Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Firefly, only Roz.

Chapter Seven

Dobson, the Fed, sat tied up in the chair with a piece of duct tape to his mouth. In the preacher's short time with the prisoner, he was able to obtain the man's last name and told the rest of the crew; which was good because no one else knew his name and just kept calling him The Fed or qing wa cao de liu mang (you may want to look that one up yourselves). Jayne stood solemnly in the corner watching the captain stalk back and forth in front of Dobson, instilling fear into the Alliance member. He would normally be salivating at the mouth for the task that was at hand but his mind was still on the argument he had with Roz. He barely knew the girl and for some reason he could not get her out of his head. This was dangerous in his line of work…it could very well get him killed.

Mal walked over to the prisoner and ripped the tape off his mouth, earning a hiss of pain from the beady-eyed man.

"I'm in a tricky position, I guess you know," Mal said as he walked towards Jayne. "Got me a boatload of terribly strange folk makin' my life a little more interesting then I generally like. Chief among them an Alliance mole, likes to shoot at girls when he's nervous." The comment earned a low growl from Jayne. He itched to go for his gun that was attached to his hip.

"Now I gotta know how close the Alliance is, exactly how much you told them before Wash scrambled your call." Mal looked Dobson up and down with a glint of perverse pleasure in his eye. "So…I've given Jayne here the job of finding out."

Mal gestured to Jayne who came out of the shadows. Jayne smiled at the Fed and pulled a thick knife out of its scabbard. "He was nonspecific as to how," Jayne nearly laughed at the look of horror found on the man's face.

Mal turned to Jayne, "now you're only gonna scare him," he said in a soft voice.

"Pain is scary," Jayne replied with a completely serious look.

"Just do it right," Mal urged as he walked out the door. Jayne watched as the captain left and shut the door, effectively trapping the prisoner in with the mercenary. Jayne now turned his attention to the officer seated before him. Slowly he walked toward Dobson, savoring every bit of fear the man exuded.

"You have any idea how much trouble you're in?" The lawman frantically spurted out anxious to fill the silence of the room.

"Gee, I never been in trouble with the law before," Jayne replied sarcastically as he pulled up a stool in front of the man and sat down.

"No, not like this you haven't. You think this is just a smuggling rap? The package that boy is carrying…"

"It's a girl…" Jayne interjected. "She's cute too. Except I don't think she's all there, you know." He pointed the knife to his head as if the mere action would suffice to explain everything. "Course, not all of her has to be," he shrugged in thoughtfulness.

"As if you even looked at her, I saw how you eyed the pregnant woman," Dobson scoffed, thinking Jayne too dim-witted to understand the threat.

Jayne's eyes flashed in anger and in a mere blur he had the man balancing on the back legs of his chair with his face plastered against the wall. Dobson choked as Jayne's fingers tightened around the man's neck. "Stay on topic," Jayne whispered menacingly in the man's ear. "If you ever bring her up, I'll gut you like a pig." Jayne let go and the chair dropped to sit on all four legs. It took a couple of minutes for the man to begin breathing correctly and Jayne merely relaxed and watched the prisoner attempt a response.

"That girl is a precious commodity. They'll come after her. Long after you bury me, they'll be coming." The man sputtered out in fear of Jayne nearly crushing his larynx again.

Jayne looked at him for a long time before splitting into a large grin. "Oh, I'm not gonna kill you, Dobson." Jayne patted the knife on the Fed's knee. "What's your first name?" Jayne asked as an afterthought.

Dobson sighed and looked as if he wasn't going to say but he managed to get out, "Lawrence."

"Lawrence, Ah," Jayne scoffed. "I'm just gonna cut on ya till you tell me how much they know."

"They know everything. They know every name, every record. They know how many…nose hairs you've got."

Jayne sat there and stared Dobson in the eye. Not a sound passed between the men. Jayne suddenly reared back and stood up. "Now see, they don't know a damn thing," he groaned. "It's all over your face. I ain't even…" Jayne wagged his knife in the man's direction disappointment evident in the mercenary's face. "I was gonna get me a ear too." Jayne started towards the door but turned back. "Aren't you an officer of the law? Well don't they teach you how to withstand interrogation? You can't even tell a damn lie."

"Okay…I can see you're not an idiot," Dobson replied warily.

"Wish I could say the same, Lawrence, but this is disappointing as hell," Jayne commented wearily.

"Let me speak a language you will understand…money." The mention of money perked Jayne's ears up and he began to listen intently. "This girl is worth a lot of money. I mean a lot. Now you kill me, there's nothing. But, if you help me out, you'll have enough to buy your own ship. Better one than this piece of crap."

Jayne pondered the offer. "Does helping you out mean turning on the captain?"

"Yes it does," Dobson nodded.

Jayne only replied with a small grin and chose to sit carefully back down, listening intently to Dobson's supposed plan. Thoughts of being Captain of the ship and issuing orders flitted dreamily threw his mind.

fireflyfireflyfirefly

"What's one of your favorite stories Shepherd?" Roz asked putting her hands on the table and resting her chin on top.

"Well, there are a lot of good stories little one," Book sighed. Roz had to bite back a smile at the small endearment he let slip. No one had ever given her a nickname before. "But just one of my favorite stories is the one about David and Goliath."

"Can you tell me about it?" Roz asked sincerely.

"Of course, now where should I begin," Book pondered delicately.

"David was just a small boy, a shepherd actually; he would herd the sheep all day long so he wasn't very strong not like his brothers. During that time there was a small skirmish going on between two groups of people. One of the groups that David and his family belonged to believed in God, the other called the Philistines did not believe there was a God, or at least a one true God.

"The Philistines sent forth a giant man named Goliath to beat the Godly people of Judah. However, everyone was too scared to face Goliath because they were afraid they would be instantly slaughtered. But there was one boy who wasn't afraid, David."

"Why wasn't he afraid? I wouldn't want to go up against a giant," Roz murmured instantly entranced by the story.

"Well David wasn't afraid because he knew God was on his side. So here was a small boy with no armor, no sword and only a sling shot and five stones as his weapon. He stood before Goliath who dared to blaspheme the name of God and was prepared to defeat him. He took his sling shot and fired one stone directly at Goliath hitting him on the forehead killing him instantly."

"He died from a stone?" Roz asked in disbelief. "That doesn't sound very possible."

"But that is what is great about the Lord. He always keeps you guessing and nothing is out of the realm of possibility by the One who created our universe."

"So," Roz nodded her head slowly as she tried to contemplate everything she just heard. "In a way, the Captain and his crew are David as they battle the Alliance, who would be Goliath."

"In some way or another my dear, we are all like David, it is only when we understand that God is with us where ever we go and in anything we do we don't need to be afraid."

"I don't want to be afraid anymore," Roz softly uttered. "But I still am." She looked over her shoulder as if expecting him to be right behind her ready to drag her back.

"Even I become afraid sometimes, we all do, but do you know what I do when that happens?"

"What?"

"I pray."

Roz furrowed her brows in confusion. Wasn't praying just talking to God? How can talking help you from being unafraid? "What do you pray about?"

"I ask God to calm me and not be afraid."

"And…does that work?"

"Everytime."

"This is the captain." A voice came over the intercom causing Roz to jump. "We're passing another ship. Looks to be Reavers. From the size, probably a raiding party. Could be they're headed somewhere particular. Could be they already hit someone and they're full up. So everyone stay calm. We try to run, they'll have to chase us. It's their way. We're holding course. We should be passing them in a minute. So we'll see what they do." Mal paused before speaking again, "Zoe you come on up to the bridge."

Zoe was just passing the doorway and stuck her head into the dining area and spoke solemnly. "I would say that now is a perfect time to do some praying."

Simon and Inara were right behind Zoe and decided to walk into the large room and join the others. Inara sat down shakily next to Roz, her beautiful face paler than usual, while Simon positioned himself in front of Zoe, confusion on his face. "Uh, I don't understand."

"You've never head of reavers?" Zoe looked him up and down in disbelief.

"Uh…campfire stories…men gone savage on the edge of space, killing…"

"They're not stories," Zoe replied earning a gasp from Roz who clapped her hands over her mouth to keep from issuing any further noises, her eyes wide with fear.

Simon looked at Roz before turning back to Zoe, "what happens if they board us?"

"If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh and sew our skins into their clothing. And if we're very, very lucky; they'll do it in that order."

Roz crossed her arms over her protruding belly, hoping she wouldn't throw up and wishing she could protect her unborn child from the insane dangers of the world. No matter where she went, trouble seemed to follow. Rocking gently back and forth she found the only comfort was being with others who she had come to like and respect.

Zoe left quickly after that, obeying the Captain's orders, and Simon sank slowly into a chair at the table. The dining area was quiet, each person reflecting on their own thoughts, caught up in their own lives. Book looked at her across from the table and he silently mouthed the word "pray" before closing his own eyes and bowing his head.

What was the point of praying? What if she prayed and nothing happened, she would feel quite foolish. Roz bit her lip and out of her nervousness she fiddled with her sweater, realizing it was beginning to become a bad habit and by the end of her journey on Serenity there would likely be a large gaping hole near the bottom. Reluctantly Roz closed her eyes and bowed her head, just as she had seen Book do.

God, I don't know if you're listening, or if you're even there. But I'm afraid now, about what the Reavers will do if they catch us. I left him because I wanted my baby to be safe, what if I put him or her in even more danger? Please help me to not be afraid. Please protect us and make me feel safe…uh…thanks?

Roz opened her eyes expecting to feel foolish but instead, she felt a small amount of peace. Looking up, she noticed a figure standing in the doorway. Turning she was surprised to see Jayne standing there staring at her with a mixture of concern and readiness in his eyes. He held in his arms a massive gun and a couple smaller ones attached to his gun belt. He looked ready to go to war.

Roz's heart nearly stopped as she realized maybe Jayne was the answer to her prayers. She was praying to feel safe and how could she feel any safer than in the company of Jayne. Smiling she nodded gently at Jayne who jerked his head quickly in acknowledgment. She hoped they could put their small argument behind them now.

Feeling as if hours had passed, a low voice sounded throughout the ship. "Everything's shiny now. Reavers have passed. We're in the all clear."

Roz let out a deep reassuring breath and looked to Jayne with a big smile on her face. Jayne slouched against the door jamb for only a moment a look of relief crossing his face before standing up and joining them at the table.

"Well, I'm very glad that is over," Shepherd Book said as he stood from his seat, stretching slightly.

"I agree," Inara concurred, rising gracefully from her position at the table. "I think I'm going to go to my room and bask in the feel of not being killed by Reavers."

"I will escort you there, and then check in on Kaylee" Shepherd Book stated gallantly as they walked arm in arm out of the dining area. Apparently whatever feelings of uncertainty they had about each other was in the past.

Simon stood up and spoke to Roz who was the only one paying attention. "I better go down to the infirmary as well. Oh wait Inara said she had some immunization packets I could use." He raced to the door and looked out into the hall as if hoping to catch up with them.

"Oh, Doctor, if it's all right, I would…well I would like to see Kaylee as well," Roz stated shyly as she rose to her feet, carefully watching her balance.

"Of course, would you like me to walk with you?" Simon asked looking hesitantly at Jayne.

"I'll take care of it Doc," Jayne growled at the man who took a step back towards the door.

"Miss Bennett?" Simon looked at her. She had to give him credit for defying Jayne's fierce look.

"It's all right Doctor," Roz smiled while staring at Jayne the entire time. "I'll be alright."

"Ok then," Simon slinked out the door, sending a look of uncertainty over his shoulder before walking out of sight.

"You all right?" Jayne grunted looking her up and down.

"Of course I'm all right," Roz looked down at herself, confused as to why he was asking.

"Well," Jayne looked down at his big feet and shuffled awkwardly bringing a smile to her face. "I just…I didn't mean to blow up. I shouldn'tve yelled at ya."

"I understand Jayne," Roz nodded, this time it was her turn to become shy. She pulled a piece of hair behind her ear and looked down at her growing belly. "I understand you're going to get mad Jayne. And I was a little afraid, but I didn't think you would hit me."

"I would never hit you." The voice coming from Jayne was so cold yet filled with such emotion she had to look up. His eyes told Roz all she needed to know. He would never lay a hand on her that would cause her pain. "I know what it's like to see…see someone get hurt is all. I would never hit a woman…well unless she tried to kill me…or maim me…or try and kill someone I knew…or…"

Roz let out a soft laugh as she saw Jayne wrestle with his conflicting thoughts. "I understand Jayne. I would want you to hit someone if they were trying to kill you."

Jayne merely grunted as he fiddled with the gun in his hands.

"Well, now that we're out of danger, for the moment, I'll think I'll head down and check on Kaylee. Do…do you want to join me?"

"Maybe later," Jayne nodded. "I should see what's goin on up top with Mal."

Roz passed Jayne at the doorway and started to descend the stairs, noticing that he was still watching her.

Unsure of what to say she muttered, "I'll see you later then?" Roz traced patterns on her large belly as she looked up bashfully.

"Mmhmm," Jayne grunted as he looked around as if confused as to what to do and then simply turned around and walked towards the front of the ship.

Roz smiled at Jayne's retreating form, she found it endearing that he didn't really know how to talk to her. Maybe it's nerves?

Heading down to the infirmary she was almost crushed against the railing by Simon as he ran right past her. "Sorry Miss Bennett," he cried out as he continued to run down the stairs.

"Oh, no," Roz moaned as she assumed the worst. "Not Kaylee."

Rushing as much as she could, Roz raced down the steps and made it to the infirmary only minutes behind Simon. Looking in she was confused and elated to see Kaylee sitting up and chatting with Shepherd Book. Looking at Simon who was leaning over gasping for air, she saw anger radiating throughout his body.

"What is it Simon?" Roz asked as she stood next to the kindly doctor.

"The Captain is a psycho leading me to believe that Kaylee was…dead."

"Well, that is a cruel joke indeed," Roz frowned in simmering anger. "I'm sure the Captain will be very sorry when he realizes what he's done."

"I highly doubt that Miss Bennett."

fireflyfireflyfirefly

Jayne, Wash, Mal, and Zoe stood in the cockpit laughing uproariously as the Captain told them how he scared the crap out of Simon.

"You are psychotic," Wash managed to say past the laughter and tears.

"No, you should've seen his face. Oh, I'm a bad man." Mal spoke with a large grin.

Jayne slapped his knee as he imagined the look on the pale faced girly doctor. He sorely wished he could have been there.

"And Kaylee's really okay?" Zoe asked, just wanting to make sure.

"Yeah," Mal nodded soberly. "To tell the truth, I didn't expect her to heal this quick. Doctor knows his trade I'll give him that."

A series of soft beeps broke everyone's concentration and had them focused on the series of buttons and gadgets on Wash's panel.

"Being hailed," Wash spoke as he turned in his chair, laughter falling to the wayside as the crew members grew serious.

"That'd be Patience," Mal nodded. "We're close enough for vid. Put her up."

Wash moved out of the chair so Mal could sit down and he pushed a couple of buttons and shortly later a picture of an older woman wearing a wide brimmed cowboy hat appeared on one of the small screens.

If Jayne didn't know any better he would have thought her harmless, but since their last meeting with one another, he was going to be prepared for anything. He slouched against the wall, behind the captain, with one hand on his gun. Jayne obviously knew he couldn't shoot her, but he hoped to look imposing enough that she would think twice before double crossing them.

"Malcolm Reynolds?" the woman spoke with an annoyed voice.

"Hello Patience." Mal responded with a cheeky grin.

"I have to say, I didn't look to be hearin' from you anytime soon."

"Well, we may not have parted on the best of terms," Mal conceded to the older woman. "I realize certain words were exchanged. Also certain…bullets. But that's air through the engine. It's past. We're business people. Besides, your days of fighting over salvage rights are long behind you, what I hear. What, are you Mayor now?

"Just about." Patience replied. "You tellin' the truth about that cargo? 'Cause your asking price is a bit too reasonable for that much treasure."

"It's imprinted – Alliance – hence the discount."

"Oh, Government goods huh?"

"That doesn't work for you, no harm. Just thought you could use…"

"Alliance don't scare me," Patience interrupted with a frown on her already wrinkled face. "Just collatin' data, as they say." After a moment's pause Patience pursed her lips and nodded her head in agreement. "I like that you're up front about it. We can deal. I'll upload coordinates for a rendezvous point outside of town."

"See you in the world," Mal nodded in goodbye and turned off the screen. He sat there staring into nothing as his thoughts ran quickly through his brain, attempting to make sense of what he had just heard.

Jayne sighed heavily and stood up straight, his hand falling away from his gun as he leaned against one of the consoles. The conversation had not gone well.

"I believe," Mal spoke slowly, "that woman's plannin' to shoot me again."

"She meant to pay you, she'd have haggled you down some," Jayne spoke roughly with a shake of his head.

"Just a little effort to hide it would've been…" Wash spoke but was quickly cut off by Mal who threw a metal plate onto the floor.

Jayne stood at the ready, not liking it when the Captain grew angry because fists started flyin' every which way when that happened.

"Sir, we don't have to deal with her," Zoe spoke hesitantly.

"Yes we do," Mal sighed.

"Here's a little concept I been workin' on," Jayne said as he walked heavily towards Mal. "Why don't we shoot her first?"

"It is her turn." Wash nodded sagely.

"That doesn't get us what we need either," Mal commented.

Jayne threw up his hands in frustration and went back to leaning against the wall. His fingers caressed the butt of his gun and he realized whenever he was anxious to shoot someone, his gun ironically seemed to calm him down. It made him think of Roz and how she would pull at the bottom of her sweater whenever she was nervous. Shaking her out of his thoughts, he focused on the problem at hand.

"There's moons on this belt we ain't seen. We could try our luck…" Zoe said as she attempted to come up with another plan.

"Our luck?" Mal asked incredulously. "You notice anything particular about our luck these past few days? Any kind of pattern? You depend on luck, you end up on the drift. No fuel, no prospects, beggin' for alliance make-work, getting' towed out to the scrap belt. That ain't us. Not ever. Patience has got the money to pay. And she will, one way or another. There's obstacles in our path, and we're gonna deal with 'em. One by one. We'll get through this. We will."

Despite the frustration, the angry words, and his mutinous thoughts Jayne had with the Captain since he came aboard, he respected him for what he was…a survivor. Jayne was a survivor as well.

He eased out of the cockpit silently and made way to his bunk. If he was goin' to live through this, he was gonna make sure he was packin' enough fire power to blast himself outta hell. Jayne would do anything to live, and that's what made him dangerous.

I really liked this chapter. It was a bit longer but we get to see a lot of things. First we see Jayne's glee in the torture of Dobson and how Roz seems to inject herself in his thoughts and it's beginning to affect his work. But I like the end of the scene where Jayne is listening to the Fed's plan for overthrowing the ship. Jayne hasn't changed that much since Roz came on board. He wants the ship for himself and if he ever found a good enough deal he would probably take it at this stage in his life. Later on…he might be a little more loyal, or maybe not, what do you all think?

We get to see more of Jayne and how he thinks about certain things on the ship, while Roz gets closer to Book and learns more about his faith. This will be a constant through the series, Roz will grow closer to God and Jayne, but she's taking baby steps for now.

Hope everyone's enjoying it because I certainly love writing it. There may only be a couple chapters left for this story. I plan to do roughly, a story per episode. I may push episodes together for one story, we'll see how it goes. Thank you to those who've been consistently reviewing, it's very much appreciated. Thanks!