Chapter Two
Back on the ship, River made for the pilot's chair, while Simon whisked the girl off to the infirmary to patch her up.
Once they were out of the atmosphere, River placed it on autopilot, and walked to the infirmary, where the rest of the crew had gathered to watch Simon had stitch up the girl's arm.
"What's your name?" Mal asked the girl.
She grunted as Simon pulled one stitch tight, and released a deep breath. "Taylor. Jordan Taylor." She hissed as Simon tugged again, and he looked at her apologetically.
"You wanna tell us why them guys was trying to beat you up?"grunted Jayne.
"They were after something I didn't want to give." Jordan answered simply.
Silence fell on the crew as they glanced at each other. Finally, Inara spoke. "Have you lived there your whole life?"
"No. I drift from place to place. I used to run with my two brothers, but they were killed in a standoff with Alliance men a month ago." She answered bluntly.
"Tough little girl, ain't you?" Jayne challenged.
She turned her gaze to him again. "I can hold my own."
Simon finished the stitches and wiped away the last of the blood that had oozed out. "You're going to have an ugly scar," He admitted, looking at her arm. The gash extended from her elbow to her wrist, and was red and angry-looking.
"'s'all right. Thank you."
Mal was amused by this tough-looking, yet polite kid in front of him. "Listen, I need to talk to my crew, so would you excuse us?"
"Sure." She answered simply. She looked at Simon. "D'you mind if I stay in here, and sleep a bit?"
"No."
"Ok, thanks."
Mal nodded to her as the people filed out.
Once in the galley, they all took seats around the table. Mal look from one to another, his expression serious.
"Ok. The way I see it, we have two choices with this girl. We can drop her off at the next stop, or ask her if she wants to stay on." He hesitated, and added: "another crew member wouldn't hurt right now."
Zoe nodded in agreement, and then turned to River. "What do you think hon? She safe?"
"Yeah, what do you reckon?" Mal asked.
"I think she is to be trusted. She is merely like us." River answered simply.
Mal nodded thoughtfully, then looked at his crew. "Let's take a vote. Those in favor of asking her if she'd like to stay for the time being as a member of the crew?" Everyone, except Jayne, nodded. "Jayne?"
Jayne spoke. "I hope she ain't crazy like this little girl here." He motioned to River. "This kid Jordan fought good. I don't need no girl slashing at me with her knife again."
Mal had to smile slightly before answering. "Just don't tick her off Jayne, and you won't have nothing to worry about."
Jayne nodded, not fully satisfied, but not adverse, either.
"Ok," Said Mal. "I'd say we have a new member of the crew, if this girl is agreeable." He paused. "Just for a while, anyway." Everyone nodded again, and it was decided.