what she'd heard earlier. Someone else? she thought. "Let's get you out of this." He reached down, lifted Inara and she pulled herself free, then assumed a defensive crouch over her "mistress", growling.

"What is it?" asked a voice she did recognize, and "John" looked down. "Well, I didn't expect Inara Serra to have a cat. I suppose her change in lifestyle made her sentimental." His eyes were dead inside, as far as she could tell, and she hissed.

"Feisty little thing. What do we do?"

"John" smiled, and it was as empty as the Black. "Let her stay. Mrs. Reynolds will enjoy the company," he said, a trace of an accent coming out as he tossed the linens over them again. Mara gave another growl, then slowly settled down. "Ship's cat always brings good luck."

Want to bet? she thought. When all candles be out, all cats be grey.

She stayed where she was, and was surprised when a mental map of the area appeared, and their route traced itself as they moved. What did they do? What the hell am I? She shivered and settled in for the trip. It wouldn't be long.

(((())))

Wainwright waited impatiently, as did Clarissa. Both wanted to take part, but Michael had been clear. They were to stay and guard Serenity on the chance whoever had taken Inara might try keeping them from following. O' course, the ground lock kinda keeps 'em from goin' anywhere, he thought. And so he waited.

Clarissa didn't like what she saw, but couldn't judge. She was the same way. She'd been ready for blood-letting after Michael and Brath had been grabbed, and very disappointed when she didn't get a chance. She was actually hoping the Guild or whoever would actually try something. She'd felt like a fifth wheel, and didn't like it; cooking wasn't enough, and she knew without being told he understood the feeling. She had a few thousand years' time with him to know. She fidgeted at Jim's side, waiting for something to happen.

Brath had changed clothes and waited as the others watched Michael while he stared at the plot of McIntyre City, his eyes flinty. "Come on," he said for the fifth time.

"She didn't have any comms, so how can she send a signal?" Simon said, finally tired of the oppressive silence. "She told you a ship. Concentrate on the docks."

"Looking to expand your repertoire further?" Whitmer asked with a grim smile. "Look, it's my responsibility, and I take it seriously."

"Can it, Snake," Draco replied. "It's everyone and no one's fault. We made one of the classic blunders." She watched, and smiled when he flinched. She knew he'd recognize the reference to The Princess Bride.

" 'Rats of unusual size? There's no such thing'. "

Mal looked at them, then shook his head. "What am I missin'?"

" 'Tension reliever. Had to be done'," Clarissa added with a smile.

Gideon smiled briefly. "Yes, we're all too grim. It was needed." He changed the plot's setting, and the docks appeared, with Serenity's location highlighted. "They can't be far. The docks aren't that large." He paused. "I wonder how they knew."

"Not hard, ya think about it," Jayne said. "Cortex keeps ever'thin', don't it? Flight plans, an' such, an' wouldn' be surprised ta find records ever' move anyone makes. Alliance is sneaky, dong ma? Bettin' someone wants ta know who goes where, jus' 'cause."

"He's got a point," Brath said, looking at him appraisingly. "Ain't just the one on his head, neither," she added nastily.

"Stop openin' it, she won' get ya," Jim said, cutting off Cobb's protest. Michael stopped and closed his eyes, and Wainwright said, "Mara's talkin'. Quiet."

"Can't get over how that works," Mal murmured. "Voices in your head? Kinda creepifyin'."

Everyone watched as Whitmer stood there as though listening, and then his hand drifted to a control. After a few seconds, another ship was highlighted, and he opened his eyes to look. He smiled, and it wasn't pleasant. "Hmph. Long-term parking. They just came back and waited. Right. We'll hit them in five minutes; they should all be aboard."

"Any idea how many?" Mal asked.

"No, but we'll know when we get there." He paused. "If she leaves any alive. Mara's not in a good mood."

"Neither am I," Brath commented.

Michael shut off the plot after everyone had the location memorized, and picked up his shotgun. "Then we'd better get ready, hadn't we?"

(((())))

Mara started when the jostling changed to severe bouncing, and the sound the wheels made changed. They were climbing a ship's ramp, it seemed. She carefully peeked out and had a strong sense of déjà vu. They were aboard another Firefly, but an older Series 2. She wondered why, but that would have to wait. The main hatch closed, and the men uncovered and lifted Inara out, carrying her aft to lay her on a make-shift bed in the common area. Mara played her part, jumping free, growling and staying close by until they laid Reynolds down.

When the men left – one was grumbling about a blanket ground lock – she slipped out and climbed the stairs to the kitchen area, which was bare compared to Serenity's. She could hear a heated conversation forward, but ignored it. She had other things to do.

Mara slipped into a dark cubby-hole and concentrated. Michael. We're here.

Where's that? She concentrated on her mental map, showing their location, and Michael replied, Ah, good. Sit tight and watch Inara, but if you have to do something, make sure they can't leave. If not, wreak havoc. Let that anger out, before it eats you alive from inside. Acknowledge, Blackstar Twenty-eight.

Mara grinned, and it wasn't a good one. Acknowledged, Blackstar One. Wreak havoc it is. Commencing now. The rapport closed, and she slipped aft, her coloring blending with the metallic grey as she moved. She reached Engineering to find a technician muttering to himself, engrossed with some of the never-ending work it took to keep a Firefly going. She switched forms, and he turned to look; he must have seen out of the corner of his eye. He gaped, and tried to shout a warning as she leapt, but it was too late. She was on him before he could form the words, and the last thing he saw were claws coming at his face before he crashed into the bulkhead and fell unconscious.

She resisted the urge to kill him, and succeeded. Barely. After a few seconds to catch her breath and calm down, Mara removed his suspenders and tied him securely, gagging him with a handy wiping cloth. After that, she reached up and hit the main power switch, plunging the ship into darkness, except for sunlight filtering through the exterior ports. That done, she closed and locked the hatch behind her, and skulked forward, her eyes glowing reddish-gold with more than reflected light. She smiled hungrily. Time to play.

(((())))

"The local law gonna do anythin'?" Jayne said as they walked toward the ship Michael had indicated on the plot. "We ain't lookin' too friendly, dong ma?"

"I told them to stay out of our way, and they want to live to collect their pensions, no doubt. They don't hire complete idiots," Whitmer replied tightly. As they rounded a corner, he flattened against a building, still looking ahead. "Huh, it's a Series 2. Not the Guild by any means." He paused, thinking. "They wanted Brath as well. Anyone you upset enough for that lately?"

Brath said, "No, not living." The others blinked at her nonchalance.

"Well, who's got it in for all of us, then?" Simon asked. He stopped. " 'But if your desire for revenge is to be successful, you must nurture it, let it grow, let it become strong until it can carry you anywhere you wish to go, and you must trample anything and anyone in your path. Nothing must stand in your way.' Only then can you be avenged.' " Xiang Yu. It's Niska, Mal."

"Ya get that from nowhere, Simon?"

"No, he's right," Gideon countered. "It fits, Mal. Adelai Niska isn't known for his gentle nature, or his selectivity. If getting you means using someone, he will do it."

Mal looked at him sourly. "Kinda makes ya wonder why no one's done sommat ta stop him, Parliament knows about him."

"Accusations are like water, Mal. Substantive, but impossible to grasp and hold. Only proof – like cold – can make them solid, but there is little proof of anything Niska's reputedly done, and witnesses are few and far between. Those willing to come forward and testify do not officially exist, and they wish that to continue." He gave an embarrassed shrug. "People want to live."

"That they do. A'right. What's our plan?"

Whitmer stood there watching the ship, and he grimaced twice within a minute. "Nothing. It should be over soon."

"We got no way o' knowin' it's Niska," Jayne said.

"Find out soon enough." Mal looked at Whitmer. "Nothin? Jus' Mara all by herself. What can she do?"

Michael smiled sadly, but it was edged with steel. "You'd be surprised."

(((())))

She padded forward, listening and scenting the air. She could hear them, and she smiled internally as their voices betrayed more than a little worry. Fireflies weren't supposed to have mysterious, potentially-catastrophic glitches in their systems; it's why they were being built, even now. They were the epitome of the phrase the old reliable. And now they were trapped inside, not knowing what was happening.

"Go check on Grissom, and kick his pi gu if you have to," "John's" voice said. He'd be the tough one, but he'd crack eventually. Nobody plays this game better than a cat, she thought. We've only had a few million years of evolution to make sure of it. She heard his footsteps approach, and she crouched in the connecting passage, licking her whiskers with anticipation.

(((())))

Bisley moved cautiously aft, his gun out and pointed ahead, the light beam from his torch showing what was directly in front of him. He hated the dark. He'd been afraid of it as a child – like anyone else – but it never went away. Neither did the fear of closed-in spaces. His father had locked him in a closet more than once as punishment for something or other, and never explained or apologized. All that made him a mean, bitter adult, and it never bothered him since. Until now, that is.

His mind wouldn't stop creating imaginary threats that hovered outside the beam of light. Why didn't he bring a flood? He shook his head, telling himself to steady down. Idiot prob'ly hit the wrong switch again. Why'd anyone think this guy Bester was such a hot engineer? Rumor was Reynolds had tossed him in favor of that girl that took care of Serenity now. He smiled. If that was true, Bester would be able to get even, and they'd have a nice Series 3 to work with, instead of this worthless jung chi duh go se dway. Better for everyone all around.

The passage was clear, and he continued aft into the mess room. Two paths led out, and he ignored the one going down. The problem was Engineering, not the common area, where Serra was sleeping-off the drug. Bet Niska wouldn't mind if we have a little fun after he got Reynolds, he thought, hoping he'd let the gang have her after he was done. Not like Niska bothered with women any more. Older a man gets, the more he has to worry about an' take care of, and doesn't have the time. Plus his wife prob'ly wouldn' like it. Russian women were prob'ly worse'n any other, goin' by the stories, he thought as he stopped at the passage to the engine room.

He stood there, listening, but only heard his own breathing, and the muffled curses from Ivan and Nikolai up forward. It was quiet and dark as a grave back here, and that thought gave him the shivers. He pressed on slowly, as silently as he could. The low purring growl made him look around frantically. It seemed to come from everywhere. When he looked aft again, two blazing eyes glared at him, death in them. He started violently. The terrors from his childhood rushed in, and he froze. The eyes moved at him with frightening speed, and then he saw the teeth. He screamed, and it was over.

Mara waited until he stopped struggling, then released his throat. There were punctures, but nothing life-threatening. She'd closed his windpipe with her jaws as she held him down almost instinctively. She shivered, not knowing if it was from the thrill of the hunt, or because she'd come so close to killing him without really trying. She shook her head, then dragged him behind the counter, tying him up as she had the Engineer. When that was done, she peered over the counter and listened. "Bisley? Bisley!" a voice called, and there was a brief discussion. She thought she detected a Slavic accent, but wasn't sure.

No matter. Two down, four to go, she thought. Her smile was decidedly predatory. This should be a challenge. I like challenges. She couldn't know Michael had used those words more than once himself, and wouldn't have cared if she had. This was her moment, and she'd make the most of it.

She moved to the stairs and was soon beside Inara again. Her breathing was normal and steady. One less worry. She listened again, and heard two sets of footsteps, one moving into the cargo area as the other continued above. Hmm, this could be interesting. She looked around, and jumped up on top of a set of lockers that had been crudely welded to the bulkhead. People almost never look up.

She waited, and the next man slowly and quietly stepped through the hatch, his eyes and light darting around the space. He paused to listen and she smiled. Not too bad. We might have hit it off, if things were different. He moved to check on Inara, and she pounced, hitting him in the center of his back with all her weight, slamming him face-first into the mattress next to Reynolds. She shoved his face deep into the foam, holding him down as he thrashed weakly, and eventually went still. "Markov?"

She bounded away, into the empty infirmary as the light shined down, the man slowly descending. Hmm, definitely Slavic. It has to be Niska. Who else would go this far? She smiled as she peeked through the window briefly. She looked and saw a few items sitting almost precariously on the edge of the counter. A flick of her tail dislodged them to fall with a clatter on the deck as she slipped into the darkness nearest the door. The light stabbed through the opening, and she heard stealthy footsteps as the light wavered slightly. "Who's there? Come out where I can see you."

Mara quivered in near-ecstasy at the anxiety in the man's voice, and waited. She knew sooner or later he'd come investigate, and she'd be on him. Her eyes locked on the door sill, and soon a booted foot carefully stepped through, paused and the other followed. As soon as he was completely inside at the center of the room, she launched, hitting the backs of his knees hard enough to knock his feet completely out from under him, and his head struck the decking hard. He was unconscious before his heels hit her back with a dull thud. After a brief check, she returned to her other victim – she didn't think of them as prey any more – to tie and gag him. Light hit her, and she sprang up and away as the man fired, missing her as she scampered up the stairs. "We have company!" he shouted.

She reached the top to find the last one waiting, and she leapt high as he fired. She felt a trace of fire along her left back leg, but landed behind him and continued forward. Damn it. She was trapped, unless the exit from the bridge area lounge was still there. She was sure the other man was re-tracing his path into the cargo deck to intercept her, so she only had the one option. She jumped and landed on the bridge decking, and slid to a stop at the stairs, then silently moved down. The hatch wasn't open, but it wasn't sealed, either. She slammed the hatch open, and retreated to the darkest corner she could find, curled up and closed her eyes, willing her coloring to match as she went deathly still and waited.

She heard her pursuer speak in Russian, "Keep watch, and don't miss." Afterwards, his footsteps moved slowly and carefully in her direction, pausing as he checked every hiding place. She opened her eyes to see the other man peering in from the nearly pitch-black cargo area, his face nearly hidden by the night vision goggles. She didn't hesitate.

Nikolai moved as he'd been taught, and finally got it right. Moving silently wasn't about not making noise, it was about patience. Going slowly meant you didn't make noise, not because you were sure-footed, but moving too fast always makes noise. He crossed the space in about five minutes, instead of the fifty seconds it would have normally took, and he carefully peered into every corner, nook and crevice. Who or whatever they were facing was good. The only noises had come from them, and Nikolai got the message. Noise was death. And so he took his time, not only for the threat, but the goggles limited his vision to a tunnel about as wide as his outstretched hand.

He reached the catwalk ladder just as the hatch forward slammed open, startling him badly, but its noise covered his. He saw Ivan through the other hatch and nodded when he said, "Keep watch, and don't miss." He continued, not knowing he was supposed to stay where he was. He didn't realize tunnel vision meant more than one thing.

He moved along silently, reaching the forward ladder after another five minutes, carefully crept up and peered inside. He only saw the movement, not what he was hunting, and something large and furred struck him in the face, knocking him back to fall on his head. The last sound he heard was a very loud crack!

"John" heard the noise, and understood what it meant. He was now alone, and he didn't like that. So he took the only action he thought was left. He moved quickly and quietly aft, then went down, where he found Markov hog-tied. Next to him was Reynolds' wife. He crossed the space, crouched near the woman and said, "Come out where I can see you, or the woman dies."

An eerie, feminine chuckle seemed to echo from everywhere, and an alto voice replied in Russian, "I think not, comrade. If you do, and you manage to escape, what do you think Adelai will do to you? Skin you alive, probably, and then have to listen to his wife complain again. Of course, you can see what I can do, so how do you expect to leave? It has to be through me, and that's easier said than done." There was a pause, and the voice added, "Tell me, are you familiar with the works of Xiang Yu?"

Ivan felt a chill run down his spine. Except for the tone, the voice could have been Niska's. He stopped and realized what she was doing. She was trying to undermine his confidence and shake his resolve. He wasn't going to let that happen. "Then we are at an impasse," he replied.

"Really? By now Mal and the others have arrived, and they'll get you. Are you sure you want to meet the real Malcolm Reynolds? I understand that didn't work out well for Niska," the voice taunted. It was hard to tell where it originated; the echoes made it nearly impossible.

"I have all day. I have others coming."

"You're a bad liar," the woman replied with a chuckle.

(((())))

Inara heard voices as consciousness slowly returned. Mara and someone else. It took all her control and discipline to remain still as she realized "John" was beside her. She mentally said a calming mantra as she listened. Mara had just said, "You're a bad liar."

Her captor stayed silent for a few moments, and she opened her eyes slightly. He was looking between the exits, concern etched on his face. His eyes glittered with worry, as though he'd realized the Cat was right. He had the feel of a man who's trapped, and is running out of options.

"So, how much did Niska promise you?" Mara said as Inara mentally heard her voice say, Welcome back. Can you take him?

Inara struck like a coiled snake, catching "John" completely off guard. The gun flew across the room, and she twisted as his return blow missed. He grabbed her wrists and pinned her, then froze as the low growl drifted in with an indistinct shape. "That would be a very bad idea," Mara's voice said, and Inara thought she heard something wrong in it, but couldn't place it. "John" slowly relaxed his grip and stood up. "That's a good boy," the Cat's voice mocked. "Inara."

Reynolds slid to the side, got to her feet and moved to collect the gun. "On your knees," Mara said, and she shivered at the anger it contained. "John" complied, and something large rushed in and struck him hard. He collapsed. After a few minutes of silence, Mara said, "Sorry about that, Inara. You have no idea how hard it was not to kill him."

"That doesn't matter," Reynolds answered as she sat on the deck. As she did, she felt a large furry body move to her side, and something brushed against her face as the loud, deep purr reached her. When her hand touched the Cat, she almost recoiled. "Shénme?"

"It's all right. I've just learned a little more about myself." Inara's eyes finally adjusted to the low light, and what she saw made her gasp.

(((())))

Michael stood there for a half-hour or so, watching the ship. "So when we goin' in?" Jayne half-snarled. "What're we waitin' for?"

"Kids get impatient, don't they," Whitmer replied. "It's done. Let's go."

As he walked forward, the others looked at each other before following, watching the people they passed. No one seemed inclined to do anything, other than cautiously glance as they continued about their business; very obviously continued about their business. They reached the Firefly's hatch, and Michael rapped on it with his shotgun stock. A few seconds passed, and the hatch opened to reveal Inara. "Is everything all right?" Whitmer asked.

Inara glanced back and nodded. She walked into Mal's arms when he arrived, clinging to him for dear life as Michael stepped inside. He looked out after a few minutes. "Jayne, Jim? Need your help, looks like."

"With what?" Cobb groused as he entered. He lost his cigar as his jaw dropped. Six men were lying on the deck, five tied, the last one lookin' a mite dead. Kneeling behind them was Whitmer, who hugged a huge grey cat, whose head rested on his shoulder. Its eyes were closed, and it was purring contentedly. And loudly. Jayne's surprise increased when he heard Michael say, "Good girl."

"I just lose my mind or somethin'? What the di yu is that?"

The cat's eyes opened, and Mara's voice said, "Now is that any way to talk to a friend?"

(((())))

"An' this is normal?" Reynolds asked incredulously.

Mara smiled at him. "First, what the hell is 'normal'?"

Everyone had gathered in Serenity's common area, waiting as Simon examined what had to be Mara, other than her size. Mal estimated she was about two, maybe three meters long, nose to tail, and had to weigh in at nearly a hundred kilos. What didn't help was she still looked like a house cat, just blowed up ten sizes. Her Russian Blue coloring hadn't changed, but her tabby markings were more obvious, and made her look like a small grey tiger. That didn't help, either. Neither did River's reaction, which was to hug Mara as soon as she came back aboard, still in that form. 'Course, comin' back after dark kinda kept folk from noticin', he thought. He spent a little while gettin' over it; thoughts like those weren't normal.

"And this is more of what your designers put in?" Simon asked as he checked the scans. Mara was lying on the bed, her paws tucked under her chest, like any other cat. That didn' help, neither. Not one bit.

"So far as I can tell." Hearing her talk was stranger. Sounded just fine, 'ceptin' somethin' was off, an' he couldn' rightly put a finger on it. Mal just sat there, holding Inara's hand.

"Don' get it. Ya sayin' they took River ta make ya, an' added all the rest? Crazy stuff," Jayne said with his usual gruffness. If he was bothered by what they'd learned, he didn't show it.

"There is such a thing as a giraffe," Michael said as he descended the stairs. "Ground lock's off; people are leaving." He smiled evilly. "And the Operative isn't going to like where he wakes up."

"Where'd you send him?" Mal asked.

"Londinium. Expensive, but worth it. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he reports in." Reynolds and Cobb chuckled. "Yes, exactly." He looked into the infirmary. "Well, Simon?"

Tam straightened after drawing blood and setting it in the analyzer. "If there's anything wrong, I might have to be a veterinarian to find it. So far all tests have come back normal. Well, normal for her."

"I'm right here," Mara groused. "Are you done? I can't fly like this."

"Yes, I'm finished," Simon replied as he looked at the scans of her paws. The digits were more human than feline, but still functioned properly. "I suppose this might be more of Schwarzchild's work."

"I wouldn't venture a guess," Whitmer replied. "His devices could record and replicate almost everything, according to reports. I'll need to speak with the crew of USS Exemplar in depth, if they'll even discuss it. That's not something you just get over." He shivered. "I should know."

"When we goin' after Niska?" Wainwright asked. "Can't wait too long. Be expectin' to hear."

"I'll have to think about that awhile. I need to digest what his men told us," Michael replied after a moment. "But it does involve that Series Two. He'd never suspect."

"What about his boys? An' what was Bester doin' aboard?" Mal asked. "Never thought we'd see him again."

"Does it really matter?" Brath asked as she set a pot of coffee on the table. "They're gone, and they have the chance to disappear. You know how Niska deals with failures."

Mal shivered. "Don' need remindin'," he said as Gideon descended the stairs. "What ya find?"

"Nothing, or nothing yet. I've run the ship's serial number, but that will take some time. So far as it stands, it's clean, and that might be the real issue. That's not possible, unless you have connections, and I never thought Adelai Niska ever could. As unlikely as Badger."

"He might not have any directly, but possibly 'friend-of-a-friend' seems likely," Inara said. "That may be how he was able to operate over Ezra, and the Governor effectively had no influence."

Orbit's very different from ground-side," Michael said. "Only certain Core worlds have the ability to control that far outside atmo. Ezra certainly doesn't; I doubt any Rim world does."

"Got too much ta worry about dirt-side," Jayne commented. "An' nothin' ta work with. Alliance can, but don't."

"Let's be thankful for that," Jim replied. "Gettin' aroun' could get a lot tougher."

"What next?" Clarissa asked as she brought down a light supper tray.

"Eat, sleep and worry about it tomorrow," Michael said. "The ball's in our court, and we have time to think about this, instead of the usual. Let's get the most out of this we can."

"Sounds like a plan," Mal agreed. "We's good, so far." He squeezed Inara's hand. "Right?"

"Not yet, but we will be," she replied.

"Then let's turn in," Jim said. "Time's on our side. 'Bout tah-mah-duh time."

((()))

A/N: Appears it's time to deal with an old problem or two. As always, reviews are shiny.

Acknowledgments:

'He only is exempt from failures who makes no effort.' – French proverb; 'When all candles be out, all cats be grey.' – John Heywood

Oh, yes, and the inevitable The Princess Bride references. Don't be too surprised if I throw Gone With the Wind in here somewhere.

Chinese phrases: Tah-mah-duh – fucking; shénme? – what?; juh jen she guh kwai luh duh jean jan – this is a happy development; dan nang – I'm certain of it; dong ma – understand?; Ni shi bai chi – you're an idiot; Zhu-fu ni – Blessing on you/good luck; láng – wolf; shénshèng de – holy; xiao mei-mei – little sister; Gwai-gwai long duh dong! – What the hell!;Wuh duh ma huh tah duh fong kwong duh wai shung – Holy mother of god and all her wacky nephews; Wo de tian ah – God in Heaven; Jen dao mei! – Just our luck!; Huh choo-shung tza-jiao duh tzang-huo – Filthy fornicators of livestock; Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze – Son of a drooling whore and a monkey; jung chi duh go se dway – steaming crap pile