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Shades of The Past -- Chapters 21-25
Friday, December 14, 2007

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Shades of the Past – Chapter Twenty-one All applicable disclaimers apply. No purchase necessary to win, only one winner per household, per day. Please see details for. . .the details. I don’t own anything even vaguely Firefly related, and I don’t get paid for this, so lawyers, no need to sue:) ----------------------------------- The first thing Jayne was aware of was that death was loud. Very loud. And painful. He hurt all over. As he struggled to open his eyes, do I still got eyes? he groaned. “Simon!” he heard a familiar voice cry. “Simon, he moved! He made noise!” Jayne tried to lever himself up and see what the yelling was about. Didn’t people respect the dead anymore? Man oughta have some dignity when he died. And some quiet for that matter. He managed to pry one eye open, and immediately shut it when the light made his head throb. He groaned again, and gave it another try, opening his eyes slowly. “Well, now,” he heard a voice say, and turned to see Simon looking down at him. “Do you know where you are?” Simon asked. “I’m in hell,” Jayne muttered. “If this was heaven, someone prettier than you would be askin’ me that.” Simon laughed. “Can’t argue with that, but fact is you aren’t there either. You’re in the infirmary, on board the ship.” “See?” Jayne replied. “Like I said. Hell.” He lay back, suddenly tired from the effort. “I see I can’t even die right.” “Well, you tried, I’ll give you that,” Simon assured him. “On a scale of one to ten, ten being the best, I’d give it a strong eight. When the bomb went off, it apparently slammed you into the hull. You have a concussion, and four cracked ribs, but other than that, and some ugly bruising, you’re fine. Overall, you were extremely lucky.” “I suppose if they ain’t your ribs what’s cracked, and head that’s poundin’ it’d seem like that,” he groused. Sounding, Simon thought, remarkably like Mal. “Yes, well, I can see where that would be the case,” Simon nodded. “Jayne, I want to say thank you. You saved us, you know. Saved the ship.” “Well, I wasn’t busy at the time,” Jayne said casually. “Been needin’ a hobby.” Simon laughed again. “Well, try and get some rest, if you can. There’s someone here who wants to see you, if you’re up to it.” He nodded to the door. Jayne followed the nod, and saw River standing in the door, arms wrapped around herself. “She’s been here for hours,” Simon said so that only Jayne could hear. “Hasn’t left your side.” “How long I been out?” Jayne asked. “It took us nearly half an hour to find you, even with River’s help. You’ve been back on board, and out cold, for five hours. I was surprised you woke up so quickly. It would be better if you could stay awake for a little while, but if you can’t it’ll be fine.” He hesitated, and Jayne nodded. “Come on in,” Jayne said. “You will anyway, once no one’s lookin’,” he added with a half smirk, the best he could manage at the moment. River flew to his side. “Well, I think I’ll go and. . .go,” Simon said abruptly. “If you need anything just call.” With a final look at River that warned her not to overtire his patient, Simon left. River looked down at Jayne, her hand stroking his forehead. He could tell she’d been crying, and it tore at him. “All that red and crying for me?” he asked lightly. She nodded, not yet able to speak. “Ain’t no call for all that,” he smiled. “Take more’n a little ole bomb to get me,” he winked. “It’s not funny,” she said quietly. “I know you think I’m humorous, following you around like a puppy, but that’s no reason to make light of. . .” “Who ever said I found it humorous?” Jayne asked seriously. “Aggravating, yes. I admit that. Confusing, yes. I mean, what do you see in me, River? I’m. . .well, you know what I am. You know you can do better than someone like me.” “How?” she asked flatly. “How can I do better than someone who would keep me safe, yet allow me to walk beside him. How can I do better than someone who loves me enough he’s willing to die for me, without even a thought?” “Who would be able to put up with me like you do?” she continued with a small smile. “And be able to help me when the world gets too crowded for me to handle alone? Only you can do that, Jayne.” Jayne looked back at her, his face growing red. “I’d do that for you anyway, baby girl,” he said after a minute. “You ain’t got to worry about that.” “I’m not worried,” she giggled. “I’m wearing you down. Eventually, you’ll see. We’re meant to be together.” She paused, biting her lip, a move which Jayne found oddly attractive. “I always wondered,” she went on, “why I went to the academy. Why I had to suffer like I did. It was horrible at times, and worse at others. I was a child, and I hadn’t done anything wrong. Why was I being punished? What had I done to deserve what was being done to me?” Tears were falling freely now. “Everything happens for a reason,” she whispered, and Jayne stiffened at that. “The reason I went to the academy was so I could meet you, Jayne Cobb. I would never have met you, otherwise. And it was worth it,” she added softly. Leaning down, she pressed her lips to his, and kissed him. And Jayne kissed her back. She drew back, eyes wide. Her fingers came to her lips. “Never kiss’em on the mouth,” she whispered. He grinned. “Them, no,” he told her. “But for you, I made an exception.” “Only for me,” River nodded, smiling. “Always and forever, only for me.” She leaned down and kissed him again, harder this time, and longer. They broke apart at the clearing of a throat. River jumped back as if shot, and Jayne. . .well, all he could really do was lay there. “Albatross,” Mal nodded. “I’d take it as a kindness was you to give me and Jayne a minute.” He wasn’t ordering her, she noted, but asking. She eyed him a minute, and nodded. She leaned down once more and kissed Jayne on his forehead. “Don’t go anywhere,” she smiled. “Ain’t likely,” he grumbled, but without conviction. She left then, giving Mal a ‘don’t make me hurt you’ look as she left. Mal chuckled, watching her leave. “Seems like she’s all grown up,” Mal observed, turning back to Jayne. “Seems like,” Jayne nodded. “Ship damaged?” “Nothing serious, thanks to you,” Mal informed him. “We’ll need some work when we reach Argo, but Kaylee says won’t take more’n a few hours. Day at the outside.” Mal shifted to lean more of his weight on his good leg. “Jayne, I’m beholden to you for what you did. Was rightly my place to go. If’n my leg. . .” “No problem,” Jayne said, uncomfortable. “Glad I was here to do it for you.” “‘Bout that,” Mal said. “I don’t know if you remember it or not, but you had a good bit to say afore you pulled that bomb off the hull. And you, uh, kinda had left your comm on.” Jayne stared at him for a minute, recalling what all he had said. He groaned and leaned back, eyes closing. “Now don’t get all het up,” Mal said to him, taking a few steps closer to the bed, and leaning against it. “Weren’t nothing wrong with anything you said. Was touching to be honest. I. . .well, it kinda made us feel good, that you think on us as family.” “Yeah, well,” Jayne said, eyes still closed. “Man says a lotta things when he’s ‘bout to die. Don’t get all mushy over it.” “Seen a lot o’ men die,” Mal said quietly. “Seems like that’s the moment the truth comes out, when a man’s faced with where he’s goin’. And where he’s been.” “I know where I been, Mal,” Jayne said. “And where I’m goin’. Ain’t no other place for me. Too much blood on me for anything else. I took the wrong road, I guess. But it was all I knew to do, all I could think on. Hunt down the men who. . .hunt them down, and do to them.” “Only natural, Jayne,” Mal nodded. “Been like to do such myself, was it me. I went away to war, full o’ piss and vinegar, gonna make the world safe. Came home to a black rock. Surface boiled black by Alliance warships.” He shrugged. “Guess that’s why I like sticking a thorn in the Alliance’s paw ever chance I get. Looking for some kinda pay back.” Jayne nodded in agreement. Or understanding. “When I went on the warpath,” Jayne said slowly, “I never considered the future at all. Didn’t think I had one to speak of no more. No family, no friends. Nothin’. When I met Stormy that changed a bit. Me an’ her, we was alike in that we was alone. We sorta drifted together, ya know? She thought I needed an adult influence, and I knew she needed someone to watch out for her.” He laughed. “Love her to death, but she ain’t always one to pay attention. When that ship went down, it was like home all over again. The only thing important to me in the world was on that ship, and the Alliance blew it out of atmo.” “I went sorta crazy after that. Swore I’d never allow no one to get that close to me again. And didn’t for a long time.” “Now here you are, stuck with us,” Mal grinned. “We done growed on ya, ain’t we, ya big hound? Go on, admit it.” “Yeah, I reckon that’s so,” Jayne nodded, making a face. “Well, that musta hurt to say,” Mal teased, his face splitting into a wide grin now. “Need Simon to get ya a shot?” “Funny,” Jayne growled. Mal got up. “Well, I’m gonna leave ya alone. “Spect lil Albatross is waitin’ nearby, and last thing I need is her after me for tiring you out.” He paused. “That girl loves you, Jayne.” “I know,” Jayne said quietly. “Once upon a time I’da told you not to take advantage.” “Ain’t been long since you punched me in the head thinkin’ I had,” Jayne pointed out. Mal nodded. “Lotta water under the bridge since then. Man takes what happiness he can outta life while he’s here, Jayne. Ain’t never a guarantee o’ tomorrow, no matter what you do. You think on that while you lay there dodgin’ honest work.” With that, Mal limped away. Leaving Jayne thinking very hard indeed. --------------------- Jayne was up and around the next day, despite Simon’s objections. Jayne assured Simon he was fine, and Mal assured Simon that Jayne had nothing to do but sit around the ship. The doctor finally relented, but only after extracting a solemn oath that Jayne would come see him if he had any problems. Jayne would have promised his first born to get out of that infirmary, so that wasn’t a problem. Kaylee had intercepted him before he could reach the gallery. “Jayne, you ain’t supposed to be up,” she said crossly, arms crossed and face set in defiance. “Simon said if I promised to tell him if I had problems I could move about, Kaylee,” he assured her. She was far from mollified. “You was nearly killed,” she pointed out, and Jayne was shocked to see her eyes wet. “You could. . .” “Hey, hey now,” Jayne said softly. “No water works, Kaylee girl. Been enough o’ that on this ship for a while, and then some.” He patted the engineer on the back, and suddenly she had her arms wrapped around him, squalling. “What would we do without you?” she asked around her bawling. “Well, you’d go right on like you was for I was here,” Jayne assured her, patting her on the back. What was it with the women on this ship, always using him for a handkerchief? “No one else would look after us like you do, Jayne,” she argued. “They wouldn’t be family.” “No,” Jayne said after a moment. “No, I don’t ‘spose they would at that. But I ain’t dead, and Doc says I’m doing fine, so they ain’t nothing to worry about. So that means there ain’t no need o’ all them tears, which is soaking through my shirt at this very minute.” She giggled in spite of herself, and the sound made Jayne smile. “Now you stop all this foolishness, and don’t be crying over me passin’ just yet, Dong Ma? I can’t stand no cryin’ and slobberin’ in my delicate condition.” Kaylee laughed outright this time, and punched him lightly on the arm. “Ya big dope,” she smiled brightly. “I was just cryin’ cause I love ya.” “I know,” he said gently. “Love you too, mei-mei.” She beamed at that, and hugged him. “Easy on them ribs, gal,” he gasped, and she drew back. “Oh, Jayne, I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “Hey, if that’s what it takes to get a hug from ya’, it’s worth it.” She smiled again, and set off to the engine room. It’s worth it. The words sounded in his ears. Someone had said that to him yesterday. About something a lot worse than a few cracked ribs. He headed to the bridge. ------------------ River knew he was coming as soon as he made the decision. She had felt him when he left the infirmary. She was nervous, because he was nervous, and she could sense it. Would he tell her it was a mistake? Tell her that there wasn’t a future for them? That the kiss didn’t really mean anything? He had told her he didn’t find her stalking him amusing, but that didn’t mean he was pleased with it. But he had kissed her back! That had to count for something. And then there was that last message over the open comm, before he’d blacked out. He hadn’t called her by name, but River knew she was who he was talking about. He’d talked about a reason for living, and her heart had soared. Was it her? Or did he just wish he’d told her he loved her to give her comfort? She chewed on her lip, thinking furiously. Then, she was out of time. Jayne was standing in the doorway. She looked around at him, and couldn’t keep the hope from her eyes. “We got some things to sort out, I reckon,” he said simply. He walked over to the pilot’s chair, and sat down carefully. It was all she could do not to run over and help him. “Such as?” she asked instead, feigning an air of non-concern. “You know such as,” he smirked, and she smiled despite the knot in her belly. “Well, in case I don’t, you can start.” the auto pilot was already engaged, so she turned her seat to face him. “I ‘spect you heard me talking, out on the hull. Mal said I left the comm open.” She nodded, resisting the urge to chew on her lip again. “Then you know, I take it, that you’re the reason I was talking about,” he said bluntly, and the knot in her belly unfurled. “It’s nice to hear you say it,” she said softly. “Well, I meant it,” he told her, looking her straight in the eye. “You have worried me, and hounded me, and aggravated me for weeks, to get me to see something that I knew all along, I suppose,” he looked away for a moment, and she held her breath. When he looked back at her, his eyes were so intense, so deep, that she felt like she could loose herself in the forever. “I love you, baby girl,” he said simply. “I ain’t good enough for you, and you know it. But I love you anyway. I ain’t no hand at romance, but I’m a quick study.” He smiled. “Like as not, I can get some tips from Inara. But I aim to do things right. I aim to court you, River. We ain’t gonna do this all haphazard and flung about.” “We got a chance, Mal says, to make this run permanent if things work out right. Means a chance to settle some, not always be bound to the black. If that works out, then we might have a chance to have a home, even a family. So we’re gonna do things the right way, soon as I can figure out what that is exactly.” “I can help,” she grinned mischievously. “In fact I have an idea right now, if you’re interested.” She left her seat and went over to him, climbing gingerly into his lap, careful not to jostle his ribs. He placed his arms around her, and pulled her gently to him. She lowered her head to his, and their lips met. They were still sitting like that when Mal walked up to the door. For once, he smiled, and turned to walk away. His business could wait a while. _________________________

------------------------- Shades of the Past – Chapter Twenty-two Is there an expiration date on disclaimers? That’s probably a question that the Supreme court will need to look at. Meanwhile, I own none of the wonderful world that is Firefly. If I did, it would still be on the air:) -------------------------------- Serenity settled gracefully onto the landing pad near the processing plant. As soon as the engines were cut, ready work crews were off loading the empty crates, freshly loaded crates waiting for their spot on the cargo ship. Mal limped his way across the yard to the office, while Zoe supervised the loading. Jayne and River were on watch at the ship, with Inara manning the bridge. Simon was on his way to the company infirmary to pick up supplies and see if anyone there needed help. Meanwhile Kaylee was getting her first real look at the damage the explosion had caused. When Amelia Weathers saw the craft settle down, she walked out to the ship. She saw Jayne coming down the ramp, and waved. He waved back, smiling. Ami smiled when she saw River come up to stand by his side. Well, I guess he stopped pushing her away, she mused. She was glad to see that the smaller woman had persevered. He was worth the effort. “Well, look what the cats drug up,” Jayne smiled as she approached the ramp. “I was thinking that myself,” Ami grinned. “Hey River,” she added. “Hi Ami,” River smiled, embracing the taller woman after Jayne had. Ami didn’t miss the possessive way River grabbed Jayne’s hand afterward. She fought a smile down. “Have a good trip?” Ami asked. “Well, mostly,” Jayne said casually. “Mal got shot, but he’s always doin’ that. Somebody planted a bomb on the hull, that was kinda new, but we sorted out.” “Bomb?” Ami was startled. “What happened?” “Jayne went outside, and pulled it off!” Kaylee announced, coming down the ramp to join the trio. “Threw it away so’s it didn’t blow us up!” She beamed at Jayne, and River giggled. Ami looked at Jayne, unsurprised. “Same old Shade, I see,” she commented. She looked at Kaylee and River. “I can tell you some stories about your boy, Jayne here that would. . .” “We really ain’t got time for small talk, Stormy,” Jayne interrupted smoothly. Last thing he wanted was these two hearing about his exploits as Shade. “Kaylee’s gotta take a look at the damage, and River and me hav’ta keep watch.” “Well, that’s okay,” Ami grinned evilly. “I’ll just trot along with River and tell her, then she can tell Kaylee all the good parts later.” “I would like that very much,” River smiled brightly as Jayne groaned. He glared at Ami, who merely smirked back. “Stormy don’t go telling a buncha. . .” “Girl’s gotta right to know what she’s getting,” Kaylee offered. Jayne shook his head and walked off with a growl about ‘women on this ship’, taking up a position where he could watch for trouble. “Well, I gotta check on my girl,” Kaylee said, heading around the ramp with a clipboard. “Make sure and get the details, River.” “I will,” River laughed. “She seems awfully young to be an engineer,” Ami remarked, as Kaylee disappeared from sight. “She’s gifted that way,” River nodded. “Couldn’t keep the ship flying without her.” “So,” Ami said, turning back to River. “You and Shade, I take it?” River nodded happily. “Wore him down,” she giggled. “Though I think maybe nearly dying played a small role in it. Scared me,” she added somberly. “Thought I would lose him.” Ami nodded in sympathy. “Thought that many a time myself, back when,” she said softly. “He’d go off alone, be gone for days at a time. Finally come dragging back to camp, looking like a tomcat who’d been on a bender. Usually with trophies from whatever he’d been doing.” “Killing Alliance,” River nodded. Ami looked at the girl carefully. “That doesn’t bother you?” she asked. River smirked. “Been known to do it myself,” she replied evenly. “I am not afraid of Jayne. He would never hurt me.” “No, Shade never was one to hurt women,” she said sadly. “After what happened. . .I saw him kill a browncoat once who was trying to rape a female prisoner. Wasn’t supposed to happen, but there’s bad eggs in every basket. Later some of the grunt’s friends came calling, aiming to settle the score. They never knew what hit them.” “He is very good,” River agreed. “He was back then, for sure,” Ami nodded. “Almost unreal. Like he was possessed at times. He only lived for one thing back then, River. Revenge. He felt it was all he had left.” “Knows pain,” River whispered. “Knows great pain and darkness, just as I do.” “Yes, he does,” Ami agreed. “But he’s got a lot of love for someone who knows how to find it. He’s a good man.” “You love him,” River stated. She was eyeing Ami very closely. “I do,” she replied simply. “He’s the only family I’ve had for a long time. After we were separated, I just considered him the brother that died in the war. It hurt to imagine him gone. It never occurred to me that no one would tell him I wasn’t on the ship when it went down.” “Broke his heart,” River told her. “Lost the only thing he loved, watched you die. Like reliving the past.” River’s eyes were moist. “I know,” she nodded. “There was no way to find him, of course. I was injured so badly that they took me off the teams, trained me to be a nurse. I couldn’t get access to his whereabouts. I tried, almost got in trouble once. After that, I stopped. Every now and again I’d see someone I knew who knew him. They could tell me where he’d been, but not where he was.” “I always gave them messages, just in case, but he was working alone after that, so no one really saw him.” She sighed. “And what would we have done, anyway? He was too wild to settle down and be a little brother, and too obsessed with killing the people who killed his family. He would never have stayed in one place. And he didn’t need me anymore. To watch out for him, I mean. I don’t think he ever did, to be honest. I think he knew I needed him,” she laughed. “Jayne can’t resist a damsel in distress,” River laughed. “Especially a pretty one,” Ami winked, and River blushed. “I think you’re good for him, River. With you, maybe he can get back the life that was taken from him. I hope so, for both of you.” “Maybe we can stay here,” River told her. Ami’s eyebrows rose. “Really?” “If this job pans out, we can,” River nodded. “Work for your company regularly, maybe put down some roots here.” “Buy a house, raise a family. Get a dog?” Ami grinned. River smiled. “His idea,” she assured her. “Wow,” Ami whistled lowly. “You must have really done a number on him, girl.” “Haven’t yet,” River arched her own eyebrows and smirked, “but I’m working on it.” She and Ami shared a laugh at that. _______________________ “Good to see you, Captain,” George Harwell rose as Mal entered his office. “Good trip I hope?” “Better’n some, worse’n others,” Mal replied vaguely. “I see you got another cargo all ready for us,” he added. “And several more after that,” Harwell nodded enthusiastically. “As of now, we can keep you in work for several months just getting caught up.” “What I like to hear,” Mal smiled. “I been thinking on your offer of a permanent transport position here, as well. I’d like to know what the figures would be for normal runs like this.” “Well, I’m paying you double the normal rates, now,” Harwell said, thinking. “For your size vessel anyway. That’s a bonus for the hazard pay, and I’ll keep paying you that until the trouble with Zhang is finished, or we’re run out of business. Assuming we survive, and you take on the post, I’d want to cut that some. But I’d still pay you more than the regular rate, say time and a quarter?” “Still include the good food?” Mal asked with a smile. “It does,” Harwell assured him. “And bonuses on occasion when a quicker trip is needed, to help cover fuel costs.” “Sounds agreeable,” Mal nodded. “I ‘spect we can work out the details later on, once the current unpleasantness is behind us.” “Sounds like a plan,” Harwell nodded, grinning hugely. “I can’t tell you how beholden we are to you for taking this on, Captain. If you hadn’t, we’d have been hard pressed to make it another month.” “Glad to be of service,” Mal nodded. “Thing is, it’s good for us too. If we can make this deal work, then it’ll give us steady work, and a place to call home. Which is all we’ve ever really asked for.” “We’d be glad to have you.” ________________________ “We can get by like we are for now, Cap’n,” Kaylee assured Mal as she finished assessing the damage. “Got some hull scoring, but it ain’t bad enough to worry over. Lost a few panels, but I already replaced them as I went, from what we had. Few lines need replacing, but I can have them done after lunch.” “Nothin’ don’t happen, we can lift off ‘fore dark,” she finished. “Good work, lil Kaylee,” Mal nodded. “Whatever you need, let me know, and I’ll get it for you.” “Have to hit a yard or supplier once we get back to Astra, Cap’n,” she told him. “This job is liable to be rough for it’s smooth, and we ain’t got much in the way o’ spares, after this. I already talked to some fellas here, and there ain’t much in the way o’ scrap yards or parts houses on this moon. They usually order from Astra.” “We’ll see to it. Now let’s get started. I wanna be in the black by nightfall.” __________________ Jayne had been watching for any kind of sign that they were being watched. When it came, it was almost so subtle he missed it. He’d been thinking about what he was going to do about courting River when he noticed a tree limb blowing the wrong way. It was a small thing, and most would have missed it. But he wasn’t most. He reached for his communicator. “Mal, we got a shadow, ‘bout three o’clock from the bridge, that large pin oak. ‘Bout halfway up.” “I can’t see anything, Jayne,” Mal answered after a minute. “I can’t see him, but there’s a large limb, on your left, ‘bout middle ways, that’s moving when the wind ain’t blowing. And moving against the wind when it is.” “Albatross?” Mal called. “Looking,” came the clipped reply. “I have him,” she said after a long two minutes. “Rifle! Rifle! He’s aiming.” Mal made a grab at Kaylee, but heard the shot before he could make it. Kaylee gasped in pain, falling to the ground. Mal cursed as he tried to get to where he could cover her. Off to his left, he heard Vera bark twice, and then River’s sniper rifle chugged through it’s silencer. A strangled moan came from the woods, followed by a heavy crash. River was already running to make sure the target was down, while Jayne provided cover for all. Mal looked down at Kaylee, who was cursing in very colorful Chinese. “Mei-mei, don’t move,” Mal ordered. “We’ll get Simon.” “Don’t need him, Cap’n,” she gasped. “Jayne done bought me this.” She tapped the armor she’d exposed when she unzipped her coveralls. “Dinged it, but didn’t go through.” Mal’s eyes closed for a minute, thankful for Jayne’s dead relative. “Kaylee alright?” Jayne asked from his position a few yards away. “Thanks to you, Jayne,” Kaylee grinned, despite the pain. “Think I gotta nice bruise, but that’s all.” “Sniper down,” River called over the comm. “Mine was closer,” she added, just to needle Jayne. Jayne muttered softly, Mal catching something about ‘ruttin’ reader’, and ‘unfair advantage’. He couldn’t help but smile. “Jayne help me get Kaylee inside. Tell River to hot foot it back, and call Zoe. Tell her to get Simon, and then report to the cargo bay.” Mal gingerly took hold of Kaylee and pulled her to her feet. “Kaylee, are we good to go?” he asked. “All set, Cap’n,” she nodded, rubbing her chest. “Take off anytime.” “Then let’s get aboard. We’re safer in the black.” Thirty minutes later, Serenity was off the ground, digging for the black. ---------------

--------------- Shades of the Past – Chapter Twenty-three Yes, Yes, I own none of the contents of the Firefly universe, just. . .tinkering, without any re-numeration what-so-ever. Not mine, not mine,:) ------------- Serenity managed to make three round trips over the next fifteen days, rarely staying dirtside for longer than it took to load and/or unload cargo. Doing so had pushed the ship to the limits of it’s maintenance cycle, however. “Cap’n we gotta stay down at least a day,” Kaylee informed Mal on the day they were due into Astra with their fourth load. “There’s too much got to be done, and all of it can’t be done while we’re in the air.” “Need fuel as well,” River added with a nod. “We’re at one-quarter, now. Barely enough to make full burn to Astra.” “Alright,” Mal nodded reluctantly. “Kaylee, call ahead and see if we can get some port time. I don’t want to re-fuel in the open again. And we all stay round the ship. I don’t want anymore slip ups like our first stopover.” “River and I need to make a trip into town, Captain,” Jayne pointed out. “Ordered her body armor special, to fit. Should be in by now.” Mal agreed to this even more reluctantly. “Straight there and back, Jayne. No stopping to browse. I don’t like us being separated while all this is goin’ on.” Jayne nodded. He agreed with Mal. “Shouldn’t take long at all.” “Okay then, we unload, then make straight for the docks. We’ll pull a maintenance shift, then hit the black first thing in the morning.”

--------------- Jayne and River made their way through a busy street on their way back to the gun shop. River stayed right at Jayne’s side the whole way, clasping his hand tightly. The couple drew more than one odd look as a pair, and several male admirer’s gave River a closer look before noticing the scowl on her very large escort’s face. River beamed at the scowl. Jayne was jealous! And very protective. She basked in the feeling like a cat in the sunshine. When they arrived at the shop, River’s armor had indeed arrived. The same clerk, sans any lingering glances in Jayne’s direction, hurriedly helped fit River’s armor, while Jayne settled his bill. He picked up a few odd and end supplies, including grenades, while he waited. When River returned from her fitting, the armor wasn’t evident at all. He nodded as she modeled for him. Then looked to the clerk. “Built like I requested? “Oh yes, Mister Cobb,” she nodded. “That’s why the price was somewhat higher than the others. Well, that and the made to order fitting.” Jayne nodded again, pleased. He and River exited the shop, heading back to the ship. “Why was it higher?” River asked when they were outside, and on their way. “What did you request for mine, when it was ordered?” “Your armor is different from the others because you’re out more, and more likely to get shot at,” he replied, looking down at her. “And because I don’t want anything to happen to you,” he winked. She blushed furiously, as always. “What’s different about it?” “It’s designed to beat armor piercing rounds,” he told her bluntly. “That’s why it’s still a little bulky on you, but you’ll get used to it. And I don’t want you off the ship without it, River.” “Yes, Jayne,” she nodded seriously. She couldn’t help herself. His protective side made her feel cuddly. Warm all over. The little assassin wasn’t used to that feeling, and she let it flow over her. That’s probably why she didn’t sense their danger until it was too late. They rounded a corner, just two blocks from the port, and found themselves face to face with six armed men. Jayne halted, eyeing the men closely. River released his hand and stepped away. “Help you?” Jayne asked neutrally. “You off that Firefly over there,” the largest of them asked, pointing to Serenity. “That’s right,” Jayne nodded, allowing his now free hand to lay near his pistol. “Got a message for you,” he sneered, and his hand dropped to his gun. He was fast, but Jayne was faster. So was River. Shots rang out, bullets flew, and bodies began to fall. The thugs for hire had picked the worst possible pair to accost. Three were down before the others had managed to draw their weapon. But then they were shooting back. Jayne was hit first, as a slug caught him in the leg. He fell, but kept shooting. River took a grazing wound to her arm next, but calmly shifted her gun to her left hand, and continued firing. Then, as quickly as it had started, it was over. River went forward, making sure the gun men were down to stay, then ran back to Jayne. “Jayne!” she cried, seeing the blood. “Get our stuff, baby girl,” Jayne gasped, getting gingerly to his feet. “Need to help you,” she shook her head. “I got it,” he promised her. “Get our stuff and head for the ship. We got to go before someone else joins in.” He steadied himself, placing his weight carefully on his bad leg. It would hold him, but only barely. “Call Mal,” he ordered her. “Let him know. And start heading toward the boat!” She went, Jayne following behind as fast as he could. __________________ “Captain?” Mal’s comm crackled with River’s voice. “Albatross? I heard shots. That you and your escort by any chance?” “Yes, Captain. We were attacked by six men. All are down but Jayne and I are both injured slightly. Jayne requires assistance.” “On my way,” Mal said at once. “Zoe!” “I heard, sir,” Zoe came running. “Orders?” “Maintain the watch, while I go and collect our wayward children,” he grimaced. The first mate nodded. Mal headed off in the direction of the shooting. He met River one hundred meters from the ship, bleeding from a bullet wound in her arm, and carrying the heavy bags. “Leave those, and get to the ship. We’ll come back for them,” he ordered. “Where’s Jayne?” River pointed, dropping the heavier bags and continuing to the ship. Mal ran in the direction of her point, and found Jayne leaning heavily on the gate post at the entrance to the docks. “You walk?” Mal demanded at once. “Don’t. . .think so,” Jayne managed to blurt out. “Took one high up, on the leg. Bleeder. Didn’t want River to know. Made her hightail it.” Mal nodded, understanding now why the two had separated. He placed an arm under Jayne and heaved. “We got to try and get to the ship,” Mal grunted under Jayne’s weight. “Simon can set you to rights.” Jayne nodded weakly, unable to muster the strength to talk. Mal was sure they wouldn’t make it, but their luck held and soon Zoe was running out to lend a hand. They maneuvered Jayne into the cargo bay, where Inara and Kaylee were waiting. “Help Zoe get him to the infirmary,” Mal ordered, then went bag for the bags River had dropped. Knowing Jayne, they contained things they’d need. By the time Mal got back, Zoe was back on the door, and Simon was attending to Jayne, already having seen to River. Jayne had been right, he had been hit high, and the bullet had clipped the artery. “Lucky thing this didn’t hit the whole artery,” Simon fussed as he worked to repair the damage. “You could have bled out before you got here.” “Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Doc, but really, I can do without it,” Jayne said dryly. Simon laughed. “Yes, I know. You and Mal are alike in that. I tell you how lucky you were, and you complain you weren’t lucky enough.” Jayne chuckled at that. “Sorry, Doc,” he said after a minute. “Just don’t much care for gettin’ shot is all. Lucky or not.” “Yes, well, it’s not the high point of my day, either, Jayne,” Simon replied dryly. “And it’s worse when it’s my sister involved.” “She did good,” Jayne gasped, looking over the where Inara was cleaning River’s arm. “Proud of ya, little bit.” River smiled. “My Jayne is very brave,” she replied. “But should not have sent me away when he was hurt.” “You were hurt, too, baby girl,” he told her flatly. “No sense in both of us bleedin’ on the walk. Thanks for not arguing with me either. Much,” he added, and she flushed pink at that. “She didn’t argue?” Simon asked in mock bewilderment. “ I knew you had somehow put a spell on my mei-mei, Jayne,” he said in feigned outrage, “and this proves it. She never doesn’t argue.” “Except with Jayne,” River told him. “Jayne only makes me do things to keep me safe. Never argue with him.” Jayne gave her an incredulous look, and she blushed again. “Almost never,” she added, much quieter. Inara and Simon both laughed at that. “Well, if we’re all laughing, it can’t be that bad,” Mal said from the door. “No, Captain,” Jayne replied. “Doc was just telling me how lucky I was, gettin’ shot an’ all.” “I didn’t. . .” Simon sputtered, then threw his hands in the air in feigned disgust. “I give up. Both of you are beyond help.” “Both of them?” Inara said, eyebrows arched. “Well, Doc’s always tellin’ us how it could have been worse,” Mal said with a laugh. “I ‘spect Jayne feels the same way I do, and wished not to be shot at all.” “He does,” Jayne nodded emphatically. “Very much so, in fact.” “Well, we all wish none of you ever got shot,” Inara offered. “Or hit, or slammed into the hull, or cut, or stabbed, or. . .” “We get it, Simon,” Mal laughed. “Some of our jobs are more unpredictable than others.” “Well, I’m gettin’ right tired of this one’s unpredictability,” Jayne growled. Inara looked at Jayne with pride. “Jayne!” she gushed. “You’re getting so much better at that.” “Had me a good teacher,” he winked, and her laughter filled the room. “Make me a for real genteel-man ‘fore long,” he added with a grin. “Let’s not reach for the sun, there, Jayne,” Mal snorted, earning him a withering glare from Inara. “I just meant to take it slow there, is all,” Mal amended, realizing he was about one wrong word away from being in the dog house. “You’re doing right well, ain’t no question,” he added, and was relieved to see Inara smile. A little. Very little, but he’d take it. “I think it’s about time we pay this Zhang a visit, Mal,” Jayne said quietly. “I’m right tired of this, and I’m thinking it’s time someone started paying.” “They are paying, Jayne,” Mal pointed out. “So far we’ve cost him nigh on thirty men. Word’ll soon get out that he ain’t safe to work for.” “We been lucky,” Jayne shot back. “No more’n that. And luck don’t last forever. Specially yours.” “Hey now! I found us this job, didn’t I?” Mal objected. When the rooms occupants all looked his way, he backpedaled a bit. “Well, it’s good pay, and the promise of steady work in the future,” he mumbled. “I ain’t knockin’ any o’ that, Captain,” Jayne nodded. “I’m just thinking that maybe we need to take a more direct approach. It’s becomin’ obvious that the local law ain’t able to touch Zhang, or they’d o’ done done it.” “Maybe something to that, Jayne,” Mal said seriously. “But until we’re all healed, we’ll keep hauling, and lay low. Once we’re all at a hundred percent, then we’ll talk on it. Good enough?” “You’re the Captain,” Jayne nodded. “You call it. I’ll do it.” Mal nodded his thanks at that. Was a time when Jayne wouldn’t have uttered anything along those lines. Mal was glad the big man was finally and firmly on his side. “Well, I’m gonna leave you to it, then. I need to go and relieve Zoe. With you two down for tonight, and Kaylee still working in the engine room, watches are gonna be long.” With that he turned and departed. Inara excused herself, and followed. As Simon began to clean up, he noticed River’s body armor lying on the floor. As he picked it up, he noticed it was different from the set Jayne had bought for him. “River, is this yours? Looks different, somehow.” “Yes, Simon,” River nodded. “Jayne ordered mine special. It’s much stronger than normal armor. And custom made to fit me better.” Simon handed the armor to her, and looked at Jayne. The big man’s eyes were closed, but he wasn’t sleeping. “Mei-mei, you should go and eat,” he said suddenly. “And if you can, bring Jayne something as well. Both of you need to eat, and then rest. As soon as I can clean up, I’m going to help Kaylee.” River nodded and left for the kitchen, touching Jayne’s arm as she went by. When she was out of ear shot, Simon looked back at Jayne. “Is that true, Jayne?” he asked quietly. Jayne opened one eye. “Is what true?” “About her armor,” Simon asked. “Yes,” he nodded. “It’s designed to defeat armor piercing rounds, and was custom molded to fit her as close as possible. It also falls lower than some, below her belt even.” “I. . .you really care for her a lot, don’t you?” Simon stammered. “Love her, Doc,” Jayne said simply. “Best thing ever happened to me. Just don’t tell her that,” he smirked. “I’m wrapped far enough ‘round her finger as it is.” Simon laughed quietly. “I can sympathize with that,” he told the merc. “I. . .you know, for some reason, it doesn’t bother me that you two are. . .I mean that is. . .I mean. . .” Jayne chuckled. “I get it Doc, and I’m glad to hear it.” “Are you using birth control?” Simon asked, his face reddening slightly. Jayne tensed for a minute. “Ain’t an issue Doc,” he said after a minute. “OF course it’s an issue!” Simon squawked. “She can’t work like this if she’s pregnant! And while she is doing much better, it would be better health wise if she waited a while longer before. . .” He trailed off as Jayne started laughing. “Doc, relax,” he said finally. “It ain’t like that. We ain’t. . .well, we ain’t. Okay? If we do, ever, then we’ll make sure everything is right before hand. I wouldn’t risk her health any more than you would.” “I just assumed. . .I mean I just thought. . .” Simon trailed off again, face so red Jayne thought he might catch fire. “Doc, it ain’t goin’ like that. I aim to court your sister, if we ever get where we ain’t gettin’ shot at regular. And there ain’t no plans in my head for any. . .doin’, so to speak, unless we get married.” Simon tried not to gape. Once again, Jayne had caught him flatfooted. He had been all set to lecture Jayne and his sister about the need for preventive measures, only to find. . . “You really do love her,” he almost whispered. Jayne snorted. “I just said that,” Jayne pointed out. “I know, Jayne, I just. You really have changed. A great deal, in fact. I didn’t mean to object. River is a grown woman, and she has to be able to make her own decisions. I just wanted to. . .you did it again! I had a speech all prepared and you just waved it off. I’m either going mad, or starting to like you.” “Which is worse?” Jayne smirked. “I’ll let you know,” Simon shot back, smiling. “For what it’s worth, Simon,” Jayne said as Simon was getting ready to leave, “I think I’m starting to like you too. Sorta. Like I said, future ain’t set in stone. Man could do worse for a brother-in-law.” “Oh, God! Now I’m in hell,” Simon groaned. “We’re starting to think alike!” Jayne’s laughter followed him out into the hallway, and Simon was still smiling when he reached the engine room. --------------------

-------------------- Shades of the Past – Chapter Twenty-Four Writer does not own Firefly or Serenity or any part there of. Simple fanfic, with no money changing hands. Labor of love, of love of labor, is all it is:) _________________ True to his plan, Mal and company lay very low for the next two weeks. During that time, both he and Jayne healed well. River’s arm was back in shape long before their respective leg wounds were healed. Serenity stayed on the move, once again going planet side only to pick up and deliver cargo. Jayne and Ami visited regularly on the ship, and Ami and River continued to build their friendship. River no longer saw Ami as a rival for Jayne’s affections, and Ami saw River as a balm to her adopted sibling’s injured soul. Kaylee and Simon spent a great deal of time together as well. Hopes of being able to establish a home on Argo fueled yet more hopes of a home and family. Mal and Inara likewise drew closer together. There were rough spots for them, but despite Mal’s own ‘foot in mouth’ issues, the two were steadily working things out between them. Jayne and River were not quite inseparable, but usually where you found one, the other was nearby. Jayne would often sit on the bridge with her, and she would likewise sit with him in the bay while he worked out. Inara noted that they often simply sat quietly together, each occupied with something. It was that companionable silence that convinced her the two would make it. She and Mal had yet to develop anything like that, and even Kaylee and Simon were not as close. Yet, Inara thought, it wasn’t so strange. Jayne and River were much alike. Both had suffered a great deal, and both were very like minded. They made a good pair, she thought, watching them one evening in the cargo bay. Jayne’s lack of education was offset by River’s sheer genius, while her diminutive size and instability were likewise offset by Jayne’s great strength and calm demeanor. Thus it was no surprise when one night, as Jayne returned another of the books she had loaned him, he asked her advice. “‘Nara,” he said hesitantly. She smiled at him. “Yes, Jayne?” “I need some help, sorta. See I want to court River proper, only I never learned how, on account o’, well. . .you know,” he wasn’t quite blushing. “That’s very sweet Jayne,” Inara said to ease his discomfort. “How can I help?” “Well, I mean. . .what do I do?” he asked desperately. “I mean, some stuff I figured out on my own, like. Flowers, and candy and what not. But. . .” “But what else?” Inara asked. “Jayne, it seems to me you’re already doing a fine job. You spend time with her, listen to her, even when you don’t understand what she’s talking about. You’re there for her, a presence in her life.” “You let her stand on her own two feet, which not all men would do. You work to make her feel safe, and protected, even though she’s more than capable of doing it herself. That allows . . . it gives her a haven, Jayne. A safe place where she can relax, and just be, well, River.” “But shouldn’t there be, I don’t know. More?” he asked. “There can always be more,” Inara giggled. “Women do like to be pampered, Jayne, and despite her. . .abilities, River is a woman.” “That part I got figured out,” he grinned sheepishly. “Are you two intimate?” Inara asked softly, and Jayne’s face went red. “Not. . .like that, no,” he told her. “I mean we, you know, kiss and stuff. Make out, like. But we ain’t. . .that is I don’t want. . .I mean. . .” he trailed off, spluttering a bit. “I think that’s very sweet, Jayne,” Inara soothed. “Most men would be putting pressure on her for physical intimacy. She’s very attractive and desirable.” “Yeah, she is,” Jayne displayed a goofy grin. Inara couldn’t help laughing. To his credit, Jayne managed not to blush too much. “I think, when we can put all this unpleasantness behind us, the ideal thing would be for the two of you to have a night out. Take her to dinner, perhaps to a show of some kind. River loves the ballet. If you can find one, either here, or on Astra, take her. You will probably find it boring, but she will love it.” “I don’t mind sittin’ through something like that,” Jayne nodded. “Not for her.” “And she’ll realize that, Jayne. River is very smart.” “Thanks, ‘Nara,” Jayne said, rising from his seat. “I think I got it for now.” “You’re welcome, Jayne. Anytime.” --------------------------- When Serenity touched down on the landing pad at the processing plant, it was evident that something had happened. There were vehicles and people everywhere, and the plant showed signs of damage, apparently by fire. Mal, Jayne, and Simon walked over to the scene, while River and Zoe secured the ship. Simon wanted to see if he could be of assistance. He tugged at his body armor uncomfortably, but hadn’t even thought of leaving the ship without it. If he had, Kaylee would have had a screeching fit. After her meeting with a bullet, stopped by Jayne’s gift, she never went near the cargo bay without it, and made sure Simon did likewise. Mal saw Harwell, looking frazzled and weary, and stepped over to him with Simon at his side. Jayne hung back, watching. “Trouble?” Mal asked. “You could say that,” Harwell nodded grimly. “They hit about sunup. I had hired a few men to watch the place. They put up a fight, but there were too many raiders. Managed to set fire to a warehouse, but didn’t damage our plant. We got lucky, for once. The Sheriff was out this way with several men, looking for a robbery suspect. He was close enough to get here and run the raider’s off, though he lost men doing it. Losing the warehouse will hurt us, but it won’t stop us,” he declared. “Anything we can do to help? Mal asked. “Could use your doctor,” Harwell nodded at Simon. “Got several injured. Doctor’s on his way, but may take a while. And Ami’s got her hands full.” Simon looked to Mal, who nodded, and then set out to the infirmary. Mal motioned for Jayne to follow, and the big man set off behind. “Mister Harwell,” Mal said, after Simon and Jayne had gone. “It ain’t my business, you understand, but I’m curious to know what’s being done about all this.” “Not much to be done, Captain,” Harwell shrugged in frustration. “Sheriff is doing all he can, but he’s only got so many men. And so far, despite the fact that we know Zhang is behind all this, there’s nothing to prove he is, if you take my meaning.” Mal nodded in understanding. Knowing and proving were two horses of different colors. A fact he himself had been thankful for on more than a single occasion. “I gotta be honest, here, Mister Harwell,” Mal said after a pause. “My crew have been attacked three times in the time we’ve been working for you. My ship was almost blown up. We ain’t scared of trouble, but if there’s no end to the trouble in sight, I gotta be thinking on me and mine.” “I understand,” Harwell nodded dejectedly. “I’m grateful to you for hanging in as long as you have.” “Well, we ain’t ready to quit just yet,” Mal said, and Harwell’s face lifted some. “Truth is, we kinda hoped to stay around and work here permanent like, if you’ll recall our earlier discussion. But I can’t keep risking my ship and my crew without knowing there’s an end to all this. Somewhere. Or at least a workable plan to put an end to it.” “I wish I had one,” Harwell admitted. “But I don’t know what else I can do, Captain. I hired the only men I could find that were trustworthy. And they put up a decent fight, too. But no matter how many men I can come up with, Zhang has more. And he’s got deeper pockets than we do,” Harwell admitted. “If I hire mercenaries, there’s no guarantee that he won’t just offer them more to sell me out.” Mal nodded in understanding. It was an age old problem. “Have you had any contact with Zhang at all?” “Just his weekly ‘offer’ to take our struggling business off our hands at a ‘very reasonable price’. Which amounts to less than half what it’s worth.” Mal nodded again, having expected something of the sort. He sighed with frustration. He had really wanted this to work. But he couldn’t just keep his crew locked away forever. They were starting to show signs of fatigue, and Serenity had to have regular maintenance, something hard to accomplish in the black. Maybe a place to call home and the hope of a steady paycheck had been too much to hope for after all. “If you have any ideas, or suggestions, Captain, I’m willing to listen,” Harwell interrupted his thoughts. “I’ve worked here for more than thirty years. Braz built this place from the ground up. Started out as a general store. I don’t aim to just give up.” “Let me think on it,” Mal said suddenly. “We’ve encountered things of this sort before, a time or two. Maybe we can come up with something.” “I’ll try most anything that has a hope of success,” Harwell assured him. “If you’ll excuse me, Captain, I need to see how things are going.” Mal watched as Harwell walked off, options running through his mind. He wanted this to work out. Badly. His people deserved a place to hang their hats, a safe place to call home, and a chance of steady, dependable work. They had the promise of that here, but for this trouble with Jian Zhang. Zhang had deep pockets, Harwell said, so outlasting him probably wasn’t an option. Maybe Jayne was right, he decided reluctantly. Maybe it was time to take a more direct approach. ______________________ “Hey, sis,” Jayne said quietly as Ami walked out from behind a curtain, She looked exhausted. Her gloves and gown were covered in blood and soot from working on victims of both the raid and the resulting fire. “Ni hao,” Ami smiled tiredly. “Better’n you, it looks like,” Jayne snorted. She looked to his injured leg. “It’s fine,” he assured her. “How ‘bout you?” “I’m so tired, Shade,” she leaned against him. “It’s never going to end. Or if it does, it will end badly, for us. So many hurt, so many dead,” she shuddered. “I’ve been too long away from things like this, Shade. Forgotten how it can be.” “That ain’t a bad thing jie-mei,” Jayne said comfortingly. “Ain’t a bad thing at all.” She looked up with a smile. “No, I suppose not,” she agreed. “How’s River?” “Beautiful,” Jayne grinned, and Ami laughed. “You’re a lucky man, xiao xiong,” she grinned. “That I am,” he nodded with a smile, then turned serious. “Stormy, if we leave, I’m sure the Captain would let you haul freight with us. Somewhere away from this Zhang character, and all this,” he waved his arm at their surroundings. “I’ve thought about it,” she admitted. “But where would I go, Shade? I don’t have anywhere to go, and nothing to do when I get there.” “Could talk to Mal,” Jayne offered. “He knows lots o’ people. Might even know a ship needs a good medic. Ain’t everyone lucky as we are, havin’ a real Doc on board.” “I’ve thought about that too,” she nodded. “But would I really be any safer on a ship than I am here?” “Depends on the ship,” Jayne admitted. “And where she works, what she does.” “I’ll think about it,” she promised. “I’ve got to get back to work. See you later?’” “Should,” he nodded. “Depends on Mal. But I don’t think he’ll leave ‘til Simon ain’t needed here no more. Mal’s a soft touch for people hurtin’.” “He’s not the only one,” Ami poked his ribs, kissing his cheek. She had turned to go when Jayne called her back. “Hey Stormy? Do me a favor?” ________________ “Jayne? Talk to you a minute?” The crew had just finished supper, and were beginning to break up. Jayne was helping River with the dishes. He looked at Mal for a minute, and nodded. “Be right back, bao-bei,” he whispered, gently patting her backside. She giggled softly, pinching him. Jayne followed Mal out onto the catwalk. The ship was still on the ground, and would be for at least a day. “I been thinkin’,” Mal said. “Maybe you had the right of it. We need to think on taking some action of our own. I’m tired of waiting and watching for someone to hit us.” Jayne nodded. “What you got in mind?” he asked softly. “Looking for options,” Mal admitted. “Got any?” “Mal, you know me,” Jayne said after a minute. “I say we kill him, and have done with it. He’s responsible for a lot o’ hurt and grief. Be a mercy for folks here if some tragedy were to befall him.” “Befall him?” Mal smirked. “You really are putting an effort into that, ain’t ya?” “I am,” he nodded again. “Don’t want to embarrass my Captain, or my girl.” “You ain’t a embarrassment, Jayne,” Mal told him. “Any man’d be right proud to have such as you on his crew. I know I am.” Jayne beamed at the praise. “As to the impending demise of said Mister Zhang,” Mal went on, “I don’t know that we could kill him. Don’t know where he abides, what he looks like, or any useful information such as that.” “Information ain’t hard to come by, Captain,” Jayne pointed out. “Most likely everyone knows at least where ‘bouts to find him. And we ain’t got to get all that close no how. Bullet in the head can be done from five, six hundred yards. With the right man, and the right gun.” “Seems a bit. . .” Mal trailed off. “Clean?” Jayne offered. “It is. And not very sportin’ either. But he ain’t deserving o’ such no way.” “We’re in agreement on that,” Mal nodded. “Just seems too much like, well, murder, I guess.” “Pure self defense,” Jayne argued. “He’s tried to kill all of us at least once. And I’m right tired o’ that. And,” he added, “I tell you this. One more attempt on River? And I’ma pay him a visit anyway.” Mal smiled at the big man’s protectiveness. He’d never had believed the two of them would ever wind up together. Course he’d learned a good deal about Jayne in the last couple months that he’d never imagined could be true, either. “Well, be thinkin’ on this,” Mal ordered. “Try and come up with something other than outright assassination if you can. I’d prefer this be settled with a minimum of problems, as we hope to stay here when it’s over.” “I’ll be doin’ that,” Jayne assured him, returning to the kitchen. --------------------

-------------------- Shades of the Past – Chapter Twenty-Five Don’t own ‘em. Just playing. Don’t sue. _______________ The next morning everyone was working. The ship was empty for the first time in several weeks, and Jayne was taking advantage of that fact to clean the cargo bay properly. Kaylee was busy with maintenance, the reason for the two day stand down in the first place. Zoe had escorted Simon over to the infirmary, while Mal had gone to speak again with George Harwell. River was on the bridge with Inara, giving the older woman a flying lesson. Inara was making a fine pilot, Jayne thought, especially after the little action when they had first landed on Argo. Jayne stopped cleaning, and lifted his head. He had heard a noise. Looking toward the open cargo door, he saw a very nervous looking young man, holding two boxes. One large, one smaller. “I have a delivery for a Mister Cobb,” he announced. “And another for a Miss River?” Jayne walked over. “I’m Cobb.” He took the small box and pocketed it, then reached up and hit the comm. “River?” “Yes, Jayne?” she answered after a minute. “Someone to see you here at the cargo door,” he told her with a smile. “Who is it?” she asked, and he almost swore. “Delivery of some kind,” he replied neutrally. “Can you take it, please?” she asked. “I’m right in the middle of something.” “He won’t give to anyone but you,” Jayne lied. “I already tried.” “Very well,” she sounded tiffed. Well, she’d get over that in a minute. Jayne looked to the delivery boy. “Here kid,” he said, putting a coin in his hand. “Make sure she knows you had to give it to her, personally.” He nodded, smiling at this unexpected largess. Jayne knew if River read the kid, she’d know the truth, but that was okay. A minute later River came down the stairs, in a huff. She was muttering under her breath, but smiled when she reached the door. “Yes?” she asked sweetly, smiling. “I’m River.” The boy was speechless for a minute, staring at the lovely girl before him. Then he noticed the very large, up to now nice man, scowling at him over her shoulder. He started, and thrust the box out to her stiffly. “Delivery for you ma’am,” he said formally, trying to look somewhere else. Anywhere else. “Thank you,” she smiled again, slipping him another coin. The boy nodded his thanks and scurried away, putting as much distance between himself and the very large man on the ship as possible. River started back to the bridge, stopping long enough to kiss Jayne on the cheek. She didn’t say anything, and he didn’t either, returning her kiss. As she left, he smiled gently, returning to his work. He heard her shriek less than a minute later, and turned to the stairs just in time to catch ninety-eight pounds of genius reader assassin as she flung herself at him. She kissed him furiously. “My Jayne is so thoughtful,” she murmured, showering him with kisses. Inara arrived a few seconds later, alarmed by River’s shout. What’s. . .” then she saw the box. She smiled when she saw the contents. Roses of every color and kind available on the planet were arrayed in a beautiful vase. Jayne was definitely smooth, she thought. “Liked the flowers, I take it,” Jayne growled, the rumble in his chest making River tremble. “Oh, yes!” she breathed, clinging to him, her face buried in his neck. “Thank you!” “Ain’t nothin’,” he said off-handed. “Girl beautiful as you deserves flowers, that’s all.” River straightened suddenly, looking into his eyes. “My Jayne thinks I am beautiful?” she asked, a smile teasing her lips. “You know your Jayne thinks you’re beautiful,” he grinned, placing his forehead to hers. “Your Jayne thinks you’re perfect, in fact.” River beamed at that, burying her face in his neck again, snuggling even closer. Jayne had the biggest grin on his face Inara had ever seen. “Gahhhh! I can’t be seeing that!” she heard Mal exclaim as he walked into the bay. Jayne reluctantly set River on the floor, but she continued to hug him tightly. “Nice way to kill the mood, Mal,” Inara said from above, rolling her eyes. “Don’t want any. . .moodin’, in my cargo bay. You both gotta bunk, use ‘em.” River grinned up at Jayne, smirking suggestively. “Captain’s orders,” she prodded. Jayne had steadfastly refused any sort of sexual contact outside some rather heavy ‘petting’, and she needled him endlessly over it. “Ain’t happnin’,” he said firmly, but she could tell he was weakening. And she was patient. “What?” Mal asked, shocked by what he thought he’d just heard. Jayne, turning down sex? With River? “My Jayne is steadfast that we will have a proper courtship before engaging in physical intimacy,” River said proudly. “We are not to approach our relationship haphazardly, he says, nor without due consideration.” “Huh?” Mal’s mouth dropped open. “Jayne said that?” “Jayne said that,” River nodded once, definitely. “He is a very good man.” “Yes, he is, River,” Inara said from the catwalk before Mal could say anything. “You should be very proud.” “I am,” she sighed contentedly, gazing at Jayne with stars in her eyes. Jayne, by now, was a red as some of the roses he’d had Stormy order for him. But he looked Mal in the eye, and nodded at the unspoken question. “You keep surprising me, Jayne,” he shook his head in disbelief. “My Jayne is full of surprises,” River giggled. She kissed him once more, then reluctantly moved away. “I must return to the bridge now,” she told him. “But I will thank you more properly, later. In private,” she added with a smirk at Mal. Tossing her hair off her shoulder, she marched up the steps. Taking Inara by the hand, she led the older woman back to the bridge, both giggling and whispering as they went. __________________ Jayne knew things had been too smooth. He was right. Ami had returned to the ship with Zoe and Simon, and she and River had wandered outside, River gushing over her flowers, and talking excitedly with the older woman. Jayne had hovered near the bay door, wanting to be close in anything happened, but even so he was caught by surprise when the shooting started. Several shots rang out, and he heard a muffled cry. He grabbed Vera, always close to hand these days, and raced outside. Perhaps a dozen men were shooting at anything that moved, and both River and Stormy were on the ground. Enraged, Jayne threw Vera to his shoulder and started shooting without regard for his own safety. He had already downed three men when Zoe and Mal entered the fray. The raiders, caught by surprise, turned tail and ran. As soon as there was nothing else to shoot at, Jayne cast Vera aside and ran to where the two most important people in his life lay on the ground. “Jayne,” River gasped weakly, blood soaking her dress. “Baby, why weren’t you wearing your armor?” he asked in anguish. “Didn’t think. . .think I’d need it, this close to. . .to ship,” she gasped out. “Don’t talk baby,” he ordered, gathering her in his arms. Stormy was beside her, bleeding as well. Jayne ran toward the ship. “Mal, get Stormy!” he yelled, never slowing. He raced on board the ship, screaming for Simon. ____________________ Jayne, Mal, and Kaylee waited outside the infirmary while Simon, with Inara’s help, labored to save both River and Ami. Zoe stood guard at the cargo door, allowing Jayne to be near the infirmary. Mal would relieve her shortly. Mal and Kaylee sat hugging each other, Kaylee crying softly. Mal watched Jayne closely, recalling their earlier discussion. Jayne was trembling, but Mal didn’t know if it was fear of losing his two girls, or from rage. He’d have to watch the big man carefully, he knew. Suddenly the infirmary door opened, and Simon emerged, looking worn and haggard. He looked to Jayne. “River will be fine, Jayne,” he said at once. “The bullet went through clean, and there was actually very little tissue damage. She should be up and around in a few days, barring complications.” Jayne almost wilted in relief, until he noticed Simon’s apprehension. “Stormy?” he asked quietly. Simon laid a hand on his shoulder. “I don’t know yet, Jayne,” he admitted. “Her wound was very serious. The bullet nicked her aorta, a vein in the heart. I think I’ve repaired the damage, found all the damage I mean, but she’s lost a lot of blood. I’ve transfused her, and she’s stable for now. Critical,” he admitted, “but stable. I think if she makes it through the next twenty-four hours, she’ll recover.” “But I won’t lie to you, Jayne, it’s bad,” he finished. “I wish it were better.” “She’s tough,” Jayne assured him. “And River’s fine? You’re sure of that, right?” “Yes,” Simon nodded firmly. Jayne sighed deeply, nodding. He rose. “I got things to do,” he said quietly, and started up the stairs. “Jayne,” Mal called to him. Jayne hesitated, then looked back to Mal. The look in the big man’s eyes shocked Mal. It was the same look he’d had after Mal had come to the bay to apologize. A look of. . .Mal fought a shudder, thinking maybe Ami had been wrong. Maybe he had met Shade after all. Or at least had a glimpse of him. “Don’t go off and do something. . .rash,” Mal said kindly. “Let’s get them both back on their feet, and then see to whatever needs seein’ to, Dong Ma?” Jayne stood still for a very, very, long time. So long that Mal was starting to worry. Finally he nodded, once, and went up the stairs. Simon watched him go, then turned to Mal. “I think Mister Zhang has made a mistake.” Mal continued to watch the stairs where his gun hand had disappeared, and nodded. “I think you’re right, Doc,” he said softly. “A very, very, large mistake.” _________________ Jayne was in his bunk, going through some things when there was a knock at his door. He opened the door, surprised to see Simon standing there. “Can I come in?” the doctor asked. Jayne nodded, waving the smaller man inside. Simon stepped down inside the room, shocked to find it not just clean, but almost sterile, and ordered with military precision. “Do for you, Doc?” Jayne asked quietly, his mind clearly elsewhere. “I wanted to talk to you,” Simon said. “I was wondering if you were. . .” “I was about to come back to the infirmary,” Jayne told him. “Didn’t want River to wake up and me not there. Sides, she sat with me.” Simon nodded his understanding. “I couldn’t help but notice, Jayne,” Simon said quietly, “that Ami has, well, she’s scarred rather badly. Practically all over. Do you know what happened to her?” “Yes,” Jayne said flatly. He looked at the Doc for a long time. “I assume she told you what we did? In the war?” “Yes,” Simon nodded. “And she mentioned being captured.” Jayne nodded. “She was. So was the rest of the team, them as wasn’t killed. Except for me. I never was much of a team player, so I was alone. Stormy didn’t like it, but she knew I worked better alone.” He sighed deeply. “I found her, and another of ours, called him Powder,” he paused and looked at Simon. “We never knew each other’s real name’s, you understand. ‘Cept me and Stormy, but that was different. Anyway,” he continued, “I found ‘em not long ‘for daylight. Rest were dead, but they were hangin’ on.” “I managed to get ‘em down, they were bleedin’ pretty good. Alliance had a special way o’ dealing with Banshee’s. I managed to get both of’em onto my shoulders, and headed out. Had to stop a time or two and kill sentries, but I was able to get ‘em to an aid station. I didn’t think she’d live,” he said absently. “After that, I went back,” he told the doctor. “I found the officers who had done that to ‘em. Heard ‘em braggin’. So I tracked ‘em. Caught ‘em alone and killed’em. Put their asses up on them crosses. Big wooden ‘X’, held up by logs.” He looked at Simon, and the Doctor saw absolutely no forgiveness in his eyes. “I did terrible things to those men,” he said softly. “Made’em pay for what they did, and left a message for the rest. Hid out in their own camp, killin’ as I went, wherever I could find someone alone, or even two alone.” He laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Got so’s they went about in groups, after a couple days. Made it harder.” “I slipped back across, and found Stormy at the field hospital. Powder had died while I was out. Been too far gone time I got him back.” “That’s where them scars came from,” he broke himself away from the past. “She was cut on pretty bad, but not so bad as the rest. Got to her later, and I sorta interrupted ‘em.” He seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, but then regarded Simon carefully. “Doc, I know I ain’t the kinda man you’d want to see your sister take up with,” he said quietly. “And I know I ain’t good enough for her. Told her so. I know you gotta have ‘bout a million things goin’ through your mind, listening to me talk about the old days. I ain’t. . .I swear to you Doc, God to be my witness, I’d never hurt you sister in any way. I’d die for her. Take her place on that table right now, if I could. Hurt for her, if there was a way.” “I know that, Jayne,” Simon replied. “I’ve known it for a while. And you’re wrong. You’re exactly the kind of man I want to see my sister ‘take up with’ as you put it. A man who loves her, cherishes her, and can keep her safe. A man, not some core fop, or some kid who couldn’t handle the fact that River is. . .special.” “Thank you, Simon,” Jayne didn’t know what else to say. The two men exchanged a nod. Then Simon smiled. “C’mon. My sister will be waking soon. She’ll want to see you.”

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