Spartan's Quest - Chapter 26
Author owns no rights of any kind, and writes for his own amusement, and that of others.
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While Jayne and River were on Osiris, Serenity was burning through space, on her way to
make her delivery. The crew were at ease, for once, knowing that for now, at least, they were in the clear.
Willie was teaching Amanda to fly the ship, and Julio was also familiarizing her with the new weapons systems. Mal wasn't sure he liked that, but Amanda deserved the chance to be able to fight against the people who had harmed her, and would again, if they had the chance.
He also still wasn't positive that he liked the idea of Serenity being armed. True, there had been times when it would have come in handy, no denying that. Still, it upped the ante. Serenity wasn't supposed to be an armed freighter. If word got around that she was, then that might cause trouble all it's own, one day.
"You can't fix everything, you know," Neera's voice floated to him, as this and countless other things ran through his mind. Mal looked up from his seat in the galley, smiling.
"You can't worry everything better, either," she added, sitting down next to him.
"Yeah, I've learned that, over the years," Mal smirked a bit. "Still, ain't no harm in just workin' through things."
"What's to work through?" Neera shrugged. "We're clear of them, we're safe, and they don't know where we are. Or where we're going. Let's enjoy the break for while, before we pick up a lot more worry. How 'bout it?"
"You have somethin' specific in mind?" Mal asked, eyebrow raised slightly. She chuckled throatily.
"I just might, at that."
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Zoe sat on the bridge, serving her time on watch. She was in the pilot's seat, Wash's old seat, just staring out into space.
She felt guilt, and sadness, as she reclined in the seat she had shared with her husband for so much of the time during their travels. She had loved Hoban Washburne. Not at first, true, but he'd grown on her, to the point that she didn't think she could ever love anyone like she did him.
In fact, she had always felt she couldn't love anyone else, period. Wash dying had left a hole in her heart that she was certain would never heal. Yet, time, and distance, have a way of healing the heart, and now she found herself thinking she was being untrue to Wash. To his memory.
She was attracted to Julio. There was no sense in denying it, even Mal, slow as he was on the uptake sometimes, could see it. Julio wasn't Wash. He was as different from Wash as he could be, and still be a man. And there were enormous problems involved in pursuing a relationship with him. Not least of which was the fact that he was. . .different.
Zoe didn't hold that against him. She hadn't held it against Jayne, even when Mal was frothing at the mouth about Jayne, and his 'turning' River into something like himself. She couldn't understand Mal's issue with it, the intense hatred that Mal seemed to have. Loathing would be a better description, she decided.
So, she had asked him, finally, while they were still on Nightside. Mal had looked at her for a moment, then shrugged.
"'I was raised in a church, ya know,'" he had said. "'Stories about such as Jayne ain't uncommon, Zoe. All of'em a bit different, here and there, but most agreed they was creatures of the night. No souls. Lost. I. . .I ain't been on good terms with God in a while, you know,'" he had added. Zoe had nodded, saying nothing. But remembering the day that Mal's faith had been beaten from him. In Serenity Valley.
"'Anyway, I guess that old superstition stuff stuck with me,'" he shrugged. "'All I could think of was that Jayne had just condemned River to eternal damnation. Somethin' I couldn't stand, Zoe.'"
"'Later on,'" he continued, "'I realized that maybe what I'd been taught about such as them might not be accurate. But by the time I realized it wasn't so, it was too late,'" he shrugged again, this time helplessly. "'I'd done made such a fool o' myself I couldn't undo it.'"
Zoe reflected on that as she reclined in her seat. Mal had grown a great deal in the last few months. His failed attempt at a relationship with Inara might well have destroyed him, had he not. And, she smiled slightly, Neera had certainly helped.
At the thought of Neera, Zoe frowned. Not in doubt, but in concentration. She was almost certain that she'd seen the woman somewhere before. Where, she just couldn't place. She was certain, though, that she'd seen the woman before meeting her on the night they had destroyed what they hoped was the last facility that the 'Project' had been operating.
Serenity had been through a lot, she reflected. More than once Mal had plunged the ship and her crew into something. Taking on Simon and River, running afoul of Niska to give the stolen medicines to the people who so desperately needed them, Miranda. The list was long, and distinguished. And it had always cost them. Always.
Thinking on losses turned Zoe's thoughts back to Wash. She hugged her arms about her, feeling the loneliness envelop her as it often did when she sat on the bridge. She did miss him so.
"He wouldn't want you to be like this." Zoe whirled at the voice, relaxing slightly when she saw Amanda watching her.
"No peekin'," she admonished with a smile, thinking of how many times she'd said the same thing to River Tam.
"I'm not," Amanda shrugged. She walked further onto the bridge, and took the co-pilot's seat. Looking over at Zoe, she smiled shyly.
"Not much, anyway," she admitted. "It's hard, sometimes, not to feel very strong emotions. And yours are very strong tonight. You miss him."
"Very much," Zoe surprised herself.
"Some of the others have told me about him," Amanda said softly. "He seemed to be a wonderful man. Everyone agrees he was always in an upbeat mood. Funny. And loyal."
"He was all that, and much more," Zoe nodded.
"And you feel guilty," Amanda looked at her closely. "Because you think you're developing feelings for Julio." Zoe looked at the girl for a moment, then nodded slightly.
"I feel like that sometimes," Amanda said quietly. "I'm the only one who survived, you know," she added plainly. "There were others in the cells besides me. We used to talk to each other, late at night, when no one else was around. The guards didn't stay with us. We were alone most of the time."
"They were like me, mostly," she went on. "Refused to keep 'helping'. Some of them were treated even worse than I was. And they're all dead, now." She turned, looking out into the black. They sat silently for a while, each looking at the stars.
"It's not your fault, you know," Zoe offered finally. "You ain't to blame for what happened to you, or the others. You can't let what happened stop you from living your life. Or enjoying it. There's no shame in being glad you're alive."
"You aren't to blame for what happened to Hoban, either," Amanda turned to her at once, Zoe having given her the opening she was looking for. "I've seen it," she continued, before Zoe could object. "Here," she pointed to her temple. "You, Mal, the others, carry it with you, all the time. Wash, and the one called Book. The Holy Man. You all blame yourselves for what happened. None more than River Tam."
Zoe closed her mouth at that. She had never, even once, thought about how River had felt at the deaths of Wash and Book. She hadn't thought about how it affected anyone else, either, she admitted. She had been too wrapped up in the loss of Wash to think on it.
"And, like me, you can't let it stop you from living," Amanda rose gracefully from her chair. "From what I've learned about him, Hoban Washburne was a selfless individual. Always placing others ahead of himself. He would not be happy, knowing that you simply wallowed in guilt, or loneliness, over what happened to him. He might even be hurt by it." She walked over to Zoe, and placed a small hand on the warrior woman's shoulder.
"Don't let the Alliance take more from you than they already have, Zoe," she almost whispered. "If you do, then they win. Don't let them win. Not ever." With that, the girl turned, fleeing the bridge before Zoe could frame a response. She watched the girl go, her mind working over how hard it must have been for her to share those feelings.
Leaning back again, Zoe thought about what Amanda had said. She remembered Wash, always laughing, always joking. Always loving. She looked out at the stars for a little while longer, then smiled softly.
"I'll always love you, baby," she said softly. "But I have to keep moving." A sudden warm feeling embraced her, almost like a breeze on a warm day. Despite the warmth, Zoe shuddered, wrapping her arms around her again. Then, just a quickly as it had come, it was gone.
"Thank you, baby."
Giving the instruments a final glance, she left the bridge.
**********
Julio Givens didn't sleep much. He was always working on some gadget or another. Right now he was playing with a portable cortex receiver, adding certain programs and improvements. It was a present for Amanda, and he had 'improved' it, so that the girl could do pretty much whatever she wanted to, and no one be able to trace it. Since she was still hunted, it might come in handy to be able to hide her movements on the cortex, and send scrambled messages.
And it would tickle her, he smiled. That was the important thing. He was still chuckling when he heard a soft knock at his door. Frowning, he went to his hatch, and opened it.
"I was hoping you were up," Zoe said, descending into what had once been Kaylee's bunk. Julio stepped back, surprise evident on his face. Zoe looked at him, smiling softly.
"What are you doing?" she asked, seeing the receiver laying on a small table.
"Just workin' on something for the kid," Julio answered. "Figured she'd get a kick out of it." Zoe nodded, touched by the man's concern for the girl. It made her decision easier.
"Want to come and sit on the bridge with me?" she asked, almost shyly. Julio started for a moment. "Please?" she added, and he nodded.
"I'd love to," he admitted. "I just. . .I mean, I didn't want to. . ."
"It's okay," Zoe smiled again, and Julio felt his breath leave him in a whoosh.
My God, she is beautiful.
"Lead the way," was all he said. In truth it was about all he could manage.
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Mal woke earlier than normal. He raised his head slowly, letting the fog of sleep wear off. Easing from the bed, where Neera was still sleeping peacefully, Mal dressed as quietly as possible, waiting to put his boots on until he was out of the bunk, and into the passageway. He glanced up toward the bridge, then did a double take.
The door to the bridge was pulled about half shut. Frowning, he eased his gun around in it's holster, making sure it was easily accessible, then walked softly to the bridge entranceway. He stopped short at what he saw.
Julio Givens was sitting in the pilot's chair. Wash's chair.
With Zoe curled up in his arms, fast asleep. Julio was unaware of Mal's presence, as he stroked Zoe's hair softly, singing. Mal couldn't make out the words, but it was obviously something important to the other man. Mal eased away as carefully as possible, making his way to the galley. Smiling just a little.
"Might be there's hope for us all," he murmured to himself.
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It was breakfast time on Nightside, and Prim had been awake long before anyone else. He was sitting in the dining room when Inara entered, followed by Simon and Kaylee.
"Good morning," Inara smiled, kissing him gently on the cheek.
"Morning, My Lady," Prim smiled in return. "Lady Frye," he added. "Master Tam."
"Mornin' Prim," Kaylee chirped, eternally cheerful.
"Prim," Simon nodded, eyes still clogged with sleep. Prim almost laughed at the differences between the two.
"We have some good news for a change," Prim announced as the others settled into their seats, coffee in hand.
"It seems that our elusive Mr. Wilson intended to ambush Serenity near Beaumonde." Kaylee and Inara both gasped at that, while Simon frowned.
"Intended?" the younger man asked.
"Yes," Prim nodded, smiling. "Artemis was there, hiding. Captain Hawkins destroyed two of Wilson's ships, and is pursuing the third. Wilson's own ship, as it were. We aren't sure where Wilson was heading, but Artemis is trying to pick up the trail. Serenity is safe, as are all the crew. They are already back to work."
"That's great!" Kaylee enthused. Inara nodded, pleased as well.
"That sounds promising," the ex-Companion said, somewhat more calmly than Kaylee.
"It could be," Prim nodded. "And it makes things a good deal easier for us, as well. Wilson has lost roughly two-thirds of those he had turned. The odds are more than even, now."
"But you don't know where he is, so the odds aren't really a factor at the moment," Simon added, finishing the unspoken part of the information. Prim nodded.
"True. Still, it's a step in the right direction. Meantime, there's no reason for our work here not to continue. I believe we are wise to remain here so long as Brockman lives. Once he and his ilk are finished, we can return to the estate." He noted that no one seemed overly excited about that.
"Problems?" he asked, eyebrows raised. Inara looked at Simon and Kaylee, who nodded. Inara turned back to Prim, smiling.
"We have been talking, Prim," she told him. "We'd like to remain here. At least for a while."
"Indeed," Prim nodded, unsurprised. "I take it you are more happy here, than on Londinium?"
"Well, this is a beautiful place," Kaylee interjected. "And with the young'uns and all, just seems like we oughta stay 'round here. You know, just to look after'em and stuff." Prim tried not to laugh at her enthusiasm, barely managing.
"I should be here, anyway," Simon threw his oar in. "With them. Even the children we had returned to their parents may need me, sooner or later. And this environment might be well for the kids we haven't managed to help, yet. Perhaps being with, or seeing other children they remember will prompt a response," he shrugged helplessly. "It's worth exploring."
"And you wish to stay, as well?" Prim smiled at Inara.
"We had talked about being a part of these children's lives," Inara nodded. "And this is the safest place for them. I don't think anyone doubts that."
Safest for you as well, Prim didn't say, but thought. With relief. He had almost lost Inara once, even in the safety of Sapor Parco. Now known as Flumenea Somnium, in honor of Janos and River's engagement, the sprawling estate on Londinium had never known a security breach until the attempt the recapture River Tam, during the party announcing the engagement.
In the tussle, Inara had been shot. Had nearly perished. Prim's inside's still churned at the very thought.
"Very well," Prim forced his thoughts back to the discussion. "There is nothing that says we must leave. If that is what you all desire, then here we shall stay."
"Whee!" Kaylee squealed, running around the table to embrace Prim, kissing him sloppily on the cheek. Prim frowned in disapproval, but only in jest.
"Oh, stop that, you old faker!" Kaylee chided. "We done got you figured out by now, you big softie." Prim couldn't contain the laugh that this comment prompted, and the others joined in as Kaylee returned to her seat.
"Well, since we're staying, I suppose we can be about making this our home, instead of our hideaway," Prim announced. "There are several houses on the grounds, guest houses and what not. I would suggest that you two," he indicated Simon and Kaylee, "select one, and I'll see to having it prepared for you." He turned to Inara.
"We might do the same, if you'd like," he said much quieter, as Simon and Kaylee turned to each other, talking about the houses they had seen on the grounds. Inara blushed slightly in pleasure.
"I would really like that," she replied. "Very much."
**********
"I give you a simple job, right on a plate, and still you fail me!"
Brockman was seething. Not only had Wilson failed, he had lost two-thirds of his force doing so.
"You know what?" Wilson shot back. "This is twice you've sent me into an ambush! And this time it cost me nearly all of my men, and two of my ships! I'm damned tired o' having your failures layed at my feet. You want better results, then you get us better information! My ships were destroyed by a damn cruiser that didn't even show up on sensors!"
Brockman started at that.
"What?"
"You heard me!" Wilson was still working his way up to being mad. "I've lost men, and ships! I've led good men into traps on your orders. I'm sick of it. Next time you call me, you better know what the hell you're talking about, and it better not backfire! If it does, then maybe it's time there came a partin' o' the ways!" With that, he cut the connection with a flourish. His men, standing around him, suddenly cheered.
Wilson looked around, still angry, but cut his retort off. His men were all happy at how he had handled Brockman. Maybe that spineless XO of his had something, after all.
Next to him, that same Xo was smiling with everyone else. Inside, however, he was in turmoil. This wasn't looking good. He had placed things in perfect order, only to have the rug ripped from under him.
And, despite the fact that Brockman had caused it himself, the nephew knew that he would take the blame for that.
But all he could do for now was smile, and act as happy as the rest of them.
**********
Brockman stood looking at the cortex screen, trembling in disbelieving rage. Wilson had cut him off!
"I'll kill him if it's the last thing I do," Brockman swore softly to himself. "If it's the very last thing I do." His fist lashed out into the wall next to him, going deep into the heavy ferro-crete construction. Withdrawing his hand, Brockman sat heavily into his chair.
All his careful planning was unraveling. Coming apart at the seams. Work of years was dissolving right in front of him. All that remained of so much effort was the information on a few data disks. And none of that was useful, except as a roadmap of where to go next.
The loss of the children, billions of credits in facilities and research equipment, trained personnel, the list seemed to go on and on. He sighed. His plans were on hold. There was nothing to do except try and rebuild. And that would take time. Time and money.
Fortunately he had both. Time was not his enemy. Not anymore, thanks to the Old One. And money was always there, for someone willing to do whatever it took to get it.
First, however, he had a few scores to settle. Reynolds, and whoever was helping him. Wilson, including his worthless nephew. And, if he could find them, he still wanted the children.
It was obvious that the way he'd been proceeding wasn't going to work. He needed new blood, so to speak. And some serious firepower.
And there was only one place he could get that. He pondered what he was considering for a good while, weighing the pros and cons of each choice before him. It was risky, in the extreme, in fact. Could lead to his complete destruction.
It could also grant him power beyond his wildest dreams. Power over the 'verse, and everyone in it. Wealth, power, enough to do anything he wanted to anyone, won out in the end. He leaned forward, and entered a address into the cortex. Within seconds, the call went through.
"Hello, Mister Brockman," the blue suited man smiled. As always, it looked fake, and never reached his eyes. "I assume you have decided to take us up on our offer?"