Notes:
I really, really enjoyed writing this chapter, from start to finish. It could be read mostly as a stand alone. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
They stayed out in the black the next few weeks, making only one quick stop for refueling. River made a surprisingly fast recovery, even for her. She did daily exercises and had started piloting again, but still used her sling at the behest of Simon. Everyone else on the ship knew she was doing it now to only to humour her big brother, until he decided she could resume normal duties without it.
They heard nothing from the Operative and Mal became more confident that the man had been telling the truth, that they didn't have to much worry about any assassins creeping up on them any time soon. He started to think about looking to the next job and sent a few waves out to some of his contacts.
He missed Inara, but it was getting easier. Getting over her was also a bit simpler with her away from the ship, he knew. Out of sight, out of mind. Although, he still looked forward to the day when his crew was back together. It always felt like someone was missing when they sat together for meals, or played games.
One night, two months after the events on Regina, Mal got off the cortex with one of his contacts, setting up coordinates for a drop. It was shortly after their first job had been done and they were on course to Whitefall (the non-Patience side of the world) to deliver on the goods.
Although the cargo was hidden securely in downstairs in the hold, habit made Mal go down to check it. Satisfied it was all still there, he sauntered back to his bunk to the galley where he suspected most everyone was. In the corridor, he met River. Her sling was no where to be seen, Simon having given her the okay to remove it a week before. It was good to see her without it. Made everything seem truly back to normal. She was coming from the bridge.
"Hey there, little one," Mal said cheerfully. "We en route to Whitefall?" She nodded.
"Sixteen hours, thirty seven minutes and eight seconds," She replied. "counting down of course." He laughed.
"Well I asked, I guess." He looked to her arm. The bullet scar was still red and angry against her pale skin, but the stitches were out and the tissue was healthy. "How's the old arm doing?"
"Fine, back to normal," River answered, moving it in a circle to demonstrate. "Now that I've been shot, does that make me a real criminal like everyone else?" Mal laughed again affectionately.
"Your interning is done and you, Darlin' are officially an evil mastermind. I stand here tonight to welcome you to the fold." He held out his hand to hers and they shook with mock seriousness. "Welcome to the club." River giggled back at him. All of the reasons he had been avoiding her before seemed so trivial in light of everything that had happened. The job in Paquin seemed a distant memory and Mal felt a strong sense of relief that things between them were reverting back to the easy friendship they'd had before. Truthfully, he felt guilty having avoided her for so long. If something happened to her… well he didn't want any regrets. He had enough of those in his life already.
Mal didn't let go of River's hand after they had shaken and instead used it to pull her in the direction of the galley.
"Come on now, if you're an official criminal now, you'd best be taking part in some criminal plotting. I ain't all fun and games, you know. Let's go find everyone else."
She went with him.
xxxx
Newhall.
A beautiful border planet full of ocean and lush island chains. Since they had been there last, the planet's tourism had started taking off. The waters were full of ocean cruises and the coastlines with new beach resorts for rich folk from the core who'd come to "rough it" and see the exotic and savage border worlds.
Robbing a cruise ship full of rich core tourists was just about the perfect crime. Carrying with them jewelry that was undoubtedly insured, Mal and Jayne had argued about skimming a little more than what they'd came for.
"A boat full off missing jewels is a lot more troublin' to the Feds than a boat with one missing ring that might not even be missed for a spell if luck is on our side." Mal reasoned. "We're here to do the job for our client, no more, no less." Kevin Wang was also a new client and Mal wanted to make a good impression. No need making a job any hotter than it had to be.
Jayne had grumbled in protest as he suited up to get onto the cruiser. The original plan had him and River dressed as tourists but it didn't take long for everyone to realize that Jayne wasn't going to be a good fit as a tourist and they dressed as maintenance workers instead. Although, it was worth the laughs seeing him fit into one of Wash's old Hawaiian shirts Zoe had given him.
"Didn't think anyone could look worse than my Wash in those awful shirts, but you sure know how to prove a woman wrong," Zoe had joked. It surprised her, how much she liked having that shirt out for everyone to see, rather than just wearing them to bed at night with fond melancholy. It was a nice reminder of her man. She told Jayne to keep it the shirt, a gift that, despite the laughter on his account, left Jayne feeling strangely touched.
They organized boarding the cruise ship to coincide with a time the ship was docked. Passengers disembarked to explore for a few hours while crew set to work, hauling trash off and resupplying the boat with food, drinks and other necessary items. It was organized chaos and the perfect time to board unnoticed. Crew wouldn't think twice of seeing unfamiliar faces during these hours. One aboard, they hid out until passengers were back on board and the ship set sail again. Then they split up. Mal and Zoe headed to the ships electrical room, dressed also as workers. Their job was to disable the power to the section of berths that the ring was in so River and Jayne could get in undetected.
"Why don't you try the smaller one?" River suggested once her and Jayne were in the right berth. She was watching Jayne trying to dismantle the electronic locking system of the passenger safe, and finding his technique wanting. The safe could not be disabled externally. They had assumed this would be the case, and Jayne worked with the tools he had brought along.
"Why don't you concentrate on puttin' that moonbrain of yours to work for a change by makin' sure no one's coming down that hallway and leave a man in peace," Jayne responded irritably. "This ain't my first lock job." He took her suggestion though, and swapped tools when she wasn't looking. River politely pretended she didn't notice.
Eventually, the lock gave way with a satisfying click. Jayne reached in and pulled out a lady's jewelry box. He opened it and there, amoung the many other fine pieces in the collection, was the object of the heist. He held the small, delicate ring up to the light doubtfully. It was indeed a small, gold ring, rather plain, thought it's medium size blue stone sparkled prettily in the light.
I've seen plenty baubles bigger than this old thing," Jayne remarked. "Hell, I see bigger ones staring at me right now in this hun dan box. He watched as River pulled the last piece of the plan out of the bag she had with her. Wang, their employer had supplied them with an exact replica of the ring to replace the one they took. Hopefully, it would take weeks or even longer for the ring's owner to discover the fake.
"And ain't that a real sapphire anyway, the one we're leaving behind?" Jayne complained. "Don't see what the big hoopla is about."
"Not a sapphire, a blue diamond," River corrected him. "And it's not just the stone." She took the ring they'd be taking with them from Jayne and examined it with awe before tucking it away. "This ring was forged on Earth that was." It was indeed a rare treasure. Wang was a collector of artifacts from Earth that was and this ring would be a fine addition.
"Well I don't care where somethin' was made, still shouldn't change the worth of it. Way I see it, we're just exchanging one expensive ring for another," he grumbled. "But if it gets me a good cut, so be it." Taking one last regretful look at all the jewels being left behind, Jayne replaced the box with the replica secure inside and locked the safe.
Almost immediately, the overhead lights, which had been off illuminated. River and Jayne looked at one another. Someone had restored the power, Mal and Zoe must be out of the electrical room, maybe already off ship.
"That's our cue," Jayne said motioning to the door, "time to haul ass."
They made their way to the sun deck. There were a few tourist along the way, but they ignored Jayne and River. Their worker uniforms made them as good as invisible. Once out, they found a sheltered spot on the deck where they wouldn't be seen.
"Hate this part of the plan," Jayne grumbled. Their bags held small flippers, goggles and very small oxygen tanks, good for about thirty minutes of air. They stripped off their uniforms, revealing the wetsuits beneath.
"Wish we didn't have to go in there." Jayne eyed the choppy ocean waves nervously as he strapped on his gear.
"You go into space with nothing but a suit separating you from total annihilation," River pointed out.
"Ain't the same thing. Men belong in space. Water though... I mean, what do you suppose's down there?"
"Sharks," River replied cheerfully. "Whales, jellyfish, octopi." She giggled as she activated the beacon that would alert Kaylee to their location for pick up. "Don't worry, Jayne, sea monsters would have to be awfully hungry to go after you!" With that, she plunged head first off the side of the ship and into the blue, leaving Jayne a little more rattled than before, which he hadn't thought was possible. Gorram girl.
"Here's hoping they like the taste of crazy better," Jayne mumbled before he, having no choice in the matter, jumped in after her.
xxxx
Unlike Jayne, this was the part of the plan River had been looking forward to most. She loved swimming and though she hadn't done it since was a little girl, the movements were achingly familiar. She twirled around, moving her arms and legs freely, enjoying the feeling of suspension in the warm, tropical waters. When she was little, River liked to pretend she was a mermaid in the water. She dreamed of the kind of tales where mermaids had tails in the water, and when dry, grew legs and could walk amoung humans undetected. River thought of these pleasant memories now. Happy thoughts of childhood were a rare gift and she cherished them.
Jayne bobbed awkwardly at the surface like a nervous cat as the cruise ship sailed away into the distance leaving them in it's wake. The water was clear and they could see each other, but not much else. Despite teasing Jayne, River doubted there was much in the way of marine life in these oceans, having been only terrafomed in the last fifteen years. She dimly spotted a school of small fish swimming far below them where the depths prevented her from making out anything more than their rough shape and size.
She was about to go down and get a closer look when she spotted two figures off in the distance. Diving deep below, she swam towards the pair until she was below them, then began her ascent, catching one of the figures by the leg and giving a hard tug.
"Aaargghh!" The muffled scream of Mal was audible under water. He looked down, and River laughed to herself as she saw an actual knife in his hand, ready to strike. Obviously, he and Zoe weren't feeling any more confident in the water than Jayne was.
Mal glared at River murderously as he tried to relax, but she just beamed at him. Zoe rolled her eyes.
They bobbed around for a few minutes waiting for Kaylee and watching River swim around them like a dolphin. Suddenly, Jayne made a choked sound and pointed at a black figure coming their way.
The lumbering yet graceful swimmer approached them and River smiled. A sea turtle. She'd only ever seen them in zoos on Osiris when she was a child but they'd always been her favourite.
She was a young turtle, probably had still been an egg when alliance scientists had introduced her to her new home on Newhall. Hatching out on some sandy beach that she would now forever return to lay her own eggs. River floated up to the turtle's face and peer into her eyes. Hello, she whispered with her thoughts. They shared a look and River could feel the graceful creature taking her in with it's considering, intelligent gaze. It was an unforgettable few seconds. Then, seeming satisfied, the beast seemed almost to shrug, changed course and swam away. River watched her until she couldn't see her anymore. Goodbye
She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Mal looking much more relaxed. He motioned behind them and River saw that Kaylee had arrived to their coordinates. She nodded, feeling disappointed even as everyone else was relieved.
A mermaid no longer, it was time to get onto land, dry off and be a woman again.
xxxx
That evening, well on the other side of the world, the crew sat at a seaside bar and ate supper as they watched the sunset over the water. River shivered as the air began to cool with the ocean breeze. She felt utterly content.
Mal was treating them to a rare expensive dinner for a job well done and a tidy profit to be made. Everyone was grateful for the drinks, fresh vegetables and fresh seafood.
"Don't see the appeal in this, it's all shell," Jayne picked doubtfully at the lobster that everyone assured him was a rare delicacy enjoyed in the core. Well, maybe some were less grateful than others.
"Oh Jayne, come on, I assure you, this is one of the best catches I've eaten!" Simon said enthusiastically, having almost devoured his entire plate before anyone else.
"Jien tah-duh guay!" Jayne replied, waving at Simon as if to say, point proven.
"Well y'all deserve it... though I reckon it might be more of a treat to some than others," Mal rose his beer once dinner was done. "Good job crew." They clinked their glasses enthusiastically. Mal smiled, "One more thing to cheers to tonight, as I 'spect you all know." The timing was perfect as the waitress came over and set down a positively decadent looking cake, lit with candles. "Happy birthday little Kaylee."
Everyone clapped as Kaylee's eyes shined with pleasure. "It's so... shiny! I almost don't want to cut it."
"I think you'll find a small mob after you if you don't, because I have it on good authority that baby's made of ice cream," Zoe laughed. "Make a wish Mei Mei and cut the damn thing!"
Kaylee took a deep breath and blew out all her candles.
They all ate their cake in happy companionship. River watched as the sun finally sank into the sea. The bar was getting busier, but the noise still seemed distant as they sat, virtually alone on the patio that held only four other diners. In darkness, the patio was lit now only with the soft little light bulbs twisting over the columns and the deck. It's a perfect time, she thought. She reached and gave her brother's hand a squeeze. Simon looked at her nervously, and she answered with an encouraging smile. He tentatively stood up out of his chair.
"Ahem," Simon coughed. It took two or three more coughs before the others actually quieted down to hear what he had to say. Having their attention finally, Simon hesitated.
"I... was hoping to give Kaylee her birthday present privately today, but there never seemed to be the right time." Kaylee smiled up at him. "And as we all know, finding privacy on Serenity isn't the easiest thing during the day. But then I realized, I don't want privacy, I want you all here." Simon turned and looked at Kaylee intently.
"Kaylee, I don't know what you wished for tonight. And I hope you don't mind if, on your birthday, I impose a little by asking you to grant my wish instead." He took a deep breath, before he could think too hard, he was on the ground in front of her, holding her hand. "I love you Kaylee Fry. Will you marry me?" Kaylee's free hand flew to her face. "Simon!" She gasped. There was a pause. Simon looked a little green as he waited expectantly. Kaylee was clearly shocked. No one spoke until River broke the silence.
"Maybe if there was a ring?" She suggested helpfully.
"OH!" Simon exclaimed. Hastily, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small gold ring with one small white diamond sparkling in the center. He held it up to Kaylee. "It's not much, but it will look beautiful on you. If you'll have me, that is." The question posed again, more gently.
Kaylee's shock gave way finally as she took the ring. Her voice shook as she held it in her hand.
"Oh, Simon, yes. Yes, yes YES!" She threw her arms around him and started to cry. The tension broke for the group and everyone began applauding.
"Congratulations!" Zoe said, hugging Kaylee and touching Simon's shoulder.
"'Bout time you made an honest woman out of my mechanic," Mal commented, clapping Simon on the back. Simon beamed back.
Even Jayne grumbled a heartfelt congratulations.
River gave her brother a hug and whispered that it had been perfect. She then turned to Kaylee.
"Congratulations Kaylee," She said shyly. Kaylee pulled her into a hug.
"You knew about this, didn't you! Thanks mei mei. I don't think I've ever been so happy than I am right now."
"Real mei mei now," River whispered back. Then, shaking her head wonderingly. "I always wanted a sister."
Kaylee's eyes teared up all over again.
xxxx
Eventually, dinner finished, everyone was in the mood for celebrating. The crew wandered in to check out the state of the bar. It was a lot different than the places they were used to. The patrons were prosperous local folk mixed with tourists. Perhaps not tourists as wealthy as those staying on cruise ships and resorts, but still able to afford to go on vacation.
"Ain't playin' proper music, how do you dance to this?" Jayne complained. The music was much different, more like the dance music River remembered listening to with her friends a lifetime ago before the academy than folksy music heard out on the rim.
"I swear, you've done more complain' Jayne. You don't dance anyway," Zoe pointed out laughing.
Jayne shrugged. "Still know music when I hear it, and this ain't."
River privately agreed, she'd grown much more fond of the music on the boarder worlds than the music she remembered from her youth. But that didn't stop her. Kaylee even managed to get Simon, who was either drunk on life, beer or some combination of the two, out on the dance floor. His usual reservations were cut away as he swung his new fiancée around, relaxed and happy.
The bar was full of young people, not much older than River, and she had no shortage of partners asking her to dance. She was more than happy to oblige. Later, as she went for a drink of water, she looked to see Mal up from his perch at a table with Jayne and standing at her side.
"You should come join us!" River said. Mal snorted.
"I'd have to be drinking something a mite stronger than this for you to get me out to that kind of noise," He wrinkled his nose. Then he put his hand on her shoulder, sober for a moment. "Darlin' I don't mean to... you're a grown lady and free to do what you want, with who you want." He fished around for what he was trying to say. "What I mean to say is, it's no concern of mine, who you take up with, it's just... with what the operative told us, and that mess back on Regina..."
"Don't go off with some stranger tonight?" River finished for him. Mal blushed.
"Ain't none of my business," He added hurriedly, "just think it'll do us well to be more cautious for a spell."
"It's okay," River reassured him with a smile. "Just dancing, Captain," He nodded.
"Just wanted you to be aware is all. We're all looking out for you, ya know." River smiled.
"I know, Captain. Mal." She went back, this time dancing with Kaylee, Simon and Zoe who had also joined in. She knew Mal hadn't meant anything but concern for her safety, and he made a good point. She should be more careful. She shuddered, remembering the boy on Regina who's intentions she hadn't been able to glean from his strange, hidden mind until it was too late.
She forced herself to relax, and enjoyed dancing with her ship family. She glanced over at Mal and smiled. He smiled back and for the first time in months, she felt a stray thought from him make it's way into her head.
Mal was thinking of earlier that day as they had waited in the ocean to be picked up by Kaylee and seeing River swim like she belonged in the water. Watching her dance now, he reflected that he'd never seen a woman who could look so graceful and at home on both land and sea.
She was like a mermaid.