Long Road Home – Chapter Six All disclaimers are still valid, including the ‘please don’t sue’ one :) ---------------------- The next morning found Jayne, River and Kaylee gathering the supplies and parts they needed for the journey home. Kaylee was looking for some hard to find items, as well, knowing it was cheaper to get them on Persephone and haul them back, since they were going anyway, than have to order them once back on Argo. It simplified matters for her greatly that Mal had insisted on getting another Firefly, as she could buy for either ship. They also bought food to stock the pantry, including a few items of real food to celebrate their flight home. The ship, meanwhile, had been moved to the docks, where it was being fueled and taking on water. The dock manager had assured them that the ship should be ready in no more than two days, sooner if nothing serious was wrong, and agreed to have his men look over the list of ‘problems’ that River and Kaylee had found. Once the ship had it’s maintenance check, and was declared space worthy by the Dock Master, they could take to the black, and head home. Though things were going fine, Jayne couldn’t shake the memory of River telling him there was a crossroads somewhere ahead. One she couldn’t see. It wasn’t anything he could put his hands on, exactly, but it was there, none-the-less. Leaving the two women to window gaze, he promised to meet them at the restaurant across from the hotel for lunch, and meandered down the street to a familiar storefront. As he entered, the large man behind the counter smiled. “Well, Jayne!” Bennet Dell smiled. “Long time no see! How’s things.” “Not bad, Ben,” Jayne nodded. “Yourself?” “Oh couldn’t be better, state o’ things,” Dell assured him. “State o’ things?” Jayne asked carefully. “Been away a spell. What kinda things?” “Well, we done had some slaver trouble,” Dell frowned. “Not here on planet as I know about, but in the black hereabouts. And o’ course pirates is always a problem. Really though, it’s about normal. What can I do for you, this fine day?” Jayne wandered slowly around the shop, though he already knew what he wanted. He gave his order quietly to Dell, whose eyebrow’s raised as he read it off. “Quite a list, Jayne,” Dell said. “Be a high cost, all’s said,” he warned. Jayne shrugged. “Man’s gotta have tools,” he replied philosophically. “Do what ya can.” Jayne’s eye was suddenly attracted to a flash in a nearby glass case. “What’s this?” he pointed. ‘This’ was a very wicked looking dagger, a stiletto actually. Dell took it from the case and passed it over. “Fine piece that is,” Dell nodded in appreciation. “Hand made, with an edge ta bring tears to yer eyes, it has. Got two of ‘em, almost identical. Ain’t quite alike, mind, as they’s hand made, but still awfully fetchin’.” Jayne turned the blade carefully in his hands, admiring the skill it took to create such a thing. “Let’s see the other,” he ordered, and Dell reached into a cabinet, producing the second blade. He was right, they weren’t strictly alike, but close enough that it took a careful inspection to tell it. A broad grin crossed his face. “How much?” he asked. “For the pair?” Dell asked. “For you, one twenty platinum,” Dell said when Jayne nodded. “Best I can do on them, Jayne. Hard to come by.” “I’ll take’em,” Jayne declared, paying for the knives and his other supplies. “Gotta new ship, down on the docks. Firefly, Pier D 37. Have the rest delivered in say, two days? Morning time?” “I’ll see to it,” Dell promised. The men shook hands, and Jayne departed. He slipped up the street again, smiling. He had two more stops to make, but they wouldn’t take long. He had a surprise for his Angel. ---------------------- While Jayne was running his ‘errands’, River and Kaylee kept window shopping. Neither was interested in adding to the items they had already purchased, but as Kaylee had put it; “Ain’t no harm in lookin’!” So, they looked. They had walked for most of an hour, and where nearly to the restaurant when River suddenly stiffened, he eyes going blank. “No, no, no, NO!” she started whispering and ended up yelling. Her hands flew to her temples, and she closed her eyes, as if by not looking she would not see. “River, honey? What is it?” Kaylee asked in alarm. Usually when River acted this way, there were only two options. She was about to have an episode, or something bad was coming. “Worse than bad,” River whispered, fighting tears. Just then an older couple walked out of the restaurant, right on top of them. They looked at the two girls casually, then abruptly did a double take. “River?” the woman said softly. “River is that you?” River opened her eyes to see. . . “Yes, mother,” she said, sighing. “Hello, father. Fancy meeting you here, of all places.” --------------------------- Kaylee was stunned. This was the last thing she could have even imagined, and from the look on River’s face, the same was true for her. “River, what are you doing here?” Gabriel Tam demanded. “River, are you okay?” Reagan Tam asked at the same time. “Where’s Simon?” Gabriel demanded, ignoring his wife’s pleas. “Sir, please, give her a minute, okay?” Kaylee asked politely. “She’s not well.” “And who are you?” the elder Tam turned on Kaylee. “And why is my daughter with you?” “Stop it!” River shouted. “Leave her alone, she’s my friend!” Both Tam’s looked at their daughter in something approaching shock. “River, I don’t know how you got here, but you’re coming with us,” Gabriel Tam declared suddenly. “Where are your things? And where is your brother!” “I’m not going with you, Father,” River said quietly. “I have a good life, one I enjoy very much. I won’t give it up so you can take me back. And Simon won’t go back either. We both have a good life. Just be happy for us, and let us be.” “I’m your father, don’t you dare talk to me that way!” Gabriel Tam shouted, grabbing River’s arm. Kaylee half expected to see her beat the man down, but she merely recoiled in fear. “Sir, you really hadn’t oughta do that,” Kaylee said quietly. “You keep out of this, you, you. . .rim trash,” he snarled in reply. He shook River’s arm again. “I asked you where your brother was!” Kaylee was about to try again, when she happened to look over Gabriel Tam’s shoulder. Her face went pale at what she saw. “Mr. Tam, you really need to let go of River. Right now,” she added, taking a step back. “You mind your own damn. . .” His tirade was cut short when an iron grip descended on his neck. ------------------------- Jayne had been almost back to the restaurant, humming happily about the small boxes in his pocket. He’d really outdone himself, he thought smugly. Now if he could just keep River from reading it, he’d have a really nice surprise for her when he. . . He stopped short. He saw River and Kaylee just ahead, with an older couple. Suddenly the man reached out and grabbed River by the arm, and shook her. Jayne’s mind went ice cold as he stepped forward, coming up behind the man who had just grabbed and shook his Angel! Fury was boiling in him. He reached the (dead man) just as he went to shake River’s arm again, yelling at her in fury. Jayne’s hands grabbed her attacker by the back of the neck and the waist of his trousers, and lifted. ------------------------------ Gabriel Tam felt himself lifted from the ground as if he were nothing, and then he was being shaken violently. His mind wasn’t fast enough to comprehend that everyone he met wasn’t intimidated by his height, or his position. “I tried to tell you,” Kaylee said, shaking her head sadly. She went to River who had collapsed on the ground, trembling. “Sweetie, you okay?” River was shaking so bad Kaylee was afraid she was having a seizure. She looked up and saw Jayne. “Jayne,” her voice was weak. He didn’t hear. Couldn’t hear through his fury. “Jayne, stop!” she tried again. She knew he was about to kill her father, could feel it in him. “SEAN!” she screamed, using all her strength to do so. Jayne looked at her, on the ground, and dropped her father like a stone, running to her. Behind him Gabriel Tam lay on the ground, out cold. “Baby, you okay?” he asked softly, his rage gone in an instant. “Take me home,” she sobbed. “Please, Sean, take me home.” Jayne lifted her from the ground as gently as a feather, holding her close to him. He looked at the woman, not knowing who she was, and snarled; “Tell him, when he wakes up, if I ever see him touch my wife again, I’ll kill him.” With that he was gone, heading for the hotel. Kaylee looked at the man on the ground, then at Reagan Tam. “I tried to tell him, Mrs. Tam,” she said again, then followed her friends. Behind them, Reagan Tam looked after them in shock. --------------------------- Once back to the hotel, Jayne carried River straight to their room. He placed her gently on the bed. As he stood, she grabbed him. “Stay with me,” she pleaded. “Don’t leave me!” He sat down beside her. “Angel, I’ll never leave you,” he whispered softly. “I’m right here.” Kaylee walked in just then. He turned to her. “What was that all about?” he asked quietly. “You just met our future in-laws, Jayne,” Kaylee told him softly. “Them was Simon and River’s parents.” Jayne’s face went red. “And him manhandlin’ her like that?” he demanded hotly. Kaylee just nodded, knowing trying to calm he wouldn’t do any good. “He was wantin’ to take River back, and askin’ bout Simon, Jayne,” Kaylee told him, and was relieved to see his face return to normal. “You got to be thinkin’ straight, here Jayne, cause we may be in a heap o’ trouble.” “No, we ain’t,” Jayne assured her. “Get your things packed, and get ready to go,” he told her. “We’re going to the ship. Tonight.” Kaylee nodded and went to get her stuff packed. Jayne turned back to River. “Baby, are you okay?” he asked, his hand rubbing slowly along her side. “No,” she sobbed. “So much hate, anger. Hurt me.” Jayne felt like he had been kicked by a horse. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” he whispered. “I never meant to hurt you. I saw him shakin’ you like that and just went. . .” “Not you, Sean,” she assured him. “My father. Hates. Anger. Cost him his son, his progeny. Cost his status by being an outlaw. Hates me for it. Wants to regain what he can by taking me back.” She looked at him desperately. “Don’t let him take me, Sean. Please, please don’t.” Jayne lifted the girl to his chest, and she felt like a rag doll as she sobbed into his neck. He held her, rocking gently back and forth, softly reassuring her. Inside a dark corner of his mind, though, he locked the image of Gabriel Tam away, keeping it safe for another time. Another place. There would be a Reckoning for him. Oh yes, there would be an evening of the Balance for Gabriel Tam’s sins. -------------------------- As soon as River had recovered enough, the pair hurriedly packed their things. They checked out of the hotel, letting the clerks know that they were taking a transport on to Ariel, where they would be visiting several ship dealers in search of a new ship. Having planted this false lead, they made their way carefully to the docks, and went aboard the ship. Jayne carried River to the passenger dorms, and put her to bed. After assuring her that he would be back, he checked with Kaylee. “Give me some good news, mei mei,” he told her. Kaylee had been checking on the ship’s status. “Ship’s ready, Jayne,” Kaylee assured him. “Tanks flushed and filled, work all done. That tippin’ thing really get’s results,” she grinned. “Even the port inspection’s been signed off on. We could leave right now, we had to,” she added. “Gotta take care o’ somethin’ first, though,” Jayne told her. He went swiftly to his own things, and Kaylee was shocked to see him arming up. “Jayne, don’t go do nothin’. . .just don’t do nothin’, okay,” Kaylee stammered. “I got supplies ordered, won’t be delivered til day after tomorrow. I need to go get’em. You get her ready to fly. Maybe River can get us into the black by the time I get back.” Kaylee nodded, and headed for the engine room. “Kaylee,” Jayne called. She stopped and looked back. “You lock this ship up tight, soon’s I leave,” he ordered, handing one of several new com units he’d purchased. “I’ll call you when I get close. Don’t open up for nobody, no matter what. Far as anyone knows, ain’t nobody on this ship.” “Jayne, is she gonna be okay?” Kaylee asked softly. “For his sake, she’d better be,” Jayne said grimly. And then he was gone. --------------------------------------- For once, good fortune seemed to follow Jayne. He’d gone no more than a hundred yards when he saw a familiar figure. “Monty,” he called, and the man looked up in surprise. “Well, howdy, Jayne,” Monty grinned. “Didn’t know you all was. . .” “We ain’t,” Jayne cut him off. “I came here with Kaylee to pick up somethin’ for Mal. I may have some trouble comin’.” “Need help?” Monty asked at once. Jayne shook his head. “Don’t think so, but I need a favor. Little problem from earlier may raise it’s head in a few minutes. If’n the Feds march me down here, I’d take it as a kindness, you tell’em I work for you, ‘stead o’ Mal. And that I ain’t been off the boat til now.” “I can do that,” Monty nodded. “Most of my crew’s in town anyhow.” “Thanks, Monty,” Jayne nodded. “Help you sometime, hear?” “Just tell Mal to wave me once in a while,” Monty laughed. “Will do,” Jayne promised, and struck out to Dell’s. ---------------------- “Back already, Jayne?” Ben looked up. “I was just finishing up that order o’ yours.” “Need it now, Ben, ‘stead o’ later like I thought.” “Sure thing, here it all is,” he pointed to several boxes and sacks. Jayne bit back a curse, having forgotten how much he’d ordered. “You got someway to haul this to the docks for me, Ben,” Jayne asked. “I’ll pay ya,” he added. “Ain’t no call for that,” Ben shook his head. “Be there in. . .forty-five minutes good enough?” “That’ll be fine, Ben,” Jayne grinned, an idea coming to mind. “That’ll be just fine.” ---------------------------------- “Where is Jayne?” Kaylee jumped at the voice. She turned to see River standing in the doorway of the engine room. “You scared the go se outta me!” Kaylee exclaimed. “He went to get some stuff he’d planned on having delivered here ‘fore we left. Turns out the big tip he slipped the Dockmaster worked pretty good. She’s ready to fly right now. Jayne says soon’s he gets back, and you can fly, we’re gone.” “He went out alone?” River asked, alarmed. “Well, yeah,” Kaylee nodded. “I should be with him,” River told her, panic rising. “No, sweetie, you hadn’t,” Kaylee said quietly. “Was you and him ta run into your pa again, I’m thinkin’ it likely your pa might not survive the experience. Jayne was awful mad at how he was treatin’ ya.” “I know,” River said, shivering at the memory of Jayne’s anger. “Well, how ‘bout you get up to the bridge, if you feel able, and get set to take us outta the world?” “Yes,” River nodded. “I will.” Kaylee watched her go, still worried over her. But the best thing now was to put space between her and her folks. With that, she turned back to her work. ------------------------------- For the third time in less than an hour, Jayne found himself lucky. He had started back up the street, watching for signs that the Tams had gotten a search up for River. He paused at each alley way, making sure no one was waiting in ambush, then moved ahead. Four alley’s up from Dell’s, he took a quick look into the alley, and froze. There stood Gabriel Tam. Talking to two of the Blue Hands. And their backs were to him. Jayne smiled ferally, and reached for his knife. Then he reached into his boot and drew another. It was time to put this problem to bed for good. -----------------------------

----------------------------- Long Road Home – Chapter Seven The Firefly verse ain’t mine, I’m just borrowing it for a little in flight entertainment. No money involved, just a little love and labor :) ---------------------------------------- Kaylee heard River’s cry all the way down in the cargo bay. She’d been sorting through tools she had purchased for the new ship when River suddenly screamed. Kaylee ran toward the bridge, only to meet River in the galley. “Two by two, hands of blue. . .” she stammered. “Two by two, hands of blue.” She fell toward Kaylee, and the older woman lowered her to the floor, wrapping her arms around the trembling girl. “It’s ok, sweety.” Kaylee whispered. “They won’t know to look for you here.” “Find me,” River shook her head. “Take me back. Don’t want to go back. Needles, needles, everywhere, under my skin, under my hair.” Kaylee was alarmed at River’s behavior, but knew that the best thing she could do was to try and keep her calm, trusting to Jayne to take care of them. As she continued soothing her friend, Kaylee thought about that. Didn’t seem like so long ago that she might not have trusted Jayne so much. She’d always defended him, and never had been afraid of him, despite what the Captain thought. But if she had found herself in this position a year or more ago, she might not have been so calm. But now, she had faith in Jayne. She knew he wouldn’t leave them to face their troubles alone. In fact, he’d try an force them to leave him, if it came to that. Warming herself with that fact, Kaylee felt better. She decided she would try and share that warmth with River, while they waited. ---------------------- “We were informed that the subject was in custody,” the larger blue hand told Gabriel Tam. “That was not what I said,” Tam replied. “I said I had found her, and would have her taken into custody.” Jayne’s frown darkened at that. Her own father, selling her out to these hundans? “You assured us that we had your co-operation in this matter,” the smaller figure said to Tam. “And you do, or I wouldn’t have called you to begin with!” Tam retorted. “I would have had her myself, but she had some assistance.” “Assistance?” This seemed to interest the Blue Hands a great deal. Jayne was close enough now to strike, but waited. Listening. “Yes,” Tam nodded. “A very large man, according to my wife. He attacked me from behind, and I was knocked unconscious. When I came to, my wife informed me of what had happened. She also said the man claimed to be her husband.” “The subject has married? Unacceptable, Tam. You were warned.” One of the Blue Hands reached into his pocket. “How is this my fault?” Tam demanded. “You are the ones who lost her!” “Failure to assist in reacquisition of the subject is effectively non-compliance,” the other Blue Hand replied, as if ordering his favorite dish from a menu. Jayne launched forward, striking so quickly that even the fabled Hands of Blue couldn’t react in time. Burying a blade into the side of each Blue Hand’s neck, he shoved both of the blades in clear to the hilt. Both men stiffened in surprise, but could do nothing else. Jayne powered them to the ground by ripping the blades forward, effectively tearing out their throats. He rose slowly, quivering in rage as he looked upon Gabriel Tam. Gabriel Tam had rarely known fear in his life. Not real fear. He’d known fear of failure, of embarrassment, fear of rejection, or loss of status. But he had never known true, gut wrenching, all engulfing fear. Fear for his own life. He knew that fear now, as he looked into the eyes of the man who had just killed not one, but two of the most feared men anywhere in the Alliance. Killed them so quickly that they had never known what hit them. And was looking as if he’d very much enjoy adding one Gabriel Tam to that list. For a long moment the huge man before him simply looked at him, head cocked to one side. Gabriel Tam had once visited a refuge where birds of prey were used for hunting. The look this man was giving him looked exactly like one of those terrible birds, watching at a mouse in a field. He was mortified to feel his bladder release. “I should kill you,” the man said off-handed. “But it would upset River. Consider that I just saved your life, you worthless hundan. If I ever see you again, I will kill you. If you ever try and take her back to these,” he motioned to the now still figures on the ground, “I’ll kill you. If you ever touch her again, I’ll kill you. There’s nowhere in the ‘verse you can hide from me, Tam. Nowhere you’ll be safe from me.” Before Tam could reply, Jayne punched him, knocking the older man cold. Satisfied that he was out for the count, Jayne turned his attention to the dead Blue Hands. The ones who were above the law, who didn’t exist. Time to send a message. One even they could understand. ---------------------------------- Kaylee was still trying to comfort River when the smaller woman sat upright with a jolt. “They’re gone,” she said softly. She turned to Kaylee. “The Blue Hands, they’re gone.” “Musta run in ta Jayne, somewhere,” Kaylee grinned confidently. “They were there one minute, and then. . .just gone,” River said in wonder. Can you feel Jayne?” Kaylee asked. River concentrated a moment, then shudderd. “Shade,” she whispered softly. “Blue Hands didn’t run into Jayne, ran into Shade. They are lying in the Shade. No more Blue Hands. River lies hidden from the Blue Sun in the Shade,” she said, her voice taking on a wistful note. “Yeah, that’s how that’d go, alright,” Kaylee nodded, resisting the urge to shudder at the mention of Jayne’s alter ego. Anything that scared the Cap’n terrified Kaylee. And Cap’n was scared of Shade. “Yes, and with good reason,” River nodded, picking up on her thoughts. Then she laughed. “What’s so funny?” Kaylee demanded. “I don’t think none o’ this is funny at all.” “Father lies in the Shade as well,” River giggled almost hysterically. Kaylee paled at that, hand flying to her mouth. “River he didn’t. . .” “No,” River laughed. “Scared him. Lost control of his bladder,” River almost screamed in laughter. “Wet his pants in fear!” Tears were rolling again, but this time they were tears of laughter. Kaylee looked at River for a moment as if she’d lost her mind, then chuckled. Before long she was rolling in laughter as well, at the image of pompous, overbearing, self important Gabriel Tam face to face with Jayne, especially if he was in that awful Shade frame of mind. Poor man wouldn’t know what hit him. ------------------------------------------ Jayne met Dell at the dock gates. The shop owner raised his eyebrow’s at the blood on the big man, but said nothing. Knowing Jayne, someone was dead, somewhere. “Thanks, Ben,” Jayne nodded, taking the cart loaded with his equipment. “Need to keep the cart,” he added, passing over more than enough coin to pay for it. “You take care, Jayne,” Ben nodded, then walked away. Jayne looked at the sky, noting how late it was. Where had the day gone? he mused. Approaching the new ship, gotta think o’ somethin’ to call her, he reached for his com. “Kaylee, open’er up.” “Comin’, Jayne,” Kaylee’s voice replied at once. In seconds the ramp begin to descend. Jayne pulled the cart aboard, and Kaylee closed the door behind him. “How is she?” Jayne asked at once. “She is fine,” he heard River say behind him. Turning on a dime, Jayne raced to where she stood, enveloping her in a massive bear hug. She kissed him fiercely before he could say anything. “I, uh, gotta tell you. . .” Jayne began. “I know,” she whispered. “Felt it all. Killed the Blue Hands. Protected your mate,” she kissed him again. “My Alpha Male, protecting what’s his.” “Uh, yeah,” Jayne mumbled around her kisses. “And, uh, well. . .” he started again. “Scared Father,” she giggled. “Felt that too. Poor daddy, needs clean underwear,” she laughed, and the sound was music to his ears after earlier. The two kissed again, and Kaylee thought her heart would melt. It was so romantic. Jayne had hunted down the source of River’s fear, and. . .well, Jayne only knew a few ways to deal with scary stuff, and most of them were permanent. “I hate to say this,” Jayne said finally, “but if you’re able, we really need to get the hell outta here.” “I am able, Zhang fu,” River breather huskily, and Jayne felt his knees weaken. He released her, while he was still able, and River looked at Kaylee. “Ready?” “Be up in five,” Kaylee nodded, running to the engine room. River took Jayne’s hand. “Come with me,” she said softly. “Just be close to me,” she added. “Always,” he nodded. He could put his stuff away later. The as yet unnamed Firefly lifted gently off the docks ten minutes later. Soon after she was in the black. The three friends were on their way home. It was a good feeling. ---------------------------------- On Argo, Mal was sitting in George Harwell’s office. “Getting a lot of grumbling from our former shippers,” Harwell told Mal. “Been gettin’ a few sidelong glances from ‘em myself,” Mal nodded. “I want to reassure you that our agreement holds,” Harwell told Mal bluntly. “I don’t like to think I’m too much of a grudge holder, but they deserted me when I needed them the most. Hadn’t been for you and your fine crew, we’d be outta business by now. And I don’t forget people who stand by me.” “Never once thought you did,” Mal told him firmly. “And this trouble is likely to be more our’s than your’s. We’ll see to it, needs be.” “I’m quite sure of that, Captain,” Harwell smiled. “I’ve hired several security guards over the last few weeks. We’re unlikely to have the same trouble with the ship owners as we did with Zhang. My men should be more than able to keep things in order. It’s you and your people I’m most concerned about, Malcolm.” “Withe is a mean one, and not apt to be choosy how he goes about getting what he wants,” the manager continued. “You should take every precaution to protect your people. Especially,” he added with a frown, “your women.” “Any special reason you feel the need to pass that along?” Mal asked. “Well, it’s only rumors, I want to make that clear,” Harwell stressed. “But Withe, in particular, has a nasty reputation where women are concerned. And, well, rumors, like I said. But all three, Withe, Jenkins, and Ball, the three you encountered on your outing, have been accused, quietly of course, of having connections to slavers.” Mal’s frown deepened at that. Slavers were a bad business. He’d never even considered shipping slaves, ever. Been offered plenty of coin to do such, but always refused. Any man trafficked in human cargo was lower than the mud on his boots. “I appreciate the heads up, sir,” Mal nodded. “Most of my crew can take care of themselves, including the women. But we’ll take extra precautions. As to that, I’m wondering if Simon can use that apartment over the infirmary. I know it was Ami’s, but I’ve decided to move all of us back onto the ship, at least until the rest of my crew gets back. We can protect the ship better, and it makes us less of a target.” “Of course,” Harwell nodded at once. “I’ll have it cleaned at once, and he can move in today.” “I take it as a kindness,” Mal thanked him. “I expect once Jayne and River are back, this little. . .issue, will be resolved shortly.” “Yes,” Harwell chuckled. “They are a most, formidable pair, those two.” “They are a comfort in tryin’ times,” Mal agreed with a smile. He rose. “Thanks again.” “Anytime, Captain,” Harwell nodded. ---------------

--------------- Long Road Home – Chapter Eight Just a reminder that I own none of these characters, not the ‘verse in which they reside -------------------------------- Mal was awakened by a call from Zoe. He’d been dozing beside Inara in what the entire crew still considered her shuttle. The bed there was larger and more comfortable for two people. He ran down to the cargo bay, where Zoe stood in the opening door, looking off into the distance. When he reached her, he noticed a bright glow in the distance. Just about the right distance, he thought, for. . . “I think it’s the house, sir,” Zoe informed him, face stoic as always. “Looks like we moved out just in time,” Mal observed, trying to keep his voice light. Inwardly he was sad. He’d hated to leave the rambling place, and had hoped the crew could return there once things were settled again. Now it looked that wouldn’t be happening. “Good thing we moved everything, as well,” Zoe nodded. They had debated on leaving some things behind, but had decided at the last to simply vacate the house, and hope to re-rent it when the time came. “‘Spect the landlord won’t be pleased,” Mal said thoughtfully. One more person angry at them. “You told him why we were leaving, sir,” Zoe reminded him. “To avoid something just like this.” “Won’t make it any better, I conjure. Dammit, Zoe, why is it that we can’t just have some peace?” Mal exclaimed suddenly. Zoe looked at her friend carefully. “Some things ain’t meant to be, sir,” she said after a minute. “Might be this is one of them.” “I don’t believe that,” Mal shook his head. “We’ve earned the right to have some peace, Zoe. Paid for it coin, sweat, and blood. I aim to make us a home here, and I don’t mean to be put off that by a pack o’ drunken cowards.” Zoe smiled at the steel in his voice, taken back to another time, and another place. A time and place when it was Sergeant Reynolds, not Captain Reynolds. “Glad to hear you say it, Mal,” she told him, using his name, something she rarely did. He looked to her, seeing the smile. “You didn’t think I’d just give up, did you?” he asked with a grin. “Never have, sir,” her formality was back. “Not in the years I’ve known you.” “And I ain’t now,” he nodded firmly. “We’re on the defensive now, I admit. But once we’re all back here, together. . .” “We’ll take care of it, sir,” Zoe nodded. “You should try and get some rest. Still my watch for three more hours. Just thought I should tell you.” “Thanks, Zoe,” Mal nodded, an turned to go. Inara would be heart-broken over the house, he knew. After so long in the black, she had been over-joyed at having a place to decorate and call home. The others had too. “We’ll get another,” he declared to himself, nearing the shuttle. “Or build our own.” With that he returned to the warm bed and his companion. Startled at that thought, he suddenly smiled. His private companion. Now there was a thought. ------------------------------- Simon Tam had not been able to sleep well since his fiancé had left. He missed Kaylee more than he could have possibly imagined. Not just her warmth in his bed, either. He missed her smile, her voice, her presence. In a way, he was almost glad for their separation. After so much time together in space, it was always possible that both had mistaken their passion for simple loneliness. That they were drawn together by a lack of options, rather than love for one another. He knew, now, that this wasn’t so. He not only missed her, he yearned for her in a way he’d never known. She’d always been close by, and he’d never had to go a day without her, save recently when she made the run to Astra. Those short days had seemed an eternity, but this. . .this was hell. He smiled as he realized that he was almost thankful for his life being miserable. He had thought he knew his own heart, but he didn’t mind the reassurance that her being gone gave him. Kaylee Frye was it for him. The one woman every man looks for in his life. Had he not foregone his former life for River’s sake, he would never have found her, either. Odds were they never would have met. He still couldn’t bring himself to be thankful at how River had suffered, but he no longer regretted leaving his life on Osiris. He’d never truly regretted it anyway, willing to sacrifice anything to save his sister. But now? Now he knew that not only had it been the right thing to do, it had been right for him as well. He knew he’d never have become the man he had, a man that someone like Kaylee could love, in his pampered life on Osiris. Still musing over his life, and it’s possibilities, Simon walked out onto the small balcony of the apartment he now occupied. He’d been sad to leave the house, and knew Kaylee would be upset. But the Captain usually knew. . . His thoughts trailed off as he saw the night sky glowing in the distance. Without being told, he knew it was the house they had all called home for the last few months. Their enemies had decided to up the stakes. Simon felt a chill as he realized that the danger wasn’t past. Would it never end? Would there always be someone trying to take from them, hurt them, kill them? Would they ever know peace of any kind? It seemed like years since Simon had known any peace or relative safety, and now the illusions he had harbored about them were gone again. There had to be a point, he hoped, when these things were behind them. A point where they could look forward and not see only danger, hard times, and sadness. But not yet, he thought, as he walked back inside. Not quite yet. ------------------------------------------ Morning revealed to them that the house was, indeed, gone. “Arson,” the sheriff was saying to Mal as Inara walked down the stairs to join them in the cargo bay. “Clear cut case of arson.” He looked closely at Mal. “Funny how trouble seems to follow you, Reynolds,” he said after a time. Mal’s eyes narrowed at that. “Seems to me you had plenty o’ trouble ‘fore we got here, sheriff,” he replied. “Some,” the lawman nodded. “But it seemed to escalate after you arrived. Like that trouble with Zhang, gettin’ himself all blowed up like that.” “That was a misfortune,” Mal nodded. “More for Zhang than anyone else, I conjure.” “Didn’t hurt you any, either,” the sheriff pushed. “You got something to say, sheriff, come on out with it,” Mal’s voice was friendly, which Inara knew was a danger signal. She rested a hand on his arm, and he smiled at her reassuringly. “Ain’t but makin’ talk, Captain,” the sheriff raised a hand in supplication. “Just statin’ the obvious. You’re doing right well, runnin’ cargo for Guilford. Others is been doin’ that for a spell, and might not be too pleased at you musclin’ in.” “We didn’t,” Mal told him flatly. “We delivered a cargo here, were attacked for our troubles, and then Mister Harwell offered us a job, and we took it. Simple as that.” “Others might not be inclined to see it that way,” the sheriff kept pushing. “Fact, they might take exception to your bein’ here at all.” “Sheriff, I done told you once, you got somethin’ to say, trot it out. Got no time nor inclination to hear you rattle off whatever might happen to find it’s way down from your head to your mouth.” Mal was getting angry now. Inara wished Zoe were here. Or even Jayne. “Well, that crew o’ yours is right handy, Captain,” the sheriff said. “That big one, mercenary from the look, seems a mighty fine fit to the description given by the women what say they was run outta Zhang’s house for it blew itself up.” Okay, maybe not Jayne, Inara decided. Just Zoe. “And that bit of a girl, always going about with him. That rifle she totes ain’t no toy.” Definitely not Jayne, Inara grimaced. The sheriff wouldn’t likely survive. “My crew looks after me, my ship, and themselves,” Mal said icily. “My people been shot at, shot, and threatened ever since we set foot on the ground, and I ain’t seen nothin’ from you but talk. We ain’t one’s to be done to, ‘thout doin’ some in return. Best you take that to heart, sheriff. Last I checked, ain’t a law ‘gainst a man, nor woman, protectin’ themselves, and what belongs to ‘em.” “No,” the sheriff agreed. “There ain’t. Is a law ‘gainst murder, though,” he added. “And against shootin’ up a place o’ business? I imagine?” Mal asked. “Done all I could to prevent that,” the lawman’s face turned red. “And you got no call to question me on it.” “Just as you got no call to question me about anything,” Mal retorted. “We moved from that house three days ago, for just this reason. I told you how Withe and his friends threatened us. So far I ain’t seen no sign you’ve done anything ‘bout that. But after someone,” Mal stressed, “threatens me and mine, and the house we lived in burns, seems like you’d be havin’ words with them as did the threatenin’, rather than them as was threatened.” “And I plan on doin’ just that,” the sheriff nodded. “Just wanted to make sure you know how things stand, that’s all. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, Reynolds.” “So long as you keep an eye to them as what looks to do us harm, I got no problem with that.” The sheriff turned to go, and Mal watched him walk off the ship. He was seething with fury. Inara laid her hand on his chest. “Mal, he’d trying to anger you. Don’t let him.” “Too late for that,” he said, anger dripping from his words. “I’m inclined to think that bum was on Zhang’s payroll, and now he’s looking to find a way to regain his missin’ coin. And aims for us to pay for what other’s has done.” “Mal, we’re vulnerable right now,” Inara stressed. “You said it yourself. Wait until everyone is back together, and then we can plan on what to do about this. Meanwhile. . .” “Meanwhile we got a job to do,” he nodded, smiling slightly. “You’re a right blessin’ to me, you know that?” He kissed her gently. “Well, someone had to look after you,” Inara chided gently, laying her head on his shoulder. “We need to move carefully, that’s all. Things have been good lately. Let’s concentrate on getting that back, and not worry about people like the sheriff until we have to.” “You’re right,” Mal nodded firmly. “Though I admit I’m thinking more and more ‘bout settin’ Jayne on that hundan when he gets back.” Inara repressed a shudder at the tone of Mal’s voice. “Let’s just see what develops, okay?” she asked. “Right. Take us outta the world, darlin’. We got a run to make.” Inara nodded, pecked him gently on the lips, and started for the bridge. Mal looked around, and was unsurprised to see Zoe standing there. “You heard?” he asked. Zoe nodded. “I did. I’m inclined to like your idea. Though I’d like to tag along as well when Jayne goes.” “Comes to that, we’ll all be goin’,” Mal said grimly. “I ain’t givin’ this up without a fight, Zoe. I ain’t,” he repeated, his voice unyielding. “Good.” They stood like that for a long time, as the ship rose into the air. --------------

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Long Road Home – Chapter Nine And here again I remind all and sundry that I own no rights of any kind to Firefly, and write only for the joy of writing, and the entertainment of others. :) ------------------------------ An hour into the black, the new ship was doing well, and River engaged the auto pilot. She immediately crossed to where Jayne reclined in the co-pilot’s chair, and crawled into his lap. The big man had taken the time to shower, and change out of his bloody clothes. “Well, we are on our way, Zhang fu. The long road home.” “That we are, baby girl,” he smiled, wrapping his arms around her. “Feels good to be able to say that.” “Hm mm,” she sighed. “It does.” She lay in his arms for a while, letting the silence envelop them. Finally she had to know. “What happened?” she asked simply. He knew what she meant. “Well, I happened across your pa, talkin’ to two o’ them Blue Handed freaks,” he said quietly. “Listened in on ‘em long enough to know he meant you no good. Then, well, I um. . .thing is I didn’t see any way to get us clear except. . .” he finally trailed off. She looked up at him, eyes shining. “You killed the Blue Hands,” she said for him. “Yes, I did,” he nodded. “Killed them both, right in front of your old man, baby. Scared the daylights out of him.” “Scared more than that out of him,” she snickered, and Jayne had to laugh. “Yeah, well, me and him had us a sorta talk, brief like,” Jayne told her. “And I sorta punched him. A little. Maybe.” Jayne was looking a bit uncomfortable. “Wanted to do more than that,” she said, smiling. “Yes, I did,” he admitted. “Why didn’t you?” “‘Fraid you’d be upset,” he told her bluntly. “That’s the only reason he’s still livin’ right now, is cause I won’t never do anything might hurt you, Angel. Wasn’t for that, your ma’d be makin’ his arrangements about now.” “So you fought against your nature, your instinct, in order to avoid hurting me?” River asked, wanting to make sure she understood. “Well, I hadn’t thought it out that far, but yeah, I guess that’s what happened.” “Love you very much, Sean Michael Ironhorse,” River sighed against his chest, using his full real name. “More than words can say.” “I love you too, baby,” he hugged her to him. “I ain’t got the words, sometimes, to tell you how much. Sometimes all I can do is show you.” She raised her head and kissed him. “Doing a very, very, good job, Zhang fu,” she told him with a smile. Suddenly he raised up, and moved her around to sit on one leg. “About that,” he said, reaching into his pocket. “I. . .I been thinking on something for a while now, River.” He pulled a small box from his pocket, and River felt her heart swell. He eased her off his knee, and knelt before her, opening the box. Inside was a small ring, with a rather large stone on it. Not a diamond, she noted, but an emerald, her favorite stone of all. She gasped as she looked at it. “I feel like we’re already joined, River,” Jayne told her plainly. “But I want people to know it, and I want it permanent like. I want it more than anything else in the ‘verse, save to have you by my side forever.” He captured her eyes with his. “Will you marry me, River Tam?” A muffled squeal from behind him told Jayne that Kaylee was there, and had heard him. River didn’t seem to notice. She looked at him longingly, for so long that Jayne began to worry. Was she gonna tell him no? After all this? River searched his heart, his mind, his soul, reaching out with her mind. She felt only his love, his devotion, for her. He wasn’t fooled, he wasn’t blind. He knew what he was asking, what he was getting in her, and didn’t want it any other way. He loved her with all he had. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes, Sean, I will marry you. Have and hold you, until the day we breathe no more. There will never be another for me.” With that she fell into his arms, for once crying tears of joy rather than tears of pain. They had come full circle from that night nearly a year ago. “Had me worried there for a minute, baby girl,” Jayne sighed in relief. She laughed into his broad shoulder. “Never have to worry, my love,” she promised him. “Always yours, forever and ever.” He slipped the ring on her finger, happy that he had managed to get the size just right. “My ai ren knows me well,” River giggled, and embraced him again. “Oh, this is so wonderful,” Kaylee could contain herself no longer. “I just knew this would happen!” She ran forward to hug River warmly, then turned to Jayne. “I knew you had it in ya, ya big lug,” she smiled, and kissed his cheek. “I’m gonna bake us a cake! We gotta celebrate!” she said, running back down the passageway to the galley. Jayne gathered River in his arms, and sat back into the seat. River cuddled atop him, basking in the glow of acceptance, love, and devotion that flowed between them. She had been truthful with her father. She had a good life. One she’d never willingly give up. --------------------------------- “Mister Tam, I understand you’re upset,” the local lawman said, looking at him. “But the fact is, you were discovered in an alley way with two dead bodies. Their blood on you. Now, with respect to your position, I still need to know how you came to be there. And, seeing as how, according to every data base I have access to, those two men don’t exist, I’d really like to know who they are.” “I’ve already told you, officer,” Gabriel Tam replied. “They were trying to rob me, and someone stopped them. I don’t know who he was, I’m afraid. I didn’t get a good look at him either. I had already been struck a rather heavy blow to the head, and lost consciousness.” “Mister Tam,” the lawman said patiently. “I’ve seen a lot of things in my job over the years. That area near the docks ain’t exactly an area that calls out to someone of your stature. And there are no good Samaritans in that area. So I’m sure you understand when I say I’m finding your story a little hard to explain.” “Just like I’m finding it hard to explain two dead men who don’t exist, both with their throats torn out, and their bodies carved up better’n most butchers could manage. Interesting word choice, on that carving, by the way,” he added, throwing down several pictures. Gabriel Tam looked at the photos of the crime scene, and blanched. He hadn’t seen the bodies, as they had been covered up when the paramedics had managed to bring him around. The lawman hadn’t been exaggerating. The two former Blue Sun agents had been dissected as well as any surgeon could have managed. Except for their chest area, where two cryptic messages had been. . .carved. Never try again, was spelled out crudely on one, while the other proclaimed, she isn’t yours. He gulped. There was no doubt in his still petrified mind that the very large and intimidating man who claimed to be his daughter’s husband had done this. It didn’t appear that he was intimidated at all by the Blue Gloved ones. “Dear God,” he managed to mumble. The lawman watched him closely. He’d been an investigator for a number of years, and was good at his job. As he noted Gabriel Tam’s reaction to the dead men, and their condition, he reached the conclusion that Tam had nothing to do with their demise. He was still lying about who they were, and possibly about who killed them, though he doubted that. But he hadn’t known this. Which meant he still had a killer on the loose. Or maybe not, he decided. Ships came and went dozens of times a day. Whoever had done this could have been aboard any of the vessels outbound between the time of the killings and the discovery of the bodies, which was about three hours, according to the coroner. “Mister Tam,” the lawman finally took the pictures back. “You’re free to go, for now. I’d appreciate it if you stayed on planet for the next couple of days, while I conduct my investigation. I’m sure you understand the need for a thorough and detailed examination of what happened.” “Certainly,” he nodded. He rose, and allowed the officer at the door to show him out. As he made his way back to his hotel, Gabriel Tam reached a decision. Blue Sun could keep looking for River if they wished. But he was through. He never wanted to meet his unknown son-in-law again. Ever. -------------------------- In the local coroner’s office, two men in blue suits were examining the bodies of their late comrades. They felt no sadness, no remorse, for their loss. Rather they sought clues as to what and who had caused their demise. “Excellent work,” one nodded in approval. “Familiar looking, perhaps?” “You refer to the war, I suspect,” the other nodded. “Yes, the similarities are quite remarkable. Doubtful that it is the same.” “Both auricles missing from the victims, precision knife work, identification trophies taken. This is the work of the same man.” “Unlikely,” the second demurred. “His work has not been seen in some time. Years in fact. It is more likely to be the work of someone trained in the same way. Note the messages left for us.” He indicated the carved areas of the two victim’s chests. “It seems that her protector knows of us,” the first noted. “He has strength and skill. Shows no fear of us. Likely to be difficult to apprehend. Also, both subject’s whereabouts remain unknown. As does the location of the sibling who effected her escape.” “The father will know nothing of value,” the second observed. “He has served his purpose then?” the first inquired. “You suggest termination?” “No,” the second answered after careful thought. “He may yet be useful. We should not rush to dispose of possible resources. We should maintain our surveillance of him, and the mother. Possible leads could develop.” “And these?” the first indicated their fallen comrades. “There must be no trace,” the second nodded, reaching into his pocket. “None at all.” ------------------------------------ The investigator looked at the flames licking from the police station, his face creased in thought. He didn’t believe in coincidences. Never had. “Excuse me, officer?” He turned to see two men, both dressed entirely in blue, right down to matching gloves. They looked oddly like. . . “Could we have a word with you?” the larger one asked. “We have some information we’d like to share with you.” ------------------------------------ When the investigator who had been working on the case involving Gabriel Tam didn’t turn up after a week, the judiciary released him to leave the planet. There was no evidence to hold him on, as the bodies, case notes, photos, everything involved in the case in fact, had been destroyed. With no case, there was no need for witnesses. He and his wife were on the first ship off planet they could book passage on. Gabriel Tam never even looked back. ------------------------------------ Well into the black, Jayne entered the cargo bay, and stood listening. River and Kaylee were both asleep. He made his way to the front of the bay, where the dumping lock sat. He opened the panel, and removed a small sack from his bag. Inside were two sets of ears, and two pairs of blue gloved hands. He eased the sack into the lock, the closed it back. He rose, and went to the control panel, cycling the lock, venting it’s contents into space. Satisfied, he sat down on a crate and thought about the day’s events. Jayne knew he was a savage at heart, and likely always would be. He tended to see things in very clear lines. Friends and family were to be protected at all costs. Enemies were to be destroyed with the same passion. There was no such thing as compromise, middle ground, so far as he was concerned. But River was like a balm to his soul. He had resisted that urge, that instinct, because of her presence. He didn’t know how she did it, or really care. It was enough for him that she loved him. He had wanted to kill Gabriel Tam. Wanted it in a way that he’d rarely wanted anything of that sort. But he had not, because of her. His love. His Angel. The Blue Hands were another matter. For them he would never hold back. If they took his message to heart, fine. So much the better. He and River could live in peace. If they didn’t? Well, if they didn’t, he’d proven they weren’t beyond his reach. They might be above the Alliance Law, but they were not above his. No one was above the Law of the Knife. Jayne stood once more, and made his way back to the bridge. His watch was only half over.

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------------------- Long Road Home – Chapter Ten Author owns no rights to Firefly, receives no pay for his stories --------------------------- Serenity settled gracefully onto the pad at Guilford’s, Inara’s gentle touch bringing them to a soft landing. Mal beamed in pride at his ai ren’s skillful handling of the ship. She had developed into a fine pilot. “She’s good, sir,” Zoe smiled beside him. They were in the cargo bay, waiting for Inara’s word they were down. “We’re on the ground,” he voice floated over the com. “Shutdown.” “Good work, bao bei,” Mal answered, and hit the door release. A work crew was already waiting for the empty crates that Serenity carried, and, at Mal’s nod, went to work. He stepped off the ramp, heading for the office, and the infirmary. Zoe stayed with the ship. They had decided that until the others returned, one of them would be aboard at all time, save in an emergency. It had been two weeks since the fire. They had made two uneventful trips, and Mal was wondering if, maybe, Withe and his associates had decided to move on. He couldn’t bring himself to believe it, but he could hope. After checking in with Harwell, and discovering that another cargo was ready to go as soon as Mal was ready, he headed for the infirmary. While technically no longer part of the crew, Mal would always feel a responsibility for Simon, and felt the need to check on him. As he entered the infirmary, he saw Simon working on an employee’s hand, stitching up a nasty cut. He took a seat to wait. “Keep this clean,” Simon ordered as he finished, “and for the first three days, keep it wrapped. I’ve written you a slip for other assignment. I don’t want you anywhere near that machine until the stitches are out. Okay?” The man nodded, taking his slip and a bottle with some pain meds, and exiting. “How was your trip?” Simon asked, removing his gloves. “Quiet,” Mal smiled. “Calm.” “Quite a change from here, then,” Simon grinned. “Everyone all right?” “Fine,” Mal assured him. “All said hello, by the way.” “Any word?” Simon didn’t have to say who he was talking about. “No. ‘Spect they’re well on the way back by now.” “How do you know?” Simon asked. “Well,” Mal crossed his legs, “if the ship wasn’t a good one, they’d already be back. If it was, and they bought it, then it would take a couple days to round up the parts and tools and such that Kaylee would need for the new ship. And I figure they won’t run her too hard coming home, so I’m allowing three weeks for the trip back. If all goes well, I figure to see them back in a week, ten days.” “All never goes well with you, Mal,” Simon sighed. “Why I ain’t with ‘em,” Mal laughed. “And I know they bought the ship, cause I got a notice that thirty-nine hundred credits had been deducted from my account, on a draw from the dealer. Turns out they got the price down by over a thousand credits.” “Well, that’s something,” Simon nodded in appreciation. “Good savings.” “Yep. Think I’ll send them three on all our business negotiations from now on.” At Simon’s look of alarm, Mal laughed. “Relax, Simon. Ain’t planning on buyin’ no more ships. Least not for a while. Be all we can do to manage two.” “Never saw yourself as owner of a shipping company, did you?” Simon smiled. “No, can’t say as I ever did,” Mal replied seriously. “Then again, I never figured on finding this deal, either. We literally stumbled into it.” “Well, things are good, at least for now,” Simon agreed. “I hope that we’ll be able to get back to our new normal before long. I miss the house. And I miss Kaylee something terrible.” “I am sorry, Simon,” Mal told him quietly. “But no one knows better than Kaylee if a ship can make it or not. Wouldn’t have done me a bit o’ good to go look at her, without Kaylee. This way, at least you still got me,” he ended with a smile. “For which I am so thankful,” Simon rolled his eyes, but laughed as he did so. There had been a time when the two men could probably not have been able to talk this way. Their relationship had started out strained, and kept going that way. But settling on Argo had changed all of them for the better. It felt good to have a steady job again, and to have at least the semblance of a normal life. “What do you plan to do, Mal?” Simon asked. “Are you going to go back to living on the ship. Or ships, I guess I should say.” “For a time, it might be best,” Mal said thoughtfully. “I don’t want to spread us out where we’re vulnerable. And I don’t aim to give up what we’ve fought so hard for, either. We’ve earned this, Simon. All of us have. And, I’d like the think, we deserve it.” “I agree,” Simon stated firmly. “Our lives are dramatically better than they were just six months ago. I don’t want to give that up, either.” “We may have to fight to keep it,” Mal warned. “I don’t expect that to include you, this time. Folks around here might turn a blind eye to some things, but you’re the only doctor for fifty miles in any direction, and more in some. Folks won’t take kindly to having their doctor abused. Not by normal ruffians like Withe and them.” “Several people have said as much to me in passing,” Simon agreed. “On the one hand, I feel bad about that, but I can’t deny it gives me a sense of security.” “Don’t let that lull you into carelessness,” Mal warned at once. “Withe in particular is wary o’ Jayne. He knows by now that our muscle is off world. I’m thinkin’ he’ll want to make his play before they get back.” “So, no going off alone. You need something from town, you get Harwell send someone to get it. Medicines and the like. And let’s not be makin’ house calls, either, now I’m thinkin’ on it. Just cause Withe won’t move on you here, don’t mean he won’t take the opportunity if he catches you out, and alone.” “I’ve already decided that myself,” Simon nodded. “With all of you on ship, I’m pretty alone here. So I stick strictly to the infirmary for the most part, and one of Harwell’s security men are usually nearby. And,” he added, “I’ve still got my gun.” “Good,” Mal nodded. “Well, I best get back. They’re loading another cargo right now. We’ll like as not be an extra day gettin’ back this time. We’ll need to take on fuel this trip, and need a short stand down for maintenance.” “Watch yourselves,” Simon advised. “All this quiet seems too. . .” “Quiet?” Mal finished for him. “I know. Bothers me too.” He rose, and started for the door. “See you in a week or so.” “I’ll be here,” Simon promised. -------------------------- Jent Withe was a surly drunk. And he was drunk most of the time these days. He fumed at the way things had gone. He’d taken coin from Zhang to balk on hauling Guilford’s freight, and the promise of work a plenty when the ‘merger’ was complete. He talked Ball and Jenkins into the deal as well. Now, with no more coin from Zhang, and no work from Guilford’s either, the larder was running bare. They were living hand to mouth, taking what small jobs they could get, but it wasn’t nearly as good as workin’ regular, and gettin’ real food thrown in as part of the bargain. Now that hundan of a sheriff was turning against him. How was he to know that Reynolds and his bunch had already moved from the house? But they had, and now the sheriff was faced with an arson case. And a landlord complaining loudly about it. He’d have to do something, and soon. Which meant that Withe had to do something. He was sure that he could bet back in with Harwell, if Reynolds was out of the way. Harwell might not like him, or the others, but he had product to be moved, and would see reason. The problem was getting Reynolds out of the way. This seemed like the perfect opportunity, what with that damn merc killer of his off world. But he’d be coming back soon. Once he was here, all the intimidating in the world would be useless. He had to hit Reynolds where he was weak, but with all his crew aboard ship, and usually off world, that was easier said than done. That pansy doctor of his was working at Guilford’s, but he was untouchable. If folks nearby ever found out he’d damaged the doc, they’d lynch him from the nearest tree. Good doctors was hard to come by on Argo, and he was better than just good. And popular. He looked at Jenkins and Ball, sullenly drinking beer at his expense. “Either o’ you two geniuses come up with a way to rid us o’ this mess?” “Seems as we ain’t the ones what got us in this mess,” Ball shot back. “As I recollect, it was you what set us on this course. So it’s you better fix it, and fast.” “He’s right,” Jenkins snarled. “I got crew that’s right anxious for coin, and I got none for ‘em. This was your plan, and we followed you. You put us here, so you can damn well get us out again.” Withe bit back a retort. He managed these two by working them against each other. It appeared that they had caught onto that, or at least were driven together by desperation. Either way, he couldn’t take the pair on his own. “We gotta find a way to get rid of Reynolds,” he said, looking at the others. “If we don’t, then things ain’t gonna change. Harwell’s made that plain.” “Maybe we ought be leanin’ on Harwell, then,” Jenkins offered. “That’d be real smart,” Withe growled in reply. “Bein’ as we’re trying to get back in his good graces.” “And with that crew o’ Reynolds’ backin’ him, he ain’t like to feel very pressured, either,” Ball threw in. “Not after they handled Zhang so easy.” “Beats just sittin’ here, doin’ nothin’,” Jenkins said, but without any fire. “We gotta get to his crew,” Withe said suddenly. “Reynolds sets store by his crew. Specially that fancy woman o’ his, and that engineer.” “That could work,” he agreed, reluctantly. “But if it didn’t, we’d be askin’ for payback. Reynolds has got some right nasty folk workin’ for him,” he pointed out. “And they ain’t on planet at the moment,” Withe pointed out. “Nor likely to be for a while longer. Word has it that Reynolds sent that merc, his bit of a girlfriend, and that cute little engineer o’ his to look about buyin’ a new ship.” “Wants all the work for hiself, then,” Ball grumbled. Withe nodded. “That’s it. We aim to do anything, we got to do it soon, or move on.” “I ain’t one to move on when good work’s to be had nearby,” Jenkins stated. “I’m in,” he added, looking to Ball. “Fine,” he nodded. He had a bad feeling though. The three men left the table, and went to make a plan. --------------