Copper for a Kiss by Lady Cleo

All Disclaimers' Apply

Author's Note: Since the Tam's were not onboard Serenity, Ariel didn't happened – therefore Serenity had no need to be near Ezra to sell the drugs, thus War Stories never happened.

Chapter Eleven: The Black, Near Ezra

2518 Early May.

Jayne's eyes flashed open. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he glanced around the small shuttle, wiping the sweat from his brow. Shaking his head he reached beneath the pillow, grabbing the weapon that lay there, he pushed back the covers and stood. River shifted in her sleep, pulling the covers close.

Creeping forward, Jayne reached for the door handle, taking a deep breath as he held the gun ready. The door slid back easily. The shuttle's empty cockpit lay still and silent. A bright orange planet was coming fast into view. The console flashed with a red light – still he could feel the wrong in his bones, in the way his heart wouldn't calm down. Jayne stepped into the room.

The cold tip of an Alliance stun gun pressed into his back. "Jayne Cobb, you are bound by law to stand down." In a blur the shuttle was suddenly crawling with the grey uniforms. Someone swiped the pistol away, locking his hands behind his back. "Under jurisdiction code 1:2.56 you are hereby sentenced to death for aiding and abetting the escape of the candidate: Tam, River."

Somewhere in the distance River\rquote s screams reached Jayne's ears. His heart stopped.

"The candidate will be returned to the Academy for further testing." The Officer stepped into view, a smug grin stretched across his pale lips. "For your crimes against the government, you will not receive a court arraignment, but your sentence will be carried out immediately under jurisdiction code 2:4.02." The sidearm lifted into view, muzzle pressing into Jayne's forehead. "I suggest you wake up now!"

Jayne fought through the black of sleep, wrenching himself out of the spell and into a sitting position. Scrambling out of bed, he grabbed for the nearest weapon, aiming the piece randomly into each and every corner or shadow. A fist slammed against the wall panel, flooding the room with light.

Ignoring the still peacefully sleeping River, Jayne charged forward, yanking up the door and moving swiftly into the cockpit. Gun quick to point out every shadow, Jayne targeted anything that appeared to move, as his eyes trained around the room. Taking a breath

Jayne cautiously approached the scanner, searching for any sign of a distant ship. But the only thing showing was the distant planet of Ezra, a small orange ball that was slowly creeping into view.

Jayne let a shaky breath slip through his lips as he dropped down to the pilot's chair. Placing the gun on the console he buried his face in his hands, trying to shake off the fear that still gripped his heart. "No way in ruttin' hell she's ever going back to the feds. Was just some stupid little dream – nothin' ta worry about."

A foot hit the grating of the cockpit and Jayne jumped, grabbing the pistol he swung around and aimed it in the direction of the noise.

River gazed at him through the long tangled waves of hair. Jayne slowly lowered the gun. Trying to force his body to relax, he gingerly set the weapon back on the console. River frowned, padding gently over to him she slowly climbed onto his lap.

"Ruttin' bad dream is all," Jayne answered the question in her eyes. Slowly leaning back into the chair he let her snuggle deeper into his embrace as he wrapped his arms loosely around her waist. Resting his chin on top of her head, Jayne took another deep shaky breath. River's breathing evened out, his presence reclaiming her back into the black of a dreamless sleep.

Deciding that he was just nervous about the upcoming encounter, Jayne kicked his feet up onto the console and told himself that he should get some sleep. But the remnants of the nightmare kept his eyes wide open as he watched the small orange ball start to get bigger.

-

Simon stared down at the cortex screen in his father's study, but couldn't yet hit the button. Swiveling around in the chair, the young doctor glanced over the familiar mahogany bookshelves piled high with books and the occasional family portrait. Turning back around, Simon pulled one of the desk drawers open and briefly flipped through the neatly organized paper work. Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to stand out. Whatever his father had discovered about River, the Academy, or the Alliance, he'd obviously kept it someplace out of the ordinary.

Leaning back in the chair, Simon shifted, trying to get comfortable in the soft leather as his mind worked over his mother's words. Something wasn't sitting right. And he wasn't sure what it was. It could have been his mother's own words, but then again- Simon had a feeling that something had happened to his father, something that couldn't be explained by the medical charts that Dr. Chamberlain had given him.

He felt as though he was about to step onto landmine – that something was about to explode into the open.

Reaching forward, Simon hit the cortex screen and dialed the first number. "Greetings, doc," Mr. Rodger's face flashed across the screen, his heavy voice filling the small study. "About ready to re-join the crusade? Got a new link on your sister, looks like she might be heading out towards the outer rim-"

"Unfortunately, no," Simon answered. "My father's condition is very serious and I need to remain here for a few more weeks. I've wired some additional funds to your account. I want you to keep up the search for my sister and keep me informed. This is a secure line, but I'll contact you, it's safer that way."

Roger's nodded, "No problem, doc." The screen flashed to black and Simon quickly typed in the second number.

"Dr. Holden's office."

Simon smiled at the young woman on the other side of the screen and cleared his throat, "My name is Dr. Simon Tam. I believe Dr. Holden is expecting my call."

"Yes, of course, hold on second and I'll transfer you." The screen flashed to a white and blue logo for a second before flashing to the balding middle aged man.

"Dr. Tam," Holden greeted with a polite smile. "I was expecting your call. I've just finished looking over your father's charts. I understand that Dr. Chamberlain wishes for me to examine your father, as he believes that I can be of some assistance."

Simon smiled back, "That's correct. If it's at all possible I would like to make immediate arrangements for your diagnosis of his condition."

Holden pressed his lips together and leaned forward, "I'm afraid a journey to Osiris is out of the question. I've got several patients that remain in critical condition and can not leave at this time. However, I understand that your father is in moveable condition."

"That's correct," Simon's forehead wrinkled in confusion. "Are you suggesting that-"

"Precisely." Holden leaned back in his chair and pressed the tips of his fingers together. "If the idea is amenable to you, I can arrange for a Medical Frigate or private transport to safely transfer Mr. Tam to our little facility. We do have state of the art equipment, minus a functioning brain scan. But as that's already been determined as little help in this case, there should be no problem. Unless of course-"

Simon shook his head. "I see no problem; the trip will be good for my mother. I'll make the arrangements if you don't mind."

"Of course not."

"Very well then, I'll contact you as soon as we're in orbit. Good evening, Dr." Shutting off the connection, Simon leaned back into the chair and rubbed a hand over his eyes. "Why does this just keep getting more and more complicated?"

-

Jayne opened his eyes with a start, the loud whining beep of the console shaking him from sleep. The planet that had seemed so distant but a moment ago was now looming closely into view.

Gently shaking River awake he fondly slapped her bottom. "Get girl," before guiding her into the co pilot's chair.

Switching off auto pilot, Jayne leveled the small shuttle into orbit and towards the revolving skyplex, his stomach all the while twisting into uncomfortable knots.

"No good, no good at all," River whispered, her gaze fixed on the revolving base. "All hurt, no good."

Setting the course back on auto pilot, Jayne stood and holstered the weapon on the console. Moving back to the sleeping quarters he added his knife and an additional weapon to his arsenal and returned to the helm. Jayne retook his seat just in time to guide the ship into dock.

"Alright, come on baby, let's get this over with." Standing he grabbed a hold of her hand and started towards the door.

"No," River whispered, pulling the large man to a stop before he could reach the hatch. "It's bad, he wants to hurt the girl, wants to play with the needles. Can't fight him, Jayne, can't take him. Moves too quick, dark thoughts - even if she wants to, she can't."

"I ain't gonna let him do that," Jayne promised. "You just stay by my side and we'll get in, get this ruttin' scan done, and get out." River shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "We don't got a choice, he's the only one with the ruttin' hardware- least ways, he's the only one we can get to."

"I ain't gonna let him touch you," Jayne assured. Walking back over to her, he swept an arm around her waist, lifting her feet off the ground. He half carried the struggling girl back over to the hatch and opened it with his free hand, stepping through the round door into the corridors.

"Shit!" The curse could barely be stopped from his lips as Jayne met the troupe of armed men. Gulping down the fear, the mercenary stepped forward setting River back on her own feet. Someone motioned for them to follow, and the company of guards started to lead the pair down the corridors.

Jayne followed after, tugging River along - it was a bad idea, but he felt as though he had no choice or say in the matter. There was no logical way that he would be able to handle all the guards alone- even if River managed to kick into fighting mode. Someone was going to get hurt, and he had a sneaking suspicion that it would be him.

Taking a breath the mercenary forced himself to calm down and think clearly. They had no choice now. No way to back out, no way to go forward. He would just have to make do, like always. Somehow the thought was little comfort.

The door rolled back. "Holy shit, what the hell-" Jayne reached for his weapon as he stared up into the large, ugly face that growled down at him.

"He's fine. They can come in," the heavily accented voice called from somewhere behind the larger man. The hulk stepped back, allowing the pair to enter the plush yet darkly lit office. "Jayne Cobb. Very nice. I am Adelai Niska. You have seen Herod. He likes to stand at the door to say Boo! He replaced a cousin, Crow, very unfortunate loss, yes."

Jayne eyed the little monster behind the large desk. "Figured that was the only use his ugly face was good for. You get the word that I got a job for ya?" His heart was pounding in his chest, but he fought off the nervousness. River squirmed in his grasp, pressing closer to his side as her large eyes watched the little man.

Niska stood, nodding at the couple. "Yes! Yes, an exciting job. You want me to scan, eh, see what Alliance did to her brain, no?"

"That's right, like I told your man, willing to pay a shit load of money just to use your hardware to get those scans." Jayne's hand unconsciously tightened its hold on the gun at his side.

Niska smiled, coming forward he leaned against his desk. "Yes. Good! Will be done for the amount- You have reputation! Jayne Cobb- heartless mercenary, gets it done is the talk. Is like me, lets no man walk when he is threat, yes?" Niska smiled and Jayne felt a cold shiver run down his back. "Talk of Jayne's witch too. Talk of girl who is more than she seems, yes?"

"You know what is reputation? Is people talking. Is gossip. I also have reputation. And not so pleasant I think you know."

"Ruttin reputation is nothin' but go se, and if ya listened to half what's been said, than you know I ain't one for standing around and chit chattin' all friendly like. You scan her brain, I give you the ruttin' money, and we're done, got it?"

Niska smiled and shook his head, "I think not. Has been a change in plans, yes. You have provided opportunity to study specimen not seen before. And chance should not to be passed."

Jayne pulled for the weapon. River screamed. Pain lanced down his back as the world faded back into black.

-

Niska watched the mercenary slump forward, the girl kicking and screaming in Herod's arms. "Eh, take her to holding cell. I will start later, yes."

Niska relaxed, the girl's screams fading down the hallway. Leaning forward, he stared down at the larger man sprawled on the floor. "I have no use for him. To many of his type I have studied." Turning away the small man walked back around his desk and took a seat. "Throw him with the trash, yes."

-

Jayne's head throbbed. His body screamed. His awareness faded in and out. But everything, body, mind, and heart, told Jayne to get up now.

Groaning, Jayne pulled himself slowly into a sitting position and glanced around. The darkened contents of the shuttle were illuminated by the burning sunlight that cast in through the pilot's window.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Jayne forced himself to his legs. Stumbling over to the front of the shuttle, he practically fell into the pilot's chair. The console was dead, like everything else in the shuttle should have been. "Couldn't make it that ruttin easy."

Pushing himself back to his feet, Jayne moved towards the hatch, falling against it. Trembling hands grabbed the handle. The mercenary groaned, shoving all of his weight against the heavy metal object. The door budged easily enough and Jayne spilled out into the blinding white desert. Stumbling for a second, he crashed to the sand - the world still spinning around him.

"Captain, look what I found!"

-

Captain Malcolm Reynolds gazed down at the unconscious man stretched across his infirmary chair. "There's something familiar 'bout him." Tilting his head, the captain scratched at his neck. "Like I know him from somewhere, maybe heard about him or somethin'- He look familiar to you, Zoe?"

"He should," Wash interrupted. The pilot strolled into the infirmary with Kaylee and Book in tow. Circling around the bed, he stopped beside his wife and grinned. "That face is all over the cortex. Seems there's a warrant for his arrest."

"Yeah, what's he wanted for?"

"Aiding and abetting the escape of a fugitive, some little slip of a girl with a funny name."

"They didn't say what she was wanted for, Captain," Kaylee supplied as she crossed the room to stand by Mal. "She was real pretty though, didn't look like she was no murderer."

"Knowing the Alliance, I'd say that was entirely possible, Kaylee. But knowing people I'd also say that she could be an ass kicking killer."

"Might want to take that back, captain." Mal raised an eyebrow. "This here is Jayne Cobb, and that little bit would be River Tam, the one Monty was telling you about," added with a grin.

Mal jumped back a step. "You don't say? You mean I got a living legend here on my boat?" Crossing his arms across his chest, Mal leaned forward to examine the man again. "Always thought he'd be uglier, ya know, with some big disfigured scar cross his face, older too."

"Shiny. Who's Jayne Cobb?" Stepping forward, Kaylee glanced over the unconscious man. "I never heard of him."

"A mercenary," Zoe supplied. "Word is he once shot a man from five hundred yards with a bent scope."

Wash nodded his head in agreement. "Also heard he's awful fond of throwing partners out of moving shuttles if they don't wanna do it his way."

"Wait a minute," Mal frowned, "if he's here, where's the witch?"

Kaylee wrinkled her forehead at the captain. "Ain't no such thing as a witch."

"He's talking about Jayne's partner," Wash answered. "They say she reads minds and kills with her brain. Marco swears she shot down three men with her eyes closed."

Mal shook his head and looked up from the mercenary back over at his pilot and first mate, "Don't make much sense. Last I heard he was workin' the outer rim and steering clear of civilization. Understandable consider the chunk of change they've got on her head alone. What's he doin' here in Niska's trash-"

"Ye su, ta ma de," Jayne grunted pushing himself up into a sitting position. Shaking his head to clear his vision he glanced over the small crew. A hand dropped down to the empty holster. "What'd ya do with my gun?"

"A good morning to you too," Mal quipped. "Took the precaution of removing it. So long as you're here on my boat, you don't got no use for it." Mal watched as the mercenary seemed to try and compose himself. "Must've hit you pretty hard- from behind I reckon. What'd ya do to piss Niska off?"

"What's it to you," Jayne groaned. Swinging his legs of the bed he started to stand.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, son-" Book started to say. Jayne crashed to the floor. Mal held back the snicker, reaching down to help Jayne pull himself back up. "You've hit your head pretty strong." Book moved over to one of the counters and opened a drawer, pulling out a syringe. "This should give you a boost of energy."

Jayne pushed the needle away, "No thanks. If'n you were in my position, I'd doubt you'd take it either."

"Suit yourself." Book dropped the syringe to the table and moved back over to stand next to Kaylee.

Mal glanced briefly over the weaker man, watching as he tried to regain his bearing and stay standing. "Names Captain Malcolm Reynolds," he introduced himself. "This here is my boat, Serenity. We picked ya up in the trash. Gotta say, this is quite an honor, never had a celebrity of your standing on the boat before."

"Don't count yourself too lucky," Jayne coughed hunching over in pain. Mal took a step forward. "As it won't be for long-" Jayne whispered. Jerking upright, his fist knocked into Mal's face as he pulled a weapon from the captain's holster.

Mal stumbled backwards as the rest of the crew jumped, Zoe grabbing for her

carbine. "Now, now, don't want anybody to get hurt," Jayne declared calmly, swinging the gun around the room.

"Son of a bitch." Grasping his bleeding nose, Mal straightened. "Should of seen that coming."

Jayne grinned at the other man, "Gotta understand, man with a reward on his head like mine, well, you don't trust nobody but your mind reading partner. Hate ta stay and chat, but I got a call ta make and a assault ta plan."

"You really think you can mount a one man assault on Niska's skyplex," Zoe questioned with a hard glare as she inched towards him.

"That's suicide," Wash added.

"Hell no," Jayne answered truthful, backing towards the door, the weapon trained on Zoe. "But he's got something of mine, and I ain't leavin' her there ta rot. Awfully obliged for the hospitality, but I've got me a little man to kill and no time in which ta do it."

"You might reconsider that, son."

Jayne paused, "Huh?" For the third time in one day, Jayne crashed to the floor.

Inara moved forward, dropping the heavy black pot. Reached down, she pulled the weapon away from Jayne's hand, tossing it to Mal.

"Gorram it." Slowly pulling himself up, Jayne glared at the companion. "That weren't very hospitable of ya."

"Considerin' how you were repaying our kindness," Mal answered, wiping the blood from his face with his free hand. "I'd say we were in the right."

"Put yourself in my position and tell me ya wouldn't do the same?"

"I ain't even sure what position you're in."

"Backstabbed for probably the thousandth time this year," Jayne snorted. "Having just had your ruttin' wife kidnapped by a sick bastard that's probably gonna mess with her head even more- Tell me ya wouldn't take advantage of every situation ya could."

Mal glanced at Inara out of the corner of his eye.

"Reckon we're at a stalemate here." Shaking off the pain, Jayne glanced over the two guns pointed in his direction. "You could shoot me, or I could make it worth your while ta lower them weapons."

"I don't think you're in a position to negotiate, son. Not with an award that size hanging over you head."

Jayne glanced over at Book. "You gonna tell me that a Browncoat is going to willingly give the Alliance something they want?" Jayne shook his. "Hell you' don't know half the story, but I bet the answers gonna be a hellfire no with or without the damn story."

"And," Zoe prompted with a glare.

"Well, there ain't time to give the whole damned story anyway." Running his hand across his lips, Jayne cleared his throat. "But there's money, and a shit load to be had if ya lower them weapons."

"Let me get this straight." Mal raised an eyebrow in hard thought. "You're askin' us ta help you get back the little bit? To in essence attempt suicide against Niska's complex? For money?"

"Want my girl back now. And I ain't poor."

"How much?"

"Sir-"

"Mal-"

"Capt'n-"

"How much," Mal reiterated silencing the other voices.

Jayne shifted against the counter, closing an eye as he quickly calculated the figures. "20, 000-"

"Wo de ma! How in the hell do you have that much stashed up your sleeve?"

"What's it matter where I got it- I got it. You get me the girl, I'll put the credits in your hands."

"His kind don't part with money easily, sir," Zoe pointed out.

Jayne jumped up defensively. "30,000 - 40, 000. You name the ruttin' price, if'n I have to sell my god damned soul ta get her back then you can have it. I ain't leaving her up there to be played with. I ain't lettin' her live though one more nightmare, not so long as I'm standing here breathing."

Mal frowned as he watched the mercenary fume in place. "Reckon- we have a deal, Mr. Cobb."

Note: The timeline used is based off of Edgar Governo's Firefly Timeline.

Chinese-

Wo de ma! Mother of god.