CHAPTER 3
See Chapter 1 for disclosures and warnings.
WARNING: This chapter contains references to disciplinary spanking. If this offends you, don't read it. You've been warned.
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Arrowhead was a thriving settlement on the moon, Medes, one of the outer most moons in the outer rim. Space ships rarely traveled there, but a very successful merchant by the name of Herman Blackthorn had put out word that he was looking for someone to transport cargo to and from Arrowhead. The crew of Serenity had come to Arrowhead to apply for the job. While Mal and Zoe went to meet with Blackthorn, Simon and Kaylee were assigned to replenish supplies. Jane was guarding the ship, and, if she knew was was good for her, River was staying in her room, as ordered.
Two hours after heading out to meet with Blackthorn, Mal and Zoe were heading back to Serenity to prepare the ship and her crew for a visit by their potential employer. Blackthorn had indicated that he was interested in hiring the crew on a trial basis, but wanted to inspect Serenity before making his decision.
"I have a good feeling about this, Zoe." Mal glanced over at this first officer. Her serious expression didn't give any indication that she agreed with the captain.
"If you say so, sir."
"No, I really mean it. I think things are finally startin' to turn around for us." Mal gestured to the busy market through which they were walking and at Serenity, which was parked just outside of town. "We'll transport Blackthorn's cargo to Boros and bring his merchandise back. That'll land us a regular run and we . . ." Mal trailed off.
"What is it sir?" Zoe glanced at Mal, concerned about what had distracted him.
"Tell me I ain't seein' what I think I'm seein." Mal pointed toward the open cargo hold door and the slight figure in the bright red dress slipping out of the ship.
Zoe shook her head. "I'm afraid you are, sir – if you're seeing River sneaking out."
"Da-shiang bao-tsa shr duh lah doo-tze. Come on, let's go get the little Albatross so I can clip her wings."
They started off in the direction River had been taking when she left Serenity, and found her only a few minutes later looking at necklaces on display at a jewelry booth. Mal and Zoe cautiously moved in to flank River.
"I thought I told you to stay in your room." Mal spoke in River's ear as he moved in and grasped her right arm. River caught herself before she attacked in self-defense. After all, she had been anticipating Mal's arrival. She had been reading Mal's mind for the last several minutes and knew exactly where he was and what he was doing. In fact, she had timed her exit from Serenity so that she would be sure he had spotted her leaving the ship.
"Hi, Captain." River turned to smile at Mal.
"Don't 'hi, Captain" me, young lady." Mal grasped her arm and turned her to face him. "You'd better have a damn good explanation for this."
"I was bored and wanted to see the market?" River's statement came out sounding like a hopeful question.
Mal took a step toward her, the expression on his face pure anger. "You were bored? So you decided to disobey my direct order and sneak off the ship?"
Zoe was beginning to grow concerned that the Captain might decide to take disciplinary measures against River right then and there. She didn't think creating a spectacle in the market would bode well for getting the job with Blackthorn. She moved to position herself between Mal and River.
"Captain, we need to get back to the ship and get ready for Blackthorn's visit. Besides, this is something best done in private."
Mal looked around at the crowd of spectators that was starting to gather to watch the little drama unfolding in front of the jeweler's stall. "You're right, Zoe. Come on, let's get back to the ship." He gestured for Zoe to lead the way, then followed, pulling River behind him with a firm grip on her arm. "You've gone too far this time, young lady. When we get back to Serenity, you're to go straight to your room and wait for me. I'm gonna blister your ass."
River was glad Mal hadn't turned to look back at her when he pronounced her sentence. She needed a moment to wipe the grin from her face. Her plan had worked. "Yes, sir."