Spartan's Quest – Chapter Six
Author owns no rights to Firefly, and no copyright infringement is intended.
--
There were nineteen children from the facility spread over four orphanages. Team elements in shuttles were dispatched to each location.
Elly Mayhew was sleeping in her bed when a hand suddenly descended over her mouth, jolting her from her sleep.
"Shh," a masked figure warned in a hiss. "Do you remember us? We took you from the bad place." The eleven year old girl nodded, eyes not quite so wide.
"You're in danger, child," the voice behind the mask told her. "The people who ran the bad place have friends looking for you. All of you. We have to get you out of here, and away, before they find you again. Okay?" The hand was removed.
"Okay," Elly whispered, and the mouth visible from the mask smiled.
"Good girl. Gather your things, and get dressed. Quickly. We've got to hurry."
Similar scenes played out all through that home, and three others. Soon the shuttles were rendezvousing in air, with a fifth, armed shuttle, escorting them.
"All teams report success," the pilot on the escort reported. The captain nodded.
"Back to the estate," he ordered. "Best speed."
--
"What the hell do you mean, gone?" Brockman almost screamed at the screen before him.
"They were taken in the night, sir," the woman from Children's Services said fearfully. "Every one of them. Nothing left behind."
"You assured me that this was taken care of," Brockman seethed.
"I assured you that the process was taken care of," the woman found a tiny bit of spine. "You never even hinted to me that something like this might occur, sir."
"Those children are of vital importance to me," Brockmam grated. "Find them, or suffer." He cut the wave before she could stammer a reply.
Brockman's fist slammed down on his desk, cracking the wood beneath it. There had to be a way to find those children. Too much depended on it.
--
"Do we have a place prepared for the children?" Inara asked, watching the returning shuttles.
"Yes," Prim nodded. "Janos owns a rather large estate on a rim world moon called Nightside. We've used it many times, over the years, for various things. It's more than adequate to house the children, and the staff."
"Is it safe, Prim?" Inara asked quietly. "Reavers are a threat, on the Rim. And it's a long way from here, if they were to need help."
"True," he nodded. "But the manor has an adequate safe-hold, more then capable of sustaining the children and staff through a reaver attack. And," he grinned, "I intend to send an element of the Team along, as well, to provide extra security."
"That should do it," Inara nodded. "Who will be in charge?" she asked.
"I have called upon an old friend for that," Prim informed her. "Yuki Hiroshi. She will be the children's tutor, among other things. She is a certified educational specialist. And," he looked at her, "a very old friend." Inara smiled at how carefully Prim phrased that. Hiroshi was part of the Brethren.
"Sounds like a plan," Inara agreed. "Mal will be here by the time we've finished arranging for everything the children will need."
"Yes," Prim nodded. "Do you want to go along, Inara?" Prim asked suddenly. "To make sure things are suitable?" She was startled by the question.
"What?"
"If you want to go along, and make sure that the arrangements are adequate, then do so," Prim told her gently.
"No, I. . ." Inara spluttered a bit. "I don't want to leave you, Prim," Inara admitted finally. "If you're going, then I will go as well. But I have no desire to be away from you." Prim smiled at that, and took her in his arms.
"I'm delighted to hear you say that," he admitted.
--
"Comin' into orbit 'round Londinium, sir," Willie announced on the com. Mal was on the bridge a moment later, Neera alongside him.
"Any trouble gettin'. . ." He trailed off as the printer started chattering, printing out landing permits, and weather conditions.
"Guess not," he grinned. Willie smiled, and guided Serenity into a landing sequence, entering atmo, then heading toward the estate.
Twenty minutes later, the ship was on the ground. As the ramp descended, Mal spied Prim and Inara waiting off the pad, along with another woman Mal hadn't seen before.
"Hello again," Mal smiled, as he walked down the ramp.
"Welcome back, Captain," Prim smiled.
"Hi, Mal," Inara smiled as well.
"Captain, this is Yuki Hiroshi," Prim introduced to woman. "She'll be accompanying you to the destination, and assuming control of the manor when you arrive. The children will be her responsibility."
"Miss Hiroshi," Mal smiled, taking her hand gently, then releasing it.
"Pleasure to meet you, Captain," Yuki's voice was soft, and husky. "Hi, Neera," she smiled. Neera hugged her tightly.
"Good to see you again, Yu," Neera said softly.
"We'll see a bit more of each other, I'm thinking," Yuki smiled. Neera nodded.
"Malcolm, there are nineteen children, and nine adults. Plus a load of supplies. Can you take it all?" Prim asked.
"Long as folk's don't mind cramped quarters," Mal nodded. "Children'll have to put up in the lounge, or maybe the cargo bay. You got enough mattresses for that?"
"I'll see to it," Inara smiled. "You'll need about a quarter of the cargo bay for supplies, Mal. I'd suggest placing them against the rear wall, so they can be secured. It's a ten day trip, roughly, and the children will need room."
"Okay," Mal nodded. "We can do that, right enough."
"Come up to the house, and I'll fill you in over dinner," Prim told him. "I'll have the ship loaded while we eat, and you can go as soon as you're ready. I've ordered the maintenance crew to give Lucas whatever help he might need, and to top off your tanks as well."
"Sounds like you've covered everything," Mal smiled. "Let's eat."
--
"What's wrong with you?" Jayne asked, looking at River.
"What?" she looked up, startled by the question.
"What is wrong with you?" he repeated, slower. She shook her head.
"I feel. . .off. I don't know why."
"Off?" Jayne frowned. "In what way?"
"If I knew, I wouldn't have said 'I don't know why'," River shot back.
"Okay," Jayne nodded. "Dumb question. What are the symptoms. The effects."
"I am somewhat disoriented," River told him. "Momentary bouts of dizziness, and some nausea as well. And when I stand too quickly, I become light headed. I feel as if I'm in a zero gravity environment, sometimes. Like I'm floating." Jayne smiled slowly at that.
"You are entering your final stage of adjustment," he told her calmly. "Your troubles will worsen, slightly, over the next few hours, then ease somewhat. Your mind," he poked her forehead playfully, "is waking to the fact that something is different. Do not be alarmed. It will pass."
"Will I hate you again?" River asked, grimacing at the memory of several mornings spent losing her meals and feeling disoriented when she was at the estate.
"Probably," Jayne smirked. "But I hope that too, will pass."
"It will," she smiled fondly. Suddenly she rose, hand flying to her mouth. She teetered momentarily, but Jayne's hand shot out to steady her. She glared at him, then ran for the head.
"Well, I'd say the quiet time is gone, for now," Jayne sighed.
--
"Be careful, you two," Inara said quietly as Mal and Neera prepared to leave. "I just saw, a few minutes ago, where the director of Children's Services was found dead in her home. Apparent break in gone wrong. Only nothing was taken."
"Might be you weren't being too hasty at all, then," Mal nodded. "We'll take care."
"If you need anything, call," Prim ordered, extending his hand. "I'll see to it that you get it."
"See you in a while," Mal shook his hand, and accepted a brief hug from Inara.
"We're set, Captain," Willie's voice floated over the com. Mal shut the ramp.
"Take us outta the world, Willie."
--
Inara and Prim watched the ship rise into the atmosphere. They were silent, clinging to each other's hands. When Serenity was out of sight, they started back to the house.
"I wouldn't mind being a part of the children's lives, myself," Inara admitted as they walked. "Helping them recover from what they've suffered, and preparing them for a new life."
"You can be," Prim told her. "You should have spoken earlier, Inara. You could have gone with them, if you wanted. Can still go."
"No," she smiled. "Much as I'd like to do that, I wouldn't want to leave you," she admitted. "I've grown used to being around you, Primeter Vatorian. I don't think I'd enjoy being anywhere that you weren't."
"I'm very pleased to hear that, Inara," Prim smiled in spite of himself. "For I am very much opposed to your being anywhere I am not. I would miss you more than mere words can say."
"Then perhaps you should think of some other way to demonstrate," she grinned at him. "Something more. . .tangible, shall we say, than mere words."
"I might come up with something, given time," Prim grinned. "In fact, I may have just the thing," he told her, and lowered his lips to hers.
--
"We're away, Boss," Willie called over the com. "On course, and lookin' good."
"Keep an eye on our sensors," Mal warned. "Don't wanna be pickin' up no followers."
"Will do, boss."
Mal left the bridge, heading aft. The noise generated by nineteen excited children was filling the boat. He hid a smile at the sound. If there was one thing he'd never expected to hear on Serenity, it was children's laughter.
"Looks like a day care," Neera smirked as he walked out onto the catwalk. She was leaned on the rail, watching the children playing. He took a minute to drink in the sight of her.
"What are you looking at?" she demanded, the faintest hint of a grin playing at her lips.
"A work of art," Mal told her honestly, and Neera actually blushed.
"You say the sweetest things," she murmured, and leaned over to kiss him.
"Ahem," Zoe's voice interrupted. Mal turned to look at her.
"What?" he demanded.
"Sorry to butt in," she fought off a grin. "But Yuki wants a word with you."
"About?" Mal asked.
"No idea," Zoe admitted. "She's in the galley."
Mal and Neera followed Zoe into the galley, where Yuki Hiroshi sat at the table.
"Captain," she smiled when he came in. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted you to know that we have worked out both a sleeping arrangement for the children, and a watch schedule. One of us will be on duty at all times during the trip, to deal with any difficulties that may arise in the children's care."
"Well, that's good to know," Mal nodded, not having thought of that one. "It'll help us a mite, not having to worry over them as well as the ship."
"I thought that would be the case," she smiled. "Also, it will allow some bonding time for each of the care givers with the children. That way when we reach our destination, familial patterns will already be set."
"Uh, yeah, that's. . .that sounds good," Mal bluffed. Neera and Zoe both snickered at him.
"Is there anything you need me to do, Captain? Or any questions you may have?"
"No, sounds like you done covered it all better'n I could have," Mal admitted.
"Well, I think we'll have a wonderful trip," Yuki said enthusiastically. "And I'm looking forward to it!"
--
"They're already away?" River asked, looking at Prim over the screen.
"Yes, My Lady," Prim nodded.
"What was that about the Director of the Orphanage?" Jayne asked.
"Found murdered in her home, my Lord," Prim told him.
"Prim, I think we may delay our return," Jayne said suddenly.
"I thought you might, given the circumstances," Prim almost smiled.
"We'll just tag along behind Serenity, I think," Jayne nodded. "Just in case."
"Very well," Prim nodded.
"Prim, are you wanting some time off?" Jayne asked suddenly. "You've been there, at the estate, for a long time. Would you like to go walk about?" Prim looked startled at that.
"I. . .who would run the affairs, My Lord?" Prim asked.
"As soon as we see Serenity safely to their destination, River and I will return," Jayne told him. "I think between the two of us, we can manage while you, and Inara," he didn't smirk, but it was tempting, "have some well deserved time off."
"Thank you, Janos," Prim said softly. "That would be most agreeable."
"Consider it done, then," Jayne ordered. "We'll see you soon." With that he broke the connection, and hit the com.
"Harry, how are we for fuel?"
"Fine, My Lord," Harry called back. "Topped off on Osiris."
"Change in plans then," he ordered. "Serenity is on route to Nightside, and the manor there. Her proposed course is on the nav trac. I want to close up on them, but stay back. They may require assistance."
"Aye, my Lord," Harry answered. "Changing course in five." Jayne switched off the com, and looked back to River.
"I assume that speaking to your brother can wait a bit longer?" he asked.
"It can," she nodded weakly. "And maybe I'll be feeling better."
"I'm sure of it," he smiled, kissing her forehead. "Hungry?"
"Very," River nodded. He stood and took her hand, and the two walked to the galley in silence.
--
"And you're certain they're on Reynolds' ship?" Brockman asked. Badger nodded nervously.
"I am. 'Cordin' ta me sources, 'e left out a few hours ago."
"Headed where?"
"No one seems ta know," Badger admitted. "Only thing I got was a rough direction, 'eaded over toward Brisban'."
"If you find out where, I expect you to notify me immediately."
"Sure, mate," Badger resisted the urge to gulp. The screen went dark, and Badger reclined in his chair, relieved.
Sorry, Reynolds, he though sadly. 'e ain't one I can buck.
--
Mal looked up as Julio Givens walked up onto the bridge. The man's normally cheerful features were marred by a shocking sadness.
"You okay, Julio?" Mal asked.
"No," the man replied, sitting in the co-pilot's seat, almost in a daze. "I. . .I've got some news, Mal."
"What is it?" Mal leaned forward. "Judgin' by the look on your face, I take it that it ain't good news."
"No," Julio repeated, his voice almost choked. "I. . .I found a list, buried in the files from the Facility. A list of. . .a list of 'lost assets'. Lost as in no longer viable."
"And?" Mal queried, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach.
"They're all dead, Mal," Julio finally managed. "All eight of them. Listed as 'failed trials', or 'sub optimal experiments', or some other cold-hearted bull shit." Mal realized that Julio was trembling in rage.
"Are you sure, Julio?" Mal asked quietly. "Ain't no way it's just a. . . ."
"No, I'm sure," the hacker/genius admitted. "The list is duplicated in three areas. All as lost or 'disposed of'. They're gone. They were gone before we ever took the place down."
Mal bit out a curse, murmuring into the darkness of the bridge. He leaned back in his chair, thoughtful.
"Then now we look for who did it," Mal said finally. "We find them, and we make them pay."
"Neera's lead, on that Brockman, is a good place to start," Julio growled. "I'd really like to get my hands on the. . . ."
"We all would," Mal nodded. "And we will. Right now, though," he added, "we got us a boatload o' children could end up the same way, we don't see after'em. Let's make sure they're taken care of, then we'll see to this Mister Brockman. Dong Ma?"
"Agreed," Julio nodded. "I need to. . .Prim has to know," he added. Mal nodded.
"Give him a call, and let him know, then," Mal pointed to the cortex screen, standing. "I need to go have a word with Neera."
"She won't take it well, Mal," Julio told him.
"I know."