Author's Note: Thank you all again for all your support, and for hanging out in my little corner of the 'Verse. Hang on 'cause here we go…
Chapter 3: Flight
River sat in the pilot's seat, methodically going over the preflight checklist. Despite her 'aptitude', she realized that she didn't yet fully understand flying, and was very careful to check everything before allowing the captain to take off. Her free time she spent reading any data she could glean from the cortex regarding flight. The feeling of freedom she had felt when Wash's thoughts had intruded on her own, or when he was giving her secret lessons in Serenity's quirks, she could only replicate on the odd occasions when the captain would let her actually fly.
Overhead, one of the monitors was tuned to the news 'wave. She had felt uneasy ever since they had landed in Persephone, and the news helped to explain her wariness.
"An incendiary device detonated today in the Plaza of the Parliament injured several congressmen and women. The authorities have determined this event is related to previous episodes of unrest on Osiris. Parliament was scheduled today to begin the investigation into the source of the Broadwave a month ago. Many citizens are leaving Capitol City in an effort to avoid the civil difficulties…"
She felt and heard the captain coming at the same time. Hoping she would impress him with her industriousness, she started checking off the steps. He felt strange to her, it took a moment to realize he'd been drinking. Waves of disjointed thoughts washed over her before she regained control.
"I thought I told you not to listen to that nonsense." Mal stated, flipping a switch to kill the 'wave.
"I just wanted to know what's going on." River answered, her eyes never leaving the calculations she was programming in.
"Well, I just figure after last time…" Mal began, taking his hand off the back of the seat to reach forward and toggle the next switch for her. She could tell when the object caught his attention, and she smiled in spite of herself. He leaned forward to appreciate how full the hold was, crates stacked to the edges on the windows, but tucked down near the helm was a white cradle, little designs of dinosaurs painted along the sides.
"Hnh." He noted, and returned his attention to River. "Serenity ready to go?" He asked, but River had another thought in mind.
"Persephone's noisy. It's going to be noisy on Serenity." She stated, continuing to enter settings.
"Yeah, 'bout that." Mal responded, eyes narrowing, "Are you gonna be okay with all this?" He inquired. She could feel the concern through his still-foggy head. She paused a moment to enjoy the emotion. While she could tell that Simon and the others cared for her, the way Mal's anxiety for her well-being made her feel, she missed that sense. She' been a very little girl the last time she'd felt it. Schooling her emotions, she focused again on the panel.
"I'll be fine." She answered dully. His relief was palpable, but she knew it was premature. Turning to look him square in the eye, she asked, "But will you?" She saw the doors in his mind slamming shut, just like they did whenever she got cryptic. Even so, she liked that game, so when Zoe interrupted on the intercom, she smiled.
"Captain, Badger's here." There was a laugh in Zoe's voice, all the more out of place because of the unimportant message.
Mal turned away from River and picked up the mic. "Well, load his stuff and let's get goin'." He commanded. When Zoe responded, she was really laughing.
"I think you need to come down and inspect the cargo first, sir." Mal shut his eyes and leaned his arm against the intercom. River turned away to check a display to her right, but not so fast that he didn't catch her smile when he picked the mic up to his mouth again.
"I'll be right there."
Mal's head was buzzing again, all the more encouraged by whatever trick Badger was playing him with. As he descended the steps he appraised the crew's work.
Only a walkway remained through his once wide open cargo bay. Containers stacked up five and six high on either side, all but obscuring the mule overhead. He stepped out into the bright sun, squinting at the large number of people on the platform. Zoe came over to his side.
"What's goin' on?" He demanded, finally noticing Badger standing to one side with a pleasant looking woman and Kaylee on one knee talking to a small boy and a slightly older girl. Badger saw him as well, and moved to join them.
"Seems Badger has passengers for us as well." Zoe explained.
"You do have quite a shipload, Zoe's been tellin' me." The businessman mentioned. "She seems to think you can fit a couple more, though, 'specially since it's all agreed to." Badger waved at the group with Kaylee to come over. "This is my wife, 'Sbella." The woman dipped her head solemnly. "This is Radin," he continued, clapping a hand on the boy's shoulder, "and that is Jettina. This 'ere's the 'cargo' I need to get out." He finished, gathering the children side by side in front of him. "I was gonna send me wife as well, but seein's how you're a little cramped for space…"
Mal gawked at the children a moment, total confusion reigning his mind. At his silence, Zoe pitched in.
"They will be met in Boros by their aunt, who'll get them to Dyton Colony." Mal looked at her, still not comprehending.
"But why?" He directed to Badger.
"Things is getting' uncomfortable warm here in the core planets, like I said. And while I'm not fond of the company my kids will keep for this trip," he gestured in the direction of the group of companions, "It's prob'ly the same reason they's goin' as well."
"Children?" Mal noted.
"They aren't the only ones." Zoe stated, earning an evil glare from him. She waved to the ladies surrounding Inara, and his eyes followed. While several were of an age with Inara, when Mal looked closely, he realized that most of the companions could be no older than 15 or 16. His jaw slack, he stumbled over to Inara, grabbing her by the arm to gain her attention.
"What is this?" He hissed in her ear, staring at the teenagers in fancy gowns.
"They are from Madrassa house, we are relocating them. The Alliance has been putting pressure on the Guild lately, and it isn't much safe there anymore." She shook her arm free. "Can we get underway? If we stay much longer, we may attract unwanted attention." Mal stood there a moment, working hard to make sense of the 'Verse, and coming up blank. Finally, he turned to Zoe.
"Make up the spare crew quarters for the kids, and get everyone aboard. Let's get this done." He commanded, climbing the ramp quickly and disappearing into the ship.
Zoe stepped carefully up the ladder onto the bridge. Serenity gave a final few shimmies as the atmosphere fell away behind them. The sudden change to quiet was refreshing.
Mal sat in the pilot's seat, River across the way in the copilot chair. He seemed to be concentrating on controlling their ascent, but Zoe realized with a start that the control switch indicated that River was flying. Hiding a smirk quickly, she wondered how often the girl covered for him. A few moments and several thousand kilometers later, the captain toggled the autopilot on, and they both turned to greet her.
"Everyone getting' settled in?" Mal asked.
"Yes, sir. Kaylee and Simon are seeing to sleeping arrangements, I put Jayne to emptying the extra passenger rooms." The first mate turned to River, "Simon asked if you would come down and help them get all the girls innocked. Doesn't want any space sickness if we can avoid it." With a sigh and a longing look at the space beyond, River rose and exited the bridge. It amazed Zoe how she remained such a graceful creature.
Indicating the dingy leather folder under her arm, Mal asked, "That Badger's payment?"
"Yes, sir." She replied handing over the folder. He glanced through it cursorily as she continued. "Everything's there. Travel papers for the kids, even for Inara's guests, full and honest manifest, even a new registration for Serenity."
"Real?"
"All authentic, not a forgery among the bunch." She confirmed.
"Shiny. Nice to be honest for a change." Mal flashed a smile at her, then stood to stow the folder behind the navigator's seat.
"Yes, sir, it is. Inara's working out a meal schedule since we won't all fit in there at once. I 'spect you'll be taking meals up here." She detailed.
"Why's that?" He questioned, looking confused.
"Well, sir, I just thought with all the children on board and how you feel, that you'd want to stay as far away as possible." She explained.
"Fei hua. I like kids, not usually on a ship, but it's what, three and a half days to Boros. Most of 'em get off there, can't be all bad." He refuted. Mal broke into a wide smile. "'Sides, we're honest this time."
"Yes, sir." Zoe finished as he left the bridge.
Inara carefully folded the new sari, repacking it carefully in her trunk. She sat in the middle of her shuttle, having spent much of the day arranging it to house several girls for the journey. Looking around, she noted how bare the walls were without her opulent hangings. It was hard to remember where everything had gone.
She heard his step on the catwalk as he approached. The door to the shuttle stood open, in case any of the passengers had needed her. The sound of childish laughter wafted up from the common room where they gathered awaiting their turn to see Simon. The captain paused on the steps outside, and before he could ask, she called out to him.
"Come in, Captain." She invited. He stepped over the threshold, looking about at the accommodations.
"I thought you'd have this place all dolled up again by now." Mal observed. From the corner of her eye, she watched him carefully. He still seemed a bit unsure around her, not that she should blame him, but she felt little remorse for her part.
"It works better for the extra cots this way," she explained. "And I'm not sure how long I will be on Serenity." She added, smiling wickedly to herself. The captain's gaze drifted downwards.
"I see." He answered crisply, causing Inara to shudder. It was too easy to crush this man at times, she realized guiltily. "Badger came through with the papers, every one legal, even for all your girls." He announced proudly, but she noted he kept his eyes on the floor panels.
"That's good to hear." She encouraged.
"Even got us a new registration for Serenity." He continued, relaxing somewhat as she continued packing the trunk. "It feels good to be legal for a change."
"I still hope you plan to avoid Alliance patrols." She stated, looking him in the eye for the first time. He stared back at her confusedly.
"Always, but did you miss the part about us bein' legal?" He questioned. "They can't do anything but wave us on."
"You really haven't been paying attention to what is going on, have you?" She demanded, growing angry at his uncomprehending stare.
"What?" He asked, setting her over the edge. She knew she couldn't continue this conversation right now, too many old worries jumbled in with the new. She stood to walk out of the shuttle with a huff, turning her back on Mal.
"I don't want you to go." He said gently. For a moment, she thought to snap at him, let him know that she could leave a room when she desired. With just that intent, she looked at him. His hands twisted in front of him, and he seemed unable to return the gaze. Her heart ached to draw him in as she realized what he'd meant.
"Malcolm, I may not have a choice." She started. He looked up and opened his mouth, but she crossed quickly to him, covering his lips with her fingertips. Pulling him down to sit next to her on the nearest cot, she held on to his arm while she explained. "I can't rent the shuttle from you after this month." She began. "It took all of my savings to get the girls and their chaperones to Persephone." She folded her hands in her lap, focusing her eyes their so he couldn't see the moisture developing. "I have no clients waiting on me, no income." Mal sat up straighter.
"Well, I think that your credit would be good with us," he insisted. "I think seein's how well fitted out we are, I could spot you a couple month's rent." He offered. She could tell he was enjoying the opportunity to come to her rescue again, but she had to make him understand.
"It's not that simple." She tried.
"It never is," he interrupted, "but it can be."
"Mal, please." She gathered his hands in hers to make him listen. "Just because you have a piece of paper that says these girls can go to Boros won't change the fact that they are running." The captain stared at her jump in logic, and she slowed down. "The Alliance has established Academies on all the central planets. At first, only the elite were able to go. Now, every child is expected to attend for a time. The Guild had been allowed an exemption for our trainees, but about 2 years ago, certain ones were recruited anyway. The Guild just let it happen." She could see the change in his eyes as the light went on.
"That's about the time you left Sihnon." He noted.
"Yes." She confirmed. "All sixteen of the girls are expected to enroll next month in the academy on Sihnon. I suspect that an Academy 'Invitation' is why Badger is sending his children away from the core as well."
"Hun dan. Leave it to Badger to forget the important details." Mal met her eyes, and raised a tentative hand to her cheek. "You will always be welcome on Serenity." He stated softly. She leaned into his touch, hoping he'd never regret that invitation.
Mal's head pounded as he attempted to pour the hot water for coffee. Looking down at the can, he realized with a start that it contained real coffee crystals. When Zoe stocked up, she did it right.
He'd managed to fit in a few hours' sleep, once the giant giggling slumber party had finally settled down. It was now very early in the day's cycle, and his turn to watch the helm. Taking a cautious sip of the refreshing liquid, he headed for the bridge, walking carefully both to prevent a spill, and to avoid jarring his aching head. In the dim light of the passageway, Mal looked down to ensure he didn't miss the step, and nearly toppled over in surprise.
"What are you doin' there?" He demanded. Zoe looked back from the pilot's seat.
"Sir?" She queried.
"Badger's kid, I'll take care of it." The captain answered, and knelt down to the alcove beside the bridge ladder where the boy was cowering. He set his coffee on the step, and reached out to Radin.
"C'mere, son. What're you doin' sneakin' around this time of night?" He asked quietly.
"Woke up." Radin sniffled, shrinking from Mal's hand. "I want my mommy." The scared child whined. Mal redirected his hand to caress the boy's head.
"It's okay, you'll be with your auntie soon." He soothed, then fell back on his heels as Radin nearly jumped into his arms, sobbing. Mal cradled him close, and, using the rail for support, raised himself to stand. He caught a smirk from Zoe as the pair came within the view of the bridge door, and returned a glare. Reaching over, Mal opened the crew ladder, and carefully carried Radin back to bed.
She walked gracefully among the desks, the light breeze playing through her hair, and lifting the soft pink skirt she wore. Placing her feet deliberately, she made her way through the schoolroom, taking in the quiet children, all staring forward at the teacher, who was equally still. As she came around the front of the class, she took in the appearance of the students.
Their clothes were dingy, and old, hanging off the children as if meant for other bodies. Their faces were clean, but none had any expression, they were blanks, waiting to be filled. The quiet was starting to unnerve her when the sound of sobbing began. She slowly turned to observe the source of the noise. On the grass beyond the classroom a crowd of adults stood watching, several of the women crying. They shared the likeness of the children, dingy settler's clothing, overused and under washed. The jaws were firmly set on the men among the group, but none moved to claim the children.
As she watched, one of the boys stood from the classroom, and walked over to the foremost man. Out of nowhere, a gun appeared in the child's hand, now being raised, now aiming at the man. She had to stop him, he was about to murder his father, he was too young to touch guns. She tried to intervene, say something to prevent this, walk in their direction, but she was paralyzed and could only watch. As the weapon fired, she screamed.
"Gorramit, girl!" Mal exclaimed as an ear-shattering scream spread out from the co-pilot seat filling the bridge. River leapt out of the chair, trembling as she awoke suddenly. "You're goin' ta wake the whole ship." He added before turning about to look at her. She looked spooked, much like the horses had when he was a kid, looking right past him and seeing nothing. He leaned over from the seat to place a hand on her arm, careful not to grab her so not to scare her more. "Bad dream?"
She finally focused on him, moving into his reach to accept his calming. He could tell she was still trying to make the connection to reality, and he allowed her the moment of peace.
"They're dying." She stated, staring Mal hard in the eye. "They are all dying, and the children will never know they killed them." Mal could only watch her wordlessly, worried that she was relapsing, but trying to suppress that emotion so not to pass it on to her. When she next spoke, he realized it had been futile. "I am okay." She assured, smiling wanly. "But they are not." Before he could ask the question, the comm behind him came alive with a distress signal.