Chapter 21: Everything Except an Explanation

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"Tell me you know how to get of this net Wash."

"Mal I already told you—"

"Well think of a way gorramit. We're sitting ducks here. Even if we are still on course to White Marsh, ain't nobody gonna help us if they see the reaver's ship."

Oz opened his eyes and raised his voice, "I can help." He heard footsteps stomping down the steps and then he could see Mal.

"You awake?" Mal asked.

"It would seem so." Oz said.

"You wanna explain what exactly in the hell happened in the cargo bay?" Mal asked.

"You wanna let me out of here?" Oz mimicked Mal's voice in a tired tone.

"I'm not so inclined to do so till I know what's going on." Mal said.

"Mal!" Wash said.

"Don't get me wrong, you saved me and my crew and for that I'm grateful. And River seems to think you're okay. And while that girl may be this side of crazy, she's a good judge of character. But until I know what you are, I don't want my crew at risk." Mal explained.

"Mal we really need to get out of this net." Wash said.

"And I can't help from in here." Oz tilted his head so he was looking at Mal at an angle. Mal didn't move for a moment. Oz sighed, "I'll explain. Later. And in front of everyone."

Mal nodded and unlocked the grate. He pulled it back and stood away from the edge. But then almost as if he was having an argument with himself he shook his head. Then he stepped back to the edge and held out a hand for Oz to grab.

When the captain didn't flinch at his touch the barest of smile crossed the werewolf's face. "Thanks man." Oz said once he was out.

"Let's get out of this net." Mal said as he put the grate back in place.

Oz went to stand by Wash and the pilot got up to give him a place to sit. Wash then stood behind Oz and leaned down to whisper in his ear, "Thanks for before, and you know saving me."

"Not a problem." Oz said as his fingers flew across the console.

"If you know how to get us out of the net, why didn't you do it before? Then we wouldn't have had to deal with the reavers." Mal said after fifteen minutes of watching Oz manipulate the ship.

"Couldn't have done it. Would have taken too long." Oz replied without looking up.

"We could have bought you time." Mal crossed arms and was starting to get angry again.

"But at what cost?" Oz asked quietly. "The reavers were getting on no matter what. I had to help. Just in case."

"Wanted to make sure we had an ace up our sleeves?" Mal said after a moment. Oz nodded and continued to work.

"You certainly know your way around." Wash said trying to keep up with what Oz was doing. "How are you at piloting?"

Oz shrugged, "Okay. I just know computers."

"What the hell is he doing out—" Jayne yelled as he entered the room and noticed Oz.

"Jayne shut up!" Wash glared at the bigger man.

"Hey that thing—" Jayne started to yell.

"Leave Jayne. Now." Mal stood in front of Jayne.

Jayne growled and as he walked out of the room he said, "I was just coming to tell you Zoe was all fixed up if you wanted to see her." Wash exchanged a look with Mal before hurrying out of the room.

"We're free." Oz said. "I'm going to reengage the autopilot if that's okay."

"Yeah that's fine." Mal said. Oz pressed one final button and stood up to face the captain. "You ready to give that explanation now?"

Oz looked down at his naked torso, "You mind if I grab a shirt first?"

"I'll walk you to your room." Mal stepped aside to let Oz go first. As they made their way to the passengers' rooms they passed Kaylee. She smiled at Oz as she passed and let her hand gently brush against his before squeezing them reassuringly. Mal grabbed her arm as she passed him, "Get everyone together in the dining room."

"Yes Captain." Kaylee said before moving off.

Oz went into his room and closed the door before Mal could follow him in. Oz grabbed a shirt that was lying on the floor and put it on. Then he put on his shoes as well. Oz pulled out the sink and splashed his face with some water. As the water dripped down his face, he looked at himself in the mirror. "You can do this."

'A pack is safe. A mate is always.' Fenir replied sleepily.

"Yea Fenir packs are safe, but people aren't wolves." Oz told the mirror. Then he turned away and opened the door.

Mal looked at Oz, the front of his shirt as well as his face were wet and he looked tired. "You ready?"

"Yea."