Spartan's Quest - Chapter 21
Author owns no rights to Firefly, and writes only for his own amusement.
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Barstow and Winter entered the studio of Master Bukidao carefully, looking around. For all they knew, he was one of their enemies. Winter didn't think he was, but wasn't sure. That was one of the things that had brought them here.
The two were visibly impressed. The studio's hardwood flooring was highly polished, and ancient weapons adorned the walls. Some were clearly antiques, possibly from old Earth, while others were just as obviously serviceable weaponry.
"Nice place," Barstow murmured, as the two walked deeper into the studio.
"Sure is," Winter nodded in agreement. Just as Barstow was about to call out, a small, robed figure emerged from the inner door.
"May I help you?" he inquired politely.
"Are you the master of this studio?" Barstow asked politely.
"I have that honor, yes," Bukidao nodded.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Barstow bowed neatly. "I am Jarred Barstow, this is my companion, Elizabeth Winter. We wondered if we might have a moment of your time?"
"I have no more students today," Bukidao informed them. "I can allow you some time. Please, come into my office." He pointed the way back through the door he'd just entered through, and went through himself. Barstow and Winter followed, entering a small but comfortable office space. Bukidao waved them into chairs.
"If you are inquiring about lessons, I must warn you that there is a short waiting list. I am unable to take any students at this time," he said at once.
"We know you're very busy, sir," Winter smiled. "And, no, we aren't really in need of lessons. Actually, we noticed a large group of men leaving your studio a bit ago, and wondered what you might be willing to tell us about them."
"I don't make a habit of talking about anyone who contracts my services," the small man frowned.
"I know that," Winter smiled again. "Your reputation is well know, Master Bukidao. And I wouldn't ask you, save for the fact that several of those men are known felons. Seeing them in a group like that gave us pause. That's why we're interested."
"You are police officials?" Bukidao frowned. The last thing he wanted was a shadow cast over his dojo.
"I'm afraid we can't say," Barstow smiled knowingly. "I hope you understand, sir. Your reputation as a man of. . .discretion, shall we say, is also well known. We're merely making an inquiry." Bukidao looked at them for a long moment, then sighed, and sat back.
"They are perhaps the worst example of gai jin I have ever had the displeasure of knowing, let alone instructing," he admitted. "I am not surprised to learn they are criminals, though I wasn't actually aware of it. They are a crude, and for the most part uneducated lot. Very hard to teach. The word 'moron' comes to mind when dealing with them," he almost growled.
"I found it odd that such men would engage your services," Winter noted. "The art of the sword isn't something the unwashed know much of." Her comment was designed to stimulate Bukidao's attention, and it did.
"All too true, I am afraid," he nodded. "And in truth, I see no reason for their need to learn. Yet they are driven to do so. Even those who are the simplest of minded seem to be desperate to learn. Their employer was very specific that they should know the sword. And the man who leads them here, rules them with an iron hand. When any step out of line, he corrects them at once. There is usually no need for a second correction," he added.
"Sounds like a hard man," Barstow mused.
"Yes, though he is not so dangerous as he might think," Bukidao smiled. "His knowledge of the blade is slow in coming, though he applies himself very hard indeed." He looked at the two people.
"Should I discontinue their lessons?" he asked. "I want no difficulty with the authorities. My ties to the Companion Guild would be in jeopardy. If I had it to do over, I would not have taken this contract."
"No, I don't think that's needful," Barstow smiled. "And I have to ask that you not mention our visit, either. For now, it's actually quite helpful to know where all of them are. How much longer is on their contract?"
"Another seven weeks," Bukidao sighed.
"Very well. As I said, you need do or change nothing. Simply carry on as if we had never visited. We'll be watching them, but not here. We will not throw suspicion upon your place of business, Master Bukidao."
"Thank you," the smaller man bowed slightly. "If I can be of further help, please let me know."
"You've already done enough, sir," Winter smiled brightly. "Now, let us leave you to your work."
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"Are we going back to Serenity?" Mal looked up to see Amanda looking at him questioningly.
"Sure are, nizi," he smiled. "That okay with you?"
"Shiny," she smiled, sitting next to him. "She feels like home. Will I get my own room?"
"Don't see why not," Mal nodded, pleased with her reply. "Decorate it any way you want, too," he added with another smile.
"Thank you," she smiled, and kissed his cheek. Once he would have huffed and puffed over something like that. This time, however, he merely kissed her back atop her head.
"You're right welcome," he assured her. "You know, you might have had it better had you stayed with the others," he told her seriously. She shook her head.
"I know where I belong, and this is it," she told him. "You're the only father figure I've ever known," she added softly. "Would it. . .do you mind being my father? I mean, this is the only family I have," she waved her hand to encompass the ship.
Mal felt his throat close up slightly at the softly worded request. This girl had suffered a great deal. Maybe not quite like River had, but in some ways she'd had it worse. Amanda hadn't had a Simon to come for her. She'd had no one who cared when she dropped out of sight. He swore to himself, right then, that no one would ever hurt this child again, and live.
"I think I'd like that," Mal smiled. "I think I'd like it just fine, in fact."
"Maybe Neera won't mind being my momma?" Amanda smiled up at him, and Mal chuckled, thinking to the soft spot Neera had for the girl she'd rescued from the Facility.
"I 'spect not, little one. I 'spect not. In fact, I imagine she'd be right pleased. In fact," he stood, "why'nt we go ask her right now."
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"And that's what we've learned, so far," Barstow informed Jayne. The big man looked away from the screen for a moment, thinking, then looked back.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"Well, we've been kicking that around," Barstow admitted. "Truth is, it would be a lot easier to hit them here, when they're all together. But there's no way to keep it quiet, or cover it up. This is a core world, with a lot of Alliance presence. We'd wind up alerting them to our existence, instead of preventing it. We think our best bet is to watch, and catch them once they're gone."
"We can likely catch them in smaller groups, and deal with them in detail. Might keep our own casualties low, as well," he added. Jayne nodded.
"We're getting captures of all of them," Barstow continued. "We'll know all their faces, and some of their names, by the time they leave here. Might even find out where they're going. Fell and Meadows are working to ease their way into the watering hole that bunch uses, just hanging around, listening. Might pick up some useful information."
"I wish we could hit them now," Jayne sighed. "Be done with it, and move on. But you're right," he added. "We can't afford to have a pitched battle in such a visible place. We'll just have to wait and watch."
"We don't like it much, either, Janos," Barstow agreed. "We just can't figure out a better way. Not one that will ensure we get them all, and keep our secrets."
"I agree. Let me know if you need anything. Or if anything changes. Meanwhile, we'll keep looking for Brockman. Maybe we can find him, at least, and make a move on him."
"Sounds like a plan," Barstow nodded. "We'll be in touch." With that the screen went blank. Jayne leaned back, rubbing his face. This wasn't going fast enough to suit him, yet he couldn't see any way to speed things up.
"What's wrong?" River's voice floated to him from the door to his office. He smiled.
"Just wanting to find a way to speed things up," he replied. "There's just no way to do it, that I can see. We can't declare war on that group while they're on Sihnon. Too visible. And we can't seem to locate Brockman, to take him down either."
"We'll find him, eventually," River assured him, crossing the room, and settling into his lap. He hugged her to him, smiling.
"I know. I'm just impatient. Mal oughta be getting close to Londinium by now," he added with an evil grin. "I'd love to see his face when he gets a look at Serenity."
"Well," River mused. "There's no real reason for us to stay here, now. There's no reason we can't go. And, we still need to see my mother about her involvement with Neethos. She might even know something about Brockman."
"Might," Jayne nodded. "I'm kinda leery about involving her in this, though. I can't see where she would have known any details about all this. Surely she wouldn't have been involved with something like this."
"I hope not," River said softly. "I'd like to believe you're right. But neither she nor Father would help Simon save me. I can only hope that they just truly didn't think anything was wrong. Otherwise, I would be forced to hate them," she added darkly. Jayne considered that for a moment.
"Then why don't we go and see her," he said suddenly. "You can lay your worries to rest, maybe, or confirm your fears, if they're accurate. Either way, you'll know."
"All right," River said after a minute. "It beats sitting here." She stood, pulling Jayne from his chair.
"Well, let's us get ready, then."
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Artemis settled into orbit over Londinium, the pilot getting clearance for landing. The crew members of Serenity gathered their things. Though they were almost sad to leave the ship they'd called home for so many weeks, they were also excited at the prospect of seeing Serenity again. As the ship settled onto the pad at the Manor, everyone gathered near the ramp.
"Well, we'll likely miss the amenities of this bird," Mal smiled, "but we'll be home, finally."
"Amenities are over rated," Neera smiled. Zoe nodded.
"This is a nice boat, sir. But Serenity's home. That makes up for a lot of shiny."
"Right," Mal nodded. He hadn't realized how much he missed his ship until now. As they got closer and closer, he'd been more and more apprehensive to get back aboard, and take to the black. The ramp lowered, revealing Willie and Lucas standing there, big smiled on their faces.
"Welcome back, Cap'n!" Willie smiled, running up the ramp. She hugged everyone, while Lucas shook hands, then helped gather bags.
"You been takin' good care o' my ship?" Mal demanded, following the two down the ramp.
"Sure have!" Willie grinned at Lucas, who grinned back. Mal missed that exchange however, stopping dead in his tracks as he got his first look at his ship.
"What'n the gorram hell is that?" he demanded, pointing to the chin of Serenity's cockpit. Willie sighed, and pulled out the twenty platinum she owed Lucas.
"It's a rail gun," she admitted, passing over the money. "And there are rocket launchers on each support, too."
"And where did they come from?" Mal demanded, angry. Zoe touched his arm.
"Better look again, sir," she whispered softly, pointing to the ship. Mal followed her finger, taking in the hull. His eyes widened as he realized that the ship looked, well, new. Gone where the dents and dings suffered over the last several years. Even the paint was new.
"What in the hell?" he muttered.
"Wait till you see the inside!" Willie beamed. "She's new, stem to stern, Captain!"
"And who is it that's payin' for all this?" Mal demanded, giving his two crew members a jaundiced look. "I told you two to make sure nothin' happened to my ruttin' ship!"
"What say we take a look at the rest o' the ship, 'fore you have some kinda apoplexy?" Willie said, her tone a mix between sassy and angry. "We worked damned hard on this, Cap'n!" Mal's temper cooled a bit. Neera caught his eye, and he noted a wisp of a grin on her face.
"You knew 'bout this?" he demanded, though not nearly as angrily as he might the others.
"Yes," she grinned. "Janos had it done for you. He told me just before we left. And Willie's right, I should imagine. Serenity's new from bow to stern. Janos left strict instructions that nothing was to be left undone, and no expense was to be spared."
"And all these. . .these weapons?" Mal demanded, his eyebrow raised.
"He wanted to make sure we could protect ourselves," Neera shrugged. "He feels as if he's placed us in danger by using you to move the children. And, if you'd care to notice, all the weapon pods should be retractable. They won't be in view at any time unless you want them to be."
"She's right, Cap'n," Willie nodded with a grin. "And we got a brand spankin' new drive, too. And all new flight controls. And a brand new shiny sensor suite, even better'n the one we had, which weren't bad, mind you. And we got. . . ."
"How 'bout we just see what all we got?" Zoe held up a hand to stall the little pilot's spiel. "Let's get aboard and see what we see, sir."
"Might's well," Mal shrugged after a moment. "Let's go."
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One hour later, Mal was standing in the completely refinished galley of his ship, scratching his head. His ship, his home, was practically new.
"What d'ya think, Cap'n?" Willie asked. "We did good, right?"
Mal looked around at the galley, with it's new cryo unit, reefer, oven, range, even an auto-matic coffee maker. The bunk he and Neera shared now had a new private head, complete with shower, a new bunk, and storage units built into the bulkheads. The other bunks were just as well furnished, sans the shower unit.
"I have to say yes to that, Willie," Mal admitted. "Still shoulda checked with me, first," he added, stubbornly. Willie rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Ain't much of a surprise, we let you know ahead o' time, Cap'n," she replied. "And me and Lucas, we supervised every bit o' the work ourselves. Even helped with some of it."
"You did good, Willie," Mal finally smiled. "Really. It's just a lot to take in, is all."
"I know, but we're in great shape, Cap'n. We won't burn near as much fuel, and can get about thirty percent more power from the new plant," Lucas added with a grin. "We can out run near on anything in the black, now. And do it cheaper, fuel wise."
"We can buy fresh food, too, when we can get it," Willie beamed. "Gotta cryo unit, and a good reefer to keep stuff from spoilin' so fast. Our lives'll be a heap more easy in a lotta ways, now."
"I'd say you're right," Mal agreed. It was difficult to stay mad, or even upset, in light of what all he'd seen in the last hour or so. His ship was in better shape than it had been when new, he imagined. The engine room now had a small shop set up in it, and a locker full of spares, not that they should be needing them any time soon. The new power plant was hardly half the size of the old one, and still more powerful than the one they'd had.
"Well, let's all get settled, and get into the black," Mal ordered at last. "We got work waitin' on us on Beaumonde."
"We can lift soon as you say, Cap'n," Willie smiled, and Lucas nodded in agreement."
"Well, I wanna be in the black in half an hour. Just cause we got all this shiny ain't no reason not to be workin'."
Twenty-five minutes later, the new and improved Serenity was in the black, flying smoothly for Beaumonde with no strain at all. Mal watched as Willie expertly piloted the ship out of atmo, then headed aft. Neera and Amanda were just leaving the girl's new bunk, the same one Jayne had once occupied.
"We'll get you some do-dad's for your room, little one, when we're ground side again. That'll give ya some time to decide how ya want it decorated."
"Okay," Amanda smiled. "Thank you."
"Ain't nothin'," Mal smiled, as the girl hugged him tightly. Neera's smile was about as bright as Mal had seen it.
"Want me to help you pick out some things on the cortex?" Neera offered.
"That'd be great!" Amanda beamed at her. The two started for the bridge, hand in hand. Mal watched them go, smiling. Things were good, he admitted to himself. Had anyone told him, two years ago, that he'd be so beholden to Jayne Cobb, of all people, he'd have laughed in their face. But there was no question that his life had changed for the better, and it was due to Jayne, in more ways than one.
Yes, he'd lost a great deal over his behavior toward Jayne in the early days of discovering what Jayne was. His family, for that was the way he'd viewed the crew, had been pulled apart over that. But everyone was better off, now, including himself. He still missed them, but everyone had to go their own way. And his life with Neera, and now with the girl, was no different from River staying with Jayne, or from Simon and Kaylee choosing to stay groundside.
And Zoe was still with him, he reminded himself. They'd been together through thick and thin for a long time. And she was happier now, too. He didn't know what might develop between her and Julio, but for now it had put a smile back on her face, and little twinkle in her eyes that had been gone since Wash had died.
All in all, life wasn't bad at the moment. Not bad at all.
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Brockman looked up as his assistant entered his office.
"What is it?" he demanded.
"We've had word about Reynolds' ship," the assistant told him.
"Where?"
"They'll be arriving on Beaumonde within the week," the assistant replied. "Talking on cargo."
"Where will they be headed?" Brockman asked.
"We don't know, as yet, but we're trying to find out," the smaller man admitted. "I'm hoping to have that information within another day."
"Get me Wilson," Brockman ordered. "I'm sure he'd ready for a break, by now."
"Yes sir."
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"And he'll be there inside a week?" Wilson asked, looking at Brockman's image on the screen. "That don't give us much time, boss," he said doubtfully, careful to seem subservient to the other man.
"I know," Brockman nodded, not buying the ruse for a second. "Even if you can't catch him there, you should be able to ferret our where he's headed. When you do, I want you to grab him. Do whatever it takes, but find me those children."
"What about his crew?" Wilson asked.
"Make sure no one ever hears from them again," Brockman said darkly. "I want this finished. Find those children, and bring them to me."
"You know we ain't nowhere near finished with this sword stuff," Wilson pointed out. "Got a little better'n six weeks to go, in fact."
"I don't care about that," Brockman shot back. "I want this done, and I want it done now. You have enough manpower to board that ship and take down anyone who opposes you. Get it done."
"Okay," Wilson sighed. "We'll head out soon's we can get loaded. Let you know when we get there, and what we find."
"You do that," Brockman growled, cutting the connection. Wilson sat back, almost smiling.
"Well, now, Mister Reynolds. We'll see how things go this time around." With that he rose, headed to round up his people and get them loaded.
Time to go hunting.