Chapter 12 – Our Mrs Reynolds
Enroute to Triumph – Heinlen Border System – 15 October 2517
The last five days had passed in a blur for tha Browncoat Captain. Over two weeks searching for tha three missin' Crew members, not ta mention another run in with a gorram Alliance Cruiser, had put Serenity's ability ta earn cashy money on hold. He was desperate for a job, any job, so here they was, enroute ta Triumph ta sort out a local gang, which tha local law had declined ta pursue, least with any vigor. Not the Crew of Serenity's usual work, but work nonetheless.
Jayne's days had been full, teachin' the jingling tha finer tools a tha trade. No live fire, not until they hit dirt, but now that Mal was "allowin'" him ta teach tha young woman how ta shoot, he was takin' advantage of not havin' ta hide the sessions ta teach her everything there was ta know about bein' a gun hand. Not just weaponry, but everythin' from attitude, how ta stand, how ta look and somesuch, ta trackin' and lots in between. A lotta it had to be theoretical like, and it had only been a few days, but she was doin' well as he'd thought she would do. Which was pretty good.
Jayne's nights weren't so full, though. Was hard ta sleep, fer both a them it seemed, so most nights they got what sleep they could, but always ended up in the crash chairs leanin' against each other wrapped in their own blankets. Was a ridiculous sight, ta be sure, but at least none a tha Crew had seen them. Lil Kaylee was always first up ta check on tha engine, and tha bangin' of her hatch had so far woken tha pair up. They'd then scurry fer their own bunks. Jayne thought it were all kinds of unmanly, but they'd decided it weren't worth that trouble it'd mebbe cause if they was discovered in tha same bunk. So crash chairs it was.
That weren't tha only worry. The Doc was lookin' at him awful funny, like he was lookin' at a bug and wonderin' if he was gonna squash it or not. Seems both Tam's could be creepafyin' if they wanted ta be.
Simon was, indeed, wondering what he should do about the increasing amounts of time his sister and the ape…no Jayne, were spending together. Almost inseparable by day, the only times he hadn't seen them together was during River's daily unofficial flying or engine maintenance lessons. He was even helping with the cooking, most times! And at night….well, he had woken up to check on his sister several times and found them together, but strangely not, sleeping leaning against each other in the crash chairs. It was simultaneously a ridiculous and disturbing sight.
Strangely enough, he had a bigger worry when it came to his mei mei. "She reads minds and spins falsehoods" The Patron had said. Well, spinning falsehoods didn't seem to be true. And he could tell that because the mind reading seemed to be accurate. Mind reading. His mei mei was a reader? She'd always been very perceptive, but the details she spoken had to have been gotten from somewhere. And since no one had spoken these things to her….it had to be that she was a reader. What had the Academy done to her?
"Enhanced the ability, ge ge. That's what they called it." His mei mei said as she walked into the Infirmary. "It was always there, you call it perception. If you wish to speak of it, that is fine, but I want Jayne to be here."
Well, that puts any doubt to rest Simon thought.
"Yes it does, Simon."
Simon blinked, unable to do anything else.
"Jayne? Why do you want him to know? If it got out…..we should keep it between ourselves, I'm sure The Captain wouldn't…"
"Bao hu zhe already knows, ge ge, and I require him to be here. I will return momentarily."
Shocked at her revelation and the casual use of her ability, Simon had little choice but to wait for his sister's return.
The odd couple, and Simon could not help but think of them as one, entered the Infirmary and took strangely matching poses in front of The Doctor. Simon found himself doubly intimidated.
"What's got ya panties in a bunch Doc?" Jayne demanded.
"Manners, Bao hu zhe!" River admonished the big man.
"Gorram it woman, don't start!"
"I would not have 'to start', Jayne, if you acted more civil when civility is required."
"Why fer ya always got ta do that?"
The Doctor found himself amused, and at the same time disturbed, by the banter. Twin feelings were becoming the signature of the odd couple. And that was it, he decided. That's exactly how they acted.
Simon cleared his throat, ending the bickering.
"Apologies, ge ge. I am trying to instruct Jayne in proper etiquette as he is training me in proper gun hand methodologies. I am the superior student…"
"Woman…" Jayne growled.
Suddenly she laughed; it was a bright sound that blew away any building tension. Simon found himself smiling also.
The big man still wore a scowl, but it was obvious he was trying not to smile himself.
"Well," Simon started, "thank you for coming Jayne."
The thanked man nodded. Simon shook his head.
"I need to talk to River about her….."
"Bein' a reader?" Jayne supplied.
"So you do know." It wasn't a question.
"She explained it ta me a while ago, Doc. Apparently she's always had some ability, but them Academy hun dun's done somethin' ta enhance it."
A bit put out that Jayne knew before him of River's abilities, he decided to leave that for later consideration.
"Does anyone else know mei mei?"
"We three are the only one's who are aware."
What followed was a discussion 'tween River and tha Pansy Ass on her ability, how it 'worked', what coulda caused it, how ta 'fix' It etc. There was lots a high falutin' language, Jayne followed some, but not much. He wondered to his ownself why he was even here.
"For support." The young psychic turned to him and squeezed his hand. "And to help with the decision."
"Decision, mei mei?" That sounded ominous.
"The Alliance have invested heavily in me, Simon. They have lost their investment and want it back. The Captain knows they want me back, but not really why, or more importantly, how much they desire my return. This 'new' information may make the Captain's decision to keep us on here premature. We may be asked to take ship elsewhere. Or he may decide my abilities would be useful in his endeavors."
"Then we don't tell him." Simon automatically replied, looking at Jayne. Really, Serenity's Head of Security would be the one who made the ultimate choice here.
"Well, he 'aint gonna throw ya off this here boat. And if he does," Jayne took a deep breath, "I'm comin' with ya. Ya brave enough Doc, and ya got good doctorin' skills, but ya wouldn't last a day unless you was mighty lucky. Ain't think ya gonna be that lucky again. Ya sister is comin' along nicely, and may, one day, be able ta look after the both a ya. Until then ya gonna need someone who knows what's what."
Simon was shocked, but deep down not surprised, if he was honest with himself.
"And?" River raised an eyebrow as she looked at the big man.
"What woman? I done told ya. Ya want me ta say it in fronta ya brother?"
She didn't reply, only took his massive hands in her tiny ones.
"Fine!" he grumped. "I ain't gonna leave ya out there by yaself, jingling. Where ya go, I go."
"Together." She finally spoke.
"Tagther." Jayne nodded. "Ya got a problem with that Doc?"
"No." he surprised them all, including himself. "I did, well really, I still do." He sighed and shook his head. "But that's my problem. I've seen how happy my sister is, and that's my only priority. I have no idea why she seems to have chosen you…"
"Safe." She interrupted. "And sees me as the confident young woman I can be, not the broken one I am." She finished sadly.
Jayne snorted.
"That's go se, and I don't wanna hear it again, dong ma?"
"See." The girl smiled.
"Well, Doc?" the big man grumped.
Simon was contemplative. His sister seemed to get better with each passing day. The more time she spent with Jayne, the more she returned to her old self. He was good for her, and definitely respected her. And he certainly was protective, and possessive, of her. And the man himself seemed more….civilized as time wore on. No doubt his mei mei's doing. It was an odd match, but if the things River had told him she had done were true, and he did not doubt that, she was capable of great violence, and only someone who understood that would be able to cope with her. That didn't seem to bother Jayne at all; in fact he was sure the big man saw it as a plus.
And in any event, we need to stay on Serenity to keep out of reach of The Alliance. Jayne was the key to that, he realized. Maybe it could work for all concerned? Simon shook his head internally at his mercenary attitude. Who would have thought Jayne would be his mei mei's savior whilst he was the one seeking the advantage in the situation?
"I wasn't looking forward to this day at all mei mei, and I'll be honest and say I'd hope it would never be with you Jayne, my sister is young, I'm not sure about birth control…"
"What?" Jayne spluttered. Now he weren't so sure about tha whole thing. Doc should be threatenin'! It were movin' way too fast, and Doc was right, she was young. He could hear River sigh. Time ta slow this down some. "I'm talkin' about bein' partners. Sure, we's good friends, can't say there's anyone else I'd rather spend time with, but you're right, River is young, and I ain't …."
River was still sighing. So close, ge ge was accepting the situation, Bao hu zhe, however, seemed to hesitate. She scanned his mind, allowing herself to do it his once. Too easy. Scared. Too fast. She sighed again. Jayne had managed to rebuild some minor resistance on some flimsy pretence, but for him it was enough. Coward. She knew she could not push it, however, or he would be in full denial.
The Doctor looked at Jayne like he had two heads. Partners? Sure, and I'm the King of Londinium. He was happier though. Perhaps the delay would force River to see the error in this choice, and she…
"Delay, yes, error, no." She said as she let go of Jayne's hands and moved to her brother.
Simon didn't reply, something River said earlier had resurfaced and derailed his 'partner' musings.
"What are you going to do mei mei if The Captain wants to take advantage of your abilities?"
The young genius noted the change in topic, realizing this needed to be discussed, and seriously.
Jayne was thankful for the topic change also, not likin' ta be rushed inta anythin'.
"I'm sure The Captain would not take advantage of me. He may avail himself of my services if I offered, that is, if we were able to remain on the ship."
"You don't mean to go out on jobs, surely."
"I do. If you and I, Simon, prove invaluable, he would have no choice but to let us stay."
"I ain't gonna allow it. I'm Head a Security." Jayne interrupted. Simon looked relieved, his sister looked disappointed. "Least, not until she's fully trained." He winked at the jingling. "I ain't takin' someone, anyone, out on jobs who ain't trained, proper like."
Both Tam's could see the sense in that.
"So here's what we're gonna do. As far as I'm concerned, I don't know nothin' about no readin'. Once your basic trainin' is complete, and I think ya can go on jobs, mebbe then we'll tell Mal. Don't see no reason ta be upsettin' apple carts. So that's settled." Jayne stated as he walked outta the Infirmary, pleased he was able ta steer the conversation away from that a relationships! But he weren't runnin' away from tha jingling, though,no sir!
Both Tam's watched him depart with various feelings. Simon was somewhat confused at the entire conversation, but more or less happy with the outcome. No telling Mal. For now. No jobs. For now. And nothing more than partners. For now, his mind helpfully supplied. In any event he could use the time to get used to the idea of the two of them as a couple.
River was frustrated. She almost had him, spooked at the last hurdle! Well, now her Bao hu zhe knew that her ge ge had, in principle, no real objections to a relationship. Her brother was ever practical and bowed to the inevitable. He knew she almost always got her way, and in reality he had little choice in the matter.
The petite genius was sure one more push in the right direction, and she would get what she was sure they both wanted, and more importantly, needed.
Triumph – Planetside – Next Day
Jayne had come up with a decent tactical plan ta take down the bandits. Rather than have ta go lookin' for 'em, they'd lure them to a secluded spot, and offer take their surrender or their lives. Them bandits would have about three seconds ta decide which was which.
A course The Cap'n had ta put his mark on tha plan, so he'd made a couple a changes. Some made sense, one didn't, but Mal's orders were ta be obeyed.
While Mal and Zoe were meetin' with the local elders ta get the plan approved, Jayne had taken tha jingling outside for live fire practice. She was doin' ok, but just ok. Usually she'd be top a tha class by now.
"I am performing below expectations." River sighed as she reloaded Ingrid's clips.
"Yep. I think ya tryin' too hard. Any idiot can shoot, but it takes skill and practice ta shoot well. Try again."
River tried her hardest, concentrating as hard as she could, doing a little better this time, but only a little.
"Ok baby girl, try this; don't shoot, but go through tha motions. Close ya eyes, visualize tha target in your mind. Let it flow smoothly, breathe deeply…treat it like a dance."
The young woman tried to relax her mind and body. Slowing her breathing and letting her mind's eye roam free, she went through the motions of shooting each target.
"How'd that feel?" It had looked pretty smooth ta him.
"Less stressful certainly."
"OK, same again, this time, eyes open, no shootin'." He watched her go through tha exercise, he could see she was concentratin' too hard again.
"Damn it!" she cried.
Jayne laughed. The jingling rarely used a profanity, usually only when she was havin' a really bad day. Pretty rare these days.
"Do you find this situation humorous Jayne? Your teaching acumen is at stake here! If you find my distress amusing perhaps I should ask The Captain for some private lessons?"
That stopped Jayne laughin', a frown replacin' his previous smile.
"Mebbe that's enough fer today?"
"No, I will not let this beat me." She said with a look of determination on her face.
Usually the big man admired her tenacity; sometimes, though ya just had ta walk away.
"I will put all of your teachings into one smooth movement. Stand by, this will be live fire."
Before he could respond she was moving. Her movements flowed freely, and she started firing. Once she was done, all six targets he had put up had simulated headshots. She walked up to him, smiling.
It took Jayne a second or two ta realize that she had just shot six simulated targets, fair through tha head – and she'd done it with her beautiful chocolate brown eyes closed.
That Afternoon
Tha plan had been approved and it was quickly put inta motion. A shipment would be delivered via boat-wagon, and 'someone' had been slack with tha route info.
Two horses were pullin' tha boat-wagon down a shallow river. A husband and wife team were drivin' the contraption, all seemed serene when suddenly four men on horseback burst out of the wooded banks and surrounded the boat-wagon, crime clearly on their mind.
"Pardon me for intrudin'." The ugly leader sneered. "But I believe y'all carryin' somethin' a mine."
"T'ain't yours!" the husband replied.
"Did you think we wouldn't find out ya changed your route?" the bandit leader continued. "Ya gonna give us what due us, and every damn thing else on that boat." He turned his attention ta tha wife, leering'. "And I think maybe you're gonna give me some one-on-one time with that missus."
"Well I think ya might wanna reconsider that last part." The husband, now revealed as Jayne Cobb, said as he raised his head to stare the bandit leader fair in tha eye. "See, I married me a powerful ugly creature."
Said ugly creature was mighty angry at that pronouncement.
"How can ya say that?" the wife asked, raisin'….his head. "How can ya shame me in front a new people?" The wife, one Browncoat Cap'n finished.
"If I could make ya purtier, I would!" Jayne replied.
"You are not the man I met a year ago." The Cap'n accused, as tha four bandits looked on, perplexed.
That was tha cue, and before tha four bandits could blink, both Mal and Jayne had drawn their weapons and had them trained on tha bandit leader and his second.
"Now ya think real hard." Mal told the bandit leader as he slowly pulled his bonnet off. "Ya been bird-doggin' this township a while now. They wouldn't mind a corpse a ya." The Cap'n told tha now worried bandit. "Now ya can luxuriate in a nice jail cell, but if ya hand touches metal, I swear by my pretty flowered bonnet, I will end you."
The steely look on Mal's face gave the bandit no doubt he would do what he said.
Tha ugly little bandit leader surveyed tha situation. Two versus four, and we got the angle advantage.
"Take 'em!" he yelled and immediately regretted his decision, as one a his men fell dead to an unseen gun in tha back a tha boat-wagon.
Mal had kept his promise, and soon the bandit leader was floatin' face down in tha shallow river, dead. A spilt second later he was joined by his second, courtesy a Jayne.
That left one bandit, who tried ta flee on horseback. He didn't make it far, Zoe, the unseen gun, takin' him out with a single shot from her Mare's Leg as she sailed through the air, landin' in the shallow water unhurt.
Job done, Serenity's trio a gun hands gathered tha four horses, loadin' their now dead riders inta the back a tha wagon and set off for the Township. Shepherd would give the varmints a decent burial, which was more than they rightly deserved.
When they returned ta tha Township, the Head Elder, Gommen, declared a night of celebration in honor of Serenity's crew and their successful mission.
Jayne was especially chuffed. His plan had worked ta perfection. Even tha Cap'n wantin' ta be the wife had worked out. Jayne chuckled at the memory a that sight. No way Cap'n was gonna wait in tha back a tha boat-wagon while it all went down though.
The party kicked up at sundown. Good food, good booze, good dancin' and even better company. All a the old Firefly's Crew were happy ta take part, it seemed the celebration would be one ta remember.
Serenity's Head a Security was enjoyin' hisself a little too much, at least as far as drinkin' booze was concerned. River was watchin' over him, and was rewarded with lots a dancin' and huggin'.
Elder Gommen had come over ta Jayne, wantin' a private word.
"Can I speak with ya for a minute son?" he asked the odd pair.
"Sure, Elder. Git woman!" he said as he slapped River lightly on her petite rear, "but don't go too far, there's more dancin' ta be had!"
The young woman didn't mind, being told to 'git', or especially having her butt slapped. There was something she needed to prepare in any event.
Elder Gommen didn't miss the looks between the two.
"River, isn't that her name?" he asked.
"Yep! Purtie ain't she? And as smart as a whip! Ain't no finer gal in all the 'Verse!" Jayne beamed a genuine smile thinkin' on tha young woman.
"Yes, I'm sure." The Elder smiled. I have something for you Son, here, this is a rain stick." He said as he turned it over, a sound like rain coming from the weird object.
"That's amazin' Elder. Sounds like rain!" A clearly drunk Jayne remarked. "Ain't as amazin' as River, mind….." Jayne frowned as a he concentrated hard. "River, and Jayne. River. Jayne. Say it real fast and ya get rayne besides!" he bellowed at his own joke. "See, I can make rain too!"
Elder Gommen was surprised at the connection the big man made. It made his next words seem almost prophetic.
"Makes the rain come for eternity." He said as he turned the stick over again. "The rain is very scarce, comes only when needed most. And such it is with men like you Jayne, and with women like your young River." He smiled as he passed the rain stick to Jayne.
Exceptin' the stick with pride, the inebriated Jayne looked at it in wonder.
"This is the most…you, friend. You're the guy…" he said as he hugged the Elder. "I will treasure this." Jayne told him, as the Elder rose and left him ta his thoughts.
Jayne looked over ta see his Cap'n. He were in awful good spirits tonight as well. They'd shared one or five drinks before River had dragged him away ta dance. It were nice. They was becomin' fast friends now. Jayne smiled as he saw a pretty girl put a crown a daises on Mal's head. Well, with a bit a luck tha Cap'n will be doin' some more celebratin' his ownself later!
Speakin' on pretty girls, the big man was wonderin' where his jingling was, when she popped up in fronta him, as she often did.
Yep, tha best girl in tha 'Verse he thought, and was rewarded with a thousand megawatt smile. Purtie, smart, and could shoot like a pro, what's not ta love? The two smiled at each other, everyone else forgotten as tha party continued around them.
Serenity – Cargo Bay – Next Morning – Enroute to Beaumonde
One man feelin' sorry fer hisself taday was Serenity's Head a Security. He'd cut way back on his drinkin' these past few months, but last night Jayne was three sheets ta tha wind. He didn't remember a whole lotta details, but knew he had a good time. Plenty a good food, booze, dancin' with tha jingling….it were a good party.
He was nursin' a mighty powerful hangover though. Would have ta see The Doc about a pill or two. Doc was now allowed ta administer minor drugs hisself. Anythin' more serious needed Mal's permission though.
He hadn't yet decided whether ta move or not when tha ship's PA burst inta life.
"This is Zoe. We need all personnel in the cargo bay."
Interestin', wonder what's up. Jayne allowed hisself a few seconds a thought before he rose ta his feet and headed fer tha cargo bay.
Within a minute or so, everybody had gathered in tha cargo bay, Jayne noticin' tha jingling enterin' with Wash. Oh right, unofficial flyin' lesson. Seems tha girl was no worse fer wear, then again she didn't drink none.
They engaged in their usual starin' contest, with tha recently added smilin' feature, so Jayne missed the reason fer bein' called inta the cargo bay right off.
"Who's the new recruit?" he heard Book ask, and stole his attention away from tha jingling ta see what the gorram hell Tha Preacher was talkin' about.
"Everybody," Zoe started as she walked over ta the stranger, a pretty enough redheaded girl, "I want ya all to meet…."Mrs Reynolds!"
'Everybody' was shocked, includin' Jayne his ownself. Well, everybody 'cept tha jingling, who was still smilin' at him.
"You got married!" Kaylee squeaked.
"Well, that's, uh….Congratulations!" Doc had a pretty decent sense a humor when ya got used ta it, even if it was a bit dry.
"We'd always hoped you two kids would get together." Wash deadpanned, always ready for a joke. "Who is she?' he asked his Captain, turning serious for once.
"She's no one!" his Captain automatically replied.
That caused the young redhead to burst into tears.
"Captain!" Lil Kaylee was not impressed with Tha Capn's lack a compassion.
Mal advanced on tha young woman, "Would ya stop that?" he implored.
"I'm sorry." She replied in a whisper, trying to stifle her sobs.
"You brute!" Wash's sense of humor had returned.
Lil Kaylee had had enough. She approached the redhead and put her arm around her, tryin' her best to comfort tha new arrival.
"Hey, sweetie. Don't feel bad. He makes everybody cry. He's like a monster."
"I'm not a monster!" the Cap'n shaped monster yelled. "Wash, turn tha ship around."
"Can't." Was the pilot's simple reply.
"That's an order."
"Yeah, but can't."
The Cap'n was exasperated. "What the gorram hell is wrong with you…"
Wash tried to explain.
"The Alliance touched down the second after we left, and there's already a bulletin on the Cortex as to the murder of a prefect's nephew."
Mal shook his head, gorram it! Could this day get any worse.
"That's right," Wash continued, "one of our bandits has family ties. So unless you feel like a walk into a gallows, I suggest we continue on to Beaumonde, and you…" serious Wash departed as his humor once again returned, "enjoy your honeymoon!"
Zoe couldn't help but burst out laughin'.
Mal couldn't believe it, "This isn't happenin'", he said ta tha room at large, "and would ya stop cryin'" he ordered his 'wife'.
"For God's sake, Mal." Inara had finally come out of her shock and was incensed.
"Could you be a decent human being for thirty seconds…"
Wash was playing it for any gag he could.
"As one married man to another, I…"
"I'm not married!" Mal yelled. He turned ta tha still sobbin' girl, "I'm sorry. Ya have very nice qualities, but I didn't ever marry ya."
"I believe you did." Book said as he held up a data pad. "Last night."
Mal strode over ta Jayne, he had one question.
"How drunk was I last night?"
"Well I dunno." Jayne replied. "At least as drunk as me and I passed out!"
Not good, Mal thought as he turned back to Book who had begun speakin' again.
"It says here: 'The woman lays a wreath upon her intended', which I do recall actually, 'which represents his sovereignty'."
"That was you?" Mal accused the redheaded young woman.
"And he drinks of her wine." Book continued. "And then there's a dance, with a joining of hands. The marriage ceremony of the Triumph settlers it's called. You, sir, are a newlywed." Book finished, smiling.
"What's it say in there about divorce?" the insensitive Cap'n asked Tha Shepherd, causing' the as yet unnamed redhead ta flee tha cargo bay.
Tha women. except again tha jingling, started verbally layin' in ta The Cap'n. Jayne weren't interested in that none as he had gone back ta his starin' contest with River, who, Jayne realized, looked like that cat that et tha canary,.
Strange, but she was, sometimes, and that was part a tha reason he liked her so much. It were interestin'. Still, thinkin' back on Triumph as the Cap'n was bullied by tha womenfolk, seemed might easy ta get hitched. All a woman's gotta do is…
River raised an eyebrow at Jayne as they continued to stare at each other. Come on, Bao hu zhe, you can do it! She thought as she saw Jayne's brow furrow.
Na, she wouldn't a, would she? Jayne asked hisself. Tha jingling served him plenty a wine, and they danced an awful lot, but he don't remember no flower crown..got me a rainstick, but no…
Mal stormed outta tha cargo bay, and that forced Jayne inta action his ownself.
"I'll be in my bunk." He told no one in particular as he raced, as slowly as he could, ta his bunk.
A Firefly ain't a very large ship, and soon enough he was in his bunk. Still feelin' a mite hungover when he woke this mornin', all he wanted ta do was hit tha shower and get a cup a coffee, not survey his bunk. He weren't even sure where he'd put that dumbass rain stick.
Now he was here ready ta do some surveyin' and he was almost too scared ta look. Almost. Decidin' tha bravest course a action was ta find tha rain stick, it took all a two seconds ta find it. His bunk weren't that big after all. He picked up tha big stick and turned it over, smilin' despite hisself when it made tha rain sound. Tha jingling found tha sound fascinatin', she loved rain…
Love. It weren't an easy thing ta admit. Man like him, well no point thinkin' on it. Waste a time, after all. And yet…he looked around his bunk, couldn't see no flower crown, and he was almost disappointed. Almost. 'Cause he was pretty sure he loved tha jingling. Didn't really have an idea on that, never havin' loved anyone 'afore, but…
But wasn't that what it was when ya thought more on them and their happiness then yasself? He knew he wanted ta protect her. Wanted ta teach her ta protect herself. He'd do whatever he could just ta get a smile, felt ten feet tall when she was with him, and not whole when she weren't. Even put up with the pansy ass brother, and it weren't really no chore, neither. She'd only been in his life a few short months, and he already knew, in his bones, that he didn't wanna ever be without her.
Still, she was young, but only in years. Certainly all she'd been through was more than almost anyone, man or woman, would go through in a lifetime. Her years were young, but her spirit, her soul, seemed ta match his.
Well, no flower crown in his bunk. Sighin', tellin' hisself he didn't really wanna find one anyways, he lay down on his bunk and let tha rain stick drop, where it rolled under his bed.
River lay in her own bed. With The Captain running around the ship chasing, and being chased by, his new 'wife', everyone was basically in hiding. The psychic spared a moment to think on the redhead. Something wasn't quite right there. Moment up, she had matters of far greater import to think on.
By now, she should have received a visit from Bao hu zhe. But she had not. Confused, she lightly probed their mental link. Jayne was confused, happy, disappointed, relived and not relieved all at once. A conundrum.
About to start dissecting the mystery, she was distracted by powerful thoughts coming from the new girl…Saffron. Nothing concrete, but she sensed deception, and danger. The girl, Saffron, was not what she appeared to be.
Needing to see Jayne and tell him her thoughts on Saffron, she left her room and headed for the Crew bunks, only to almost run smack into the huge man who was coming the other way, a look of determination on his face. Suddenly Saffron and her machinations didn't matter.
"I need ta say somethin'.'" he started, but she interrupted.
"Everyone needs a match. A mate. A doppel."
Noddin', Jayne didn't reply, just took her hands and went ta speak. Again, she interrupted.
"I love you." She earnestly said.
Shocked, but wantin' ta get out tha big speech he'd prepared, all ofa sudden he felt lots a words didn't matter none.
"I love ya too, jingling." He replied as he gathered her inta his arms, not carin' if the Cap'n hisself were ta walk inta tha room.
The young psychic, of course, knew this, but it needed to be said aloud for Jayne to deal with his hesitations.
"We'll always take care of each other," River started, "I'll knit!" she finished beaming a beautiful smile up at him.
That caused the big man ta laugh out loud, and he laughed so hard they broke apart.
Which was the young woman's intention. Although Bao hu zhe might not care if The Captain saw them, The Captain himself was not ready nor in the mood to see such a sight. He had problems of his own, and he and his current problem were about to come down the stairs.
"What's goin' on?" The Cap'n asked the pair, his 'wife' in tow. Mal dwelled on tha fact for a second that when ya saw one, ya almost always saw tha other nearby. Anyways, "I'm goin' ta show Saffron to her quarters," he stated.
The petite young woman would rather spend time with Jayne to explore their new declaration, but having Saffron so close brought the other woman's thoughts foremost into the psychic's mind.
River looked Saffron in the eye, wanting to show how serious she was.
"You're a thief." She declared, and a look of contempt came over Saffron's face for just a second, quickly being replaced by one of deferment and obedience.
"Hey, ho! Let's play nice here." Tha Cap'n ordered.
She looked at Jayne for help, but there was none to be found in this matter. They hadn't been able to have the needed conversation, as yet.
"My cook's got some funny notions." Mal told Saffron.
Jayne knew River wouldn'ta said that without reason. He looked inta her face and saw she knew…somethin', and wanted support. No problems, he'd support her against tha whole 'Verse if need be.
"Cap'n, I think…"
He didn't get any further as Saffron now interrupted him.
"I'm sorry." Saffron almost whispered as she pulled a dried protein pack out of her pocket. "I didn't know when I was to be fed. And I was afraid."
"Ya made me that fine meal earlier and didn't eat nothin' yaself?" Mal asked.
"That was for you. And there weren't but pot lickin's left. I took this for later. I didn't know she saw me." Saffron finished, giving River the evil eye once more.
"Didn't see you." River whispered, so only Jayne could hear, and he got it. Jingling weren't talkin' about no dried protein meal. Before he could speak, Tha Cap'n now took charge.
"You're startin' ta tick me off," Tha Cap'n looked at Saffron, "I got no use for people sneakin' around takin' what ain't theres."
Seems like mebbe Mal had caught on.
"Yep, we frown on that here." Jayne added.
"But what I got less use for." Mal continued, "is a woman who want stand up for herself. Five days hence," he started to lecture the redhead, "we're puttin' ya in tha world, and ya won't last but a day, bowin' and sniffin' for handouts. Ya want somethin', ya take it! Or ya ask for it! Ya don't wait ta be told when ta breathe, ya don't take orders from anyone." Tha Cap'n wasn't quite finished. "'Cept me. And that's only because I'm tha Cap'n, people take orders from Capn's, even in tha world. But for the rest, gorram it, be like a woman is, not some petrified child! Ya understand what I'm sayin' ta ya?"
Or mebbe he hadn't.
"I do." The redhead fairly whispered again.
"C'mon, " Mal continued as he gave the dried protein pack back ta Saffron, "I'll show ya ta ya room."
The Browncoat then left, with the redhead in tow.
"Ya weren't talkin' about no protein pack, were ya?" he asked Serenity's cook.
"No, her body screams innocence and purity while her mind screams deception and danger."
"Bad?"
River nodded. "Wants the ship, Crew are not required…."
"Leave it ta me, baby girl." He kissed her and gave her a quick hug, and headed fer his bunk. They had a lot ta talk about, but first he had ta make sure the ship and Crew were safe.
After seein' Saffron safely ta her room, Mal was in need of some solace. He'd thought he'd find it with Inara. They'd been getting' on pretty good lately, and despite tha fact Inara was none too pleased about his new 'wife', he thought spendin' some time with tha Registered Companion would be agreeable. It weren't. They argued, and he stormed outta her shuttle.
"I wasn't lookin' for a fight." He said as he slammed the shuttle door hard. Turnin' ta go ta his own bunk, he was confronted by tha site a his Head a Security. Jayne didn't look happy, and he was totin' a huge gun.
Jayne cocked the mighty gun as he stared down Tha Cap'n. Had ta make him see that tha redhead girl was a threat. How he was gonna explain that without lettin' out the jingling's secret he had no idea. Just have ta play it by ear.
"Do I have your attention?" Jayne started, "tha girl's trouble Mal."
"I know, but huge gun worthy?" The Cap'n was confused.
"She ain't what she seems. Caught her snoopin' around the entrance ta the engine room." He lied. He had ta. Couldn't think a nothin' else.
"Prolly just lost." Cap'n weren't convinced.
"No Mal. Six men came ta kill me one time. Tha best a them carried this. It's a Callahan full-bore autolock. Customized trigger, double cartridge thorough gauge. This is tha best and one a tha most expensive guns ever made by man. I call it Vera."
Mal just looked bewildered. Where was Jayne goin' with this?
"I had a particular feelin' that day. Was weird. Knew somethin' was comin', was prepared. Otherwise I'd be dead, no question. Until taday, that were tha only time I felt that way."
"Ya sayin' Saffron makes ya feel that way?"
"I am. She ain't right. I had a mighty long conversation with Elder Gommen and what he planned ta pay us with, and it didn't include no woman. How can ya have 10% a that?" he finished.
"I'll own that seems a mite odd, but how can a itty bitty woman be tha same trouble as six men?"
"I dunno Mal. Her face changes when she thinks ya ain't lookin'. She was sneerin' at River when ya had ya back to her, and when ya turned around she was lookin' all cute and cuddly again."
"Why didn't ya say somethin'? Ya Head a Security after all."
"I didn't see it. River did. That redhead creeps her out somethin' fierce too."
Mal shook his head.
"OK, so it ain't actually a normal situation, but what ya want me ta do? Space her? No Jayne, she's just a scared girl. Ya gonna hafta do better than a feelin' and our little Cook catchin' her stealin' a dried protein pack…"
Jayne was almost about ta spill River's secret, but it weren't his ta spill.
"Dammit Cap'n, lemee just…"
"Jayne!" Mal had had enough of this go se. "Go play with your rain stick." He said as he went tawards his bunk, plannin' ta turn in. He'd had a long day.
Jayne was angry as he stormed off ta his own bunk. Quickly droppin' down, he turned ta his bunk ta see River sittin' there.
"Hey!" the startled man said. "Ya shouldn't be here."
"And yet I am. You did not manage to convince The Captain." It wasn't a question.
"Nope. Needs more than just a coupla Crew members with a feng le feelin'."
Jayne leaned inta his bunk and hung Vera in her pride a place.
"We cannot take matters into our own hands but we can be prepared."
"We will be." There weren't really much they could do though and not go against Mal's wishes.
"I am scared, Jayne. Today we should be happy. Not feeling the pressure of imminent catastrophe!"
Sittin' down next ta her, he picked her up and dropped the petite woman inta his lap.
"Whatever happens, baby girl, we'll face it tagether."
She smiled as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"I love you Jayne."
Ha wasn't gonna ask why. Why him, why now? Fer once he just accepted the gift to his life that was River Tam.
"I hope so, 'cause I love ya too. At least I think so, I ain't got much, well I ain't got any experience in this area, but I don't ever wanna let ya go, so there!"
River smiled again. Some women would be annoyed at such a clumsy declaration of love, but she could literally feel the love he had for her. No need to be doubtful of Jayne's true feelings.
They stayed that way for a while, before River made a decision. She turned around and straddled Jayne, looking deeply into his eyes.
"Bao hu zhe, I do not want to face a potential disaster without having known you."
Jayne was slow ta catch on, but he did.
"Baby girl, that ain't the right reason ta…ta know someone. We's gonna be tagether for a long time, I'm sure a that. So I aim ta do it right. Here's how I see…."
He didn't get any further as once again he was interrupted, this time by his jingling assaultin' his mouth with her own. Resistance crumbled, once again, and he responded to her passionate kisses with his own.
They rolled back inta Jayne's bed, mouths intertwined while hands roamed each other's fully clothed bodies.
They broke apart, starin' inta each other's eyes, knowin' that what they had was special, and fragile.
River went to resume her assault when a loud claxon began to sound, breaking the mood.
Instantly aware of tha situation, Jayne told River ta stay where she was while he went ta investigate. No sense both a them runnin' inta an unknown position.
Rushing fer tha Bridge, he saw Zoe desperately tryin' ta wake Wash. Seems he'd been knocked out by someone. The big man didn't need two guesses. While Zoe worked on Wash, Jayne tried ta pry tha Bridge doors open. It were useless, seemed they'd been sealed by somethin'.
River felt Saffron's mind leave Serenity. There was no direct danger, now, but she knew from her link with Jayne that Wash had been injured. She leapt up the ladder out of Jayne's bunk and ran to get her ge ge.
Inara saw her leave Jayne's bunk, but was too focused on getting to Mal to worry about that. She had confronted Saffron as she made her escape and had been told that Saffron was now Malcolm Reynolds widow. Inara was terrified that perhaps Saffron had murdalized the Browncoat.
While tha others fussed over Mal, Jayne had real work ta do. Tha Bridge doors had been sealed, and that meant that Jien Huo Saffron had done somthin' ta tha controls.
"Look away baby girl." He told River as he donned his dark glasses and went ta work on tha sealed door with a laser cutter.
The now fully awake Captain approached the Bridge, the rest of the crew in tow.
It didn't take long fer tha laser cutter ta do its job, it'd been all a ten minutes since this latest crisis began. Jayne wondered why tha redhead had even bothered, hardly seemed worth tha trouble.
Straight away Kaylee and Wash tried ta figure out what sabotage had been done. Jayne and River listened while tha two began ta catalog the damage. They was impressed, it seemed, but Mal weren't.
Inara was impressed too, but for a different reason. Saffron, she was sure, had undergone Companion training, in seduction at the very least.
River and Jayne looked at each other and smiled. They had been right. Well, River had been right, and the big man had believed her without question. It was another reason why she loved him.
Just then the young psychic caught The Captain's eye, and gave him her best 'boob' look. The Captain at least had the good grace to squirm appropriately.
With the combined talents of Kaylee and Wash it wasn't long before partial control was restored to the Bridge. Sensors and the Cortex were working, but still no nav control as yet.
What they were seeing on the screens, though, didn't make sense. There was a lot of electromagnetic interference, and coming right from where Wash had established their saboteur had signaled.
"Electromagnetic interference." Wash said as he pointed at the screen. "Bouncing the signal all over the place. Look at it. Looks like a circle."
Mal's face went ashen as he realized what he was lookin' at.
"It's a net." He stated.
"I don't get it." Jayne looked confused as River tensed beside him. "Where we headed?"
"The end of the line." Book said, as he looked at the Crew with growing concern on his face. "It's a carrion house." He continued, the Crew still looking confused, so he sought to clarify. "Scrap shop. Takes ships, pulls 'em apart, or fixes 'em up."
"Doesn't sound that scary." Wash said, the look on his face showing the lie of that.
Mal thought there was no point in sugar coatin' it. Tha Crew deserved ta know tha truth.
"That pattern you're lookin' at is a net. We fall inta that, we're more than just helpless. It'll turn this ship inta one big electrical conduit and burn us all from the inside out."
The Crew were speechless. River moved close to Jayne and took his hand, holding on tight. He didn't mind none.
"Some of the newer ones," Book added, "will just hold you,, and then the scrappers will override the airlocks. Pull the O2 or just gas you. They're not looking to deal with survivors."
Jayne was first to recover.
"One day you're gonna tell us how a preacher knows so gorram much about crime."
Mal wanted ta know that his ownself, but had other things ta worry about right now.
"Kaylee?"
"I'm tryin', Sir."
"Keep on it. We can't fall inta that net." The Browncoat thought, hard, for a few seconds. "We're gonna need a Plan B." Crossin' the Bridge, he hit the comm. "Zoe, get our suits prepped." He ordered as he turned ta Wash. "I figure we got one shot at this. Gimme a visual as soon as we're close."
"It won't be long." Wash said as he concentrated on the screen.
"What do I do?" Jayne asked his Cap'n.
"Ya go get Vera."
Jayne nodded, squeezed River's hand, then ran for his bunk.
Only a minute or two had passed, and soon the Crew was gathered near the airlock as Mal, Zoe, and Jayne suited up, the big man leavin' his helmet off for now as he loaded Vera.
Jayne's brow furrowed as he thought on tha plan. Weren't a great plan, but it was all they had. Well, not all.
"Mal?" he called out as he continued ta load Vera. "What happens if this don't work?"
"Then we's humped." His Cap'n replied.
"Mal, Cap'n. I have a Plan C, or at least a Plan B+."
"Jayne, we ain't got time…."
"Inara's shuttle." The Head a Security interrupted.
"What about it? It ain't got the range will alla us on board ta get anywhere habitable. Anyways I ain't leavin' tha ship."
"Not talkin' about alla us." He replied as he looked at his jingling. "Get the civilians and Kaylee on board, Inara can pilot, Book seems ta know his way around a gun. Tha reduced weight and mass they can make it."
"What if the scrappers go after 'em?"
"Mal, ya said yasself there's a go se load a electromagnetic interference. No way they're gonna see a shuttle in alla that. If this works, they can mate up with us on tha other side. If not, at least they got a chance."
Even though the conversation was hushed, River had heard Jayne's intentions from his mind, his walls were lowered somewhat and his thoughts were loud.
"NO!" the young woman yelled as The Captain turned to give the orders for the shuttle launch. "I am staying here! Not going to leave zhang fu!."
The others, except Simon, noted, and dismissed River's outburst. There was too much to do, too much to worry on, and not enough time for either to be concerned about the little cook's remonstrations.
Simon went to his sister's aid, but she was inconsolable.
"Ge ge, I don't want to leave zhang fu. If he does not survive, then I do not wish to, either."
The young doctor wondered why she was still referring to Jayne as her husband, but that could wait for later. Time was short, they had to get on the shuttle.
"Mei mei…" he started but was interrupted by his sisters apparent zhang fu.
Jayne was fully aware of what was goin' on, and was distressed a mite his ownself. Stormin' over ta his jingling, he pulled her inta a hug and she calmed down immediately.
"Don't start with that go se, woman. A course I'm gonna survive. It's just a precaution." He half lied. He was pretty sure he could make tha shot, but wanted her safe, just in case. "I ain't gonna die, and I want ya on tha shuttle, dong ma?"
He could feel her noddin' slowly.
"JAYNE!" Mal yelled, "Get them civilians off tha ship and get yer gorram helmet on!"
"Now git, woman." He said as he kissed tha top of her head and pushed her ta Simon.
Noddin' ta Tha Doc, he watched tha two Tam's join tha others already on tha shuttle.
Jayne placed his helmet on firmly and felt tha little lurch as Inara's shuttle left Serenity. Good, whatever happens she's got a chance.
Zoe cycled the airlock and the outer door opened. The Captain and The Head of Security watched the door open and waited for the 'net' to come into view.
Heftin' Vera, Jayne was pleased to feel the perfect balance a his favorite gun. The Callahan could fire mighty fine in Tha Black, but only fer a few shots. Oxygen weren't no problem, the ammo cartridge contained everythin' it need ta fire. What was a problem was a gun needed special lubrication ta work, perfect like, in vacuum. There was no time ta take Vera apart and lube her properly. It'd just hafta do.
"What am I aimin' fer, tha window?"
"Well, that might kill some folk," Mal replied, "but it won't short that net. See them six points where it's brightest?" Jayne nodded, they was perfectly clear against the backdrop a Tha Black on tha screen. "Those are the breakers. Hit one a those, should short it out."
"Whattya mean 'should'?"
Mal didn't reply as Serenity hurtled tawards the net. It finally came inta view, just as bright and twice as intimidating as it looked on tha screen. The Browncoat looked at Jayne and was might relieved ta have him as his Head A Security. No one else on board could make tha shot, Jayne was their only hope.
"Ya see it?" Mal asked. Dumbass.
"Clear as day." Jayne deadpanned. "Vera? Dress yasself up; ya get taken out somewhere fun."
Jayne sighted down Vera's main scope, and braced hisself ta fire. Recoil would be a bitch, but he could do this.
Exhalin', he pulled the trigger and Vera fired her first round. Tha tracer showed tha bullets path. Down and to tha right. The big man repositioned himself and shot again. A hit! Nothin' happened, so he fired again. Another hit. And a third. He was wonderin' how long Vera would last when his fifth shot connected and the breaker shorted.
He breathed a powerful sigh a relief as tha 'net' collapsed.
But tha big man wasn't done yet. Relief turned ta anger as he thought on those who would harm his family, and tha girl he loved; he aimed ta do somethin' about it.
He re-sighted the Callahan on tha window he'd seen earlier. Control Room. Must be. "Die you Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng's!" Vera spoke three more times then jammed.
It was enough. Two of the large caliber bullets hit the window, their holes causing the control room to suffer an explosive decompression. The window blew out, and shortly afterwards, the scrappers joined it in the vacuum of space. Their bodies instantly expanded to twice their normal size, and they passed out as their lungs exploded. With a minute they were both dead.
Meantime, Serenity had flew, tranquil as her name, through the disabled 'net' and out the other side. The Crew onboard were safe, for now.
Inara's shuttle shortly rejoined the old Firefly, and the reunions were joyous.
Jayne basked in tha congratulations, pleased with the chorus a "great shootin'" and whatnot, but it really it weren't back slappin' that he was most interested in.
River stood apart from the pack, she knew Jayne wanted to speak to her most of all, but he was allowing the Crew to release their pent up anxieties and express their relief first. They all needed it.
"C'mon people!" Mal cried. "Some of us gotta get back ta work. We're outta immediate danger but we still gotta fix tha ship! Kaylee, Wash, get ta the Bridge. Doc, check tha Infirmary. Zoe, Jayne, check and stow tha suits away, Lil River, some breakfast would be most appreciated. Inara.."
"I'll help River, if I could." The Registered Companion interrupted. "I'll start mei mei….if you want to.." she motioned to Jayne.
The young cook smiled nodded her thanks.
"Thanks. Well, I got captainy things ta do, ya'll get too it!"
Tha crowd broke up, headin' ta tend ta their individual responsibilities.
"Zo, I'll be with ya in a sec."
"Sure Jayne, but ya ain't gonna dump all this work on me, two minutes I wanna see ya, dong ma?"
"Sure Zo, thanks."
The Amazon nodded and walked off, she was plannin' ta make a quick check on Wash before she started anyways.
Tha big man took tha small woman's hands and pulled her under tha stairs, somewhat outta sight.
"I am glad we are back together, zhang fu."
"Me too." He said, and kissed her, hard. She flushed red as she responded. "Why ya still callin' me that anyways? Ah, don't matter none, just happy we made it is all."
"As am I." she moved into his embrace, and they enjoyed the sensation, the warmth, that followed.
"Jayne, I weren't jokin!" they heard Zoe call, "Two minutes is up!"
"Gotta go baby girl." He kissed her softly. "I'll see ya soon."
She refused to release him for a few seconds, and he gently pried her away.
"I do not like being apart."
"Me neither, but sometimes we just gotta do what we gotta do. It's tha way a tha 'Verse. Now git, before ya get me inta trouble." He smacked her petite butt as he turned her around and pushed her away.
She smiled as she went to her duties, face slightly flushed.
The rest a the day passed quickly. Wash and Lil Kaylee got partial nav control back, and Serenity sped off in pursuit of their wayward shuttle.
Second place they checked, they picked up the shuttle's nav beacon. Wash set the Type 3 Firefly down a coupla clicks away, and before Jayne could weapon up, Tha Cap'n was off on his lonesome. Said he had ta do his his ownself, and wanted tha ship 100% repaired by tha time he got back.
Mal face showed he wasn't gonna tolerate no arguments, so no one tried. Not even Zoe.
Jayne's job whilst they was planetside, at least in this kinda situation, was guard duty. Outside. And it were gorram snowin'.
Two hours. That's how long. Two hours later tha ruttin' shuttle appeared with tha ruttin' Cap'n, not sayin' a word on what had happened.
Truth be told, Jayne was too cold ta really care. A hot shower was what he wanted, and after spendin' some quality time under runnin' water, he retreated ta his bunk fer a nap. He'd catch up with tha jingling later, and then give Vera some attention.
Droppin' the wet towel in tha corner, instead a tha basket kept fer dirty laundry, he was about ta take his nap when he remembered how River would chide him gently about leavin' dirty stuff lyin' around. Not really carin' about that, but smilin' thinkin' on her, he decided he'd pick up tha towel anyways. 'Cause he wanted ta. Not 'cause she would nag, no sir! Gorram woman…
Reachin' for tha towel he noticed the rain stick pokin' it's head out from under his bed. Grumblin', he knelt down, reachin' under his bed, and got a handful a rain stick.
His hand brushed against somethin' else as well. And he got a whiff a some scent, something like….puttin' the rain stick on his bed, he reached under it again and pulled out, what seemed ta be, an honest ta goodness flower crown.
"Gorram woman." He mumbled as he sat down on his bed, starin' at it, before a hint of a smile appeared on his weathered face.
"Gorram woman!"
A/N: So there ya have it. The Marriage Ceremony of the Triumph Settlers. I always liked that one.
Next up is the obviously Jayne centric, Jaynestown, re-imagined.
Chinese:
Jingling – Pixie
Mei mei – Little Sister
Ge ge – Big Brother
Bao hu zhe – Protector
Hun duns – Jerks
Go se – Crap
Dong ma? – Understand?
Feng le – Crazy
Jien Huo – Bitch
Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng's – Frog humpin' SOB's