Disclaimer: Don't own and not making any profit.
Chapter 3
Serenity, Cockpit"You ready?" Mal looked at his new pilot.
"I can do it." Tika said.
"Are you sure?" Mal asked.
Tika nodded. I learned to do it with the fleet in case we needed to do a quick recovery with survey teams." The Quarian said.
"Alright then. Patch me in to the rest of the ship." He waited until she did. "You're on captain."
"This the captain speaking. In a few moments were leaving dock and will be picking up another member of our crew in mid-flight. She is unable reach us so we're going to perform what's called a Barn Swallow. I ask that the passengers stay in your cabins until I've given the all clear. Zoë, I need you at the cargo doors. Tylee stay in the engine room. After we pick up our wayward passenger, we'll be taking a leisurely flight to a small private station where we hope to perform some refits. Now, I suggest you all buckle up until my next announcement and enjoy the ride."
He signaled and Tika shut off the ship intercom. "Nice speech Captain."
"I thought it best to warn everyone to keep them out of the way. Take us up Ms. Valen."
The sound of the docking clamps releasing and he smiled as Serenity smoothly rose and backed out of the docking bay.
"Set course, 2-7-4."
The Hotaru freighter rose and began to fly across the Citadel. Tika winced as chatter came over the com's as a multitude of voices protested the Hotaru's flight across several lanes of traffic.
"Sir, Citadel Control is advising we alter course." She said.
"Steady as she goes and don't reply." They cruised, causing many of the air cars and shuttles to veer out of the way and the screams over the communications channel intensified drowning each other out.
Mal ignored them as his eyes looked for and finally found the one air car he wanted.
"Sir, looks like she's got C-Sec on her." Tika said.
"Those aren't C-Sec." Mal said. He tapped the intercom. "Zoë, open the doors."
"Its in your hands." Mal told his pilot and watched as they passed over the air cars and put some distance. Tika's hands danced over the controls and Serenity circled and charged at the air cars.
Mal gripped the back of the chair and prayed the Doc could do her part as the cars passed under them. He felt the ship lurch a bit as Tika pulled up as Zoë' call came back "We got 'em sir."
"Get us out of here." He ordered Tika who was already pulling the Hotaru freighter out of the Citadel's arms and into space, aiming for the Mass Relay.
Mal jogged from the cockpit over the crosswalks, sparing the damaged air car a glance as he ran down the stairs. Zoë was there with an extinguisher putting out small fires the car had, covering them with foam. He smacked the emergency release and the door hissed open with a protest.
He saw the doctor, her tanned features and long raven black hair. He saw she was starring ahead wide eyed and gripping the control stick with both hands.
"Doc?" he questioned and touched her shoulder, which caused her to scream.
Mal stepped back and looked at Zoë who rolled her eyes, shoved the extinguisher into his hands grabbed the doctor turned her and slapped her.
The doctor looked at her in surprise. "You hit me."
"You were hysterical." Zoë countered.
"You hit me."
"You said that already. Now are you hurt?" Zoë asked.
"Wha…no, I'm fine." She said doing a quick check as she answered. "Just, scared the hell out of myself as I never handled a car before."
Zoë helped her out while Mal went to the nearest wall screen. "What's happening up there Tika?" he asked jabbing the intercom for the bridge.
"We hit the relay and there wasn't any sign of pursuit." Came back the reply. "It looks like we got away clean."
Mal breathed a sigh of relief. "We're checking out the doc and then call everyone to the cargo hold." He said and clicked off the intercom. He saw the Doc dragging several packs out of the car and then looking at him. "Captain Anderson said you would take me on as a crewmember?"
Mal nodded. "And keep you out of Alliance controlled space." Mal replied.
"Thank you. Uncle Dave got me off Earth and to the Citadel, but he was worried those that worked with the pig I killed would push to get me and they nearly did."
"Well Zoë will show you where the sickbay is and your bunk. Then she'll bring you back here to meet the crew and passengers as I explain the ship rules."
Cheyenne nodded and reached into the car again causing Mal to freeze. "What is that?"
A soft meow came out of the carrier. "This?" Cheyenne said holding up the carrier. "This is Mr. Whiskers."
"I didn't ask for introductions." Mal said. "Let me get this straight, you're on the run for you life and you brought a cat with you? Are you insane?"
"I've had Mr. Whiskers since I was young. He not a normal cat." She put the cage down and pulled the creature out.
"Funny, it looks like a cat." Mal said looking at the white furred menace he was sure it was going to be.
"Mr. Whiskers is synthetic cat. A friends father made him for me. He's a combination pet, hacker, cyber warfare and guardian."
"Guardian?" Mal asked. "What is he gonna do, hiss at someone?"
Cheyenne frowned and put the critter down. "Mr. Whiskers, activate defenses level one."
Mal stepped back as the cat's back seemed to shimmer and a small cannon appeared and its eyes went from green to red. A small dish formed around the end of the table and a shield shimmered into existence around Cheyenne.
"What in the name of a Krogan's sphincter?" Mal said and reached for his sidearm.
"I wouldn't do that captain." The doctor warned. "Mr. Whiskers stand down." Mal watched as the transformation reversed.
"Mr. Whiskers meet Captain Shepard and First Mat Sinclair." The doctor said and to the surprise of the others gave a bow.
"You said something about my bunk?"
XX
Cargo HoldFifteen minutes later, the two passengers and the new crewmembers stood in the hold trying to ignore the wrecked air car.
Mal came down the steps, pausing to look everyone over.
"I'm your Captain Malcolm Shepard. Most of you met my First Mate, Zoë Sinclair." He gestured to the coco skinned woman. "Next is our new pilot, Matika'Zorel nar Valen." He gestured to the Quarian who gave a slight wave.
"Also new to the crew are Tymora Lee Scott our mechanic and Dr. Cheyenne Sixkiller who is taking up the duties of the ships doctor." Mal looked as both the Asari and the Drell studied the crew who in turn studied them.
"Now the rules on my ship are simple." Mal said drawing attention back to him. "Passengers aren't allowed in the engine room and the engine room. And you'll need an escort in the cargo bay once we pick up cargo." He saw both Asari and Drell nod. "Next is we don't have a set meal except dinner. We've got fixin's for small meals and recently added food rations safe for other species."
"Goop?" Tylee said.
Mal nodded. "Nutritious and filling and keeps forever."
"Next is that I spoke with our Asari passenger, but I am making it known to all, she is not servicing crew or other passengers on this ship."
He saw her stiffen and then give a brief nod, but Mal figured she would have to get a thicker skin away from the Citadel.
"Now then, we're on our way to a station to get some repairs. It is not the most…friendly place, so I would recommend you either stay with the ship, or stay close to me or Zoë. The fella who runs it isn't a bad source, but there are those with questionable…personalities that you should be wary of."
Mal waited. "After that we're going to Omega to try and get some cargo." He told them.
"Captain Shepard." Illyana said getting his attention.
"Yes?" Mal wondered what the Asari Companion was going to come up with.
"Will we be seeing any worlds or just stations?"
"Aye. We'll be on several colonized worlds. We'll even frequent Illium." Mal said and the Asari nodded.
"Well if that's all, Tika I'll see you in the cockpit to go over our route." Mal told the Quarian who nodded in understanding.
XX
It took a day to reach Cletus's Way Station since the nearest Relay was two systems away. Mal was in the co-pilots chair as he allowed Tika to pilot Serenity through the asteroid field.
"Why did he build it out here not even near a relay?" Tika asked as she moved the ship around a rather large asteroid.
"He doesn't like a lot of people." Mal said.
"Then why did he open a station?" the Quarian asked.
"Many years ago Cletus's wife wanted to open a diner and he wanted to open a repair shop. As time went by relatives added their own shops and as happens, families fought." Mal said nothing as Tika avoided some asteroids with ease.
"Then the day came when ol' Cletus had enough and after a very ugly divorce had the station moved out here."
"So all the family is back wherever they started?" the Quarian asked.
"No they came with their shops and they still fight." Mal chuckled. "Just avoid the diner when Cletus and the missus are in attendance. They tend to take shots at one another. "There it is." Mal said and Tika looked at the station.
"He linked together several asteroids." He saw a light on a control panel. "Finish the docking, I need to check on something."
Mal left Tika to fly, trusting her to do her job. He edged along the catwalk and looked around, stopping at the entrance to the vacant shuttle. "Alright Kasumi, you might as well come out now, we're at Cletus's."
The door opened and Kasumi was there minus her hood. "How'd you know?" she pouted.
"Power was being shunted to the shuttle that should have been powered down." Mal said. "So you stowed away." He said.
Kasumi shrugged. "Zoë scares me. She's quick with that shotgun of hers." The thief peered around. "She still doesn't know I'm here?"
"Not yet. You haven't helped yourself to anything since you've been here have you?"
"Come on Shep, do you really think I can't control my impulses?" Kasumi asked her eyes glittering with amusement.
"I ain't answering that. Get to the dining and get some food."
Kasumi didn't argue and went to do as she was told. He paused seeing Sienna sitting in the cargo hold in the lotus position, her eyes closed.
"She's been like that for an hour."
He turned to see Cheyenne leaning against the rail.
"Settling in alright doc?"
She seemed a bit nervous. "I wanted to talk with you about that." She said. "I know you and Uncle Dave made some arrangements, and I am grateful…"
"But?" Mal prompted.
"I'm not cut out for a life on the run."
Mal nodded. "You want me to drop you somewhere out of Alliance control?"
Cheyenne hesitated. "Somewhere I could get lost in the crowd."
Mal nodded. "I know a few places." He rubbed his jaw, "I'll make a list and get it to you over the next few days. But you young lady will need to talk with Anderson. I ain't in a position to tell the man I told I was going to keep you safe that I left you off my ship after less than two days."
"Captain, I am not cut out for this. I'm a duster. I need the feel of solid ground, the warmth of the sun, the feel of the wind." She looked at him. "That thing with the car…I was terrified and I can't live like that."
Mal sighed. "Anderson's going to shoot me." He muttered. "Alright doc. I'll make sure you get somewhere relatively safe."
He watched her head back towards the sickbay and wondered if he was ever going to get a doctor to stay. Two doctors already. But at least they're alive.
Shaking his head he wandered the ship. Stopping in the engine room he stopped dead.
"What in the ass end of a Thresher Maw happened here?"
Consoles were opened with wires and other parts exposed. He saw panels and floor plates opened as well. The only thing still sealed was the drive core.
"Tylee?" he called out and stepped back when his mechanic hung upside down like a monkey.
"Hey captain." She said smiling brightly.
"What the hell happened to my engine room?" Mal demanded. "We're docking and my engine room looks like a pack of wild Varren tore thru here."
"Its fine. I'm just going over everything to make sure there was nothing that needed fixin'." She said. "I already discovered we need a couple yards of new wiring and more cables." She said. "The only thing new and shiny is the drive core. I've never seen anything like it."
"And you won't." Mal said. "It was the prototype for a new ship that's in development. I got it at a steal." He finished with a chuckle. "I want this engine room back together."
"But captain, I need it open to start the repairs."
"That's what Cletus's men are for." He told her.
Tylee looked insulted. "I ain't letting someone else tickle my girl."
"Your girl?" Mal said with an amused smirk.
"Captain, I…I fell in love with the ship the minute I saw her. She speaks to me and I understand her."
Mal nodded. "Alright, alright, you can supervise the refit. Just don't tucker yourself out too much."
Tylee hugged him and Mal wandered away shaking his head. I got a ship full of women. If Zoë starts hugging I might need to get more men on this ship. He thought.
"Just keep it clean. Last thing I need is for you to hang yourself on all the ship guts."
He shook his head and walked away wondering when he lost control of his ship.
XX
Mal smirked as the boarding ramp opened. He was followed by Zoë as he strode down it and smirked at the short dwarf that was standing there.
"Malcolm Shepard!" he roared and the smile left Mal's face.
"You slimy no good swindler you have a lot of nerve showing up here, after what you pulled."
Mal looked at Zoë with a questioning look and she shrugged. Mal turned to find the dwarf who stomped towards him. The rest of the crew and passengers stood at the top of the ramp watching.
The dwarf swung back as if he was going to punch Mal who flinched and brought up his hands up to block only to find himself pulled down into a rib-cracking hug. The dwarf laughed.
"How you doin' you old pirate? Its so good to see you."
Mal relaxed a bit.
"What are you doing here?" the dwarf asked.
Mal gestured towards Serenity. "The old girl needs a refit. And I need food and filters for a Quarian not to mention some…"
"What the hell have you done to her?" the dwarf demanded. "You just updated the defensive systems six months ago."
"Took some hits from Geth weaponry on Eden Prime." Mal said.
The dwarf shook his head. "Geth beyond the veil jus' isn't right." He spotted the others. "Zoë, you still with this reprobate?"
Zoë chuckled, "What can I say, the captain's someone who's earned my loyalty."
He spotted the Asari. "Hello, what do we have here?" Mal blocked him.
"Enough out of you, you old smoothy. She's a passenger." Mal turned to everyone. "Crew and passengers of the Serenity this is Cletus T. Wood."
The dwarf gave a bow. "Welcome to the Woodshed." He said. "Not only are we a repair station, but we also have a armory, diner and a spa."
Cletus looked at Mal, "Lets go to the office and go over what needs to be done." He looked at the others, "Jus' follow Zoë, she's been here before…and stay away from level two. The Blood Pack showed up and haven't left yet."
Mal scrunched his nose. "You let Vorcha onto your station?"
Cletus shrugged. "Well they came with the Bataran and Krogan and they are paying."
Mal looked at him for a moment then turned to Zoë, "Pass out guns for everyone and make sure they stay on the promenade." He looked at Cletus "And if any of my crew or passengers wind up missing…"
Cletus nodded. "Ursula and her family are already patrolling."
Mal looked at him, "Your wife and her family are armed…yeah, this won't go well."
XX
The passengers and crew of Serenity were gathered in the bar. Tika asked the question that they all were thinking, "Um, Zoë what's the big deal with Mrs. Wood being armed?"
Zoë sipped her drink, her back was to a wall and her eyes drifted to the entrance every so often.
"Its not really a big deal. Cletus's wife….well, she's a Krogan you see and her favorite weapon is one of those assault cannons, you know with the spinning barrel and fires a thousand rounds a minute or something like that…what?" she asked seeing the others looking at her.
Tylee spoke first, "That short little man, married a female Krogan? I didn't even know Krogan females were allowed to leave the Krogan home world."
Illyana sipped her tea. "While it is rare, some female Krogan do leave but I've never heard of one taking a mate before."
Sienna shook her head. "For a Krogan female to choose a human says there is more to Cletus Wood than seen."
Here Zoë laughed. "That says it nicely. Ursula does love her husband, even when their fighting."
They looked up as Mal entered and went to the bar ordering a drink.
"The captain looks kind of pale." Tylee said.
Zoë smirked. "Just finished negotiating with Cletus."
Mal with his drink and sat down with them. "I swear dealing with that man I need to check my fillings and count my fingers." He took a sip of his drink. "Zoë, the work crew is already started, we'll be here a week."
Zoë nodded. "Understood sir."
"Cletus has arranged a series of rooms." Mal told them.
"Does that include me?" Illyana asked.
"It does. I doubt you want to sleep on your shuttle while work crews are banging away at all hours." Mal said. "And reminder, stay on the promenade and if you see Batarans or Vorcha…."
"Find me or the captain." Zoë said.
"I was going to say shoot first and we'll sort out the damage later, but yeah find Zoë…"
"You're all heart sir."
Mal smirked, "Ain't I?"
XX
The week passed without incident and the crew and passengers of Serenity found the shops run by Ursula's Krogan relatives and Cletus's human ones. Mal was amazed to learn the Blood Pack were contained by Ursula who was venting her current anger at her husband at the Pack who were hiding in the other levels, afraid to leave until their ships return for them.
Mal got to know his new crew a bit. He found out Tika liked to watch romance movies, much to the young Quarian's embarrassment. He learned Tylee went gaga over unicorns when the mechanic found some in one of the shops and promptly bought them all to decorate her bunk with.
He found out that Cheyenne was still undecided. She talked about leaving one moment, then changed her mind just as quickly and told him she was staying. These talks usually happened late at night when the doctor came looking for her cat who seemed to be obsessed with finding its way into Mal's room and the captain woke to find the four footed menace snuggled up on his pillow against the back of his head.
Cheyenne explained that Mr. Whiskers used to do that to her dad when she lived at home.
Mal also learned a bit about his passengers, well he learned about Sienna as he kept finding the Drell meditating at all hours day and night. Mal talked with her a bit about his past and the female Drell hinted about some of her travels, and her time spent on Illium.
Mal and the Asari Companion couldn't stay in the same room before one would insult the other. meaning Mal mentioned her "Whore Service" and she spoke to him as if he was the lowest scum in the entire galaxy which led to one or the other storming away, several times Zoë prevented her captain from shooting the Asari and reminding him she was paying him for the use of a shuttle.
Mal kept an eye on the Blood Pack whenever the group went to a different level. He followed in the shadows as Tylee went to some of the ship shops and got parts for Serenity or odds and ends for herself. The Bataran that saw him ran away screaming about "The Butcher!" Mal shook his head, but kept his hand near his gun until the others returned to the promenade.
Near the end of the refit Mal was sitting at the bar while Cletus sat next to him. "You know, your wasting your time." Cletus said.
"Well, I do need my ship." Mal said sipping his beer.
"That's not what I meant and you know it. You're a soldier. Hell you're a fucking hero. What are you doing Malcolm?"
"Getting by." Mal said. "And the Alliance has its heroes." He gestured towards the wall screen where the news was reporting Commander Hunt's latest exploits. "Besides, I chafe under rules. Hunt gave a nice interview even when the reporter blindsided him. Me, I probably would have shot her for the hatchet job." Mal shook his head. "I'm no hero. I'm not even a great man."
"Bullshit." Cletus said. "And Ursula agrees. You stood up for me and you gave the bride away when most of her clan was calling for my balls and my head."
"Most of them wanted your balls until your bride introduced them to that chain gun of hers." Mal said.
Cletus chuckled. "I tell you, I never heard a Krogan make that sound before until you presented that thing to her."
Mal chuckled and tensed seeing Illyana enter with Tylee and Zoë.
"Now there's something I don't understand. Usually the only species you have issues with are the Bataran and Vorcha, but every time that Asari gets within the same room as you, you tighten up more than a virgin's twat on her wedding night."
"Leave it." Mal warned turning back to watch the galactic news. Cletus however ignored him and plowed on. "I take it an Asari Companion messed you up something fierce. It helps if you talk about it."
"Zoë knows and I won't talk about it." Mal said dropping a credit chip on the bar. "Going for a walk." He said and was out the door before the dwarf could say something.
Cletus sat there in silence until Zoë joined him.
"From the look on the captain's face, I bet you asked him what his issue was with our Asari Companion." The first mate of the Serenity said accepting the mug from the Hanar bartender.
She sipped the beer and made sure the others were occupied before she looked at the dwarf.
"It happened about a week after you and Ursula decided to leave the crew and settle down." She started the story. "We ended up on Illium and the captain ordered the rest of us on shore leave. During the week he met what he thought was a young Asari maiden. I didn't know what to look for and she soon joined our crew as cargo officer, she said she and Mal were married and I found out later it was to settle a debt and Mal being fresh out of Alliance Military was new to inter-species interactions. He brought her aboard and for a week things were looking up. It was on Omega that we found out her true nature." Zoë sipped her beer. "She was an Ardat-Yakshi."
Cletus whistled. "I swear that boy has the worst luck."
Zoë nodded. "The captain survived, which had her try a second time as she found him fascinating. The captain managed to fight her off and wound her badly, she fled."
Cletus shook his head. "And the whole Companion thing?"
"It was how she first met the captain. He rescued her." Zoë said. "And its why Mal has issues with Asari in intimate encounters or jobs that take them into that field. He has no problem with the Asari Commando's or scientists. Hell he's friendly as hell with Aria."
"Aria isn't friendly with anyone." Cletus said. "The Queen Bitch of Omega doesn't have nice DNA in her body. Its rumored her mother mated with a Thresher Maw or the ice saber cat on some arctic world."
Zoë shrugged, she'd seen her captain interact with the Pirate Queen and it was something to see for sure.
"As I told Illyana, give it time." Zoë said. "If you push him, he might shoot you." She warned the dwarf who chuckled. "Wouldn't be the first time I was on the wrong end of that boy's pistol." He drank deeply. "The wife's worried about him. I worry too. We consider Mal ours and we both think he needs something more than being a captain of a freighter."
"He is happy." Zoë said. "Happier than when we were with the Alliance." She said. "Like his mother told me, you don't lead a Shepard they find their own paths."
Cletus nodded and spotted something on the news. "I take it your going to Omega next?"
Zoë nodded. "Captain figures we can find some cargo and since neither of our passengers have a set port the destination doesn't matter."
"Three passengers." Cletus said causing Zoë to look at him. He gestured to the back of the bar and Zoë's eyes narrowed and she reached for her shotgun. "Gato." The first mate of Serenity growled the name and before she could reach the thief, Kasumi was gone, activating her stealth field. Cletus shook his head as Zoë left the bar.
He waited several moments then spoke to the empty air to his left, "That girl has a mighty big anger towards yeh."
A shimmer and crackle of blue energy revealed Kasumi. "I'm afraid I deserve her anger." She picked up the mug of beer and swallowed it. The thief's hooded eyes watching the door should Zoë return.
XX
Mal found his steps leading him away from the promenade. He passed several workers, nodding at those who he recognized. He found himself at a balcony that overlooked the docking bay with his ship.
"I remember the first time you brought that bucket in."
Mal turned and relaxed seeing Ursula step out of an alcove. "Got yourself a new crew." The female Krogan growled, "Can't say I don't like them."
Mal shrugged. "Don't let your kin hear ya say that." Mal joked. "Sorry haven't spent a lot of time chatting with you."
Ursula waved a gloved hand. "Your seeing to your people and ship. I'd box your ears if you wasted time talkin' to an old Krogan like me."
Mal shook his head. "Your not old. Just grouchy."
"Don't you forget it." Ursula said as she sat on a bench. "What's buggin' ya pup?"
"Memories. Just some old issues that I need to work through."
"Bullshit. You ain't a sissy. Where's your quad at, letting some hussy turn you inside out? I tell you this Malcolm Shepard you start getting your head right, or I'll be back on board and kick your ass from here to the edge of space."
Mal smiled. "You know, you sound a lot like my ma when she's trying to give me a talking to."
"Smart woman. Now do you want to help me with those damn Vorcha?" Ursula asked patting the chain gun Mal noticed on the bench next to her. "I really shouldn't. I do need to go to Omega, and between Eclipse, Blood Pack, and the Blue Suns there I think its best if I decline."
Ursula chuckled. "Well then I best get to work, damn Vorcha breed like Varren. About as intelligent as one as well."
Mal chuckled and watched the female Krogan leave and went back to watching over his ship.
XX
Zoë joined him ten minutes later and he saw the look on her face before she spoke he said, "I take you just spotted Kasumi."
Zoë glared at him. "Sir, what was that thief doing onboard Serenity?" his first mate managed to say keeping her voice a low growl and the captain noticed her hand hovering over her shotgun.
"She needed a lift to Omega and with that as our next port of call I told her we would give her a lift."
"That thief…" Zoë started but Mal stopped her. "Zoë, please. Kasumi promised to keep her habits in check and went above and beyond to stay out of your way." Mal said and turned to face her. "We do owe Kasumi for that job she and her Keiji did for us."
Zoë snorted. "They will hold that favor over our heads until the stars go out." She stepped several paces away then turned to face him. "I protest Gato being on the ship. But we will ferry her to Omega. Next time she wants a ride, she better have currency and not involve us in any of her or Keiji's get rich schemes."
Mal smiled. "I promise, after this time, Kasumi Gato and Keiji Tanaka are paying customers."
Zoë gave him a look that told him that she didn't believe him but it would do for now.
"So, having a nice time with an all female ship?" Mal asked.
"Except for this one male, my ship is nearly perfect." Zoë said with a joking smirk as Mal sputtered and mock protested the ownership of his prized vessel.
XX
Two days later, Mal smirked as the last of the supplies were loaded aboard Serenity. Tylee had spent the day before going over the whole ship, pleased with the refit.
Cletus watched as the passengers and crew boarded while Mal stood there. "Well old friend, its time for this ship to fly."
"It's a good thing, I was wondering if you were going to take up roots and carve out a section for yourself." Cletus said with a chuckle.
"But the black's calling to me and I have cargo to pick up and deliver." The two faced each other and clasped forearms.
Cletus looked around Mal and spotted Zoë at the top of the ramp. "You take care of this scamp and yourself Zoë." He called to her.
Zoë nodded and watched as their long time friends separated and Mal strode up the ramp. He paused and looked up to see Ursula at the balcony. He gave her a salute and she nodded.
Mal tapped the ramp controls and the ramp cycled up. He made his way to the cockpit and smiled as Tika was gushing over the new controls, consoles and the new seat.
"I take it you're happy with the refit?" Mal smiled dropping into his chair while Zoë took the co-pilots seat. "Take us out of here Tika. Set course for Omega."
"Aye-aye captain." Tika said, the Quarian's hands danced over the holographic display.
Mal swore she was humming and shot a look to Zoë who smiled as Serenity lifted off and left the docking bay.
"Course laid in." Tika reported as they headed for the system with relay.
Mal sat back in his seat and grinned happy to be moving. "It's a fine day to be alive."
Ships repaired and fully stocked, paying customers and Kasumi. Last talk with the Doctor and she's willing to stay. He thought. He knew he had to work out his issues and he wanted to make things work with the Companion because he knew she would be good for the ship.
He also knew that while Sienna had her secrets, the Drell had given her word that she wasn't wanted, nor would anyone be looking for her.
Something I can't really say about Kasumi, but at least for the most part she means us no real harm.
Zoë's look told him she knew what he was thinking about and he knew his first mate wouldn't let anything happen.
XX
AN: my pc crashed and died, I lost nearly 5,000 songs, all my photos and wallpaper as well as games and movies. Geek squad couldn't do anything. Thankfully my stories were on my flash drives. I however hate the new computer. The Toshiba is overly sensitive and I miss Windowsxp. I had that computer for 7 years.
Again for some reason the mass effect stories are flowing easier. TTFN ~ ESM