Standard disclaimers apply
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(6 months later)
Wash gently landed the ship in the docking bay of one of the crew's favorite un-alliance planets. It was one of the few places where the quality of living was still high despite the so called 'rebels' that populated it. It also happened to be the best place in universe to buy supplies without the threat of being shot at.
"Is everybody ready to go?" Asked Mal, as the crew got pulled on their best travel vests.
"Most places we go, we're the best dressed there. Now we're all worried about looking like space trash." Grumbled Jayne.
"There's nothing wrong with a little good grooming." Stated Simon, attaching his identifying doctor's pin to his vest. He was sure to receive extra respect from the locals, and perhaps a few discounts on medical supplies with it.
Jayne declined the opportunity to spit a comeback at Simon and walked over to the opening door, tapping his boot while he waited.
"I'm just a little confused as to why we haven't stopped in a place like this before. I could've used a few new outfits." Zoe commented, rubbing her belly. At eight months pregnant, she was awkward and her stomach was huge.
Wash stepped up and wrapped his arms around her from behind, "I wanted to make sure that everything was safe. I'm not taking any chances."
She turned her head and kissed him, "I know. Why don't we go shopping today?"
"You want to go shopping?" Asked Mal, utterly confused.
"It's hormones sir, but it's also necessary to have baby clothes."
Most of the crew smiled at her comment. It was a day meant for relaxation, a day that they didn't have to worry about taking whatever job came their way. For lack of a better word, everyone was getting a 'personal day'.
As the crew of Serenity stepped out into the midday light of the city, they were greeted by the common noises of a larger metropolis.
Kaylee laughed in awe, "Wow. I've never seen anything like this."
"I have, " Murmured Simon, "After awhile, it sometimes becomes a prison. Nothing seems to be free anymore if you've lived with it long enough."
Sighing, Mal motioned for the group to go about their business, "Let's not ruin the day for everyone, okay Simon? Now, I want everyone to go ahead and do what they want, provided you don't get into trouble."
They began to disperse, and the Captain called after them, "Be back here within 3 hours!"
"Damnit." Whispered Inara, realizing that she now only had less than an hour and a half for both her clients. She'd been counting on taking in a good amount of money today, and didn't want any of her boys to ask for discounts in light of a shortened time span.
While she stormed off in a huff, Kaylee, Simon, River, Jayne, Book, and Mal slowly disappeared into the crowds. Wash and Zoe were left alone in the open air docking bay.
"Let's get going." Zoe said, wrapping her arm around her husband and leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Okay." He said, returning her gesture, and escorting her out of the building.
The city was incredible, buildings of blue, gray, and silver reached to the sky. The final remains of the world left behind so long ago. Somehow, they were beautiful, and even more lovely to those who had so rarely witnessed them.
"How did this place escape the Alliance?" Questioned Wash, staring upwards as far back as his neck could bend.
"They've probably got a deal with them or something. Pay them an annual to leave them alone."
"I didn't think they could be bought off on terms this big."
"Are you kidding? If one part's corrupt then every part is."
"Yeah, you're right." Sighed Wash, and suddenly he stopped, "This looks like a nice place."
Zoe turned and read the sign, "Universal Baby Supplies and Clothes? Sounds good."
She smiled at her husband and he followed her into the store.
******************************************************
Flipping open her watch case, Zoe stared at the time, "Hey Wash, we have about 20 minutes left."
"It really is amazing what you can do on a limited budget." Commented a surprised Wash, looking at the items they had purchased. A few blankets, a dozen or so outfits, and even some toys. They didn't need a crib, they could make one out of the unused bunk in their room.
Zoe reached down to grab the bag of blankets and Wash stopped her, "I'll get them."
"I'm pregnant, not helpless."
"Well, I'd still like to get them," He looked at her face and read the expression. Anything that could be done to prevent a mood swing of violent proportions must be used to its full extent, "If that's okay with you?"
"It's fine with me, I guess. Now that you insist on it, I think it's kind of sweet."
Wash grinned to himself as the thought ran through his mind, 'I hit the right button.'
****************************************************
"Where are they?" Mal paced back and forth. The entire crew was already gathered back at the ship and were packing away some of the new things they had accumulated.
Well, except for Inara, who was sitting on a box in the cargo bay, talking to Kaylee.
"Only another month until the baby!" Squealed the mechanic, setting down a box of tools and repair parts.
Inara shifted her weight and crossed her legs, "Do they know what they're having yet?"
"They told me not to tell them." The doctor set down a bag of new medical supplies down on the staircase.
"So you know?"
"Yes, Kaylee, I do know." He raised his hand, "And I'm not telling, so don't ask."
"Can you at least give me a hint?"
"You've got a 50/50 chance of getting it right. You don't need a hint."
"Tell me something, Simon, please." She batted her eyes at her him pleadingly.
"Let's just say, I feel that the child's gender is appropriate for Wash and Zoe."
As he walked away to the infirmary, Kaylee exhaled in frustration. Inara gave her a look that said, 'I told you so.' "Well dear, you're the one who likes him. You'll have to learn to get used to those little quirks of his."
Kaylee shot a sideways glance at the companion, "I'm starting to feel like I'm never even going to get the chance to get used to his quirks."
*********************************************************
Wash and Zoe were hurrying through the crowd as fast as they can go. Their quick comments and sometimes confused motions caught the attention of a man in the crowd. He was a drifter, and looked so, with scruffy features and tattered traveling clothes. Looking at Wash intently, he realized that he recognized the blond hair man with the very pregnant woman.
"Hey, you remember him?" Whispered the man to another similar looking fellow standing behind him. The other was a shorter and stocky man, of Asian descent. His outfit nearly replicated his companion's.
"No." Sneered the Asian, looking away from the situation to continue bargaining with a street vender.
"Yeah you do. That guy is that grown-up version of that damn kid who busted our deal ten years ago."
Turning back around, the other stared critically, "You might be right. Wish or something like that right?"
"Wash. The little bastard is named Wash."
"I have to give credit to your memory."
"I couldn't forget him. That guy is the reason it took us five years to get the boss to trust us again."
"Hmm, you know, I think I might be starting to remember now."
"Laychen, we never did get our revenge on him. What was it that we promised him?"
"I'm pretty sure it was death."
***********************************************************
Zoe wheeled around to find her husband. He was walking a few steps behind her, having a problem with one of the bags. It had gotten caught on a trash barrel and he was trying to get it loose without tearing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to take one?"
"No, it's okay Zoe. I'll get this in a minute."
As she waited for him, she looked around her at the people who passed. It had been a long time since she had just 'people watched', before she'd gone into the military even.
Two men standing on the other side of the road caught her attention. They didn't look like the most approachable pair in the universe, and they appeared to be watching her husband intently.
When Wash finally was at her side, she softly elbowed him in the side, "Are those men friends of yours?"
He stole a sideways glance at them, and drew his breath in sharply, "Zoe, let's get back to the ship."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just know that they aren't any people I'm friends with, and I don't like the way they're staring."
Zoe shot a suspicious look towards the men as they walked off. Even fully pregnant she was still an intimidating figure. They walked rapidly back toward the ship.
***********************************************************
"You're late." Sighed Mal, putting the last freight box into cargo holding.
"We know Captain, we lost track of time." Stated Zoe simply, stepping onto the ship.
"Yeah, sorry Mal. I really think we should get going, it's getting late."
"Since when are you in such a hurry?"
Wash shuffled his feet and put one of his hands in his pockets. He did a quick look around to check that Zoe wasn't within listening range, "There's some people from my past, bad people, that are in the city. They saw me, and they didn't look happy."
"What're they going to do? Steal your toy dinosaurs?"
"More along the lines of 'kill me', but stealing my dinosaurs would almost be as bad."
"Alright, the last thing we need now is trouble. Get up to your station and get us off this planet as fast as you can."
"Yes sir." Wash called back, running toward his pilot's room. Passing his shipmates, he yelled out, "We're taking off in a few minutes."
He literally pulled himself up the stairs by the railing, a few beads of sweat on his forehead. Zoe had never seen her husband act like this, and she didn't like it.
Wash fell into his chair and prepped Serenity to leave. Slowly, he reached under the control panel and pulled out a small handgun. He slipped it into his boot and began the control configurations. Within minutes, both Zoe and Mal stood behind him as the ship made it's ascent into the dark space.
*********************************************************
Laychen and his partner, the roughed up Jackson, watched the ship Serenity fly out. Laychen adjusted his holster and grabbed Jackson by the arm, "Nice ship, ain't it?"
"Yeah, pretty decent."
"Think the boss would have any interest in it?" Grinned the shorter man, revealing a missing left canine tooth.
"We can find out, follow me." Jackson lead his partner to the docking bay's communications center.
"Do you remember the code?"
"Yes, I remember the damn code!" And just to prove it, the taller man punched it in, in record time.
The woman who came up on the screen was nearing her 50's. She puffed incessantly on a cigarette and looked to have eaten one too many good meals in her life, "What the hell do you two want?"
"Boss, we found a ship, firefly class, good working order."
"And?"
"We wanted to know if you perhaps needed any parts from that class of vessel?"
The boss typed in a few words to her mainframe and read the results, "Yeah, there's some buyers out there who are willing to pay good money for a few of the rarer parts. Take my ship, it's in bay 285A. Will you have any problems getting it?"
"They ship does have current crew members."
"That never stopped you before. Use the ship in 149B instead. It's a boarding vessel, you can get on their ship with no trouble at all."
"Thanks boss." Said Jackson and Laychen together, and closed the connection. They began striding towards bay 149B, which was only two to three bays down from them.
Climbing aboard the ship, Jackson laughed, and Laychen looked at him, "What's the matter with you? Job hit your funny bone?"
"Nah, I just realized that we get to take down that moron who screw up our deal and get paid for it. It's the final debt I have to close out."
"Is kinda ironic, ain't it?"
"Yeah, now let's go get that flying scrap heap."
************************************************************
"Wash, you are going to tell me what's going on right now!" Demanded Zoe, gripping the side of the wall to steady herself.
"Let's get out a little ways first, then I'll explain."
"What the hell is that?" Mal asked, pointing to another dot on the tracking screen.
"Shit!" The pilot cursed under his breath.
"What?"
"They're following us, and they've got a boarding ship."
"Who's following us?" Asked Mal, grabbing Wash's shoulder and turning the man to face him.
"Jackson and Laychen, sir. Those past acquaintances I told you about."
"What do they want with you?" Zoe looked upset, a very unusual state for her.
Wash didn't have time to answer as the communicator crackled and buzzed and finally showed a picture. Jackson's face came up, "Wash, been a while."
"I could go longer."
"Ain't no use in runnin' pilot boy. We're gonna catch you, and when we do, it's payback time for that little stunt you pulled."
"I told you that wasn't my fault."
"Lying bastard, it was to - " Mal shut off the screen before the man could finish his statement,
"I hate threats. Get us outta here Wash."
"I'm going as fast as I can, Mal."
"Well, maybe now you can enlighten us about these men? And I use that term loosely." Zoe said, taking a seat in the small room.
"Over ten years ago, I was doing a job for a friend of mine. He'd just bought this old house and wanted me to help him check it over. We went inside and found those guys conducting a deal over stolen drugs and ship parts for more money than you could imagine. The buyer was pretty pissed and beat up both of those thugs."
"Is that the reason they're after you?"
"Not entirely, I really should be after them. They killed my friend the next day."
"Tell me what's not entirely the reason."
"Jackson's right leg is robotic. He chased me down and ending up taking a fall, literally, off the house. Leg was busted too bad to fix, so it was amputated."
"He's blaming you for that?"
"Pretty much."
"How do you know this? About the robotic leg and the other things?"
"This isn't the first time I ran into them since 10 years ago," He looked at Zoe, "You've seen the scar on my back."
Zoe stood up and walked to the door, leaning against it for support, "Oh God."
"They're not as bad as the Reevers, if that's any consolation." Suggested Wash, locking on the autopilot.
"No, it's not that." She looked at him with pleading eyes, "I think I'm going into labor."
"Oh geez." Whispered Wash, standing up and running to her. He held her up with his left hand and placed his right hand on her stomach, "How're you feeling?"
"I'm in pain. It's not that bad yet."
Suddenly, the ship was jolted and it shook. Wash literally threw himself on the ground under Zoe to catch her. Once the shaking had settled, he helped her to her feet.
Mal hit the intercom button, "Simon. I need you up here immediately, Zoe has gone into labor."
"I'll be there in a minute." The doctor sounded like he was already running out of the infirmary.
"I knew it was a good thing to get those working again." Mal commented dryly, pulling out a gun from the wall holder.
"Sir?" Asked Zoe, questioningly.
"They're trying to board the ship, and you know how jealous I get when anyone touches Serenity other than me."
Simon ran into the room and helped to steady Zoe.
"You take her to the infirmary as quick as you can. Lock the doors and don't open them until I call you. Wash, you stay here and pull every trick you know to detach that ship from ours."
"Mal, I'm not going to miss my first child's birth!"
"If they take control of ship, you won't be alive long enough to see the child."
"Captain!"
"They will kill everyone on Serenity, Wash! I need fighters here!" Yelled Mal, pushing the pilot back towards his chair.
Wash made a move like he was going to punch his boss in the stomach, but Zoe called to him, "I'll be fine dear. Stay here and get those bastards away from us."
He walked over and gave her a goodbye kiss, "I love you."
"I love you too baby." She responded, as Simon lead her out of the room. Mal followed them after reloading the gun.
******************************************************
Kaylee was in the cargo bay when it happened. She was knocked off her feet and slammed hard into the floor, "What was that?"
As the latching sounds of metal on metal followed the jolt, she realized what was going on, "Oh God…"
Spotting her toolbox on the other side of the room, she flung herself at it and rolled into the corner. Her hands clawed through the various items inside, until she found what she wanted. She began to break into the control panel on the side wall, trying to lock the doors before they could be opened.
Kaylee was a little too late, and the cargo door slowly swung open. Luckily for the mechanic, she was out of sight of whoever was behind that door. Desperately continuing her rewiring and reconfiguring as quietly as possible, she suddenly struck the right wires.
Faster than she could turn around to see it, the door slammed shut.
"What the fuck?" Asked an unknown male voice, and she could hear him pounding his fist against the metal.
"Someone shut the door on us." Growled another voice and Kaylee could hear his footsteps as he moved around.
'C'mon, I know there was an emergency hatch around here somewhere.' Frantically thought Kaylee, it wasn't like she was greatly hidden. Only partially concealed by a few boxes.
Her hands found the latch and she pulled it open. It would let her out in the engine room, and she needed to get there and seal the door. A loud scraping noise reminded the mechanic that she'd forgot to oil this flap.
A gunshot blast in her direction scared her beyond belief and she dove for the exit. The bullet richoted off the wall and struck her foot as she pulled it inside. Pain didn't even register in her mind until she had locked the door behind her and yanked out the handle from the inside. There was no way they could follow her now.
Safe, she wrapped her hands around her bleeding foot and grimaced with the pain that lit up her leg in agony. After a minute, she continued onto the engine room, crawling because it was too small to stand.
********************************************************
Taking the back way that didn't lead them past the cargo bay, Simon helped Zoe along to the infirmary.
Passing Book's room, the old preacher, who had been praying, stood up and went to the door, "Is the baby coming?"
"Yes." Zoe stated simply through clenched teeth.
"Book, we need your help. Some people are trying to board the ship and we've got to get her to the infirmary. I can't deliver this baby on my own and River is locked in her room already."
"I'll come with you." Book grabbed his Bible and got under Zoe's other arm.
Together, they made it in record time.
"Help me get her onto the table." Simon said, and they lifted her up onto the flattened operating table that was on the side of the room. It had been chosen by the doctor as it was the only one that had a privacy curtain available.
"Lock the door, and don't open it again until Mal calls." Ordered Simon, the urgency of the situation bringing out the more bossy side of him.
After completing the task, Book sat down on the main table that stood in the center of the room. He wasn't there long, Simon called him over almost immediately. To respect his shipmate's privacy, Book stared at the ceiling until he was standing by Zoe's head, near the doctor's tray.
"Do you know medical tools by any chance?"
"Some."
"If I ask you for anything, make your best guess."
"What do I do until then?"
"Pray that we don't have any need for the medical tools."
Zoe gritted her teeth and gripped the railings of the bed, "I want Wash here."
"He can't be here Zoe, we went over this."
"I don't care, I want him here!"
"Listen to me Zoe, you're a tough girl all on your own. I know this might be scary for you, but you can do this."
"I know that! Can't you give me any meds for this?"
"Not at this point. You're much farther along than I thought."
Book and Simon locked eyes and Book place his Bible on the shelf. He leaned over and gripped the young woman's hands, "He is here with you. Wash is here with you in spirit."
Simon returned his attentions to the business at hand, "Okay Zoe, let's get ready to push."
**********************************************************
**********************************************************************
(6 months later)
Wash gently landed the ship in the docking bay of one of the crew's favorite un-alliance planets. It was one of the few places where the quality of living was still high despite the so called 'rebels' that populated it. It also happened to be the best place in universe to buy supplies without the threat of being shot at.
"Is everybody ready to go?" Asked Mal, as the crew got pulled on their best travel vests.
"Most places we go, we're the best dressed there. Now we're all worried about looking like space trash." Grumbled Jayne.
"There's nothing wrong with a little good grooming." Stated Simon, attaching his identifying doctor's pin to his vest. He was sure to receive extra respect from the locals, and perhaps a few discounts on medical supplies with it.
Jayne declined the opportunity to spit a comeback at Simon and walked over to the opening door, tapping his boot while he waited.
"I'm just a little confused as to why we haven't stopped in a place like this before. I could've used a few new outfits." Zoe commented, rubbing her belly. At eight months pregnant, she was awkward and her stomach was huge.
Wash stepped up and wrapped his arms around her from behind, "I wanted to make sure that everything was safe. I'm not taking any chances."
She turned her head and kissed him, "I know. Why don't we go shopping today?"
"You want to go shopping?" Asked Mal, utterly confused.
"It's hormones sir, but it's also necessary to have baby clothes."
Most of the crew smiled at her comment. It was a day meant for relaxation, a day that they didn't have to worry about taking whatever job came their way. For lack of a better word, everyone was getting a 'personal day'.
As the crew of Serenity stepped out into the midday light of the city, they were greeted by the common noises of a larger metropolis.
Kaylee laughed in awe, "Wow. I've never seen anything like this."
"I have, " Murmured Simon, "After awhile, it sometimes becomes a prison. Nothing seems to be free anymore if you've lived with it long enough."
Sighing, Mal motioned for the group to go about their business, "Let's not ruin the day for everyone, okay Simon? Now, I want everyone to go ahead and do what they want, provided you don't get into trouble."
They began to disperse, and the Captain called after them, "Be back here within 3 hours!"
"Damnit." Whispered Inara, realizing that she now only had less than an hour and a half for both her clients. She'd been counting on taking in a good amount of money today, and didn't want any of her boys to ask for discounts in light of a shortened time span.
While she stormed off in a huff, Kaylee, Simon, River, Jayne, Book, and Mal slowly disappeared into the crowds. Wash and Zoe were left alone in the open air docking bay.
"Let's get going." Zoe said, wrapping her arm around her husband and leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Okay." He said, returning her gesture, and escorting her out of the building.
The city was incredible, buildings of blue, gray, and silver reached to the sky. The final remains of the world left behind so long ago. Somehow, they were beautiful, and even more lovely to those who had so rarely witnessed them.
"How did this place escape the Alliance?" Questioned Wash, staring upwards as far back as his neck could bend.
"They've probably got a deal with them or something. Pay them an annual to leave them alone."
"I didn't think they could be bought off on terms this big."
"Are you kidding? If one part's corrupt then every part is."
"Yeah, you're right." Sighed Wash, and suddenly he stopped, "This looks like a nice place."
Zoe turned and read the sign, "Universal Baby Supplies and Clothes? Sounds good."
She smiled at her husband and he followed her into the store.
******************************************************
Flipping open her watch case, Zoe stared at the time, "Hey Wash, we have about 20 minutes left."
"It really is amazing what you can do on a limited budget." Commented a surprised Wash, looking at the items they had purchased. A few blankets, a dozen or so outfits, and even some toys. They didn't need a crib, they could make one out of the unused bunk in their room.
Zoe reached down to grab the bag of blankets and Wash stopped her, "I'll get them."
"I'm pregnant, not helpless."
"Well, I'd still like to get them," He looked at her face and read the expression. Anything that could be done to prevent a mood swing of violent proportions must be used to its full extent, "If that's okay with you?"
"It's fine with me, I guess. Now that you insist on it, I think it's kind of sweet."
Wash grinned to himself as the thought ran through his mind, 'I hit the right button.'
****************************************************
"Where are they?" Mal paced back and forth. The entire crew was already gathered back at the ship and were packing away some of the new things they had accumulated.
Well, except for Inara, who was sitting on a box in the cargo bay, talking to Kaylee.
"Only another month until the baby!" Squealed the mechanic, setting down a box of tools and repair parts.
Inara shifted her weight and crossed her legs, "Do they know what they're having yet?"
"They told me not to tell them." The doctor set down a bag of new medical supplies down on the staircase.
"So you know?"
"Yes, Kaylee, I do know." He raised his hand, "And I'm not telling, so don't ask."
"Can you at least give me a hint?"
"You've got a 50/50 chance of getting it right. You don't need a hint."
"Tell me something, Simon, please." She batted her eyes at her him pleadingly.
"Let's just say, I feel that the child's gender is appropriate for Wash and Zoe."
As he walked away to the infirmary, Kaylee exhaled in frustration. Inara gave her a look that said, 'I told you so.' "Well dear, you're the one who likes him. You'll have to learn to get used to those little quirks of his."
Kaylee shot a sideways glance at the companion, "I'm starting to feel like I'm never even going to get the chance to get used to his quirks."
*********************************************************
Wash and Zoe were hurrying through the crowd as fast as they can go. Their quick comments and sometimes confused motions caught the attention of a man in the crowd. He was a drifter, and looked so, with scruffy features and tattered traveling clothes. Looking at Wash intently, he realized that he recognized the blond hair man with the very pregnant woman.
"Hey, you remember him?" Whispered the man to another similar looking fellow standing behind him. The other was a shorter and stocky man, of Asian descent. His outfit nearly replicated his companion's.
"No." Sneered the Asian, looking away from the situation to continue bargaining with a street vender.
"Yeah you do. That guy is that grown-up version of that damn kid who busted our deal ten years ago."
Turning back around, the other stared critically, "You might be right. Wish or something like that right?"
"Wash. The little bastard is named Wash."
"I have to give credit to your memory."
"I couldn't forget him. That guy is the reason it took us five years to get the boss to trust us again."
"Hmm, you know, I think I might be starting to remember now."
"Laychen, we never did get our revenge on him. What was it that we promised him?"
"I'm pretty sure it was death."
***********************************************************
Zoe wheeled around to find her husband. He was walking a few steps behind her, having a problem with one of the bags. It had gotten caught on a trash barrel and he was trying to get it loose without tearing.
"Are you sure you don't want me to take one?"
"No, it's okay Zoe. I'll get this in a minute."
As she waited for him, she looked around her at the people who passed. It had been a long time since she had just 'people watched', before she'd gone into the military even.
Two men standing on the other side of the road caught her attention. They didn't look like the most approachable pair in the universe, and they appeared to be watching her husband intently.
When Wash finally was at her side, she softly elbowed him in the side, "Are those men friends of yours?"
He stole a sideways glance at them, and drew his breath in sharply, "Zoe, let's get back to the ship."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just know that they aren't any people I'm friends with, and I don't like the way they're staring."
Zoe shot a suspicious look towards the men as they walked off. Even fully pregnant she was still an intimidating figure. They walked rapidly back toward the ship.
***********************************************************
"You're late." Sighed Mal, putting the last freight box into cargo holding.
"We know Captain, we lost track of time." Stated Zoe simply, stepping onto the ship.
"Yeah, sorry Mal. I really think we should get going, it's getting late."
"Since when are you in such a hurry?"
Wash shuffled his feet and put one of his hands in his pockets. He did a quick look around to check that Zoe wasn't within listening range, "There's some people from my past, bad people, that are in the city. They saw me, and they didn't look happy."
"What're they going to do? Steal your toy dinosaurs?"
"More along the lines of 'kill me', but stealing my dinosaurs would almost be as bad."
"Alright, the last thing we need now is trouble. Get up to your station and get us off this planet as fast as you can."
"Yes sir." Wash called back, running toward his pilot's room. Passing his shipmates, he yelled out, "We're taking off in a few minutes."
He literally pulled himself up the stairs by the railing, a few beads of sweat on his forehead. Zoe had never seen her husband act like this, and she didn't like it.
Wash fell into his chair and prepped Serenity to leave. Slowly, he reached under the control panel and pulled out a small handgun. He slipped it into his boot and began the control configurations. Within minutes, both Zoe and Mal stood behind him as the ship made it's ascent into the dark space.
*********************************************************
Laychen and his partner, the roughed up Jackson, watched the ship Serenity fly out. Laychen adjusted his holster and grabbed Jackson by the arm, "Nice ship, ain't it?"
"Yeah, pretty decent."
"Think the boss would have any interest in it?" Grinned the shorter man, revealing a missing left canine tooth.
"We can find out, follow me." Jackson lead his partner to the docking bay's communications center.
"Do you remember the code?"
"Yes, I remember the damn code!" And just to prove it, the taller man punched it in, in record time.
The woman who came up on the screen was nearing her 50's. She puffed incessantly on a cigarette and looked to have eaten one too many good meals in her life, "What the hell do you two want?"
"Boss, we found a ship, firefly class, good working order."
"And?"
"We wanted to know if you perhaps needed any parts from that class of vessel?"
The boss typed in a few words to her mainframe and read the results, "Yeah, there's some buyers out there who are willing to pay good money for a few of the rarer parts. Take my ship, it's in bay 285A. Will you have any problems getting it?"
"They ship does have current crew members."
"That never stopped you before. Use the ship in 149B instead. It's a boarding vessel, you can get on their ship with no trouble at all."
"Thanks boss." Said Jackson and Laychen together, and closed the connection. They began striding towards bay 149B, which was only two to three bays down from them.
Climbing aboard the ship, Jackson laughed, and Laychen looked at him, "What's the matter with you? Job hit your funny bone?"
"Nah, I just realized that we get to take down that moron who screw up our deal and get paid for it. It's the final debt I have to close out."
"Is kinda ironic, ain't it?"
"Yeah, now let's go get that flying scrap heap."
************************************************************
"Wash, you are going to tell me what's going on right now!" Demanded Zoe, gripping the side of the wall to steady herself.
"Let's get out a little ways first, then I'll explain."
"What the hell is that?" Mal asked, pointing to another dot on the tracking screen.
"Shit!" The pilot cursed under his breath.
"What?"
"They're following us, and they've got a boarding ship."
"Who's following us?" Asked Mal, grabbing Wash's shoulder and turning the man to face him.
"Jackson and Laychen, sir. Those past acquaintances I told you about."
"What do they want with you?" Zoe looked upset, a very unusual state for her.
Wash didn't have time to answer as the communicator crackled and buzzed and finally showed a picture. Jackson's face came up, "Wash, been a while."
"I could go longer."
"Ain't no use in runnin' pilot boy. We're gonna catch you, and when we do, it's payback time for that little stunt you pulled."
"I told you that wasn't my fault."
"Lying bastard, it was to - " Mal shut off the screen before the man could finish his statement,
"I hate threats. Get us outta here Wash."
"I'm going as fast as I can, Mal."
"Well, maybe now you can enlighten us about these men? And I use that term loosely." Zoe said, taking a seat in the small room.
"Over ten years ago, I was doing a job for a friend of mine. He'd just bought this old house and wanted me to help him check it over. We went inside and found those guys conducting a deal over stolen drugs and ship parts for more money than you could imagine. The buyer was pretty pissed and beat up both of those thugs."
"Is that the reason they're after you?"
"Not entirely, I really should be after them. They killed my friend the next day."
"Tell me what's not entirely the reason."
"Jackson's right leg is robotic. He chased me down and ending up taking a fall, literally, off the house. Leg was busted too bad to fix, so it was amputated."
"He's blaming you for that?"
"Pretty much."
"How do you know this? About the robotic leg and the other things?"
"This isn't the first time I ran into them since 10 years ago," He looked at Zoe, "You've seen the scar on my back."
Zoe stood up and walked to the door, leaning against it for support, "Oh God."
"They're not as bad as the Reevers, if that's any consolation." Suggested Wash, locking on the autopilot.
"No, it's not that." She looked at him with pleading eyes, "I think I'm going into labor."
"Oh geez." Whispered Wash, standing up and running to her. He held her up with his left hand and placed his right hand on her stomach, "How're you feeling?"
"I'm in pain. It's not that bad yet."
Suddenly, the ship was jolted and it shook. Wash literally threw himself on the ground under Zoe to catch her. Once the shaking had settled, he helped her to her feet.
Mal hit the intercom button, "Simon. I need you up here immediately, Zoe has gone into labor."
"I'll be there in a minute." The doctor sounded like he was already running out of the infirmary.
"I knew it was a good thing to get those working again." Mal commented dryly, pulling out a gun from the wall holder.
"Sir?" Asked Zoe, questioningly.
"They're trying to board the ship, and you know how jealous I get when anyone touches Serenity other than me."
Simon ran into the room and helped to steady Zoe.
"You take her to the infirmary as quick as you can. Lock the doors and don't open them until I call you. Wash, you stay here and pull every trick you know to detach that ship from ours."
"Mal, I'm not going to miss my first child's birth!"
"If they take control of ship, you won't be alive long enough to see the child."
"Captain!"
"They will kill everyone on Serenity, Wash! I need fighters here!" Yelled Mal, pushing the pilot back towards his chair.
Wash made a move like he was going to punch his boss in the stomach, but Zoe called to him, "I'll be fine dear. Stay here and get those bastards away from us."
He walked over and gave her a goodbye kiss, "I love you."
"I love you too baby." She responded, as Simon lead her out of the room. Mal followed them after reloading the gun.
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Kaylee was in the cargo bay when it happened. She was knocked off her feet and slammed hard into the floor, "What was that?"
As the latching sounds of metal on metal followed the jolt, she realized what was going on, "Oh God…"
Spotting her toolbox on the other side of the room, she flung herself at it and rolled into the corner. Her hands clawed through the various items inside, until she found what she wanted. She began to break into the control panel on the side wall, trying to lock the doors before they could be opened.
Kaylee was a little too late, and the cargo door slowly swung open. Luckily for the mechanic, she was out of sight of whoever was behind that door. Desperately continuing her rewiring and reconfiguring as quietly as possible, she suddenly struck the right wires.
Faster than she could turn around to see it, the door slammed shut.
"What the fuck?" Asked an unknown male voice, and she could hear him pounding his fist against the metal.
"Someone shut the door on us." Growled another voice and Kaylee could hear his footsteps as he moved around.
'C'mon, I know there was an emergency hatch around here somewhere.' Frantically thought Kaylee, it wasn't like she was greatly hidden. Only partially concealed by a few boxes.
Her hands found the latch and she pulled it open. It would let her out in the engine room, and she needed to get there and seal the door. A loud scraping noise reminded the mechanic that she'd forgot to oil this flap.
A gunshot blast in her direction scared her beyond belief and she dove for the exit. The bullet richoted off the wall and struck her foot as she pulled it inside. Pain didn't even register in her mind until she had locked the door behind her and yanked out the handle from the inside. There was no way they could follow her now.
Safe, she wrapped her hands around her bleeding foot and grimaced with the pain that lit up her leg in agony. After a minute, she continued onto the engine room, crawling because it was too small to stand.
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Taking the back way that didn't lead them past the cargo bay, Simon helped Zoe along to the infirmary.
Passing Book's room, the old preacher, who had been praying, stood up and went to the door, "Is the baby coming?"
"Yes." Zoe stated simply through clenched teeth.
"Book, we need your help. Some people are trying to board the ship and we've got to get her to the infirmary. I can't deliver this baby on my own and River is locked in her room already."
"I'll come with you." Book grabbed his Bible and got under Zoe's other arm.
Together, they made it in record time.
"Help me get her onto the table." Simon said, and they lifted her up onto the flattened operating table that was on the side of the room. It had been chosen by the doctor as it was the only one that had a privacy curtain available.
"Lock the door, and don't open it again until Mal calls." Ordered Simon, the urgency of the situation bringing out the more bossy side of him.
After completing the task, Book sat down on the main table that stood in the center of the room. He wasn't there long, Simon called him over almost immediately. To respect his shipmate's privacy, Book stared at the ceiling until he was standing by Zoe's head, near the doctor's tray.
"Do you know medical tools by any chance?"
"Some."
"If I ask you for anything, make your best guess."
"What do I do until then?"
"Pray that we don't have any need for the medical tools."
Zoe gritted her teeth and gripped the railings of the bed, "I want Wash here."
"He can't be here Zoe, we went over this."
"I don't care, I want him here!"
"Listen to me Zoe, you're a tough girl all on your own. I know this might be scary for you, but you can do this."
"I know that! Can't you give me any meds for this?"
"Not at this point. You're much farther along than I thought."
Book and Simon locked eyes and Book place his Bible on the shelf. He leaned over and gripped the young woman's hands, "He is here with you. Wash is here with you in spirit."
Simon returned his attentions to the business at hand, "Okay Zoe, let's get ready to push."
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