Hello. Iverik here. Just a reminder: This story uses characters created by someone other than me.
Facing the Black
The Alliance was very, very grateful to Kaylee Frye and Esperelda Gonzalez.
Coincidentally, an internal rebellion occurred within the Autodemarchy just a month into the war. A peace treaty was signed. Since the rebels had control of the Autodemarch's still formidible war-fleet, the Alliance agreed to let them control some of the outer worlds. Peace wouldn't last- but when war came again, neither side would be facing extermination, but only subjugation. A small victory, but a victory none the less.
Inara's shuttle and Serenity reunited over the dark gas giant of Circe. Mal swept Kaylee off the floor in a giant bear hug.
"So... we've got the job?" Simon asked cautiously.
"Indeed we do," Zoe smirked.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Wash announced dramatically, "the powers that be are letting us travel to Circe and its moons, and to do business therein."
"I expect we'll make a tidy sum," Mal said casually, "with a good deal less risk than we've been taking on of late."
"That's not all," Kaylee beamed.
"What?" Mal paused.
"Apparently, if the Alliance considers you a hero, they alter your ident-card," Kaylee explained. She winked.
"So... what've we got?"
"You want to explain?" Kaylee looked at Simon.
"Basically, it's a free pass onto any low-level Alliance facility. Get chased for a minor offense, and they'll back off..."
"Reminds me of Shepard Book's," Zoe remarked.
"Well." Mal was floored.
"That's not all," Kaylee added.
"It's like Christmas morning," Wash noted.
"Go on Kaylee, tell us," Inara said.
Kaylee stepped towards the doctor and took his hand. "We're getting hitched," she said.
"No you ain't!" Mal protested.
"We're so happy for you!" Zoe corrected. Inara nodded firmly.
Wash grinned. Mal threw up his hands in defeat.
"Win some, you lose some," River commented.
"Thought we were past that," Mal groused.
"Ah, well, there's always something."
River stared at her hands intently. They had made her what she was. When they realized they'd lost her, they'd tried to paralyze her. Now she knew that they'd failed. All she needed was a little help...
No Power in the 'verse could stop her.
The End.