56) I Got My Heart But My Heart's No Good
To say that Simon was displeased with the day's events would be a massive understatement. River watched as her brother patched up Mal first and then, at Riddick's insistence, Wash. He pointed out quietly, out of Zoe's hearing, not an easy feat that, that Wash's heart had stopped and he'd had to be resuscitated. Simon had immediately understood the implications and put Wash on a heart monitor to listen for any residual murmurs or aberrations in function that might impede the pilot's continued good health.
Her husband had taken a seat on the counter and let her fuss over him, Simon occasionally calling out suggestions for treatment as he worked on the other two with Ciara's help. Jayne was under Zoe's ministrations, a bullet dug out of the meat of his shoulder. The rest of the crew had some scrapes and bruises but they were relatively unscathed by the battle.
The same couldn't be said of the mule which had served as a kind of battering ram and might have been scavenged for spare parts if they hadn't been forced to leave it behind.
River sat next to her husband as Simon moved from Wash and Mal over to Jayne to check Zoe's work and stitch him up. "Must place orders on the cortex," She smiled into his eyes, pale silver gleaming down at her. "Replace the mule and stock up arms again."
"Yeah, an' now that we've got one less enemy, I'm figurin' Jayne'll wanna take Ciara back home for a visit." Riddick nodded.
Kaylee wandered into the infirmary and took a seat next to them. "Good ta have ya back Rick." She smiled at River a bit teasingly. "That was some pretty fancy shootin', when ya'll come outta the station."
The Reader grinned at her, "Just math."
The mechanic's smile widened to a grin. "Ain't ever heard it called math afore. Sharp shootin' and 'manly heroics' sometimes, but not math." She looked over at Mal and Wash before taking a seat on Riddick's other side. "That mean old buzzard was gonna kill alla ya. I can't wrap my brain around it. I mean I can, but the why of it... I don't understand that."
River sighed as Riddick's free arm wrapped around Kaylee's shoulders and her big man kissed his mèi mei's head. "You're a good woman mèi mei. It's nice that you don't understand that way a thinkin'. Means you ain't ever come up on it before. Rather it stayed that way."
"He was just a mean old man couldn't stand to have anyone get the better of him," Simon offered his perspective from his position near Mal's head. "Try not to dwell on him bǎo bǎo."
Kaylee's sigh and mumbled affirmative was half hearted but as she sat and watched her crew being healed River could hear the mechanic's thoughts turn to Serenity. "Mayhaps I'll take a look at our girl, now that we're dirtside, see iffen she took any damage to her seals or hull, 'cause of the explosions an' bullets an' suchlike."
River smiled at her friend and nodded, "I will come and help if you like. Bring my cortex and catalog anything we'll need for repairs."
"Do us all some good to breathe fresh air," Riddick agreed easily.
"Don't go too far now," Zoe cautioned them as the three made to exit the infirmary. "An' take a com with you."
"Shì," Kaylee smiled at the First Mate. "Won't be far, just 'round Serenity's feet is all."
Riddick was sitting at the weight bench, doing curls while River practiced her exercises when Simon began to pack up the borrowed medical equipment. Mal, seemingly ill at ease with major surgery being done so quick, entered the cargo bay, fussing with his recently reattached ear. "Sure this thing's gonna stay on?"
Simon looked at him with some exasperation and Riddick got the impression that this wasn't the first time Mal had asked that question. "This dermal mender creates an excellent tissue bond. It should be fine. Just don't... don't fiddle with it."
Inara had drifted down the stairs and River greeted her with a smile and a kiss to the cheek as she arrived at floor level. Mal blinked, and a bit awkwardly, smiled as well. Riddick nearly laughed. The man didn't have a crush on the Companion anymore but when he wasn't trying to provoke her the Captain didn't seem to know how to act. "Be sure to, uh, thank the Councilor for me. Awful nice of her to... pull some strings and lend us his equipment."
Inara shook her head, annoyance wrinkling her brow, "It's the least she could do. I'm just glad Rick killed that old bastard."
Mal glanced at his gunhand/co-pilot and nodded, "I'm fairly pleased with that turn of events myself." He looked at Book and Jayne, taking turns on the second weight bench. "So. I hear you all took up arms in that little piece of action back there." His gaze fell on Simon and his tone didn't quite gentle, but it softened a touch in concern. "How you faring with that, doctor?"
Simon took a deep breath, "I don't know. I... I knew I'd have to at some point. I never deliberately shot anyone before."
Book chuckled, "I was there, son. I'm fair sure you haven't shot anyone yet." While most likely untrue the preacher's quip did serve to lighten the mood and Simon's protest that his aim wasn't that bad, was met with sarcastic rejoinders.
Riddick shook his head and began to follow Mal up the stairs, River joining them as she heard his thoughts about making something to eat.
His woman smelt contented, love and trust underlying the almond scent and when he wrapped an arm around her waist the smile she gave him was like a boon. "Wash and Zoe in the galley, wife soup." She murmured for his ears alone and he smiled down at her.
"Well he did do pretty good."
River nodded solemnly. "Riddick deserves soup too. Will make him some."
"Rather take you to bed and spend some time there, breathin' you in," He inhaled her scent and when she nodded exhaled in relief.
"Quick meal then," She promised him softly. "To augment my Riddick's strength."
When they entered the galley behind Mal, the captain was inquiring of his pilot, "Did you tell her?"
River looked at Wash and then the captain and her wicked grin was reflected in her tequila infused scent. Riddick tugged her towards the cabinets, pulling out some dry rations so they were out of the way but still in a position to enjoy the conversation that was sure to follow.
Wash seemed a bit confused though, "Tell her what?"
Mal turned to his first mate with an air of 'what can you do' as he explained, "Your husband has demanded that we sleep together."
Zoe regarded her captain and then her husband with an appraising eye, and then regarded River and Riddick who were blatantly enjoying the conversation before she looked at Wash again. "Really?"
Her husband, wisely, was protesting, "What? Mal, come on."
Mal nodded with that same air of a man tasked with something he'd rather avoid continued his explanation, "He seems to think it would get all this burning sexual tension out in the open - you know, make a fair fight for your womanly affections."
Wash was standing up in protest now, and shot River a dirty look as she couldn't contain a giggle anymore, but shook his head at his wife and captain. "No. That was the torture talking. Remember? The torture?"
Watching the Captain take Zoe's hands and put one on his hip and the other on his shoulder, while he held her hips in his hands was both unsettling and hilarious and it was with considerable effort that Riddick kept his face straight. Then Mal said in the soberest voice possible, "I know it's a difficult mission... but you and I... have to get it on."
Zoe nodded, her face expressionless, "I understand. We have no choice."
Riddick wasn't sure if the two of them could be any less sexy. The two of them had no chemistry whatsoever. It was almost painful.
He heard Jayne and Ciara coming up the stairs and wondered what on earth the two Browncoats currently entangled in each other were going to do next. Just as his old friend entered the galley with his girl, Zoe's deadpan voice intoned, "Take me, sir. Take me hard."
Jayne stopped, Ciara's hand in his, and stared at the two senior officers before shaking his head like a spooked horse. "Now somethin' about that is just downright unsettling."
River started to giggle, her mirth filling Riddick's nose with the scent of tequila until he was chuckling along with her. Jayne just shook his head and tugged Ciara over to the table while Wash threw down his napkin and firmly tugged his wife away from Mal, the two of whom were mock struggling to kiss each other from a foot away.
"We'll be in our bunk," Wash told them all with a half grin and a slap to Zoe's pì gu as they walked down the hall.
Mal was seating himself at the table with a groan of discomfort and Ciara pushed the bowl of Wash's soup in front of the captain. "Shea sit ye down and I'll make you somethin'. Since I'm guessin' these two are for their bunk as well." She aimed a teasing look at River and Riddick who were still chortling over the bit of awful playacting they'd witnessed.
"You're not wrong," Riddick scooped River up and threw her over his shoulder, making his little mate shriek with laughter as he strode towards their bunk.
His 'captive' was quite willing once the hatch to their bunk closed, her nimble fingers unbuttoning his pants and pulling his shirt out of his waistband, soft fingers sliding over his skin and spreading heat everywhere they touched. Words weren't necessary as he tugged her own work clothes off her body and pulled off her boots.
Finally nude they fell on the bed and River climbed on top of him, her slender body rubbing against the length of his. "So tā mā de beautiful," He muttered. He couldn't get enough of her skin against his, stroking his hands over the curves of her hips and up to her breasts, kissing her pretty budded nipples until she arched against his mouth. He'd never get tired of hearing the low cry of pleasure that spilled from her mouth when he began to suck on her nipples. The feel of her flesh, tight in his mouth, blooming under the warmth of his lips and tongue as he sucked in long lazy pulls of his mouth.
The way her scent changed, from plums to a mix of plums, honey and caramel, hot desire and joy to blend with her love for him as her pulse sped up and her body tightened and swelled with need as he pleasured her. Her sweet moans and gasps couldn't be more perfect in his ears. Two fingers, sliding between her thighs, rubbing and teasing her yīn dì, scissoring it between his fingers until she was biting down on his earlobe and her fingers were tight and mercilessly stroking his diǎo, making him crazy.
"Richard Riddick, need you," His little woman was demanding and he was at the point where he couldn't deny her anymore. "Cào dàn, now Riddick!"
The sound of her demand, her elegant core voice cursing as his fingers stroked her, undid all of his intentions and he tumbled River onto her back, spreading her thighs and driving inside her without pause. "Cào dàn!" He growled the words out as her body gripped and pulsed around him, her fall shaking her body and nearly pulling him along with her. "Tā mā de dì yù," He struggled to keep from moving and losing control, she was hot and wet and so gorram tight around his dick.
"Riddick...more... please..." She wrapped her legs around his waist and tried to pull him closer, the strength in her limbs temporarily unbalancing him so his hips ground down to hers and she jolted, pleasure like lightening bursting through the both of them.
"Fuck yeah," He nearly snarled as he forced himself pull nearly all the way out of her body and then drove back in. "Qīng Xiāng, tell me... tell me I'm not hurtin' you."
"Feels good... don't stop, please, Richard, my bàng jiār harder...it's so good." Her hands gripped his shoulders, heels digging into him, urging him on until he was pounding into her body, groaning and sucking on her neck and shoulders, leaving love bites to shout his claim on her.
Her nails scraped down his back leaving bloody furrows as her fall thundered through her body, jerking his seed out of his balls in blaze of heat and bliss. "Bloody tā mā de dì yù," He cursed low and harsh in his throat as his fall left him with his ears ringing and his spine like a wet noodle for all the support it was giving his body.
His precious slender woman was gasping under him, body still wrapped around his and he forced himself to roll over, draping her over his chest. Her mouth pressed lazy kisses to his chest, working her way down his body and he groaned when he felt River's breath on his jī ba. "Woman you'll be the death of me."
And then his hands were fisted in her hair and the sheets as she sucked her way up and down him, murmuring when she came up for air that she was determined to perfect the art of chuī xiāo .
River knew it drove her big mate crazy when she performed kǒu yín on him. He was so determined to not push her, to let her set the pace but he could smell what it did to her to pleasure him like this and that just made him crazier to be inside her.
Her senses weren't as attuned as his but she could smell their combined scents on his flesh, taste her own honey as she licked and sucked his diǎo deep into her mouth and hummed in her throat as she pushed the head of his cock further, swallowing around it. That particular trick had Riddick cursing the air blue in a mixture of Chinese and English and she could feel how close he'd come to his fall when she'd done it.
"Enough River," His deep voice wasn't quite a command but he wasn't begging either. Richard B. Riddick didn't beg, but with her he'd come close.
Releasing his cock with a sucking pop of her lips and straddling him so she could rub her yīn dì against his hard flesh was another little trick that drove him mad. Her big man loved to feel her humping him, getting herself ready on his flesh.
His big hands reached for her breasts and palmed them, callused palms rubbing against her tight nipples and she moaned as heat pooled between her thighs, slickening his flesh. His thoughts were of how beautiful she was, how perfect she fit in his hands and how badly he wanted her.
Climbing off him and turning to put her back to him, kneeling on all fours and presenting her yīn xué to his gaze drew a shocked and hungry growl to his chest and he'd barely finished the thought of what he'd do to her before he moved. "Bǎo bǎo you know what seein' you like that does to me." His diǎo was already pushing against her yīn dào as he spoke and a long cry of satisfaction fell from her lip as he filled her slowly and deliberately.
He was so deep inside her, she could feel where he ended in her belly, and then Riddick's big hands pulled her upright, her spine pressed back to his chest, one of his hands splayed over her belly, fingertips teasing her yīn dì while the other cupped one of her breasts, his thick fingers tugging at her nipples. "You're gonna feel me so deep in you zhì 'ài. Wanna feel you fall around me, over and over."
Then, to her frustration, he didn't move. He stayed, deep and hard inside her, and teased and stroked her clit, rubbed and tugged at her breasts, and kissed her neck and lips until she fell hard and uncontrolled to his ministrations. Then, and only then, did he start to fuck her, his hips driving his jī ba in and out of her to the rhythmic sounds of their flesh slapping together. "Unghhh...god... Riddick...my Riddick..." She could barely control what she was saying, breathless and driven over cliff after cliff of pleasure as he took her.
"River," His gorgeous low voice muttered in her ear, breath harsh and hot on her skin. "River, qīn 'ài, get on all fours now, I've... The animal... its..."
"Yes... take me...Riddick... my...mine...she's... " Tremors were still chasing over her body from her last fall as she dropped to all fours and rolled her hips back, opening wider for him.
His reaction was instantaneous, driving deep inside her, one hand on her hip, holding her steady and firm while the other snaked down between her thighs and his fingers pulled on her clit hard, yanking another fall from her body. Her scream of ecstasy hadn't even faded from the air before Riddick's fingers were ruthlessly pushing her towards another fall as he pounded into her.
She couldn't think, sensation just overwhelmed, her skin tight and sensitive to every touch, heart pounding erratically as pleasure built upon pleasure. Riddick's cock filling her again and again, thick and hard, stretching her until her tissues were slick and wet with the ecstasy he'd so deliberately showered her with. The animal hind brain nearly overwhelmed, the urge to grind back onto her mate, to take him as deeply as she could was taking over her body and she growled low in her throat when his pace slowed and pushed back onto him.
"River," Her mate was growling, raw and ready, his jī ba hot and hard as he rotated his hips and a burst of pleasure made her cry out as another fall sent tremors over her body. "Gonna fuck you so good... Need to... mate...precious beautiful tiān shǐ." His body came down over hers, mouth pressing to the back of her neck as his hips thrust forward sharply.
"Unghhh... Riddick...I'm... oh god..." Just as she was about to fall again Riddick's hips began to piston back and forth in hard deep strokes, driving her harder and deeper, until her orgasm was almost a tangible force in the bunk, winding her body tight around his.
"Yeah, Qīng Xiāng, that's it, my gorgeous River," Her Furyan's voice growled in her ear. "Fall for me. Fall for me good and hard bǎo bǎo." His demand was accompanied by another tug of his fingers on her clit and she screamed as her fall crashed over her in waves and waves of hot, electrifying bliss. She could feel Riddick pounding into her through it, his teeth sank into her neck and shoulder, holding her body under his as he fell in her, filling her with his jīng yè in wonderful hot blasts inside her body.
Wrung out like a washrag, every muscle deliciously limp and satiated. Her man was lying next to her, half on, half off of her body, his diǎo still sheathed inside her. A shiver traveled over her skin and Riddick's big hand pulled her body closer to his, lazily stroking down her front, caressing and teasing her skin as his body hardened within her. Her moan was echoed by his as he began to swivel his hips, his hand putting her fingers to her yīn dì.
"Touch yourself River," His voice was like chocolate and coffee, murmuring in her ear. "Wanna feel you go over one last time."
Her own fingers on her clit were soft compared to his but his hands cupped her breasts, while his mouth caressed her neck and shoulders, hips rotating behind hers. A long slow build of his diǎo sliding in minute care within her as he murmured erotic praise for how she felt around him and how beautiful she looked touching herself until they were both losing control, groaning and straining to fall. Riddick's hand moved from her hip to cover her fingers, stroking over her clit firmly while she clutched at his thighs and quivered in his grasp.
"River...unghhh... tā mā de niǎo, tā mā de dì yù," His hips jerked hard under hers, driving his prick deep inside her and her fall came in an abrupt wonderful burst, triggering his in a flood of seed, deep and hot inside her body.
"Ohhhh...Richard... my Richard..." She couldn't think anymore, could only feel as her lover turned her gently in his arms and covered them both with the quilts.
"Shh...I've got you baby. Sleep now my River," Heavy, muscled arms cradled her against his chest and held her safe as she finally fell asleep.
Riddick leaned back in the co-pilot's chair and slanted a glance over at Wash. "How're you holdin' up?" He kept his tone idle, the last thing he wanted to do was press the man.
"Simon says my heart is fine. No lasting problems from getting the life shocked out of me, literally." Wash was busy with the controls, unnecessarily so, and avoiding Riddick's gaze.
"Wǒ kào," The Furyan retorted. "You don't wanna talk about it that's fine. Just say so. But you don't gotta pretend around me."
The shorter man sighed and shrugged, "Honestly, kinda glad to be dropping Jayne and Ciara on Kerry for a visit. Not much happens there that'll be overly fraught with danger." He kept his gaze on the screens of the console and the Black. "And I'm more than a little pissed."
"At Mal?" Riddick began to gently sharpen one of his shivs. "Guess I can see why."
"Mal and Zoe. Because he got us into it, despite everyone tellin' him that Niska was nobody we wanted to do business with." Wash's voice was irritated. "And Zoe because…"
"Because she had to come and get you." Riddick nodded his understanding. "I can see that." He could smell Wash's rising anger, the fear and insecurities that fed it, and decided to poke a little more. "Guess you're more than a little pissed at me and River too."
"For what?" That seemed to startle the pilot into actual thought. "You two tried to argue, hell you warned Mal that we'd need to be on our guard. If you weren't with us, doubt I'd have made it through the first four hours."
"Maybe you think we shoulda done more to keep it from happening? Coulda argued with Mal or done something to sabotage the deal, get us off Ezra." He looked up as River came through the door and settled in his lap, curling into his arms and shutting her eyes.
"You couldn't have, not without getting thrown off the ship," Wash shook his head, a half smile tugged at his lips as he looked at River. "For all you call her little wolf, she's kinda like a cat you know? Just does as she pleases."
Riddick's fingers were busily unbinding River's braids from the knot at the base of her skull as he replied, "But we could've kicked up a fuss. River could have undone your sequence change in five minutes. Made you stay behind."
"No!" Wash shook his head, "Oh cào dàn no. Then Zoe'd have been the one caught. No, I might be pissed that I had to be rescued and half carried off that station by a woman I swore to honor and protect, but I'd rather that than have her go through that hell. I'll tā mā de live with waking up in a cold sweat and flinching when the lights buzz too loud to keep her from going through it."
"Never even thought of choosing her captain," River murmured. "All her attention on her mister. Won't be without him ever again. Wants pieces of him to carry inside her, so she'll never lose him."
That got Wash goggling at River a bit but Riddick nodded his agreement. "She's right you know," He lifted the shoulder River's head wasn't leaning on in a half shrug. "We told you a long time ago that you aren't second fiddle. If there's anything good that came out of this that's it. You've got proof that Zoe's loyalty is to you first and Mal second."
"I just…" Wash sighed tiredly. "I feel like a wimp. If you and Mal hadn't kept on me I'd have died a lot sooner than I did. I had no clue what to do when we were surrounded, I didn't even have a weapon!"
"You think I felt much different?" Riddick bit back the snarl that came to his lips as he remembered that feeling of helplessness before he'd raised his hands in surrender. "Outmanned, outgunned and knowing that Serenity was a sittin' duck for Niska since we were both gone? That old jiān xié could've sent another crew to take ours. Or just blown the ship. I'm as pissed at Mal as you are about that."
"So it's worse for you…" Wash was studying him now, his eyes seeing far too keenly for Riddick's comfort. "Because you're used to knowin' what to do."
"When you're usually the most dangerous person in the room it chafes to be rescued," He kept his tone dry. "But I can get over that. Hell, everybody needs a hand sometimes. And River's just as capable as I am, just like Zoe is. I just don't like that she got put in that situation. I don't like that Kaylee had to keep a detonation device on her, or that Simon shot people when he's a healer. But I don't have a time machine here to go back and change the past." The Furyan sighed and held River a bit tighter. "All we can do is move forward."
"Hates that he was useless," River murmured.
"The way I hear it you weren't useless. You got out of a shuttle and immediately went to war," Riddick looked at the pilot. "Now that takes balls, to go from having your heart stop to strapping on guns and grenades in order to retrieve the men left behind."
Wash sighed, scrubbing his hands over his face, "Yeah, you can say that, and logically I know it's true. But…"
"Hard to get past it." He paused and studied the man across from him. "You will though. You survived a POW camp Wash. Somehow you live with staying behind when Zoe goes out on jobs, and that's more than I could ever manage. We might have needed rescue but at least we got women who are willing to come after us. It just takes time." He smirked, "And of course, you did take the 'kids are good' side of the argument with Mal, so now when Zoe brings it up you're gonna have to counter every one of your own points."
The pilot groaned for an entirely different reason and Riddick chuckled. "Could be worse. I mean, if you and Zoe want kids, the two of you against Mal, you're sure to win. 'Specially if you get Kaylee and Simon on your side."
Wash plainly wasn't ready for that discussion, "So why isn't Mal having a hard time with this? He had to be rescued, and that must chafe at his captainy type pride."
River answered him, her eyes still closed, "Feels embarrassed that the nī zi who isn't even crew had to rescue him. But the blow is softened by her husband also needing rescue. In the company of Richard B. Riddick. Requiring rescue to be expected if such a dangerous person was also captured."
Wash's chuckle wasn't quite as strained as it had been in past days. "So he figures if its good enough for Riddick its good enough for him?"
"Goose and gander are sauced equally," River murmured. "Wash should go talk to Zoe. Her worry permeates the cargo hold. Bothers Simon about whether or not her Mister is completely recovered physically."
"Well, Simon was a big help with making sure I was all stitched up. Probably should go rescue him from Zoe. Or Zoe from him, depending on the size words the doc is using." The shorter man pushed himself out of his chair and ambled off down the hall.
Riddick looked down at his other half and found her smiling up at him. "My Riddick is a good man. Has pride of his own, set it aside to get out."
"Can't afford to have a lot of pride in a slam Qīng Xiāng," He admitted quietly. "Too much of pride is cutting off your nose to spite your face. I tended to favor survival over pride. I could always get my own back later if it was that important to me."
Her lips were gentle on his and sweet and he realized just how much she'd been holding back in the past weeks to help him regain his equilibrium as a dominant, powerful male. "You always know what I need, before I need it," He could admit that, pressing his lips to her hair, slender body curled against his. "You've been awfully patient with me lately."
"My láng has been much put upon, and needed time to be himself. Stalk through the ship and remember that he is the shadow in the darkness and feared by all who meet him there. Not weak or soft." She pressed her lips to his throat. "Could have torn through all of Niska's men, but Wash and Mal would have died. Chose to be captured this time. Just as he chose to let Johns capture him before and after the Academy, rather than have innocent blood on his hands."
"Yeah, well that's never set right with me." He looked down at her with a half smile. "You could've let Zoe and Mal go out. Found an excuse and kept me behind."
"Could have. Knew that my Riddick would not care for remaining safe in the ship. Not when his friend's wife would be sent into danger." River sighed, "Not an easy choice. She could see that Riddick would not remain."
Her deliberate use of his surname was another way of reminding him that he was someone half the 'verse feared while the other half remained blissfully ignorant. Reminding him that she fell in love with a murdering hún dàn and had no intention of trying to change him. "You're too good for me Qīng Xiāng."
"Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love." Her smile was near blinding in its affection and he gave up thinking of all the reasons he didn't deserve her and kissed her instead.
Kerry wasn't as green as its namesake had been reputed to be but it was a gorram sight prettier than Beaumonde with its smog filled skies. The mining operations looked like scars against the rolling hills but apart from that it was a real pleasure to look on. River smiled out at the planet and enjoyed that she wasn't overwhelmed with the minds it contained. It was a far cry from their approach to Jiangyin months ago and she could enjoy the sight of a new planet without being afraid of what it could bring.
"Now don't you miss us too much," Jayne's deliberately gruff voice rumbled behind her.
River turned and smiled at the man who'd become a second big brother to her, his delicate looking sweetheart tucked against his side. "Jayne must make certain he does not forget to wave us. Three weeks until our rendezvous on the station. He has funds enough for a stay if we are late?"
"Got plenty since you stuck all that money a Niska's in our accounts." Jayne's bright blue eyes were amused. "Was hopin' the doc'd see his way clear to checkin' on Mattie if Mal ain't plannin' on takin' off right away."
The Reader tilted her head and chuckled, "Captain is planning on acquiring legitimate goods as well as illegitimate to smuggle. Could ask Zoe how long this will take."
"Could ask Zoe what," The man in question strode into the cargo bay. He stood for a moment by the spot where the mule used to be, feeling for something in his pockets.
"Mattie's got the damp lung," Jayne told him. "Got it real bad this time. Thought maybe if Serenity was stayin' put for a few days, Simon could come out and have a look at him." He looked back at the infirmary, "Didn't think you'd have anythin' else for him t'do here."
"Never know, might require me a dandified core fella as a beard," Mal shrugged and River narrowed her eyes at him. He wasn't inclined to be obstructive but neither was he thrilled with all of his crew leaving the ship at once.
"Damp Lung is better known as Chronic Bacterial Bronchitis," She informed him quietly, keeping her voice dispassionate. "If left untreated it can lead to pneumonia. Simon will be able to help and he will want Richard and I with him. Wash and Kaylee don't intend to leave the ship so they would be on watch."
Mal heaved a sigh of resignation, irritation laced through his voice, "Well I guess if I said no ya'll'd just take off and try to sneak back a'fore me an' Zoe got here." He scrubbed his hands over his face and looked at her, "You promise me that you're not plannin' anything untoward. No heists, no rescues, nothin' that brings a surprise for me back with you. Promise me that an' you can take the shuttle, an' the doc. And you take Riddick with you too. May as well take our returning prodigals with you. Save 'em the train fare."
"You ain't gonna need the shuttle Mal?" Jayne looked torn between eagerness to leave and disbelief in his good fortune.
"Nah, this here's the space port, shouldn't need a shuttle. We do, you can be gorram sure that I'll be callin' Rick an' River back… might let you keep the doc though." Mal smirked.
"Sure that's a good idea Captain? What with your magnetic personality an' all?" Ciara's teasing lilt inquired.
"That's a fair point," Mal rubbed his chin. "Zoe an' Wash have gotten a mite spoiled with havin' a genuine doc aboard."
"Ah, Captain," Book's avuncular tone sounded from behind them. "I wondered if I might accompany you as far as the market. Kaylee's mentioned that we're low on spices and since your ransom was retrieved we have coin enough to replenish our supplies."
"That's fine preacher, but I can't spare anyone to go with you," Mal warned him. "So don't go flashin' too much coin about."
"Captain I am capable of taking care of myself," The Shepherd replied. "Though I had thought to bring Kaylee along with me."
"Rick, River an' the Doc get back 'fore you go then Rick goes with you an' you can bring Kaylee along." Mal's tone was getting short and his mood turning irked. Talking to the Shepherd seemed to do that to him at times. Especially when they were dirtside. He looked at River and then Jayne, "Well? What're ya'll waitin' for? Go collect your folks an' fare thee well. Jayne, we'll see you an' Ciara in a month or so, she don't come to her senses and tell you to take a flyin' leap."
River nodded, bowing to Mal slightly, "Our Captain is most gracious. Yǒu láo." His irritated flap of his hand was belied by the half smile as he turned back towards the bay doors. River jerked her head towards the stairs leading to the catwalks and the shuttle bays and Jayne, no stranger to Mal's vagaries, gently but firmly began to escort his sweetheart up the steps as quickly as he could.
River took a moment to determine where Simon was, knowing that Riddick was up on the bridge with Wash, having already wished Jayne well on his journey. Her brother was in his bunk, enjoying a rare peaceful moment with a book. She smirked and knocked on his door, he could have peace when they were in the Black.
Author's Note:
Sorry for the huge delay in posting. I've been having trouble writing and when I could write, trouble getting back into the swing of this story. Please bear with me, I'm working on things but it's slow going.
Chinese Translations:
mèi mei - little sister
bǎo bǎo - darling / baby
Shì - yes
pì gu - butt
tā mā de - fucking
yīn dì - clitoris
diǎo - cock
Cào dàn - damn it! / fuck! - vulgar
Tā mā de dì yù - fucking hell
Qīng Xiāng - Sweet Scent
bàng jiār - lover / partner
jī ba - dick
chuī xiāo - to play the xiao - mouth organ / fellatio - oral sex / a blowjob
kǒu yín - oral sex / fellatio
yīn xué - underground cave / vagina / female genitalia
yīn dào - vagina
zhì 'ài - most beloved
qīn 'ài - dear / beloved / darling
tiān shǐ - angel
jīng yè - semen
tā mā de niǎo - goddamn it
Wǒ kào - bosh! / crap!
jiān xié - crafty and evil / a treacherous villain
nī zi - little girl
láng - wolf
hún dàn - bastard
Yǒu láo - (polite) thank you for your trouble
Quote Sources:
Doubt thou the stars are fire,. Doubt that the sun doth move,. Doubt truth to be a liar,. But never doubt I love. – Hamlet, William Shakespeare
