Chapter 14 – Out of Gas
A/N: Even though our intrepid pair didn't get much screen time at all in this episode, this Chapter still came out at almost the usual size. Hope I don't bore you with my ramblings.
Thanks once again for the reviews. Keep the comments and questions coming!
Enroute to Greenleaf – Red Sun Border System – Late November 2517
A week had passed since tha troubles on Higgin's Moon. Jayne had pretty much healed physically, but was still torn up about tha young Mudder's death. Before he joined tha Crew a Serenity, mebbe tha big man wouldn't have cared about tha Mudder. The 'Verse was a hard place, and if a chwen joo Mudder wanted ta waste his life fer a Hun dun like him, so what?
Not used ta such introspection, Jayne was havin' a hard time comin' ta terms with it. Was tearin' him up inside, and if it weren't fer his Ai ren, he mighta done somethin' stupid.
"Everything has a purpose, Zhang fu. Every action, every thought, is connected."
Tha big man could only nod at that.
"If not," she continued, "how could we be here, together? Everything that has happened in our lives has brought us to this point. We, us, would not be, otherwise. Remember him, Zhang fu, but do not let the guilt you carry destroy you."
She were right, a course. But it were hard. He thanked Yee-soo once again that tha 'Verse had brought her ta him. Holdin' her closer, he was about ta kiss her when there was a knock at tha hatch a Jayne's bunk.
"River?" Kaylee called, "Ya there?"
"Go se." Tha big man murmured and his petite wife laughed lightly.
"Yes Kaylee, I am here." She was still laughing.
"Good. I need ya help. In tha kitchen. Ya free?"
River wasn't free, as such, as she was locked in an embrace with her Zhang fu.
"It's important, Jayne, at least to Kaylee."
"Fine." He grumped in reply. Releasin' tha young woman, he swiped her butt as she left tha bed and she yelped in surprise. Tha big man smirked at tha angry look he received fer his efforts.
"For that I shall ensure that I do not return until I have spent as much time helping Kaylee as much as she needs and then some!"
That wiped tha smirk off his face, but River couldn't hold the angry look for too long and she laughed at him as she ascended the stairs.
"Gorram woman!" He leapt up, aimin' ta smack her again, but he was too slow. Last thing he heard were tha two young women talkin' and gigglin' as they headed off ta tha kitchen. Followin' woulda been all sortsa needy, so he went ta slam his hatch fer some quality broodin' time, but was stopped when tha Cap'n called down.
"Jayne, need a word or two." Mal said as he let hisself down inta Jayne's bunk.
Tha Browncoat had left his Head a Security alone for tha past week, givin' him some time ta get over what had happened in Canton. Never a patient man, Mal thought he'd done real good by waitin' so long for tha answers he wanted.
"Well, sure Cap'n, since you're here an' all." And my Jingling ain't.
"Yes, I am. I got two things I wanna talk about. First, it ain't no secret ya got somethin' goin' with my cook."
"Mal. It ain't.."
"My boat, Jayne." His Cap'n interrupted. "I got no problem with tha two a ya hookin' up, 'less it's gonna affect tha smooth way my ship runs."
Jayne couldn't help tha snort that escaped at that comment, which Mal decided ta totally ignore.
"Is it?" he asked, seriously wantin' an answer.
"Why should it?" Jayne replied. "Nothin's rightly changed 'cept, well, ya know. We's got our own duties, and there's trainin' and whatnot..."
"Well as long as ya clear on that, what ya do in ya personal time is...ya personal time."
"Sure Cap'n" Jayne weren't really comfortable with tha whole discussion, but the Cap'n did need ta know if the dynamic would change.
"Second thing," and actually more important ta tha Browncoat, "her fightin' abilities."
"What about 'em?"
"I was mighty impressed with what I seen, ya teach her them moves?"
"Yeah," Jayne smoothly lied. Truth was, they ain't had much time fer hand-ta-hand, he'd shown her a coupla defensive moves, hold breakin' and such, but what she did in Canton was all her. Musta been Academy trainin'. No way Mal needs ta know that. "She's a genius Mal, only hafta show her once and she gets it."
"But tha way she moved..."
"She was a ballerina or somethin'." Tha big man interrupted.
"What?"
"A prima ballerina. A fancy Coreified dancer. Leapin' around and tha like. Ta old Earth-That-Was music."
Mal knew what a ballerina was, he was shocked the man standin' 'afore him did.
"She showed me some on tha Cortex." Jayne continued at Mal's shocked look.
"Oh." So that's how he knew. And come ta think a it, her moves did seem ta have some elements ta ballet in it. No surprise she'd be as good at it as most things she did. "Well, it were mighty impressive."
"Yep, sure was." He couldn't keep tha pride outta his voice.
"How's her shootin' lessons goin'?"
"She's a genius Mal." Jayne rolled his eyes. "How do ya think she's doin'?" River hadn't taken ta it right off, but was fair competent now.
"Well, I'm thinkin'," Mal started with a thoughtful look on his face, "havin' an extra gun hand, especially one that don't look like one none, could come in mighty handy on jobs."
"Mebbe." Jayne replied, keepin' his voice steady. That were a course exactly what Jayne had already said ta his Cap'n earlier, who had rejected it. Dumbass. Ya could get Mal ta agree ta most anythin', if he thought it were his idea. "But only when she's ready. Her trainin' ain't even half done yet."
"She keen?"
"As mustard. Says cookin's all mundane like, will still do it, but wants ta get outta tha ship when she can. And a 'course wants ta be with me." Jayne smirked as he puffed out his chest.
"Ok, when she's ready, we'll start takin' her on jobs, easy one's at first..." Mal was thinkin' tha next job would do.
"Cap'n, she don't go on jobs until I say she's ready. I'm her trainer," and her husband he thought, but no one needs ta know that either right now, "and I ain't gonna put her in harms way until then. And I think ya should talk ta her first anyways about it, she's her own person."
"Fair enough. Ya keep me posted on her progress, dong ma? And I'll have some words with her about tha subject. Ya know, Jayne, we all thought tha girl was feng le, but ya done..."
"She's a genius Mal." Jayne repeated, not wantin' ta talk on this, really. "She gets bored real easy, ya keep her busy and that keeps her more a less on a even keel."
"Busy, huh?" It were Mal's turn ta smirk, and his smirk grew as his Head a Security's face became red. "Seriously though, she's young." Mal put up his hands ta stop Jayne's inevitable interruption. "And I've spoken ta her brother. He don't have no objections ta tha two a ya, so neither do I. But he did say though, ya hurt tha girl, and he's got some real inventive ways ta take it out on ya...and I've given him his drugs back. He's earned it."
Jayne gulped at tha thought as Tha Cap'n smirked again and left tha big man ta his thoughts.
Dining Area – That Night
River, as usual, had cooked dinner. It was, as usual, protein. Still, the young Cook did the best with what she had, and it was appreciated. What really made the dinner, well any meal times on Serenity, was the company. Even the newest of the Crew had developed a rapport with the longer serving members, and the conversation tonight was delightful.
The rest of the Crew were beside themselves when Wash entered, last to join.
"What was natty?" he said as he took his place at the table. "I want to hear about the natty thing."
"Shepherd Book was just tellin' us funny stories about his life at tha Monastery." Kaylee told him.
"Monastic humor," Wash smiled, "I miss out on all the fun." He said as he picked up the now empty serving bowl. "And all the food, too, apparently…" The usually funny little pilot furrowed his brow.
"Just who do ya think ya married to?" Zoe passed a plate a food ta her husband, "Voila" she said as she revealed its contents.
"I love my wife." Wash said genuinely as they kissed.
River squeezed her Zhang fu's hand under the table as if to say the same.
"So we got a course set?" Tha Cap'n asked Wash.
"We do." He replied. "Took a little creative navigating, but we should make it all the way to Greenleaf without running afoul of any Alliance patrols. Or a single living soul, for that matter."
"Good," Mal said as he nodded his head, "Way it should be."
"'Course," the pilot replied while chewing on his food, "what should be an 18 hour trip's gonna take us the better part of a week by this route."
"We're in no rush. I like an easy, languorous journey."
With that decided, Kaylee got up ta spring tha surprise she'd been workin' on with River. Simon got up ta help her, he was kind that way, but he had ta stay at the table fer tha surprise.
"It's your turn." She told him.
"My turn?" Doc, as usual, was a bit slow on the social uptake.
"Shepherd told a funny story 'bout bein' a Shepherd," she started, "Now you tell a funny story about bein' a doctor."
"A funny story…" Simon smiled as he tried to remember something appropriate.
"Yeah, 'cos sick people are hi-larious." Jayne stated, only ta get a punch in tha arm from his Ai ren. "Ow!"
The Doctor began his story, failing miserably, and needed to be rescued.
"Hey Doc," Zoe began, "I think Kaylee may need ya help after all." She finished as she nodded behind Simon.
He turned to see the beautiful Engineer carrying a birthday cake. How did she know? He had his suspicions.
"Care ta make tha first incision, Doctor Tam?" Kaylee placed tha well alight cake in front a tha young Doc, whispering him a "Happy Birthday."
Simon beamed as the rest of the Crew clapped and wished him a happy birthday, he even got a high five from Jayne.
"Well this is," he started, "How, how did you know? " He turned to his sister, "River, did you…"
"'Day' is a vestigial mode of time measurement based on solar cycles. It's not applicable." His mei mei told him. "I didn't get you anything.." she smiled as she finished.
"Well, I couldn'ta made tha cake without ya honey." Kaylee supplied.
He smiled at his sister and potential girlfriend in turn, genuinely touched, but still no wiser as to how they knew. If River didn't tell them…
The Captain had the answer, which he gratefully supplied.
"Seems a fresh warrant for your arrest came up on tha Cortex. Had your birth date attached right ta it."
"Really?" Simon asked worriedly.
The Cap'n nodded in tha affirmative.
Kaylee went on ta supply tha ins and outs a tha cake construction, and Simon listened with rapt attention.
"Thank you," he smiled at the Engineer. "I'm really...I'm very deeply moved. Thank you."
Mal slapped Jayne in tha arm as he reached fer tha cake.
"Well," Jayne said good naturedly, "deeply move yaself over there and blow out them candles so we can try a slice."
Tha Crew erupted in laughter, it were a good feelin'.
Simon was about to blow out the candles when the lights flickered on and off, weird sounds coming from the engine room area.
"What tha hell was that?" Jayne asked, humor gone.
"Mebbe just a hiccup?" Kaylee hoped. "I'll go check it out." She said as she headed tawards tha engine room.
"I'll take a look at the helm." A worried Wash said, rising.
Suddenly River went stiff and grabbed Jayne's hand, nails digging into his skin. "Fire." She stated as she stared at the candles on the birthday cake.
"Ok, right." Simon leaned in to blow out the candles, thinking his mei mei was telling him to do so.
Jayne knew that look, she weren't talkin' 'bout no birthday candles. Before he could ask her what she meant, or do anythin' at all really, tha ship shook violently and a large roar came from tha rear a tha ship – tha engine room.
The massive fireball flew out of the engine room and into all parts of Serenity's lower decks – including the dining area.
Kaylee stood transfixed as tha fireball approached. She was too terrified ta move. Zoe, seein' Kaylee's predicament, leapt up and pushed tha young Engineer outta tha way. Tha Amazon couldn't get herself outta danger in time, though, as the pressure wave from the fireball hit and threw tha former Independent soldier across tha room, knockin' her out cold.
Alla that happened in a matter a seconds.
Wash rushed to his wife's aide, desperate to check on her well being.
Jayne had covered River from tha first blast, she yelled "Fire!" again and this time he was ready. He held her close away from tha direction a tha engine room, willin' ta take tha hit and die if necessary ta protect his Ai ren.
It weren't necessary, as it happened.
Mal, seein' what was comin, raced ta tha door controls ta the dining area and activated tha emergency blast doors, which quickly slid inta place. This probably saved tha Crew from bein' burnt alive, but they weren't outta danger yet, not by a long shot.
With River temporarily safe, Jayne knew he had ta help tha Cap'n save tha ship.
"Seal off everythin' that leads below decks." He yelled at his Head a Security as he flew past tha big man on tha way ta the Bridge. "Do it now!"
Jayne knew exactly what ta do. He'd been on ships an awful long time and knew tha dangers. He'd tried ta organize fire drills and tha like, but apathy had cut that program short. Still, even if tha others weren't interested, he was, and he'd drilled this exact scenario hisself. Engine room fires were one a tha more common disasters ta befall ships out in Tha Black, after all.
He knew why the Cap'n was goin' ta the Bridge. Best way ta stop a fire was ta deprive it a oxygen. Cap'n would trust him ta get the lower decks locked up real tight so he could open them ta space. The decompression would blow all tha air outta tha ship, quick like, and tha fire with it.
Tha big man had done his part and was headin' back ta tha dinin' area ta check on his jingling and the rest when he almost ran smack bang inta tha Doc goin' that other way.
"Where ya think ya goin?"
"Zoe's badly hurt. I need my medical supplies."
"Sorry, Doc," Jayne started, and he was. "Nobody leaves. Everythin's sealed up tight."
"If you don't let me through she could die." Simon earnestly said.
"I let ya through, we all die." Jayne replied just as seriously. Clearly tha Doc didn't know what was about ta happen.
Up on tha Bridge, Mal could see on tha console that Jayne had managed ta lock down tha lower decks. All systems were go for an emergency decompression of tha main cargo bay. He hit tha switch and in a manner a second's tha fire had been blown out inta space, along with a large collection a go se that weren't tied down.
He hit tha switch to close tha main door and hurried back ta tha dining area ta check on his Crew.
What he saw when he arrived shocked him. Zoe was out, and Simon seemed ta think she was badly hurt. At least everyone else was ok.
Jayne, Wash, and Mal carried the severely wounded First Mate ta tha Infirmary as quickly and as gently as they could, where Tha Doc began ta work on her frantically.
"There's no sign of burning. It must be internal. I'll have to do a scan."
Wash murmured quietly to his wife, while Simon started to work on her as fast as he could.
Jayne watched on from tha door, concern showin' on his face fer Zoe. They weren't friends, not really, but he still didn't wanna see nothin' bad happen ta her. River came up ta him and took a holda one a his hands. She stayed outside tha Infirmary, though. Tha young woman had a powerful aversion ta tha Infirmary and wouldn't enter unless she had ta. Movin' back out tha door, he pulled her in a little closer, wantin' ta feel her against him, feelin' her would convince his racin' mind that she was really safe.
Tha shared a quick smile then all hell broke loose as Wash and The Cap'n started arguin' somethin' fierce. Mal, quite reasonably, wanted tha pilot ta take his station and assess tha damage ta tha ship. Wash, quite reasonably, wanted ta stay at his wife's side. It was a clash a wills that could only end one way.
"I'm not leaving her side, Mal. Don't ask me again."
"I wasn't askin'," Mal replied softly, "I was tellin'."
"Chur ni-duh." Wash angrily replied.
Mal's patience was gone, and he grabbed tha smaller man, turnin' him around and forcin' him backwards until he hit tha wall a tha Infirmary.
"Ya gonna get ta tha Bridge and ya gonna get us back on our feet." He ordered.
The two men stared down each other, before Wash silently acquiesced. He broke his Captain's hold and noiselessly headed to the Bridge.
Several minutes passed as Simon continued to work on Zoe.
Jayne suddenly felt River tense and dig her nails inta his hand again. Turnin' ta her, he opened his mouth ta speak and was interrupted by an urgent 'BEEP' from the monitor Zoe was hooked up ta.
"Her heart's stopped." Simon cried as he began to give his patient CPR.
"Whattya ya need Doc?" Mal asked.
"That drawer, right there," he pointed, as Mal opened the drawer and retrieved a large hypo. "Yes, that's the one," the Doctor said as he took it from Mal and prepared it for use.
"What is it?' asked Inara.
"Pure adrenaline." He simply stated, as he plunged the huge needle into Zoe's heart, shocking all in the room.
It worked, and the 'beeping' from the monitor resumed its steady rhythm.
Simon hustled everyone out of the Infirmary except for the Captain, who maintained a vigil beside his First Mate's bed.
After a while, Kaylee came ta report on tha engine damage, and they retreated ta tha common room ta discuss tha issue.
There were no good news ta be had, and as Jayne walked in Kaylee gave Mal tha worst a tha news.
"Main life support's down on account a tha engine bein' dead."
"Right," Mal was expectin' that, "but we got auxiliary life support.."
"No, we don't." the young Engineer interrupted. "It ain't even on. Explosion musta knocked it out."
"So what are we breathin'?" Mal was shocked.
"Whatever got pumped inta the atmo before tha explosion shut it down." She replied.
"Most a that oxygen got ate up by tha fire on its way out tha door." Jayne added.
"Well," Kaylee almost whispered, "whatever's left is what we got."
"How long?" her Cap'n asked.
"A coupla hours, mebbe. We'll start ta feel it, and then we won't feel nothin' at all."
All three stood around in dismay, wonderin' how they'd get outta this one.
Tired of waiting for Jayne to reappear, River left her increasingly less used room to find him. Passing The Shepherd's room she could feel his terror.
"Don't be afraid." She stated as she looked around the entrance into his room, not wanting to enter after the hair incident.
The Shepherd looked up to see the young women staring at him and his Bible.
"That's what is says. Don't be afraid."
"Yes." Book nodded, fear clearly evident on his face.
"But you are afraid." A statement, not a question.
"Yes." The Shepherd didn't even think to mislead.
"You're afraid we're going to run out of air. That'll we'll die gasping." River shook her head. "But we won't. That's not going to happen."
Book looked at her and wondered where she was going with this.
"We'll freeze to death first." She deadpanned.
The young Cook left The Shepherd to his own thoughts as she sought out her Zhang fu.
Tha big man hisself was in search of her when he heard yellin' comin' from the Bridge. Seems Mal and Wash were at it again. Jayne couldn't believe it, actin' like spoilt kids instead a tryin' ta figure away outta this gorram mess!
"Hey!" he yelled as he stormed inta the Bridge. Tha Cap'n and Tha Pilot turned ta him as he continued. "What do ya two think ya doin'? Fightin' at a time like this!"
Tha two men looked at him in surprise as their argument was stopped in its tracks.
"You'll use up all the air." Jayne stated as he turned ta leave tha now silent men as he sought out his Ai ren.
He'd just found her when The Cap'n came over the speakers.
"I need all tha Crew in tha common area now."
Common Area – Five Minutes Later
It were cold in tha common area, despite everyone wearing jackets and usin' blankets. Huddlin' tagther it were a little better, but Jayne couldn't see if it was the body heat or tha fact he had his Ai ren in his lap that was makin' him feel better.
"Both." She whispered to him and beamed him a smile.
Despite tha cold, Jayne felt mighty warm fer just a second.
"As you're all keenly aware," Mal began, "we've run inta a bit of a situation. Engine's down, life support's on tha fritz, and I got nine people here all wantin' ta breathe. Truth is, ain't got a whole lotta options at this juncture."
No one spoke; there wasn't really any arguing with those facts.
"So, instead a focusin' on we don't got," he continued, "time ta talk about what it is we do. And what we got are two shuttles. Short range. Won't go far. But each got heat, and they each got air. Last longer than what's left in Serenity."
"Long enough to reach someplace?" Simon asked hopefully.
"No." Tha Browncoat answered truthfully.
"So, where will we go then?" Book asked, confused.
"Far as ya can get," was tha answer. "We send both shuttles off in opposite directions, betters tha chances of someone bein' seen, maybe gettin' picked up."
No one could think of any counter arguments.
"Shepherd Book, River, Jayne will ride with Inara in her shuttle." Mal ordered. "Doc, you and Lil Kaylee will go with Wash and Zoe, seein' as how Zoe still needs some doctorin'."
Simon didn't even think to object. He knew Jayne would look out for River, as much as he knew he was needed to look after Zoe. And he'd have Kaylee with him, always a bonus.
"What about you?" Lil Kaylee asked her Cap'n.
'Four people per shuttle. That's tha arrangements. Evens tha odds…..I'm stayin' with Serenity."
"Cap'n?" Kaylee persisted.
"We sent out a beacon. Even managed ta boost it a little. By some chance, we get a response, someone's gonna have ta be here ta answer."
Mal could tell by the looks on tha Crew's faces that none a them believed that was likely ta happen.
"Jayne, ya get shuttle number two ready, I'll see ta Inara's."
Jayne nodded as he set River down on tha couch and started ta head off ta do his part, givin' his jingling a quick kiss as he went.
"Let's get movin'," Mal ordered, "only take what ya need."
It didn't take long to prepare the shuttles, and soon enough it was time for the Crew to embark.
Only Jayne was left ta board tha shuttle but he had some words fer Mal first.
"I went ahead and closed off all below deck vents." He told his Cap'n. "Diverted what's left ta the Bridge. Ain't much," he warned. "So my advice is, seal off everythin' tight behind ya on your way back up. Might buy ya some time."
Mal nodded, and Jayne continued.
"And I prepped a suit fer ya. It's hangin' in tha foredeck. So when tha time comes, you can…"
"I won't be needin' it, but thanks." Mal was touched, seemed Jayne really did value their friendship. Mayhaps Jayne a old wouldn't a given two hoots, but new Jayne, well…
"Ok." Jayne replied, weren't really much else he could say. Turnin' ta go, he was stopped by his Cap'n.
"Jayne. Look out for Inara. Shepherd can see ta hisself, and I already know you're gonna take care a tha lil Cook, but…"
"Sure, Mal. We'll all look out fer each other, just like ya done taught us."
Tha two men shook hands, comin' ta an understandin'. It were prolly tha last time they would see each other, and that didn't sit well with tha big man. Sure, they had a rocky start, but there was a lot to like and admire about tha old Browncoat.
Mal shared similar feelin's. He'd never thought he be able ta fully trust the ex-mercenary, but he knew tha man had changed for tha better and would do whatever he could ta honor his friends last wishes.
"Well, good luck." Jayne said, and Mal nodded.
Mal looked up ta watch Jayne go, and saw that Inara was lookin' down on him from tha catwalk. She weren't impressed, but knew how stubborn Mal could be. They shared a look before Jayne motioned for Inara ta board, Jayne followed and sealed tha hatch behind him.
It weren't but a minute or two before tha two shuttles left their home, headin' in opposite directions, and leavin' one old ex-Independent alone in what may turn out ta be his own metal coffin.
Inara's Shuttle – Two Hours Later
The small craft had been speeding away from Serenity for the past two hours. It hadn't taken long to get it to its maximum velocity, which wasn't much, really, and the engines had been shut down and it was now coasting along on it's own inertia.
Inara wasn't pleased with the situation at all. Mal, the noble idiot, had basically decided to go down with his ship, even if he wouldn't admit it. No one had believed his assertion that someone would pick up the distress beacon and come and help the petty thief.
There were unresolved feelings between them, and the man just frustrated her so.
And they shouldn't have left him there. And he shouldn't have stayed. And he shouldn't have dismissed her worries as so much go se. Such a difficult man!
At least they were heading in the right direction. River had known the roundabout route Wash had programmed for Serenity, and consequently had been able to program the shuttle's nav system to take the most direct line to the closest regular shipping route. That had almost guaranteed the shuttle would be picked up. Only problem, life support was unlikely to last the required time.
Sighing, Inara looked at the girl, no young women, who was in a hushed conversation with her….what? With Jayne, anyway. The young women was definitely talented, a genius, her brother had said. Effortlessly programming the navigation system on the shuttle proved that to be the case. Inara could program the nav system easily enough between two fixed points, but out in the middle of The Black, way off the regular routes? No. The math involved was just too complex, and yet River had done it easily. And she was being used as a cook.
Typical of Malcolm Reynolds, have a genius drop in your lap, and use her to cook…..
The young genius could be anywhere, should be anywhere but here, using her talents. Only The Alliance, an organization she still somewhat believed in, had done something to her. Something horrendous, apparently, and it had made the girl somewhat imbalanced. Strangely, spending time with Jayne had given her back some semblance of balance. How odd.
Still, she shouldn't be wasting her time running around with a bunch of petty thieves, doing crime, and constantly looking over their shoulders. And yet, so was Inara herself.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." The young woman in question suddenly told her, before turning back to Jayne.
Inara had been staring, and the girl was extraordinarily perceptive. Almost as if she could…but surely that wasn't possible? The Registered Companion had an aunt that was also unusually insightful, some said she was a reader…
River looked up at her again and smiled.
Yes, unusually perceptive. Inara turned back to the console and her own thoughts, desperately wanting to go back to 'her' petty thief, but knowing it wasn't fair to the others on her shuttle.
The young psychic herself had heard some of The Companions deliberations. She was worried about The Captain and her thoughts were loud. Perhaps she shouldn't have said anything, but Inara was a good person and River didn't mind her using the young woman as a distraction to her worries.
Suddenly River sat bolt upright. At this distance, the small link she had established with The Captains mind as they left Serenity was muted, but something definitely had happened. Something bad.
Jayne had, a course, noticed his jingling had gone stiff, and had gotten that faraway look in her eyes. She was readin' someone, and it weren't good.
"What is it baby girl?" he whispered.
It took a few moments for her to speak. "The Captain. We must go back. Now."
"Bad?" Jayne asked.
His Ai ren nodded, it were good enough fer him.
"'Nara, Book?" tha big man cleared his throat as he spoke. The two in question gave him his full attention as he began. "We've been talkin'," he said as he squeezed River's hand, "and we don't think it's right ta leave the Cap'n on his lonesome. We wanna go back." No way were they gonna mention anythin' about readin or psychic's or such, and he was pretty sure tha other two wanted ta go back anyways. At least 'Nara sure looked like she did.
Inara was stunned into silence, so it was Shepherd Book who spoke first.
"It was his wishes we leave him behind. Do we have a realistic chance of successful contact if we stay on the shuttle?" The groups silence told him everything he wanted to know. "Then I vote we go back. If we are to die, then we should do it together, as we have lived. The Captain deserves this consideration."
"'Nara?" Jayne quietly asked.
She didn't reply, but River released her hold on her Zhang fu and went to the shuttle's console, and the two women worked to get the shuttle turned around and heading back to Serenity.
Turning the shuttle was easy enough, but they had to stop their momentum before they could start to return. Full burn on the shuttle's engines used a lot of fuel, but time was of the essence.
It wasn't long before they were heading back to the old Firefly's last known position, not knowing what they would find.
Once the course was set, the young psychic rejoined her man. She looked at him with a worried expression on her face. "Still there, but very weak," was the answer to his silent question.
Inara's Shuttle – 15 Minutes Out From Serenity
As the shuttle approached the old mid-bulk's last known position, River very happily told Jayne that The Captain was still alive, if barely so. The joyous news was cut short, as River sensed something, or rather someone, else.
The young psychic gasped as seven, no eight, new minds spoke to her own. Their thoughts were thunderous, and all of avarice.
"Trouble baby girl?"
"Yes.." she stammered. "Many minds waiting….they want Serenity."
'Reavers?' His mind screamed, she shook her head. He relaxed some, anythin' else he could take care of. "What are they waitin' fer?"
"The Captain to die!" River fainted and was caught by Jayne, who quickly but gently lowered her to the shuttle's bench seat.
"What happened?" asked an alarmed Book, who wasn't privy to the couple's private conversation.
Before he could answer, Inara called out.
"Jayne!"
Tha big man motioned ta River and Tha Shepherd quickly came over ta sit with her. Still, Jayne covered his Ai ren with a warm blanket before heading up ta 'Nara.
"Look!" she pointed to the shuttles screen.
Shuttle's sensors weren't nothin' but a piece a go se, but even they couldn't miss tha outline of a huge spidery ship waitin' on tha far side a Serenity. It were clearly a salvage ship.
"Maybe The Captain was right all along. Maybe he has been rescued?" asked a hopeful Inara.
Jayne knew it weren't true, but how ta say that without givin' away River's big secret?
"Not sure 'Nara. Look at Serenity," he said as he pointed ta tha shuttle's screen. "Looks like she's got power again, so that's a good sign, but why ain't tha other ship moved off?"
"Maybe power has just been restored?"
"No Inara." It were tha jingling, and she done popped up again.
"See here," the revived young genius said as she pointed to the Type 3 Firefly's power signature on the screen, "the engine has been active for at least 20 minutes, and there's no sign of any other activity. If The Captain were able, all systems would be running by now. They are not," she finished with worry.
"I don't think we can take the chance a them bein' too friendly." Jayne stated.
Book furrowed his brow. "I agree. But what can we do?"
All four were lost in thought for a couple of minutes as the shuttle coasted towards their home, when Jayne snapped his fingers.
"I got it! 'Nara, both a our shuttles are tha same. Which means, what mods Wash has done ta one he's done ta tha other. So," he said as he searched the console, lookin' fer the right buttons, "this hear shuttles got a built in cry-baby ta help with escapin' tha law and such." Findin' a subpanel marked 'ECM', that'd be it. ECM, he knew, stood fer Electronic Counter Measures. Just what they'd need fer his plan.
"What we gotta do is program tha cry-baby ta mimic an Alliance Patrol Boat." He accessed the sub menu on the ECM panel but couldn't remember how ta do it. He was sure he'd done this exact same thing a'fore, just couldn't remember exactly when or how. Tha strange feelin' he got at times like this was back, bein' with River had mostly put them ta bed.
"I can do it." River chipped in. Her fingers flew through the menus for a few seconds. "Done!"
"That's my girl!" Jayne rewarded her with a quick kiss, and she blushed slightly as the other two watched on.
"What do we do now?" Book asked.
Jayne looked at tha Shepherd all funny like.
"We need someone ta comm tha other ship and pretend ta be tha law."
"What? Me?"
"Yeah you, Shepherd. I'm sure ya can do it." Serenity's Head a Security was convinced there was more ta Book than bein' a Shepherd. "When ya ready, we'll activate tha cry baby and ya try ta convince tha salvagers ta move off. Friendly or not, I'd rather them be gone."
"Alright." The Shepherd took a deep breath as he sat in front of the comm. screen. River activated the cry baby as he began to speak. "Unidentified ships. This is Alliance Patrol Boat One Zero Niner. Stand down and prepare to be boarded. Have all registration papers and cargo manifests available for inspection."
Now they had to wait. They'd popped up on the far side of the old Firefly. With Serenity in between them and the salvage vessel, the other crew knew if they ran the Patrol Boat wouldn't bother with them. The mid-bulk would be an easier target for the Alliance crew.
They didn't have to wait long. Although large and unwieldy except at very low speeds, the salvage vessel had a lot of power and was pretty fast in a straight line. And so it was seen as the salvage vessel lit their burners and ran.
"Well done Shepherd!" Inara was ecstatic, and now The Shepherd had earned himself a kiss.
"Thank you, it was nothing."
And Jayne reckoned Tha Shepherd was right. His little unprepared speech had come far too easily ta the older man ta be a coincidence. Jayne filed that away fer later.
"We gotta get aboard tha ship, quick like. Take us in 'Nara." Jayne ordered as he began ta weapon up, just in case.
They were just about to dock when River spoke.
"Oh no." She said as she pointed to the screen. "They have used their high resolution short range scanners and have discovered we are not what we seem."
The salvage ship slowed and began to turn as Inara expertly docked the shuttle.
"Wait here fer my signal." Tha big man rushed outta the shuttle, Vera at the ready. He could see they had air, but emergency lightin' only. Serenity was a small ship, but it would still take valuable time ta check her properly. Time they didn't have if tha salvagers were still headin' back. He decided to check just tha shuttle area and tha main cargo bay, rest will have ta wait. Vera leadin' the way, he expertly searched tha two areas and, findin' nothin', he rushed back ta tha shuttle and banged on tha hatch.
"CLEAR!" he yelled and tha hatch flew open, Book, River and Inara exitin' in that order, with his Ai ren brandishin' her small pistol, Ingrid.
"Stay tagether, we gotta get ta tha Bridge and get tha ship up and runnin'!"
With Vera once again leadin' tha way, tha four valiant Crew members made their way ta the Bridge. What they found as they moved inside tha door shocked them.
"Mal!" Inara cried as she ran to Ma's prostrate form, Shepherd not far behind.
River and Jayne, meanwhile, had started the process to get Serenity fully operational.
"He's still alive!" Book yelled.
"Baby girl, can ya finish tha job up here. Gotta get Mal ta tha Infirmary and I ain't checked it yet."
She nodded as she continued to bring the old ship back to full life.
Book and Jayne carried Tha Cap'n ta tha Infirmary without incident, where he was laid gently onta tha examination table. Tha main lights came on without warnin', lettin' tha Crew see the mess that was tha Infirmary – and tha mess that was their Cap'n.
"We need Simon." Inara was feint.
"Well, we ain't got him." Jayne looked at Book. "Gunshot wound, lost a lotta blood. We need ta give him some plasma, pressure bandage tha wound. Tha Doc can get tha bullet out later."
For several minutes they worked feverously on tha old Browncoat, until the speakers came ta life.
"Jayne! The salvage ship is returning. They have activated a magnetic grapple and will be in a position to fire in approximately five minutes and twenty seven seconds." River sighed audibly. "I regret that I cannot get Serenity active and moving in that time…."
His Ai ren needed more time ta get tha ship outta harms way. Tha scavengers had ta be persuaded ta leave them alone. But how? As a transport ship, she carried no guns a her own. Tha biggest gun on board was Vera….The Callahan could do tha job, if tha right spot was hit. Five minutes. Not enough time ta prepare a suit for EVA.
Suddenly Jayne ran outta tha Infirmary headin' fer tha foredeck. Yeah, five minutes weren't enough time, unless a suit was already prepped. And one was. As a gesture ta his Browncoat friend, Jayne had prepped a suit fer Mal before they left. If it was still there, he could use that.
It was.
There was no time ta comm River his plan. Every second counted. Well, she was psychic, so he thought his plan as loudly as he could, hopin' she'd hear it. She did, and her acknowledgement came through loud and clear. In his own head. Bu kuh nuhn! No time ta dwell on it now.
In four minutes Jayne was ready ta go; he hefted Vera and raced fer tha upper airlock. Tha airlock cycled as he went in, and a minute later he was standin' on tha outside a Serenity's upper hull.
Tha salvage ship was growin' larger and larger as it drew closer. It was gonna be close. Jayne sighted down tha barrel and prepared hisself fer tha recoil shock.
He could see tha magnetic grapple now, tha blue energy crackled evilly as tha scavengers stalked Serenity, hungry ta take her fer their own.
Tha big man stroked Vera's trigger, and as he was about ta fire tha magnetic grapple shot out from tha salvage ship, seemingly straight fer tha ex-merc. Stiflin' tha ridiculous urge ta duck, Jayne instead opened fire on tha scavenger ship, one, two, three, four rounds shot towards tha other ships Bridge.
The bullets met tha magnetic grapple and raced past it as it continued its own journey ta tha old Firefly. Even though he weren't tha first ta fire, Vera's bullets were much faster and arrived first. The first two armor piercing rounds shattered the windows on the Bride of tha other ship. Tha windows blew out and tha scavengers didn't have time ta think as them that weren't secured in their seats went flyin' off inta tha vacuum a space.
Right on the heels a tha first two rounds were two high explosive shells. They exploded as they entered tha Bridge, shreddin' them that were secure in their seats, includin' tha pilot and tha operator of tha magnetic grapple.
Two things then happened. First, tha grapple operator released his finger from tha joystick trigger, killin' the magnetic field. Tha now no longer metallic grapple hit tha side a Serenity's hull and bounced off, then slid down tha side a her hull and off inta space.
Second, tha now dead pilots body jerked back on tha controls a tha salvage ship, and tha monster flew over tha Type 3 Firefly and continued off inta Tha Black, no longer a threat ta Serenity and them tha was aboard her.
Jayne had no time ta celebrate. He had problem a his own. Tha suit he prepped fer Mal was set-up fer use inside Serenity. He hadn't used tha heavy magnetic boots, they'd just be a huge burden in tha artificial gravity of tha ship. So as he fired, Vera's recoil pushed him backwards with enough force ta go flyin' off tha top a tha ship and inta Tha Black his ownself.
River had heard his distress in her mind and raced into action. Serenity was still not fully operational, the sensor reboot was not complete, for example, but she could now move. The engine display showed all green.
Her Zhang fu was not moving very fast, but every second pushed him further away from the ship. That, actually, was not the main problem. With the sensors still down she could not tell with certainty where he was. Using her mind link she knew his approximate position, past the rear of the ship and going away, but could not risk using the podded engines as their exhaust could possibly fry him. At the very least the exhaust would push him faster and hence even further away. Non optimal.
If the ship was to be moved, that only left the RCS. The Reaction Control System was used to perform slower and more precise movements of the ship. That'd have to do.
An exponential increase in Jayne's stress levels concentrated the young psychic's mind. Oh no! Jayne had passed through the debris trail left by the scavenger's ship and had received a tiny puncture in his suit. Small, yes, but large enough for the big man's air supply to be leaking fast.
There were still several problems, however. The sensor system was still down, only the fore and aft RCS thrusters were pressurized, and worst of all, the young woman had no practical experience in using the RCS. They just hadn't gotten to that portion of her instruction yet.
She could wait no longer. Zhang fu had only a few minutes of air remaining. But what to do? Yes, that would do!
With the RCS system partially off line, she couldn't turn the ship, she could only raise or lower the nose. No, she couldn't turn or spin, but she could flip the ship over. And she did, the process was easier than expected. In a matter of moments the old Firefly was pointing the other way – towards Jayne – but it was inverted, upside down. No matter, the artificial gravity rendered up and down essentially meaningless.
Now facing the correct direction, approximately, but still basically blind, River used the podded engines ever so briefly to get the ship moving after Jayne. Approximately would not cut it and the sensors would still not reboot correctly. Closing her eyes, and opening her mind, she sought out her Zhang fu, and found him.
Still with her eyes closed, and delicately maneuvering the Type 3 Firefly, she approached where her mind's eye said her former Bao hu zhe, and current Zhang fu, was to be found.
Jayne had moved from frantic ta peaceful. He looked down at tha display on his arm. It were flashin' red, tha warnin' that his air supply was dangerous low. Prolly only a couple a minutes left. Well, he'd seen of tha scavengers, so his Ai ren and tha others were safe fer now.
He was pretty sure he was gonna die. With so little air left, even if tha ship or one a tha shuttles pulled alongside him right now, someone would have ta go EVA and pull his sorry pi gu in. There just weren't time fer that. Didn't wanna die none, a course, wanted ta see tha jingling one last time, but tha knowledge she was safe would hafta do. Smilin' as he thought on her, tha big man closed his eyes and resigned hisself ta his fate.
Serenity was close enough that the young psychic had heard her Zhang fu's internal monologue, and tears formed in her eyes as she knew he was right. Time, one thing they always seemed to be short of, had become the culprit once again.
"I am a genius." She whispered to herself, sobbing gently. "There must be a solution."
Time, ever their enemy, laughed at her as she thought desperately on what to do. Serenity had no grapple, magnetic or otherwise, nor a tractor beam, so he could not be grabbed.
"Jonah." River smiled to herself, then began to laugh. "Zhang fu will be Jonah, and Serenity the whale!"
The erstwhile cook and now pilot activated the internal comm system, determination flowing through her.
"Attention Crew. The main cargo bay will need to be depressurized. Standby."
River hit a button and the blast doors on the Bridge and in the Infirmary closed tight. As critical areas of the ship, the Infirmary and the Bridge could be sealed off from the vacuum of space. That done, she started the depressurization sequence and opened the cargo bay outer doors.
"Attention. Depressurization sequence initiated. Infirmary isolated and secure."
Once the sequence was complete, she opened the inner cargo bar door. Serenity's main cargo bay was now open to space. The only recently replaced air rushed out of the ship, pushing Jayne faster and further away, but that could not be helped.
It wasn't quite that simple to just scoop him up, approach vectors, velocities, mass, all had to be calculated. With no information coming into the nav system from the sensors, the ship herself could not do this. But the young genius could, and did.
With the whale upside down, a somewhat unstable young woman at the controls, and a Jonah resigned to his fate, they would only get one shot at this most absurd method of recovery. It had to be perfect.
It wasn't, but it was close enough. Jayne flew through the open maw of the old Firefly's main cargo bay, or more rightly he was devoured by the mid bulk, a comical sight if it wasn't so dire. Once she was sure he was within the confines of the main cargo bay, River went through the re-pressurization sequence as fast as she could, choosing also to right the ship at the same time.
Still with his eyes still closed, Jayne was wonderin' how much ruttin' longer this was gonna take. He weren't a patient man. And he weren't a man used ta not havin' some sorta control over a situation. If he was gonna go out, he wanted it ta be quick like, not waitin' and waitin'. Well, enough a this go se.
If he was gonna die, it'd be on his terms. He grabbed his helmet with tha intention a takin' it off and darin' Tha Black ta take him. As he twisted somethin' strange happened, the helmet came off sure, but he was expectin' ta die in vacuum, not ta suddenly fall five feet and land heavily on his pi gu.
"What tha gorram hell is goin' on?" he yelled as he finally remembered ta open his eyes. He was gonna dare Tha Black ta take him, but only a psychopath would stare Tha Black in tha eye as he done dared it ta end him.
Instead a Tha Black, he was starin' at tha main cargo bay. Confused, he sat up only ta be pushed back down by someone jumpin' on him, someone who then proceeded ta assault him with kisses.
It were, a course, tha jingling, and she'd gorram popped up on him again.
He collapsed ta tha ground, and as he held her they both started ta laugh at his thoughts.
"I'm either dead, or I been saved by a gorram genius who just happens ta be tha most beautiful sight I ever seen!"
"I can assure you, Zhang fu, you are not dead." River said as she resumed her assault.
They broke apart after a short while, and again started to laugh as they were joined by Book and Inara.
They, of course, had no idea what had gone on. But that could wait.
"Tha Cap'n?" Jayne asked, genuinely concerned.
"Stable, but very seriously wounded," Book started, "we need the young doctor, urgently."
'There was a recall device for the shuttles rigged on The Bridge. I have triggered it, unfortunately we have to wait for their return. Sensors and communications are still down and I cannot bring them online." River finished sadly.
"Well, I will pray for their speedy return," The Shepherd started, "and for The Cap.."
Just then, a clang could be heard to reverberate through the ship, and within moments the rest of the Crew came streaming out of shuttle two. All looked relieved, Zoe unsteady on her feet but clearly in charge.
"As soon as I woke, I ordered Wash ta bring us home. Cap'n should never a sent us away." She answered the unasked question as she shook her head.
Jayne nodded back, and didn't think tha point was worth arguing, matters a more import were at hand.
"Mal's hurt bad, Doc we need ya magic in tha Infirmary."
While Simon worked on Mal, Jayne and River brought tha rest up ta speed on what had happened since they got back. What happened afore that, well, only Tha Cap'n could explain.
That is, if he woke. It weren't lookin' too good fer tha old Browncoat, but if anyone could save him, it were his brother in law.
Infirmary – Several Hours Later
Mal woke slowly. He hurt, well, all over, and the pain added ta his confusion. Hearing' voices, he looked over ta see Zoe lyin' next ta him, Wash sittin' in between.
"Welcome back, Sir" she smiled.
"I go someplace?" he replied, still disorientated.
"Very nearly." The Shepherd's tone was serious.
"We thought we lost you." Inara said softly, fighting the tears that threatened to form in her eyes.
"Well, I've been right here." Mal replied, just as softly. Still somewhat confused, Mal noticed Wash hooked up ta an IV line. "Wash, ya ok?"
"Yeah, Mal, I'm fine," he replied, clearly amused by his Captain.
"Ya got a..thing in ya arm."
"Yeah." He smiled again.
Simon, Doctor mode on full, decided it was time to interrupt the banter.
"Try not to speak," The Doctor told him as he prepared a smoother. "You're heavily medicated and you've lost a lot of blood."
"Oh." Was all the still slightly confused Browncoat could say. Mal's brow furrowed as he remembered what had happened. "Thought I ordered ya'll off tha ship?"
No one spoke, they didn't need Mal's famous temper to flare. Weren't gonna be good for him.
Tha Cap'n thought for a moment before focusin' on Wash.
"I call ya back?"
"No, Mal. You didn't." Wash wasn't going to lie.
"I take full responsibility, Cap'n." Zoe smiled as she spoke up.
"The decision saved your life." Simon added.
"Won't happen again, Sir." She was grinnin' now.
"Good," he said, seriously. "And thanks. I'm grateful." He managed a very small smile.
"I was my pleasure, Sir." Zoe matched his with a bigger one of her own.
Mal's eyes suddenly shot open full.
"Scavengers!" he cried, becomin' angry and distressed.
"Don't worry about that none," Jayne rumbled, "they ain't gonna bother us no more."
"Or anyone else." River confirmed.
Mal watched tha two look at each other and smile. Seems like there's a mighty interestin' story there, he thought as he relaxed.
Kaylee couldn't wait any longer, she rounded tha couple and approached her Cap'n.
"Hey, Cap'n." she beamed.
"Hey."
"Ya fixed tha ship. Good work." Tha Engineer was very impressed with her Cap'n.
"Thanks."
"All right. I have to insist. The Captain needs to rest." Doctor mode was once again activated.
"Yeah," Mal agreed, "Think Tha Doc might not be wrong about that one. Just gonna need a few…" the smoother was kickin' in and Mal forced hisself ta concentrate. "Ya'll gonna be here when I wake up?"
"We'll be here." Book assured him.
"Ok," Tha Cap'n said as he closed his eyes and smiled. "That's good…" He allowed hisself ta drift off ta sleep, knowin' that his ship, and his Crew, were safe and well, for tha moment.
A/N: Next one up is of course, Ariel, re-imagined, and it's gonna be a doozy. Hopefully some surprises for y'all. And yes, River is still gonna slash Jayne's chest open. 'Cause he looks better in red.
Chinese:
Chwen Joo – Foolish
Ai ren - Wife
Zhang fu - Husband
Yee-soo – Jesus
Go se – Crap
Jingling – Pixie
Dong ma? – Understand?
Feng le – Crazy
Mei Mei – Little Sister
Chur ni-duh – Screw you
Bu Kuh Nuhn! – Impossible!
Bao hu zhe – Protector
Pi gu – butt