Spartan's Quest - Chapter 20
Author owns no rights to Firefly, and writes only for his own amusement.
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"Something on your mind, Mal?" Jayne asked. Mal had walked up to stand beside Jayne along the fence surrounding the property, but had just stood there. Silent.
"Maybehaps," Mal nodded. "When we gonna see an end to all this, Jayne?" They had been idle for over a month, now, and Mal was chafing. Well, they hadn't been idle, exactly. Much work had been done in settling the new comers into life on Nightside.
"Soon, I hope," Jayne told him. "Gettin' itchy feet, Mal?" he grinned.
"Gettin' tired o' just sittin'," Mal nodded. "Gonna be hard to find work, I stay outta sight much longer," he added.
"You're still on the payroll here, Mal," Jayne reminded him. "But you know you're free to go anytime. You've done your part, and then some. You get ready, head out. Artemis will take you back to the manor to get your own ship."
"Don't like leavin' a job undone," Mal hedged.
"It's not," Jayne pointed out. "Your job was to get these people here, safely. You did that. Job's over. You want to stay and be part o' the rest, you're welcome. Always welcome, comes to that, and you know it," he added with a grin.
"Appreciate that," Mal smiled.
"What's really buggin' you, Mal?" Jayne asked suddenly. "Other than sittin' still when you know there's somethin' needs doin'?"
"Nothin', really," Mal shrugged. "Just thinkin' it's time to be doin' some'at. I ain't much for stayin' in one place too long, ya know."
"True," Jayne agreed. "Well, like I said, you want to head out, you can. You've done your share, and bit more, I'd say. I'll have Prim fix up your pay, and then you can take the Artemis back to Londinium. Pick up Serenity and the rest of your crew, and be on your merry." Mal considered this for a moment.
"It ain't that I don't want to be in on it," he admitted finally. "I just don't see what I can rightly do, that's all. I ain't got a chance against one of them kind, nor has Zoe. We can't fight 'long side ya, and survive. Or even be of any real help. I just don't see what use we'd be in the fight that's comin'."
"Might be," Jayne nodded in understanding. "And, I can't rightly say when said fight might occur, neither. Folks is lookin' for Brockman and his bunch, but so far they're comin' up dry. Eventually, we'll find'em. Till then, we can't but wait."
"Take a little while to line up any work anyway," Mal temporized. "'Spect we could do it by wave on the trip back."
"Sure," Jayne nodded. "Best not leave without seein' River. She'll be mad. You got enough trouble as it is," he grinned, and Mal laughed aloud.
"Ain't that the sad truth of it. No, I wouldn't leave 'thought sayin' good-bye to her and to Kaylee. Well, and Simon, I guess," he added with a snort.
"Boy ain't all bad," Jayne observed philosophically. "He's done a right wonder with them kids, I know that."
"So he has," Mal had to agree. "And I ain't really got nothin' ag'in him."
"I know that," Jayne nodded. "How you and Neera gettin' along?" Jayne asked, shifting gears suddenly. Mal looked at Jayne in surprise.
"Fine," he admitted. "Just fine."
"She thinks a lot of you, Mal," Jayne said quietly. "I reckon you do her, too. Make sure, time comes when you don't, that you don't do nothin' I'd have to smack you for. She's one o' my dearest friends. Been with me a long, long time. Ain't never knowed her to be wrapped up in any man like she is you, save for a very long time back." Mal's surprise widened.
"Sounds like somethin' I'd've said to you, couple years back," he pointed out.
"Like as not," Jayne nodded. "I won't have to do anything, anyways, you make her mad," he needled. "Just sweep up what's left, and find somewhere to dump it."
"That ain't funny, Jayne," Mal replied.
"It wasn't a joke," Jayne shot back, though he was still grinning. "I just wanted to know if you was really in this for the long haul. It ain't for everyone, you know."
"I know," Mal nodded after a moment. He looked down across the rolling hills, where the town was visible. For a while he just stood there, looking. When he turned to look at Jayne, his face was serious.
"I. . .I love her, Jayne," he admitted. "And it scares me, somethin' fierce. I. . .she told me about the other feller, man she was married to. I was. . .I was kinda afraid she'd leave me, once I took to gettin' long on tooth. After she told me 'bout him, I figured it was worth the risk."
"She's a good woman," Jayne nodded. "One of the best I've ever know. Bit blood thirsty," he allowed with another grin, "but that ain't a bad thing in a woman, especially for one lives like you do."
"True enough," Mal nodded. "Still, it's a lot to think on. I. . .I don't reckon I'm done with my thinkin' just yet. But I don't have near so much left to do as I once did."
"Sounds like a man that's found something special to me, Mal," Jayne smiled. "That's what I like to refer to as a lucky man."
"Ain't no doubt o' that," Mal nodded in agreement. "Anyway, I don't see how this is no concern o' yours," Mal added brusquely. "'Spect that's 'tween Neera an' me."
"'Spect it is at that," Jayne laughed, clapping Mal on the shoulder. "Just wanted to make sure, that's all. I try to look out for all my people."
"I've learned that," Mal admitted. "And it's a good thing. If it rests your mind, any, she thinks o' Serenity as home, nowadays. And I like that. I like it a lot, in fact."
"Sounds good, then," Jayne nodded. "I'll go and have Prim get your money ready. It'll be enough that you ain't gotta work right off, by the way. We owe you for several weeks work, plus expenses. Wouldn't hurt to take a few days just sailin' around."
"Might be, but that ain't no reason not to be workin'," Mal shook his head stubbornly. "I ain't got pockets so deep as yours, Jayne. I need to keep workin' so I can keep flyin'. Fuel and ship parts ain't cheap."
"Good luck, Mal," Jayne shook hands with him. "And take care."
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"Are you sure he won't get mad about that?" Lucas asked, as he and Willie watched the work crews adding a new piece of equipment to Serenity.
"No, but I expect he'll get over it," the little woman said confidently. "And he'll be too busy lookin' at all the other pretties to notice it right off, anyway."
"Bet he won't," Lucas shook his head. "Be the first thing he sees."
"Twenty?" Willie asked, sticking out her hand.
"Done."
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"Are you sure this is the place?" Barstow asked, looking at the small shack before them. "I'd have thought that a crime boss would take better care of his woman than this."
"They aren't all gentlemen, Jarred," Elizabeth noted. "Just because those thugs you normally represent treat their women well in public, doesn't mean that. . . ."
"Oh, God, Elizabeth, I'm sorry I said anything," Barstow groaned. "And, alleged thugs, if you please. Innocent until proven guilty."
"And the worst ones are the only ones who can afford your rates," she replied.
"I have to make a living, Liz."
"Stop calling me that!" she snapped back, and both Meadows and Fell snickered.
"Why'nt you two go and get a room?" Fell asked in derision. "We'll wait here for you."
"Better yet, just get married and be done with it," Meadows added. "Seems like you two have all the downside of marriage, and none of the perks."
"You can't be serious. . . ." Barstow objected.
"This isn't like that, you fancy pants. . . ." Winter bellowed at the same time, and both Meadows and Fell nearly collapsed in laughter. Their friends just glowered at them.
"Who are you?" a voice asked from the house, and the four turned serious at once.
"Beg pardon, ma'am," Meadows tipped his hat to the woman on the porch of the small house. "We were having some fun at our companion's expense, and didn't see you. Are you Evelyn Charles?" Meadows had on his best smile.
"And if I am?" the woman demanded, hands on her hips. She wasn't bad looking, Meadows decided, though she was dirty from working in her garden, it appeared. Dirty blond hair peaked out from a rag tied about her head, and her face, though wearing a scowl at the moment, was one that would certainly rate a second look.
"We'd like to ask you a few questions, ma'am, if you'd spare us the time," Meadows replied. "It won't take long, and we'd be glad to compensate you for the time. We're looking for a former business associate, and word has it that you may know his whereabouts. We have a business deal to put before him. He goes by the name of Wilson."
"You're friends o' his?" she demanded.
"Well, no," Meadows admitted. "As I said, just business associates. But we can't always choose who we do business with."
"He ain't here, noway," she spat on the ground in front of the house. "Been gone near to three months this time, except for being here less'n a day about a month ago. Said he had somethin' 'portant goin' on, be gone a while. Mayhap he won't be back," she shrugged. Apparently that wouldn't be a loss to the woman, if Wilson didn't return.
"Did he say where he was going, ma'am?" Meadows asked. "I wouldn't ask, but we need his services rather quickly. If he can't leave the job he's on, then we may have to find someone else, though that would be difficult."
"Why you need him for, anyway?" Charles demanded. "He ain't worth two rocks rubbed together. If'n you really knowed him, you'd know that!"
"We do know it, Miss Charles," Barstow took that one. "As my associate said, we can't always choose who we do business with. In this case, despite what you said being the case, we don't have much choice. We need to find him, as soon as possible. Do you know where we can find him? Or at least make contact with him? It isn't necessary that we meet face to face, if we can get through to him on the cortex."
"Said he'd be over in the Core for a good bit," she relented. "Near on to three months, most like longer."
"Anywhere in particular, or is he moving around?" Elizabeth asked. Charles eyed her for a moment before answering.
"Said he'd be on Sihnon most o' that time," she admitted. "Why I don't know. He ain't the kind o' man that'd be welcome in a place like that. Nor any o' that bunch as works for him, comes to that," she added.
"We have some acquaintances on Sihnon," Meadows smiled again. "Perhaps they can help us get in touch with him, now that we know where to ask." He walked slowly up to the porch, and handed over a small bag, which the woman took warily.
"For your time and trouble, ma'am," he assured her. "I know we interrupted your day, and I am sorry for that. Hopefully this will make up for it." Inside that bag was more platinum than her house was worth, Meadows knew. If she was smart, she'd leave here right now, today, and never look back. If she wasn't? He shrugged mentally. He'd done what he could to help her. The rest was in her hands.
"Thank you again, Miss Charles," Barstow bowed slightly. "Good day to you."
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Mal stood at the ramp, as the Artemis prepared to lift off for Londinium. River's eyes were damp, and Kaylee had tears trickling down her cheeks.
"Oh, come on, now," Mal chided gently. "This ain't the first time we been through this. And it ain't like we won't see you again."
"I know, Cap'n, but I done got used to you bein' round again," Kaylee said, hugging him tightly. "I'll miss you all over again, now."
"I'll miss you too, lil' Kaylee," he promised, returning her embrace. "But, we gotta make a livin', and there's not much else we can do here."
"You could still stay," River said flatly. "It's not like you aren't making any coin, you know." She hugged Mal tightly as well.
"Ain't never been one to take money for nothin'," Mal told her. "And no matter how deep your pockets are these days, I won't sit here takin' money when the job you hired me to do is already finished. We all got to make our own way, Albatross."
"I know," she smiled weakly. "Fly safe." She moved to hug Neera.
"Take good care of him," she whispered. "He's prone to getting into trouble."
"Don't I know it," Neera chuckled, and hugged the smaller woman back. "Don't worry. I'm not too keen on something happening to him either."
"Happy for you," River smiled. "And for him. It's a good fit."
"Yes, it is." Neera hugged Kaylee too. As she stepped back, she saw Julio Givens headed toward them, bags in hand.
"Going somewhere, geek?" she teased.
"Thought I'd tag along, for a while, anyway," he shrugged as casually as possible. Neera's grin was wide. "Don't start on me," Julio warned. "It ain't like that."
"Uh huh," Neera ribbed him, glancing to where Zoe was watching Givens The warrior woman was stoic as ever, but her eyes might have been a little brighter than usual. She smiled as Julio walked on board, and offered to take one of his bags. Mal watched for a moment, as the two headed off, then turned to Neera.
"Huh. Didn't see that comin'."
"You never do," River cackled, and Mal frowned.
"You knew about this?" he demanded, looking from Neera to River, and back again. Both women shrugged.
"Hints, maybe," Neera replied.
"Intuition," River added. Mal sighed.
"Two o' you will likely be the death o' me, yet," he shook his head. Inwardly, though, he wanted to be pleased. Maybe Givens could help Zoe heal a bit, after what had happened to Wash. Anything was possible, he decided. The past year or so had proven that beyond a shadow of a doubt.
"Jayne know he's goin'?" he asked.
"He does," River nodded.
"Well, I guess that's that, then," Mal nodded. "Can't say he won't be useful, that's for sure."
"We're ready when you are, sir," the comm crackled. Mal hit the switch.
"Right. We're almost ready." He turned to the others.
"Take care," he smiled. "We'll be seein' you." With that, he and Neera made their way onto the ship, and Mal closed the ramp.
"We're good to go," he reported over the comm. "Take us out."
Artemis shuddered slightly, then was flying. Mal turned to Neera.
"On our way home, bao bei," he hugged her, then kissed her lightly.
"Like the sound of that," she nodded.
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"Mal and the rest get off okay?" Jayne asked, as River joined him in his study.
"Yes," she nodded. "I still don't see why you couldn't have been there," she added, a bit peevishly.
"Had a call come in as they were leaving," he shrugged. "Seems like Liz and Jarred have run Brockman's man, Wilson, to ground. At least they know where he may be," he added. "They're on their way to check it out, now."
"Where is he?" River asked, leaning forward, Jayne's absence at the other's departure instantly forgiven.
"Sihnon."
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"So, can't help but notice we seem to have a new crew member," Mal said as nonchalantly as possible. He and Zoe were sitting at the galley table, the two of them having been discussing possible work options.
"Noticed that myself," Zoe nodded. "You usually consult me 'fore hirin' anyone, sir. Don't recall you askin' me about this one."
"What?" Mal almost screeched. "I didn't. . .he didn't ask me! He just showed up and said he thought he'd tag along!"
"So you aren't doin' the hirin' anymore, I take it?" Zoe asked, a look of concern on her face. "Anyone want's on, all they have to do is just say so?"
Mal spluttered and stammered a bit, before Zoe finally lost her battle with the smile that was threatening.
"That ain't funny," Mal muttered.
"Oh, yes it was," Zoe needled. "You were all set to give me a hard time about Julio staying with us. I just managed to turn it around on you." Mal glared at her half-heartedly for a minute, then laughed.
"All right, I was," he admitted. "So, what's between you two? And I ain't askin' as Captain, but as your friend, Zo'." She looked at him a moment, then shrugged.
"Don't rightly know, just yet," she admitted. "Maybe nothin'. But he's nice to have around. I like him."
"Like him," Mal repeated, eyeing her closely. "Well, that's a start, I guess. I ain't pryin'," he raised a hand at the look on her face. "Ain't pushin' neither. Just. . .well, I don't want you gettin' hurt, for one. For another, been a long time since I've seen you happy. I miss it." She smiled fondly at her friend and boss.
"I know. I miss it too. And I don't know what might happen. He don't neither. All we've done is share a bit about each other, and talk some. But, he's got plenty o' time, and he's willin' to wait and see what might happen. It was his idea to tag along, but I admit I didn't discourage it none."
"Glad you didn't," Mal nodded, rising. "Ain't like he won't come in handy, no ways," he added with a grin. "Happen I can keep him from bein' all distracted."
Zoe just smiled, without saying anything else.
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"Well, well, well," Barstow mouthed. "Now we know why the elusive Mister Wilson has been so elusive."
The four brethren stood together near the studio of Master Bukidao. It had proved much harder than they had anticipated to locate their prey, but after three days of casual asking, and another day of not so casual asking, they had apparently found the right place. Even as they stood watching, a large group of men left the studio, heading away from their own position, up the street.
"I count seventy," Fell said softly. "And if what we heard was right, there's at least one more group."
"Well, this is. . .interesting," Meadows commented. "I must say, I didn't see this coming."
"None of us did," Winters almost growled. "Damn Neethos. If Janos hadn't killed him, I'd be looking for him right now. This. . ." she waved at the group, "is the last thing we need."
"Won't be easy to get rid of, either," Barstow noted. "They're learning to use the blade, and they'll have numbers on their side. This is a real problem. Especially since we aren't exactly getting a lot of support and encouragement from the others."
"They don't see it as their problem," Meadows shrugged. "Maybe, once we tell them about this, some will change their minds."
"Look, all this is well and good," Winters cut in. "But for now, we need to be following up on this bunch. Let's be finding out where they're staying, and how long they've been here. More important, how much longer they'll be here. Having them all together in one tight little bunch might be a good thing," she pointed out.
"Last time I checked," Fell rumbled, "there's only four of us here, Li. . .Elizabeth," he corrected himself when the woman glared at him.
"I know," she nodded. "And I'm not saying we should walk over and declare war all by our selves. But we need as much information as we can get about these idiots before we start gathering the clan."
"She's right," Barstow nodded. "Let's split up. You two," he told Fell and Meadows, "try to see where they're congregating. Mingle in among them, so to speak. A bunch like that, they'll want women and whiskey. Meanwhile, I think we'll try to have a little talk with Mister Bukidao. He might be willing to talk to us, if we approach him the right way."