Chapter 9 – Bushwacked
A/N Yes, yes, a large Chapter, usual disclaimers apply.
August 2517 – The Black
The crew were in good spirits, and Jayne reflected on the past few weeks as he set up the cargo bay for game a hoop ball.
It had been almost six weeks since Serenity's crew had dealt with Adelai Niska's right hand man Crow and his men. A couple a jobs had been and gone, no great pay days but no big surprises and no injuries, and there's always somethin' to be said for that.
The jingling had her good days and her less good, but Jayne didn't mind none, and he smiled up at her on the catwalk as she was watchin' him set up, her gorram brother hoverin' nearby.
The Doc was not happy with what had transpired earlier, but 'cause a his actions that day Crow and his men had boarded the ship, he had almost no pull with the Cap'n. Jayne smiled again to hisself as he remembered.
Six Weeks Earlier – Day After The Train Job
He'd spent a fair time with River last night, finally carrying the girl, quite like, back to her room, afore that brother a hers discovered she was gone. It had taken a lot outta her to tell her tale, Jayne thought, and her tale was one a many surprises over the last few hours.
The girl was a reader. Jayne had hovered between not carin' 'bout that and bein' creepafied by it, but in the end he couldn't do nothin' about it, so he just accepted it.
River was mighty happy 'bout that, and that, he decided, was always a good thing.
Now what he found most interestin' though was her knowledge a weapons. She'd been able to strip and reassemble all a his more mainstream guns, including Lux, but not Vera or some of his more obscure weapons.
That needed a lot more investigatin', could prove all kinds a useful if what he thought was true was. Alliance brass wanted the little genius reader bad, and the whole thing screamed black ops ta Jayne.
He'd tried to rest in his bunk for a couple a hours before decide it was useless, so he took a quick shower before he headed ta tha kitchen ta make some coffee.
Coffee was already on, courtesy a the Cap'n. Mal weren't usually first up, Lil Kaylee or Wash usually was up first, checkin' the engine or the bridge before they headed fer breakfast.
"Mornin' Cap'n" Jayne nodded as he entered.
Mal also weren't usually genteel until he finished off at least one cup, which he musta as he nodded back and gave his good mornin' in return.
"How's the shoulder Mal?' Jayne asked. He weren't usually one fer small talk, but he found he actually wanted ta know tha answer.
"Hurts like a summbitch, I'll get myself another smoother in an hour or so. Mighty handy havin' the ships stash a drugs in my own bunk." he smirked at Jayne.
Jayne chuckled at that.
"Tha little Doc sure was powerful angry. Was worth it just for that."
"Yep. Can't say we don't need a good Medic, and the Doc seems ta know his stuff, but he was well outta line yesterday. Conjure he does somethin' as stupid as that again and he's gotta go. Hard on him, and his sister I'll own, but we gotta look after our own first. And he ain't proven that he wants ta be part a our motley crew yet."
Jayne frowned with the mention of kickin' Simon and River off tha ship, and that was the openin' he was tryin' to find ta talk on tha girl.
'Cap'n, that's somethin' I wanna talk on. The Doc's sister that is."
Intrigued, Mal leant forward and put his coffee cup down.
"Why's that?"
"Well I didn't wanna say nothin' in front a the others, especially the Doc, but she was a mighty big help yesterday."
Confused, Mal furrowed his brows his ownself.
"Whatchya mean?"
"Mal, I was out fer tha count. That little hun dun Doc had seen ta that. The rest a ya was in trouble, and me off in fairy land was not gonna help none. The girl knew we was in trouble, knew what had ta be done to even up the odds some, so she snuck outta the Infirmary as ya was havin' ya showdown with Crownan Tha Barbarian and helped me come to. "
Mal was all sorts a interested in how that had come about, if it were true.
"Ya serious Jayne? Ya tryin' to pull my leg first thing in tha mornin'. Ya know I ain't a mornin' person."
"Yeah Mal, I am serious. That ain't all. I was still a bit loopy from tha drugs and all, couldn't move proper like. The girl helped me ta my feet, pushed and steered me ta the action. The only reason Crow didn't chop ya head off with that weird ass knife a his was 'cause I shot him."
"Yeah, that's kinda obvious." The Cap'n thought he knew where Jayne was headin.
"Yeah, well, Mal, tha only reason I was there ta shoot that Go tsao de Crow was 'cause a tha girl. Couldn'ta made it otherwise. Woulda still prolly be unconscious like…."
"And I woulda had no head." Mal's face paled. Seems he owed tha girl one. Maybe she weren't as whimsical in the brainpain as he thought. And he said as much ta Jayne.
Jayne debated if he should tell the Cap'n any more than he had. Mayhaps just a little.
"I had a talk with tha girl on that last night."
"Exactly when were ya able ta do that, Jayne?"
"Couldn't sleep, dugs had messed my sleep cycle up some, came up here ta get some water and she was here. Couldn't sleep neither. Same reason." Jayne half lied.
"Go on." Mal knew there was more.
"Doc's drug's knock her about somethin' fierce, she says she don't need 'em. Says she tells her brother that and he don't listen none. Says he knows best."
"Ya believe that?"
"I do. Ya seen the girl, lookin' zombafied most times. That ain't the girl that came ta help. Says Doc missed given her a shot due to tha drama, so her head was clear enough ta help."
Mal would ask her his ownself. He had all the drugs, includin' those the Doc brought aboard, locked away in his bunk. If he agreed she didn't need 'em, then she wasn't gettin' 'em. He owed her that, at least.
Present – Cargo Bay
The big man smiled as he remembered how that went down. Cap'n had spoke ta tha girl, she was very quiet but had confirmed what needed confirmin'.
Later, tha Doc had argued fiercely, the Cap'n had told 'im ta shove it, and that was that. Easy, as it turned out.
Doc had warned as Jayne threw him outta tha room that he couldn't guarantee no "psychotic episodes" from his sister, which Jayne had learned meant a bout of bein' feng le. He said he couldn't watch her all tha time.
Jayne had found hisself volunteerin' to watch her some, there was lots a time in Tha Black with little ta do, and he wanted ta explore her capabilities anyways. Be nice if'n it didn't have ta be 3AM every time.
The Head of Security and The Cap'n had discussed that some, Jayne feelin' that if she was ta stay on board she had ta have a job, "Doc's Sister" not bein' a valid job description. She was supposed ta be a genius after all. Mal agreed, and told Jayne ta find out what practical skills she might have to help out. Bein' a genius was mighty fine, the Cap'n added, but mayhaps not so useful on an old mid bulk.
"Find out is she can cook or somethin'. Be nice to have a proper cook." The Cap'n muttered as he left tha room. Stickin' his head back in and smilin' he added. "Oh, and if ya break her, ya bought her. Dong ma?"
He smiled again, thinkin' of how she couldn't cook, but was willin' ta try. That wasn't what Jayne wanted her ta do, but the Cap'n prolly wouldn't go fer "Extra Gun Hand", even if that was what she'd be when the situation needed. Her skills were good in that area, and gettin' better. They'd cross that bridge when they come ta it.
No one knew she was a reader. She worked hard on that, some days she was just overwhelmed though.
Jayne weren't no chef, but he could cook. Everyone who'd been out on their own for as long as he was could. So he taught her what he knew, she was a quick study a course. So they had a cook, Jayne helpin' when she asked or on her not so good days. Tha Crew was happy they didn't have ta have cookin' duty, and even the Doc was pleased, some. Spoiled it by sayin' it weren't no job fer a genius though. Dumbass.
The deal was she would cook, crew would clean up. Girl was a brat at times, she always used every pot and pan she could when the Doc was down for cleanin' up duty. Kaylee helped him with that, which irked Jayne some.
River had come outta her shell a mite. At first, she would barely say a word ta anyone, except Jayne, and her gorram brother a course. Crew in return was wary a her, especially on her not so good days. Still, she'd now spend some time with Kaylee in the engine room and Wash on the Bridge, learnin' what she could. Which was a lot. Only Jayne knew how much she'd picked up when she told him what she'd been doin'. He didn't understand half a it.
She wouldn't have anything ta do with The Shepherd, though. Said he's hair scared her. Jayne had seen it down once and was shocked his ownself! Book had turned out ta be a pretty solid guy, after all, and spent some time liftin' weights with Jayne. There was more to the Shepherd than he was lettin' on, Jayne would find out what if he could.
So all in all she was progressin' nicely. Could cook, fix and fly the ship some. She'd started eatin' better when she started cookin' and had filled out a little. Jayne couldn't help but notice when they lifted weights together. She couldn't lift much, but she was determined.
Another thing she had started ta do was dance. Only a little, and never when other folk was around, but seemed she had a talent for that as well. He'd never admit it, not even really ta his ownself, but he liked watchin' her move around, all graceful like.
Jayne had convinced the Captain that everyone on the Crew needed ta know how ta shoot. Mal was fine with everyone but River knowin' how. That didn't stop Jayne, trouble was live fire practice could only be done when they was on world, so she didn't really get a chance ta put many rounds down range. Weren't fair but Mal's mind was made.
Still, he'd continue to do whatever he could to make River as self sufficient as possible. One day he might not be around. Head of Security was dangerous work.
One thing that wasn't progressin' was any kind of romantical relationship between Jayne and River. The Doc had seen ta that. Not that Jayne was gonna listen ta anythin' the Doc said, usually, but he blurted out that the girl weren't 20. She were only 17 or so. So Jayne had put the kybosh any anythin' that mighta happened. Weren't right, too young.
But he'd seen plenty a young women on Tha Rim same age as River with men his own age, when ya found that someone age didn't matter none. But she wasn't Rim, she was Core. And mebbe that was just an excuse. The Alliance had made sure that River had seen far more of the dark side of the 'Verse than most people twice her age, after all.
And she'd find any reason ta touch on 'im, a squeeze of tha hand or a quick hug. Or a long one. Couldn't pry her off sometimes on her bad days. And when he'd help her with the cookin', sometimes they'd work the fixin's together in the larger bowls. That was, distractin'. And the look on her face showed Jayne she knew exactly what she was doin'. Gorram girl.
The Catwalk – Same Time
River heard some, but not all, of Jayne's internal ramblings. She had tried to keep her promise and not read him, but some of his thoughts, mainly in relation to her, were so loud she couldn't help it.
Smiling to herself as she watched him set up for hoopball, she knew he was in a losing battle. There would be trials and tribulations on the way, but they were already bonded. Bao hu zhe just hadn't admitted that to himself yet. In good time.
Bao hu zhe had wished to know her talents in relation to weaponry. Fine. But she had found her cooking lessons to be far more enjoyable. It was, of course, a relatively easy discipline to master, being just a form of chemistry, really. The best part was mixing the ingredients in large bowls with Jayne. Such large, manly, hands. Not at all like those of ge ge.
As the game got into gear, River was fascinated. Games such as these were too low brow for a Tam, or so she had always been told. And the Academy's physical training regime bore little resemble to the chaos unfolding beneath her.
Chaos, perhaps, but enjoyable. Troubles were forgotten as the Crew of the Firefly enjoyed high spirits. River found it to be infectious, and the sight of Jayne in sleeveless T-shirt, muscles bulging, was exciting. To put it mildly. There were…tingles….in her stomach, and lower, that soared in intensity when Jayne would spare her a glance, or a quick wink or smile.
Always with his back to the Crew, and only after Simon had moved away to talk with the Registered Companion, she noticed.
Another hurdle to jump, for Jayne, would be the Crew and their reaction to any bonding between the pair. Bao hu zhe worried a great deal on this subject. Curiously, he cared little for what ge ge thought, however.
She had felt a twinge of something else, when Jayne lifted Kaylee onto his shoulders. Jealousy, ownership? Whatever it was, it was not logical and she did not enjoy the feeling, at all. The girl had to remind herself that feelings were definitely not logical.
River sighed. This was hard, her mind was still fragile, and new feelings were a complication she didn't really need. Dropping those thoughts, she concentrated on watching Jayne, and was rewarded with a quick smile from the big man.
He liked to show off his physical prowess, and he especially enjoyed it when River watched him excel at same. She had caught the thought, he liked his jingling's beautiful smile when he looked up at her, like an angel on high. The endearment was charming, she liked it immensely, and she found she could not stop smiling.
Suddenly the hoopball game, and River's smiling, was interrupted by a piercing klaxon.
Zoe was first to react.
"Proximity alert. Must be comin' up on somethin'."
Her husband reacted predictably, with a joke.
"Oh gawd! What could it be? We're DOOMED! Who's flyin' this thing!?"
The jovial mood continued as they all smiled at the humor.
"Oh. Right. That'd be me." Wash deadpanned. "Back to work!"
With that, Wash set off for the Bridge to check on the alert.
The rest of the Crew were debating whether to continue the game when suddenly, Serenity lurched. Perhaps this was more than routine was the common thought as they all raced to the Bridge.
Mal, as Captain, was first in.
"Wash, you have a stroke or somethin'?"
"Near enough."
"What happened?" Zoe asked her husband.
They all followed Wash's gaze and peered inta The Black, to be greeted with the sight of a transport ship, similar in size to the old Firefly. It appeared to be derelict and was tumblin' through space.
"Anyone home?" The Cap'n asked.
"Been hailing her." Wash replied.
The rest of Wash's reply was lost on Jayne as he spied River just outside the hatch ta the Bridge.
His little jingling looked ashen, and was tremblin' somethin' fierce. Striding over to her, he swept back a strand of hair, and tryin' to calm her he asked, "What is it?"
"It's ghosts." she replied, and smiled briefly.
Jayne, not likin' that at all, pulled her in for a quick hug while the rest of the Crew decided ta investigate tha derelict.
Cargo Bay
It had been decided that the Cap'n and Zoe would go over first and investigate. No one knew if they'd be any atmo over there or not, so Jayne was helpin' them prep their suits, just in case.
Simon entered with his bag.
"Where ya think you're headed'?" Jayne intercepted the hun dun.
"I'd thought I'd offer my services, just in case anyone on board required medical attention."
Jayne was not impressed.
"Yeah, well, Cap'n and Zoe are goin' in first. We'll holler if we need ya."
Jayne cocked Zoe's Mare's Leg as he headed away from Simon, who hadn't noticed he'd just been dismissed. He was too busy staring at the space suits.
The big man filed that away for future use. Seems our Doc don't like EVA none.
Fully prepped, Mal and Zoe entered the airlock and began their trek into the belly of the unknown ship. They'd use radios to keep in contact with Wash as they searched the derelict.
Rivers Room – Same Time
River was going mad again. Something, someone, had invaded her mind and was battering at the walls she had carefully constructed over the last few weeks. It was so loud she could not even keep a simple connection with Bao hu zhe.
The frantic girl needed Jayne, now. Footsteps approached, and her face fell as ge ge, not Bao hu zhe, entered.
"Shh. It's ok. I'm here. Bad dreams again? I'll ask the Captain for some medicine for you when he gets back. I'm sure he'll agree."
That stopped River's trembling in her tracks. Poor Simon's answer for everything, drugs. No way!
"No, no drugs! I can't sleep because there's too much screaming."
Simon looked at her with sadness on his face.
"River, there is no screaming."
Immediately composed, River looked her brother in the eyes and stated. "There was."
Jayne had wanted to check on River once the Cap'n and First Mate were suited up and ready to go. He had airlock duty though, and couldn't. But with the Cap's request for him ta come over, he'd take the opportunity to check on the jingling while he told tha Doc to get over to the derelict as well.
Walkin' into the passenger dorms he heard River's distressed state. Stormin' into her room he saw the Doc tryin' to do..somethin', and failin'. Dumbass.
"Hey!" he said as he stared down the core bred Doctor, who didn't notice the smile that had formed on the face of his now calm sister.
"Grab your medkit and let's hoof it. Mal wants us both over there on the double."
"They've found survivors?" the dumbass asked.
"Didn't say." Jayne shrugged in return.
"Right. I'll ask Inara to look in on River."
Holding Boo, Jayne was in no mood ta wait.
"Now! Doctor." he ordered as he cocked Boo, addin' incentive for tha Doc ta do as he was told.
Simon looked between River and Boo, and decided that arguing with the ape man gone wrong was a waste of time. He'd see Inara on the way and…
His thoughts were interrupted as Jayne grabbed him and pushed him towards the cargo bay, away from Inara's shuttle.
"Wrong way Doc. Don't need no detour. Get movin', get your suit on, now! Or we's gonna chat some more." Jayne threatened as he waved Boo in the Doc's face.
Not willing, or able, to push the matter further, Simon acquiesced and headed directly for the cargo bay.
Jayne watched him go, before turnin' and headin' back ta River. He didn't have much time, one way or tha other, so he'd have to be quick like.
Tha girl was waitin' by the door as he stepped back inta the passenger dorms area. He gently pushed her back inta her room, and once outta sight from the hallway wrapped his big arms around her small frame. He was worried that she was goin' feng le again. She'd had some less than perfect days over the last few weeks, but this behaviour was right back ta when she come aboard.
He held her tightly and she leaned in at him. He'd take the risk on someone walkin' in on them. It was worth it to help calm the girl some.
"C'mon girl. Ain't nothin' ta be afraid of. What kinda protector ya think I am? Let some old derelict scare ya? Ya safe, baby girl." It came out without warnin', and Jayne didn't even notice.
River did, and smiled into Jayne's massive chest. Another endearment! Her heart leapt as she basked in the warmth of his embrace, all thoughts of the derelict temporarily forgotten.
"Look. I gotta go. Mal's expectin' me soonest. Ya be ok?"
River nodded, not sure how she'd be once the walls that were formed by her Bao hu zhe's arms fell. But she would try.
Jayne kissed the top of her head as they broke apart, and then he started off for the derelict transport, just passin' Inara in the hallway.
The Derelict
The Cap'n, Zoe, Jayne and Lil Kaylee were now onboard the derelict, havin' a robust discussion on where ta go from here, only to see a space suited figure walk around the corner – Simon.
Simon was shocked. He managed to suit up all by himself, a laborious process, not helped by his fear of hard vacuum. He'd surmounted that fear and made it aboard the derelict to find the others…sans spacesuits.
"What are you doin' here?" asked the Cap'n. "And what's with the suit?"
Jayne couldn't help it, he burst out laughin'. He'd got the Doc a good'un.
Simon had to get Kaylee's help to get his helmet off. The whole ordeal had been humiliating.
"Oh, you're hilarious. Sadist." Simon said as he glared at Jayne.
The Cap'n couldn't help but smile his ownself. He personal dislike for the Doc was still in evidence, but they had a job to do.
"Alright, that's enough." he said. "We ain't got time for games. Long as you're here Doc, ya might as well lend a hand. You can run with Kaylee." Mal ordered as he tossed a loot bag at Simon.
"Let's do this quick, people. Coupla loads each. No need to be greedy. "
The Crew headed for their assigned areas. Jayne was to secure the galley, and he roared loudly with laughter as he heard Kaylee tell the Doc that he had his helmet on wrong. Wouldn'ta done him any good in Tha Black!
Serenity – Airlock
River had tried to remain calm, but had failed. She needed to get to her Bao hu zhe. The psychic felt he was in danger onboard the derelict, and had to warn him. She would protect him as he protected her.
Slowly she made her way onto the derelict, unsure of what she would find but determined to complete her self-assigned mission.
Derelict – Galley
Jayne was in a hurry. River's warnin' of "ghosts" was creepafyin' enough. What was even more creepafyin' was that he believed her without question.
Packin' anythin' that was of any use inta the satchel he carried, he was engrossed in his task when tha radio crackled inta life. It were the Cap'n.
"Jayne. Jayne! Drop what ya doin' and get to tha engine room. I wanta ya to take Kaylee and The Doctor off this boat. Don't ask questions, dong ma?"
Reachin' for the radio, Jayne never made it as the lights dimmed and he was suddenly attacked from behind by…somethin'.
"Jayne? Jayne! Do you read? Jayne?!"
The Cap'n was frantic.
Taken by complete surprise, Jayne was nevertheless able to draw Boo and get a coupla' shots off. He knew he weren't liable ta hit his opponent, he was hopin' to scare him off some.
His attacker had other ideas, bringin' a large pan down on Jayne's head as the big man fired. Boo fell to the floor and slid towards the entrance ta the galley.
The unknown assailant was about to renew his attack on the big man when a shot rang out and he fell ta the floor.
Lookin' up, Jayne saw a sight as he was never liable ta forget. There was tha little jingling, a look of determination on her face, with her hands bein' dominated by his LeMat. She had saved him. It was her turn ta be tha Bao hu zhe.
It was one of tha most beautiful things he'd ever seen, and he told her so.
The smile he got in return was worth the hit ta tha head.
Quickly getting' off the floor, he retrieved his gun from the still smilin' girl, who he rewarded with a fierce hug and a kiss ta tha top of her head.
She squeaked at the touch and then settled inta him, and they held each other for a few seconds. Jayne recovered quick like, and broke the embrace. There was work still ta be done.
Jayne was about ta look fer tha light switch when the Cap'n and the Zoe stormed in, guns raised, followed by the Doc and Lil Kaylee.
Mal was about ta ask what tha gorram hell was goin' on when the Doc piped up.
"River? What are you.."
"I followed the voices." she interrupted.
"Don't ever leave the ship. Not ever!"
The girl rolled her eyes so only Jayne could see and allowed herself to be taken in hand by her brother.
Mal seemed to only notice River at that time as he was so intent on getting' an explanation outta Jayne.
"Handle her, will ya son?" he ordered Simon.
Turnin' ta Jayne he wanted answers.
"What'd ya see?"
"I didn't." Jayne replied. "Came at me from behind. Think I mighta hit 'im." No way was he gonna mention River's involvement.
The Doctor piped in again.
"You did." he said as he pointed to a collection of tell tale blood droplets leadin' to a wall grate.
Takin' Zoe's Mares' leg, Mal pushed open the wall grate to be confronted by tha face of a young man, cowerin' in tha shadows, lookin' feral.
"Mercy..mercy..no mercy." he muttered as he stared blankly at the Captain.
"Easy now. We ain't gonna hurt ya." Mal said, then noticin' the gun shot wound ta the young mans arm. "Well, no more than we already did."
"No mercy." The man repeated.
"Oh, we got mercy." Mal whispered. "We got lots and lots of mercy."
Mercy came in the form of the butt of Zoe's Mare's Leg, which the Browncoat used to knock the apparent survivor out, cold.
Whilst everyone was focused on tha survivor, Jayne took the opportunity ta give River a quick wink, thankin' her in his thoughts, and had ta stop hisself from laughin' out loud as she gave him one in return. He settled for shakin' his head. Gorram girl!
Derelict– Some Time Later
The little bit of revelry the two had shared on tha derelict had been the last bit of light heartedness that Jayne had had that night, and he clung ta it with all a his might.
Turned out the cause of tha ship becomin' a derelict was no accident. Nope, no accident. Ship was hit by Reavers. Tha Black's a big place. And we's keep runnin' inta them, or their work. Damned if Jayne didn't feel like there was a personal connection. And it weren't no good feelin'.
It also weren't no good feelin' helpin' the Shepherd and the Doctor cut down all them bodies so's the Shepherd could say some words over them. Tha words seemed kinda hollow.
And Jayne wondered why The Alliance would let an obvious threat continue to exist. Don't make no sense, but there was some kinda answer just at the edge a his memory. He was sure of it!
He'd like to go see tha girl, thank her proper like, but she was locked away in Inara's shuttle with the Companion. He didn't think that was a bad idea, as it happened. With him on the derelict and the "survivor" in the Infirmary on Serenity, her bein' in a locked shuttle outta harms way was a some comfort.
Not much, but some. He'd try and see her when they was done with this gruesome business.
Inara's Shuttle – Same Time
River had gone to sleep with the hope of good dreams. She had saved Bao hu zhe. He had loved that she had. The slew of positive emotions she had felt from him were overpowering, in their own way, but she cherished each one nonetheless.
She craved for him to be near. Alas, he was not. He was on the derelict. Helping ge ge and the Man with the Book of Lies. The psychic needed him to be close, as she needed his familiar mind to lose herself in, as she did on her worst days when she knew not what else to do.
This day was worse than any other since she had arrived on Serenity. The ghosts of the derelict had been loud, but with Jayne near she had managed to deal with them. Dealing with them meant she had missed the live one, mostly, only an inkling remained. Knowing even an inkling was a danger, she had boarded the derelict and saved her Protector by consciously focusing on her mission.
Asleep, unable to connect strongly with Jayne's mind, and with obviously no conscious mission, her mind had wandered. And it had wandered into the dark recesses of the survivors memories. Reavers, and their awful, hideous acts.
The genius psychic woke, screaming, as her mind was assaulted by the vicious memories of the Reavers.
Inara did what she could, but the girl needed Jayne. River could not even ask for him, as all she could do was scream as the walls she had carefully constructed in her mind were destroyed, plunging her back into insanity.
Cargo Bay – Serenity – Soon After
The three men had finally finished their grisly work on tha derelict and had just come back. Jayne was pleased ta be off that ship, pleased to have got the valuable salvage, pleased that his jingling (and gorram it, the girl was, no one was ever gonna take her, as long as he drew breath) had saved him, and pleased that soon he'd be able ta thank her, proper like.
The pleased look fell from his face as that gorram proximity alarm activated again.
"No, no! Do not say that." Jayne cried. "It's the Reavers! Gorram Reavers have come back!"
He relaxed, somewhat, as he heard over the ships speakers:
"Firefly Class transport, you are ordered to release control of your helm. Prepare to dock and be boarded."
Reavers, no. But almost as bad for his charge, the ruttin' Alliance. As soon as they found her, they'd take her. Not on my watch he vowed.
With no time to waste, he found the Cap'n and outlined his plan.
Within ten minutes the Alliance Cruiser had automatically docked Serenity to the belly of the massive ship. As soon as a good seal was obtained, Alliance Purplebellies streamed into the cargo bay of the old Firefly.
The Commander of the Cruiser gave the word and soon all of the valiant Crew of Serenity found themselves disarmed.
Mal decided to try and take charge of the situation, as was his want.
"Well now, ain't this a whole lotta fuss. I didn't know better, might think we was dangerous." he smirked.
The Commander of the Cruiser, Harken, was not impressed.
"Is this your vessel?"
"It is. Bought and paid for. I'm Captain Malcolm Reynolds."
"And is this everyone, Captain?" Harken asked as he motioned to the gathered Crew.
"By way of crew it is. Though you're gonna find in our Infirmary a fella we rescued from that derelict. Saved him, guess you could say."
Harken motioned for two of his men to go and check the Infirmary.
Jayne surveyed tha tactical situation as Mal and Harken bantered back and forth. Weren't no good, that's fer sure, Just have ta hope Mal can talk his way outta this.
The Head of Security's ears perked up at the talk of harborin' known fugitives. Not good. But Mal was playin' it pretty straight. Jayne was thankful, and impressed.
Just then the two who had gone to check the Infirmary came back and spoke to Harken, who turned and spoke to the assembled Crew, all friendly pretences gone.
"We'll continue this conversation in a more official capacity." he stated.
This was the cue for his mean to arrest the Crew and bring them aboard the Cruiser for interrogation. They had no choice but to come peaceably, which for Jayne meant forcibly shakin' off every attempt by a Purplebellie to hold him. They gave up, quick like.
"Every inch of this junker gets tossed." Harken ordered as he turned and stormed off Serenity, leaving dozens of his men on board to search the ship thoroughly. He'd find the fugitives, if they were here, of that he was sure.
In the meantime, he'd personally interrogate the Crew of probable illegal smugglers.
Alliance Cruiser
Jayne brought up the rear as the Crew were hustled aboard the Cruiser. He appeared nonchalant but actually he was worried. There was Purplebellies everywhere, and every minute they spent searchin' Serenity increased the chances the hun dun's would find the girl and her idiot brother.
He wondered where they was goin'. Detention area, prolly. Deck 39, Section C12, if he remembered right. The big man stopped in his tracks, only to be prodded from behind by the butt of an Alliance Trooper's rifle. Glarin' at the feh feh pi goh, he nevertheless allowed hisself ta be moved on as he pondered on what had just popped inta his mind. He ain't never been on one a these yi da tuo da bian before, why would he know where the brig was?
Eventually they got to their destination – Deck 39, Section C12 – and were separated into different cells. Jayne was approachin' panic when he saw the signs on the wall when they arrived, but her calmed hisself with great effort. Would do the Crew, hisself, and tha girl no good if he was actin' like a scared young'un.
Serenity's Head of Security was totally composed by the time they came for him.
Alliance Cruiser – Interrogation Room
The Alliance Trooper's were wary a him. One in front, and one in back, and they led him inta tha Interrogation Room.
The Alliance Commander, Harken, motioned for Jayne to sit, which he did.
Jayne appeared utterly unperturbed by his present situation. He leant back in his chair, cocked his head ta the side, crossed his arms, and stared at the Alliance sha gwa, his eyes borin' inta that of tha Commander's.
"Jayne Cobb." Harken looked up from his pad. "Mercenary. Paid gun for hire. "
No response from said hired gun.
Harken changed tack, trying to get a response.
"Would turn on anyone for money, maybe? Disloyal certainly. Perhaps even give over your own mother if the money was good enough?"
Fightin' for control, Jayne managed to keep the battle ragin' within' hisself off his face. He thoughta tha girl and won his internal battle.
For the next 10 minutes Harken tried every trick he knew to get an answer from Jayne, he would have settled for a grunt.
The only change Jayne made over tha entire period was ta slowly tap his fingers on one a his massive biceps, clearly tellin' tha Alliance Commander that he was on no mood ta deal with his go se.
In the end Harken was so mad at the mercenaries lack of co-operation, and his lack of respect, that he ordered Jayne locked in "The Box", a tiny cell used for solitary confinement of troublesome prisoners.
Jayne was escorted ta his new cell, with a giant smirk on his face.
Well, Harken thought, we'll see how long that smirk lasts when he sees his new abode. The big man will have a hard time even fitting in the tiny cell.
Serenity's Outer Hull
Harken had vowed he would find the fugitive sibling's if they were anywhere inside Serenity. That was a losing bet for the Alliance Commander, for the fugitive sibling's were not in Serenity, they were on her. Her outer hull, to be precise.
With only minutes to come up with a solution, Jayne had spied the space suit Simon had used earlier and had an epiphany. There'd be every chance the Purplebellies would search every inch of the insides of the ship they could get to, but there was almost no chance they would search the external hull for the fugitive pair. Why would they? The idea was ludicrous.
Ludicrous or not, the Captain had accepted Jayne's idea without a second thought. The Doctor was not as quick to acquiesce, only agreeing when Kaylee assured him she would suit him up correctly, and only after he himself could not come up with a better alternative.
River was in no shape to argue, and that worried the big man. She was pale, her eyes darted about, and to Jayne it looked like she had gone fully feng le again. Not good, but he'd have to look inta that later. At least she wouldn't let anyone but him suit her up.
So here they were, upside down (relative to the normal plane), clinging to the outer hull of the old Firefly, waiting for the Alliance Troopers to finish desecrating Serenity.
Simon was, to put it mildly, terrified. The very thought of being out in the vacuum of space, with only a little Mylar and plexiglass separating a person from…nothing, was so far out of his usual frame of reference that he was almost catatonic.
Conversely, River was enjoying herself immensely. Concentrating on the vastness of The Black had allowed her to separate the evil thoughts of the Reavers from her own. That had allowed her to then separate the thoughts of the Alliance crew from that of the Crew of Serenity. Finally, with her mind in some semblance of order, she had begun to repair the mental walls she had recently constructed that had allowed her to act as a normal adult. Well, as normal as she could reasonably expect.
Soon, too soon for the girls liking, Simon had deduced that it was all clear. The Alliance had finished searching Serenity. They had not been found, and there would be no reason for the Troopers to search the old Firefly again.
"Let's go again!" River said, as Simon helped her off with her helmet. She really did find The Black to be a serene place.
"Later." he replied. "Maybe. Captain said once the coast was clear we should lay low in the shuttle. C'mon."
Suddenly Rivers face fell.
"He's coming back."
"Yes. Yes, of course he is. They all are. Captain Reynolds is used to these sorts of situations. We just have to be patient. Come on."
River sighed. Ge ge didn't get it. He never did.
The two siblings set off for the spare shuttle, pausing at the door to the kitchen. The area was a mess, and if it was indicative of the state of the ship it would take quite a while to get it back in order. A small price to pay if they remained undiscovered.
Simon took his sister by the arm and went to move through, it was the quickest route to the shuttle. The girl refused to move.
"River, it's okay. They've gone. Come on."
She vigorously shook her head, grabbing him and pulling him back away from the door to the kitchen.
The Box – Same Time
When the two Purplebellies didn't take him back ta his original cell, Jayne knew exactly where he was goin'. The Box. And he was right. And he was sick of knowin' his way around this gorram ship somehow.
He'd been here now 'bout an hour or so, he reckoned, and the smirk had well and truly left his face. It was small, and it was dark. It were all sorts a uncomfortable, and that was tha point, a course. Truth was, he weren't so concerned fer his ownself, bein' as he'd been in worse spots afore.
No, he was worried on tha girl. Longer alla this go se took, more chance she'd be found. Only a limited air supply in tha suit, and who knows how she'd handle bein' out in Tha Black anyways.
He was itchin' ta get back ta her.
Debatin' on whether to start poundin' on the door some or not, he was surprised when the object of his thinkin' suddenly opened, and he was pulled out harshly by a coupla Purplebellies.
"Hey, where we goin'?" he asked, without expectin' an answer.
Without gettin' one, he was led, roughly, back in the general area of where Serenity was docked, if his reckoning was right.
It was.
Serenity – Docking Port
The Head of Security was not surprised to find his Cap'n waitin' for him. Mayhaps this was all done. But there was no sign of tha rest of tha Crew.
Only others there was that Alliance Commander, Harken, and a passell of Purplebellies. Jayne was shocked ta see one a them on tha ground, dead, with a pool a blood slowly expandin' around him.
"Cap'n, what's goin' on?"
"Our "survivor" has decided to play Reaver." Mal said as he looked down at the dead Alliance Trooper. "He's on Serenity by the looks. Familiar ground. We know the ship better than the good men here, so we get to find 'im."
Jayne's worry increased. River should be back on tha ship by now. She'd be in danger. Not only from our new pretend Reaver friend, but from any Alliance that got back on board the Firefly. Go se.
"Ok. What about our cuff's?" he asked, lookin' at Harken. Both he and Mal had their hands cuffed behind their backs.
Harken took the key from one of his men, and uncuffed their hands, only to cuff them again from the front. Better, but not good.
Mal was not impressed.
"Thanks, now I'll really have the advantage." he deadpanned.
Harken was equally unimpressed.
"You two will go first. I don't feel like losing any more good men today. Open the airlock."
Mal and Jayne moved through the airlock, with the brave Alliance men following at a safe distance.
Serenity – Kitchen
The loud clang of the airlock opening was clear through the quietness of the dimly lit ship.
"Someone's coming."
Simon's panic rose, knowing he couldn't now get to the shuttle without being seen. What should we do? He didn't know.
Cargo Bay
Mal and Jayne led the Alliance men into the bowels of the ship.
"We'll spilt up.." Harken started.
"Best if we stick together." Mal interrupted.
"Unless ya in tha mood ta get picked off one by one?" Jayne added. Alliance dumbass.
Harken considered that for a moment, then finally nodded consent.
"Keene, Escobar, you two stay here. Watch the door. Don't need this thing back on my ship."
The two Troopers nodded and their Commander motioned for the Serenity men to lead on, which they did.
They went past the messed up Infirmary, through the common area, up the stairs, around to the engine room. Nothing. Finally, they all entered the kitchen and dining area.
Jayne immediately noticed a space suit helmet on the bench. Tzao gao! Hopefully they's in the shuttle, as planned, but if not...
Mal had seen it too, but had distracted the Alliance Commander with talk of spilled cutlery. Some of tha knives were missin'. Our pretend Reaver friend mayhaps?
While The Cap'n was talkin' with the Alliance, Jayne decided he'd best keep lookin'. Mebbe he'd run inta the Reaver, and he'd deal with him best he could, but as he walked outta the kitchen and turned inta tha foredeck hall, it wasn't tha Reaver he saw, but he'd run smack right inta Simon and his sister, tryin' ta hide in the shadows of tha wall.
He was happy ta see them, even Simon, meant they was alive, not pretend Reaver food. They all shared a smile of relief, which turned to dread as Jayne tensed.
There was Alliance men, not ten feet away. What in the gorram hell was we gonna do?
Jayne turned ta block tha door with his considerable bulk. As long as he drew breath no Alliance hun dun was gonna get past. Unarmed, handcuffed, it was tha best he could do. Mayhaps it would buy River, and her brother, a few precious seconds ta escape to...somewhere.
His eyes met Mal's, and immediately the Cap'n knew from the steel in his Head of Security's eyes that he'd found somethin' on the other side of tha door. And the fact he'd turned his back meant it was the Tam's. Go se. A popular phrase for the day.
All three of the men of Serenity present were out of ideas.
As it seemed Harken was about to twig that something was amiss, a wild howl rang out as the self made Reaver leapt onto one of the Alliance Troopers, stabbing him in the neck. His artery severed, blood spraying onto the surprised face of the Alliance Commander.
Harken fumbled for his gun, but was too slow as the faux Reaver knocked it away, then lunged for the stunned man, who was repulsed at the sight he saw. The survivor had completely mutilated his face, his flesh was peeled back, his mouth pinned into a grimace by bits of metal – it was a hideous sight. The Reaver-like man snapped and snarled at the senior Alliance man as he attempted to take his life. And it looked like he would do just that as Harken could offer only token resistance.
Jayne, for his part, was not gonna help him. With Harken dead, or at least incapacitated, it would give him time ta hide the Tams again properly. That, for him, at least as far as River was concerned, was more important.
The Cap'n, however, was more hopeful. Hopeful that if he saved the man, he would be repaid in kind. So decision made, Mal struck.
The Browncoat leapt onto the attacker's back, bringin' his cuffed hands over his head and around his throat. This seemed to only anger the pretend Reaver more, who renewed his attacked on Harken, only bein' held back my Mal's power. With the issue in doubt, Mal summoned his remainin' strength and pulled back hard. There was a loud crack, as Mal let the body of the now dead survivor fall to the deck, his neck broke.
With the battle over, Mal and Harken shared a look, an understandin' appeared to have been reached.
Mal looked around, his Head of Security was nowhere in sight.
Serenity – Bridge – Some Time Later
Mal, Wash, Zoe, and Jayne, the Senior Crew, were on the Bridge as the old Firefly detached from the giant Alliance Cruiser.
They'd gone from bein' bound by law, ta bein' free ta go. A good result, but in Jayne's mind coulda been a mite better.
"Ya save his gorram life. And he still takes tha cargo. Hun dun."
The Cap'n was more pragmatic.
"Had to. Couldn't let us profit. Wouldn't be civilized."
They foursome continued to look at the slowly recedin' Cruiser as it fired on the spinnin' derelict, explosions tearin' its hull asunder.
Dining Room – Two Days Later - Evening
It had taken two days of furious work, but Serenity was mostly back as she should have been. There wasn't any damage, as such, just a lot of mess to be cleared up.
The Crew had revelled in the shared task, the work being seen somewhat as penance for escaping the clutches of the Alliance. To be sure, their Captain had saved the life of the Alliance Commander, and letting them go was the right thing to do, but the right thing was something that the Alliance all too often failed todo.
River had used the time to continue to repair her mental walls. The menial tasks, the routine, and of course the familiar minds had all helped in that process.
She and Jayne had not been able to have any "alone time", as such, these past two days, there had been much to do. They had, however, mostly worked together, as they often did these days, which none of the others found out of the ordinary.
It was nice to spend so much time together. It would have been nicer to spend that time alone. They had a lot to talk about.
Finally, the opportunity presented itself. Dinner had been prepared, eaten, cleaned away, and various Crew members had retreated to partake in various activities.
For the Head of Security, it was Weapons Maintenance. For the Head Cook, it was Watching the Heading of Security Perform Weapons Maintenance.
In actuality, River performed much of this herself, at Jayne's bequest. His ultimate plan was for her to be his back up, not just the ships cook. He knew she was capable, the rest of tha Crew would take some convincin' though.
"Ya did good girl." he said as he broke the companionable silence.
The girl cocked her eyebrow in return. She wouldn't read him if she could help it.
"On tha derelict. When that freak attacked me. Ya winged 'im. I would gotta 'im, eventual like, but was quicker. So thanks." he smiled.
"You are welcome, Bao hu zh." she smiled, and then frowned. "My shot was non-optimal. She, I, was not aiming for his upper arm."
"Well, ya ain't had much like practice. And Boo's prolly a mite heavy for ya." The big man thought for a few seconds. "Look, baby girl, I'm real proud a ya. Ya acted right quick, not ya fault ya shot was off. C'mere." he motioned.
She rose, gracefully, and walked over. Jayne involuntary gulped at the sight. Damned if it weren't mighty fine tha way she moved.
"Anybody close by?" he whispered.
She closed her eyes, and let her mind's eye wander.
"Wash and Zoe in their bunk, busy. Captain and Inara in her shuttle, arguing. Kaylee helping ge ge sort bandages in the Infirmary." She giggled. "Kaylee is very frustrated! The Shepherd is in his room engrossed in The Book That Lies. Either the Captain or Kaylee will disturb us shortly, whoever loses patience first." she giggled again.
Jayne thought it was a magical sound, he'd wish she did it more often. He pulled her down inta his lap.
This was new, she thought. Usually Bao hu zhe was less forward. Perhaps he has resolved his issues?
"I was worried today I was gonna lose ya, that I wasn't gonna be there ta help ya none. So here."
River was hoping for a kiss. A kiss on the lips that would show Jayne had seen that they were meant to be, that they were bonded, forever.
Instead she got a gun. Well, baby steps.
It was Ingrid, the Walther PPK.
"She's a good gun. Really too small fer me anyways. Perfect for ya dainty hands. Ya already know how ta look after her. We'll have ta rig some sorta holster fer ya too. I'll keep the ammo less I hafta leave ya alone, like tha other day. Least until Mal agrees ya can keep her. Hafta work on that some."
River gave him a very bright smile. It wasn't a kiss on the lips, but it wasn't a baby step either. Jayne wouldn't let anyone else even hold one of his guns, except for her helping with their maintenance. But to be given one, to keep, was another thing entirely.
She was sure, now, that eventually she would get the kiss she craved.
Chinese:
Jingling – Pixie
Go tsao de – Dog fornicator
Feng le - Crazy
Dong ma? - Understand
Bao hu zhe - Protector
Ge ge – Big brother
Hun dun - Jerk
Feh feh pi goh – Baboon's ass crack
Yi da tuo da bian – A big pile of crap
Sha gwa - Fool
Go se - Crap
Tzao gao! – Oh crap!
A/N Next – Re-imagined Shindig. Not sure what we'll do with that as it's a very Mal-Inara focused episode. Maybe that'll be the mythical short chapter? We'll see.