DEJA VU
Disclaimer: All characters and settings, 'ceptin' the ones I create are the property of Mutant Enemy and FOX. No infringement is intended, this is done out of pure love and respect for the genius of Firefly. Please read and review.
A/N: I wanted to thank everyone again for your comments. I have loved all of the suggestions. Now I need to get to a point in the story where I can incorporate them. It's coming soon. Enjoy this in the meantime. -zoefan
INT- WOMEN'S QUARTERS
Zoe and Ayo enter the room. Ayo takes off her jacket and looks at her face in the mirror. The intercom buzzes. Ayo walks to the wall and removes a strip of fabric.
AYO: I am here.
NISKA (Off screen): Ayo dear, I'm having some special company. Dong ma?
AYO: Yes sir, I understand.
NISKA: Have someone bring the child to say "hi".
AYO: Right away.
NISKA: Vite! Vite!
The transmission ends. Ayo pushes another button on the panel.
AYO: May, dress Jaha and take her in to see Mr. Niska.
Ayo conceals the intercom again and undresses quickly.
AYO: I'm sorry. This is going to interrupt our plans a bit.
ZOE: You service guests?
Ayo slips a red satin dress over her head. Zoe helps lace up the back.
AYO: Occasionally. Since he requested Jaha, he probably just wants to show us off, like dolls. But he will most likely keep me until morning.
Ayo removes her blue slippers and slides on red satin shoes with impossibly high heels. Three eunuchs enter the room and take their usual positions. Ayo takes Zoe's hand.
AYO: Please don't try anything until I return.
ZOE: I will wait for you.
Ayo leaves and the eunuchs follow.
INT - NISKA'S MANSION - COMMUNICATION ROOM
The room is very small, but packed with communication equipment. A young man sits at a console monitoring various blips and bleeps on the screen in front of him. His watch beeps signaling break time. He presses a button on the console, blacking out the screen. He turns off the light and leaves. Seconds later Ayo enters the room followed by Zoe. Ayo turns on the lights and monitor and sits before the machines. Zoe stands behind her.
AYO: We need to hurry. He'll only be gone for ten minutes.
Ayo pushes buttons on the console and reads the monitor.
AYO: Security override. Ready for wave transmission on secure line.
Ayo gets up and trades position with Zoe.
ZOE: Let's see if anyone is home.
The screen in front of them sparks to life.
AYO: They're close enough to bring up on vid? Guess you were right.
ZOE: Firefly Serenity, this is Zoe. Anybody home?
The wavy lines on the monitor slowly dissolve into Wash's smiling face.
ZOE: Bao be.
Zoe smiles and touches her husband's image on the screen.
WASH: Zoe? Is that really you? Where are you? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?
AYO: Time's short.
Zoe looks at Ayo.
WASH: Someone's with you? Who? Are you in.
ZOE: She's a friend. Listen, I don't have a lot of time. I've found a way to get you through the planet's barrier. In eight hours Niska is going to depart and that leaves about ten minutes to get a shuttle into atmo before the barrier closes again. We're going to manage a security blackout here soon so you don't have to worry about radar. Just pull up to the front door and I'll be waiting.
WASH: You sure about this?
ZOE: There's no other way.
Several muffled voices can be heard in the hallway getting louder with each passing second.
AYO: We've got to get out of here now!
ZOE: Gotta go husband, see you soon.
Before Wash can say anything more, Zoe cuts the transmission. Ayo quickly moves over to her and begins to sign off the computer. They both scramble to turn off the equipment and lights before making a mad dash for the door.
INT - WOMEN'S QUARTERS
Ayo and Zoe run into the room out of breath. They look around and find May, Jaha and several of the other women gathered together waiting for Ayo. May steps forward.
MAY: Where have you two been?
Ayo regains her composure.
AYO: What makes you think you can question me?
May steps back. One of the girls, Zhang, walks over to Ayo and speaks timidly.
ZHANG: Mr. Niska called a line up.
ZOE: A what?
AYO: It's like an inspection. (to May) Wait, line up's not for another two weeks.
MAY: He called it.
Zoe touches Ayo lightly on the arm.
ZOE: Ayo.
AYO: Get ready for line up. I'll be along.
All of the women leave the room. May takes Jaha. Ayo and Zoe remain.
ZOE: You think he knows?
AYO: No. He doesn't. I'm sure it's just a show for his guests.
Ayo walks over to her vanity and pulls out one green and one red ribbon. She hands the green one to Zoe.
AYO: Put this on your wrist.
ZOE: What is it?
AYO: It's your color.
Zoe starts to tie the ribbon around her wrist.
AYO: Niska uses colors to identify the women in line up. This shouldn't take too long. Won't interfere with our time frame. We.
Ayo begins to tie the red ribbon around her wrist. A eunuch enters the room unbeknownst to Ayo.
ZOE: Ayo.
Ayo looks up and notices the man. She nods to Zoe and they leave with the eunuch close behind.
INT - NISKA'S MANSION - GRAND BALLROOM
The ballroom is very elegant. The floor is marble and the walls are accented in gold. There is a large spiral staircase in the back of the room. About two dozen women of all shapes, sizes, and colors line up along the walls. Ayo and Zoe enter with their eunuch. Ayo motions for Zoe to stand in the space beside Zhang. Jaha walks over to her mother and they take their position at the foot of the staircase. Without any fanfare, Niska descends the stairs followed by three men in military style uniforms. Zoe clenches her fists, but resists the urge to disarm the nearest guard and riddle the man with holes. Once he reaches the bottom of the staircase, Niska takes Ayo's arm and proceeds to walk across the room. He looks each woman over from head to toe, a smile shows his approval, a frown his displeasure. After two passes he stops in front of Zhang, May and Zoe. Zoe stares at him coldly.
NISKA: (to eunuchs) Green.
Niska turns around and starts to walk back to the stairs with Ayo. Zoe looks down at her wrist.
ZOE: (to Zhang) What does that mean?
ZHANG: You have to go to him tonight.
ZOE: What? No!
Zoe bolts out of line and toward Niska. Before she can reach him, two eunuchs are on her. She easily takes both of them out with a few punches and one well placed kick. Niska's guests are hurriedly escorted back up the stairs. The women scream as they are surrounded by eunuchs to discourage any other outbursts. Four more armed guards enter the ballroom and surround Zoe. She disarms one guard and holds his own weapon on him. Niska and Ayo stand together at the bottom of the staircase with their heads together. They are deep in conversation. They do not show the least bit of interest in the situation happening before them. Ayo looks up and takes a step toward the scene. The guards surrounding Zoe now have their weapons trained on her. They await Niska's signal to fire. One guard approaches Zoe from behind and hits her in the back with his weapon. She stumbles forward, but does not loose consciousness or grip of her weapon. The captive guard takes advantage of the situation and scrambles to safety.
AYO: Enough!
The women screaming, the guards yelling, all noise ceases in the room. Every eye is on Ayo. A dozen more armed guards quietly enter the room. Ayo motions to the guards to get Zoe. Surrounded by more than a dozen guards, Zoe surrenders her weapon. Two guards subdue her. Zoe doesn't speak. She just stares at Ayo in disbelief. Ayo's face shows no emotion. She looks over at May and Zhang.
AYO: Prepare green.
May nods and she is allowed to leave with Zhang and Jaha. Niska rejoins the scene wearing an evil grin. He stands beside Ayo. They are unfazed by Zoe's icy stare.
NISKA: (to Ayo) Good girl.
Niska leans forward and places a gently kiss on Ayo's forehead. Ayo accepts the praise with a smile. She looks up into Niska's eyes and lightly strokes his face.
AYO: Take her away.
Zoe is led out of the ballroom at gunpoint. Ayo gracefully takes Niska's arm and they ascend the staircase.
END ACT TWO
Disclaimer: All characters and settings, 'ceptin' the ones I create are the property of Mutant Enemy and FOX. No infringement is intended, this is done out of pure love and respect for the genius of Firefly. Please read and review.
A/N: I wanted to thank everyone again for your comments. I have loved all of the suggestions. Now I need to get to a point in the story where I can incorporate them. It's coming soon. Enjoy this in the meantime. -zoefan
INT- WOMEN'S QUARTERS
Zoe and Ayo enter the room. Ayo takes off her jacket and looks at her face in the mirror. The intercom buzzes. Ayo walks to the wall and removes a strip of fabric.
AYO: I am here.
NISKA (Off screen): Ayo dear, I'm having some special company. Dong ma?
AYO: Yes sir, I understand.
NISKA: Have someone bring the child to say "hi".
AYO: Right away.
NISKA: Vite! Vite!
The transmission ends. Ayo pushes another button on the panel.
AYO: May, dress Jaha and take her in to see Mr. Niska.
Ayo conceals the intercom again and undresses quickly.
AYO: I'm sorry. This is going to interrupt our plans a bit.
ZOE: You service guests?
Ayo slips a red satin dress over her head. Zoe helps lace up the back.
AYO: Occasionally. Since he requested Jaha, he probably just wants to show us off, like dolls. But he will most likely keep me until morning.
Ayo removes her blue slippers and slides on red satin shoes with impossibly high heels. Three eunuchs enter the room and take their usual positions. Ayo takes Zoe's hand.
AYO: Please don't try anything until I return.
ZOE: I will wait for you.
Ayo leaves and the eunuchs follow.
INT - NISKA'S MANSION - COMMUNICATION ROOM
The room is very small, but packed with communication equipment. A young man sits at a console monitoring various blips and bleeps on the screen in front of him. His watch beeps signaling break time. He presses a button on the console, blacking out the screen. He turns off the light and leaves. Seconds later Ayo enters the room followed by Zoe. Ayo turns on the lights and monitor and sits before the machines. Zoe stands behind her.
AYO: We need to hurry. He'll only be gone for ten minutes.
Ayo pushes buttons on the console and reads the monitor.
AYO: Security override. Ready for wave transmission on secure line.
Ayo gets up and trades position with Zoe.
ZOE: Let's see if anyone is home.
The screen in front of them sparks to life.
AYO: They're close enough to bring up on vid? Guess you were right.
ZOE: Firefly Serenity, this is Zoe. Anybody home?
The wavy lines on the monitor slowly dissolve into Wash's smiling face.
ZOE: Bao be.
Zoe smiles and touches her husband's image on the screen.
WASH: Zoe? Is that really you? Where are you? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?
AYO: Time's short.
Zoe looks at Ayo.
WASH: Someone's with you? Who? Are you in.
ZOE: She's a friend. Listen, I don't have a lot of time. I've found a way to get you through the planet's barrier. In eight hours Niska is going to depart and that leaves about ten minutes to get a shuttle into atmo before the barrier closes again. We're going to manage a security blackout here soon so you don't have to worry about radar. Just pull up to the front door and I'll be waiting.
WASH: You sure about this?
ZOE: There's no other way.
Several muffled voices can be heard in the hallway getting louder with each passing second.
AYO: We've got to get out of here now!
ZOE: Gotta go husband, see you soon.
Before Wash can say anything more, Zoe cuts the transmission. Ayo quickly moves over to her and begins to sign off the computer. They both scramble to turn off the equipment and lights before making a mad dash for the door.
INT - WOMEN'S QUARTERS
Ayo and Zoe run into the room out of breath. They look around and find May, Jaha and several of the other women gathered together waiting for Ayo. May steps forward.
MAY: Where have you two been?
Ayo regains her composure.
AYO: What makes you think you can question me?
May steps back. One of the girls, Zhang, walks over to Ayo and speaks timidly.
ZHANG: Mr. Niska called a line up.
ZOE: A what?
AYO: It's like an inspection. (to May) Wait, line up's not for another two weeks.
MAY: He called it.
Zoe touches Ayo lightly on the arm.
ZOE: Ayo.
AYO: Get ready for line up. I'll be along.
All of the women leave the room. May takes Jaha. Ayo and Zoe remain.
ZOE: You think he knows?
AYO: No. He doesn't. I'm sure it's just a show for his guests.
Ayo walks over to her vanity and pulls out one green and one red ribbon. She hands the green one to Zoe.
AYO: Put this on your wrist.
ZOE: What is it?
AYO: It's your color.
Zoe starts to tie the ribbon around her wrist.
AYO: Niska uses colors to identify the women in line up. This shouldn't take too long. Won't interfere with our time frame. We.
Ayo begins to tie the red ribbon around her wrist. A eunuch enters the room unbeknownst to Ayo.
ZOE: Ayo.
Ayo looks up and notices the man. She nods to Zoe and they leave with the eunuch close behind.
INT - NISKA'S MANSION - GRAND BALLROOM
The ballroom is very elegant. The floor is marble and the walls are accented in gold. There is a large spiral staircase in the back of the room. About two dozen women of all shapes, sizes, and colors line up along the walls. Ayo and Zoe enter with their eunuch. Ayo motions for Zoe to stand in the space beside Zhang. Jaha walks over to her mother and they take their position at the foot of the staircase. Without any fanfare, Niska descends the stairs followed by three men in military style uniforms. Zoe clenches her fists, but resists the urge to disarm the nearest guard and riddle the man with holes. Once he reaches the bottom of the staircase, Niska takes Ayo's arm and proceeds to walk across the room. He looks each woman over from head to toe, a smile shows his approval, a frown his displeasure. After two passes he stops in front of Zhang, May and Zoe. Zoe stares at him coldly.
NISKA: (to eunuchs) Green.
Niska turns around and starts to walk back to the stairs with Ayo. Zoe looks down at her wrist.
ZOE: (to Zhang) What does that mean?
ZHANG: You have to go to him tonight.
ZOE: What? No!
Zoe bolts out of line and toward Niska. Before she can reach him, two eunuchs are on her. She easily takes both of them out with a few punches and one well placed kick. Niska's guests are hurriedly escorted back up the stairs. The women scream as they are surrounded by eunuchs to discourage any other outbursts. Four more armed guards enter the ballroom and surround Zoe. She disarms one guard and holds his own weapon on him. Niska and Ayo stand together at the bottom of the staircase with their heads together. They are deep in conversation. They do not show the least bit of interest in the situation happening before them. Ayo looks up and takes a step toward the scene. The guards surrounding Zoe now have their weapons trained on her. They await Niska's signal to fire. One guard approaches Zoe from behind and hits her in the back with his weapon. She stumbles forward, but does not loose consciousness or grip of her weapon. The captive guard takes advantage of the situation and scrambles to safety.
AYO: Enough!
The women screaming, the guards yelling, all noise ceases in the room. Every eye is on Ayo. A dozen more armed guards quietly enter the room. Ayo motions to the guards to get Zoe. Surrounded by more than a dozen guards, Zoe surrenders her weapon. Two guards subdue her. Zoe doesn't speak. She just stares at Ayo in disbelief. Ayo's face shows no emotion. She looks over at May and Zhang.
AYO: Prepare green.
May nods and she is allowed to leave with Zhang and Jaha. Niska rejoins the scene wearing an evil grin. He stands beside Ayo. They are unfazed by Zoe's icy stare.
NISKA: (to Ayo) Good girl.
Niska leans forward and places a gently kiss on Ayo's forehead. Ayo accepts the praise with a smile. She looks up into Niska's eyes and lightly strokes his face.
AYO: Take her away.
Zoe is led out of the ballroom at gunpoint. Ayo gracefully takes Niska's arm and they ascend the staircase.
END ACT TWO