BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL

TUJIAOZUO

The Sachem: Chapter 6
Sunday, January 27, 2008

Post BDM; M/I, S/K; Continued From New Haven: Stepping backwards into the past, we view what went on before Mal, Zoe and Simon were captured. Simon and Kaylee come across a roadblock when they are at the outpost cabin. Three days later, Mal finally interacts with Inara's daughter, and Jayne reaches his destination.


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 2742    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

"That's not a dog, that's a.... I'm not quite sure...."

Kaylee and Simon were outside of the cabin.

It was cold, the hovermule was parked off to the side and they wanted nothing more than to go in and share body heat. However, there was a very large, wolf-esque beast inside of the cabin, refusing them passage as it snarled and guarded the door.

Simon studied the massive beast from a dirty window. "Leave it to him to keep a monster for a pet."

The monster, was not a monster, but a common cattle guard dog. Unlike the dogs back at the ranch, used to herd the cattle on drives, it was used to fend off large predators. Thus, it was a huge canid, with thick, reddish brown fur tipped with black that formed a heavy mane around it's neck to protect the jugular from mountain cats, bears, wolves and anything else it met. The ears were alert and dished shaped to funnel in sound, and above all the dog possessed a set of very large teeth as it flung itself at the window, actually cracking it as the guard didn't want the man anywhere near its territory.

"Sounds right." Kaylee grimaced as he jumped back. The note was still attached to the door, and she ripped it off of the knife as they walked over to the small stable to regroup.

Simon, leaning against the stable door, took a deep breath to slow his racing heart. Catching her with the note, he frowned. "I can't believe he left something like that."

"It's Jayne though." Muttering under her breath, she read the note.

'Doc,

Wantd ta say that if yu touch my guns, I will no and kill yu. Also, doo not eet all my food. Yu and Kaylee can yoose the bed, butt bee civiliezed and warsh the gorram sheets. Also, puhleese see too Heidi. She might bee in or out of the cabin, and she might git lonelee sum. So, talk too her and let her sleep wit yu. Culd yoose nother bedfellow, Doc. Hee.

Jayne'

Kaylee mulled the letter over, they had assumed Heidi was Jayne's concubine of the week and his last comment was some cruel joke at Simon. Quirking her mouth to the side, the roaring of the dog still in the cabin, she opened her mouth and shouted. "HEIDI?"

On the door was a square cut out with a leather flap, a crude doggie door of sorts. That was of course if the dog wanted to leave the cabin or protect it. Yet as soon as Kaylee called out the name, there was a joyous yelp and the monster dog named Hiedi barreled out with a doggy smile as her name was the trigger to call her off. Bouncing over like a puppy, the guard dog whined and wagged it's tail.

Simon paled, regardless the dog was non-threatening. His body pushed up against the wall of the stable till his back was flush with wood.

Kaylee giggled, and went over to the cabin door, the demon dog hopping along. "C'mon."

He followed, cautiously. Crossing the threshold as Kaylee flicked on the one dim light, his mouth dropped open. "My gawd."

"Looks like Jayne." She reasoned, as the bed was unmade, what few dishes there are were dirty in the sink, the wood stove needed to be cleaned out due to the amount of ash buildup, and the garbage was overflowing. Furthermore, the sheets on the bed were furs, and the insulation on the wall, were furs stretched over the walls to block out the drafts. In all, it was about the size of the ranch house's living room, and the only thing organized were the impressive guns tacked up onto the back wall. Vera and Lux the centerpieces. "Well.... it's quaint." She voiced with a tone that forced a positive note. Turning to Simon, she knew he wasn't going to be able to sleep nor do anything else that required relaxing.

There was no way he was not going to spend the entire night cleaning the cabin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*THREE DAYS LATER*

Mal, had not helped.

He had not gotten up the first two nights in the middle of the night when the nameless baby had woken up screaming for a bottle. He had just growled, and shoved his face deeper into his pillow and ignored the tiny little bundle that ruined his nights. Inara each time got up, went downstairs, and resolved the issue, then trudged back up the stairs and went back to sleep. Now, as they had crossed into day three of the baby being part of the ranch, Inara was sleeping whenever she could in between taking care of her child and taking care of the crew and house.

Currently, it was three in morning, and the name elusive newborn was hungry again.

Malcolm groaned, along with Inara who hadn't gotten as nearly enough rest. However sky blue eyes cracked open and he saw how sluggish the new mother was as she struggled to find the energy to get up. Grumbling, Mal sat up and gently lifted the baby to his chest. Regardless he wanted no part in child rearing, he had pity on her for taking on such a job. She was a good mother, and she and the infant had bonded close in the past days. So much so that when the wee one started crying, she would soften her screams when Inara so much as called out with reassurance. "Sleep." He told her, swinging his feet over the side of the bed. "I got this one."

"Mal.." She began to protest. For she had taken no assistance so far from anyone other than Kaylee or Zoe occasionally changing a diaper. Inara took her job seriously, and other than being stumped on a proper name, she was well immersed in her role as nurturer.

"Don't do this, go ta sleep. She'll be needin' momma in the daytime." Taking a blanket folded on the nightstand, he wrapped the hungry newborn up and padded out of their room. Shutting the door, he kept the baby close to his chest as exhausted feet went down the stairs. "You gotta hole in your toe? Huh?" He whispered gruffly. "You've suckled more than your weight I'm sure." Seeing the pot and bottle in the drainboard, he looked around as the chore needed two hands. Apparently Inara could juggle baby and bottle, for there was no place to put the child. Seeing Kaylee's empty basket she had gotten at the skyplex, he set it on the table. Walking briskly to the living room he took a blanket off of the back of the couch, brought it over to the basket and lined it with the warm material. Shifting the baby, Mal set her in the basket. "Just sit tight,." Making sure she was plenty warm, for it was a bitter cold night, he went over and retrieved the pot. Filling it with water, for he remembered how Kaylee had prepared them on Serenity. Setting it on the stove, he turned on the burner. Next, Mal took the can of formula, pulled the tab back and poured the liquid into the bottle. Screwing the cap on, he set the bottle in the water and turned to address the infant as the formula warmed.

The baby kicked in the blanket, wailing for her meal.

"Easy, little one. Bottle's gonna be right in front of ya." Passing the table, Mal went to the living room and stooped by the stack of firewood. Picking out some logs and tossing them on the embers, then stuffing some tinder in to reheat the room.

Chester, as he had been sleeping next to the couch, yawned.

"You follow her down here?" He ruffled the dog's ears as a tail thumped against the wood floor. "Well you get brownie points for comin' down and laying by her feet like some loyal hound." Leaving the dog, Mal went to the baby. Lifting her up, he looked down at the miniature features. Heading back to the stove, the captain pulled the bottle out, wiped it off on his sweats, and then put a few drops on his wrist. Satisfied, he gave the baby the bottle, listening to the cries become muffled as she began to slurp. Since the arrival of the little one, there had been no altercations between himself and the new mother. They had been living in a very odd silence. The duo hardly acknowledged one another, just living their own lives. Mal working hard cutting posts and prepping the land for the horse pastures, and Inara was consumed in motherhood. As he watched the hungry babe, he relaxed some. "She better give you a name soon, can't be callin' you Baby forever." Mal couldn't help but give the baby a tired little smirk. "You know I gotta helluva name if it was me, but I got a feelin you'll be named somethin' regal like. Somethin' floral or what not, core name."

"Hadley." River's voice floated through the air whilst she silently descended the stairs. "An english name meaning the heather field. More specifically Hadley Elmarie Reynolds. Original owner of this ranch."

With a grunt, Mal took a seat nearest to the fire, his voice soft and drowsy. "And who said you could read my mind so early in the mornin'?"

"Too many voices, thoughts, ruining my sleeping pattern." She announced, following him to curl up right next to the captain, gazing at the child with wide, curious eyes. The reader hadn't been around the infant too much, she mostly rose early and disappeared until returning at sundown. This was her first true investigation of the baby, for Inara's mind exuded a very protective and nurturing comportment, and she respected it. With Mal though, she felt welcome to study the intricacies of such a small package. "I like the name."

"That so." He too focused on the baby, watching by the warm light of the fire as her eyes fluttered open. They were dark brown, and that combined with the black hair made her look indeed like a piece of Inara. Because of the similarity it was probably a good decision to make her the mother. Even though he didn't like it one bit, no one would ever question Inara being the girl's mother, because in the eyes of the Alliance someone had to have paperwork to adopt. And if it had been Zoe or Kaylee, with no resemblance at all, any fed could potentially become suspicious and demand to see papers, not having any would result in human services seizing the little one. On the bright side, the big, brown eyes gazed up at Mal curiously. Little pink fingers exploring and taking hold of his sweatshirt, the babe had grown very accustomed to his face when he had taken her aboard, and snuggled in closer.

River reached out a finger, and wriggled it gently against the tummy that was steadily swelling with formula. "I enjoy that name. Of the earth, very similar to my own. The river and the heather field."

"You don't got any name ideas of your own swimmin' up in that genius brain of yours?"

"One, best describes the location in which we found her."

"You wanna call this kid garbage?" he quirked.

River glared at him insolently. "She was found behind the jade dealer." With her voice softening, she turned back to the baby she knew would settle well into the empty hole of the captain. She couldn't foresee the future, but she could sense his feelings regarding the tiny babe. Slowly melting his reluctance. "Meilin."

"Meilin Hadley, sounds right and proper." He nodded his head in agreement, then realized how he sounded and cleared his throat. Producing a more emotionless tone. "Course I have no say... ain't my baby."

River ignored his ill attempted coverup. "We're the same." She announced, watching with wonder. "Newly freed souls in a strange world." Moving in, she got a better view of the baby's face. Both sets of round brown eyes staring each other down, and River won the contest as the baby's eyes fluttered. "Such a strange world, like me she was scared, but has found love and Serenity. Everything feels better. Analogous."

"You're a touch bigger than her I think." He nudged River with his elbow. "And you best hit the hay, seein' as you've been up all night, better try ta sleep."

"Fine." Getting up, she left him, but not before announcing over her shoulder. "Only because Zoe is coming."

Furrowing his brows. Mal turned to the bedroom door that sure enough opened.

"Meilin Hadley. Sounds like you need to recommend that to Inara." The second in command announced softly before sinking into a chair.

Mal's mouth pulled thin and taunt, as he was cross at her for passing the job of mother onto Inara. They hadn't talked about it yet, for Zoe had been out working the cows and he had been building the pasture. "And what happened ta you? Thought you aspired ta have a cherub of your own."

Zoe stiffened with pain and natural defense. "I did want children, I wanted my husband's children." Her lip threatened to quiver, and when she squinted her dark chocolate eyes pushed down tears.

He knew he had hit a nerve, because she didn't give him that cat eyed slant unless she was piqued. "I know he ain't here, and it still hurts ya, but someone else ta...." He couldn't finish the sentiment without coming off overly sensitive. "Sometimes I wonder if you're here."

"I'm here when I need ta be."

Setting her jaw, Zoe got up and left.

River crept back down the stairs. "That didn't last long."

"I thought I told you ta skedattle."

"Not my paternal." She pointed out, resuming her spot with an exasperated breath. "Can't leave you, keep on chasing off company."

With his eyes away from her, his words were mumbled. "Yeah... well...."

"Didn't have to blame her." River picked at the soft pink fabric the baby was clothed in. Gentle, but very studious. "You already knew Inara was the rightful mother, similar physical resemblance. Still went after Zoe for not chosing... bad form."

"Ok, if you're gonna be down here I want ya ta stay outta my brain and stop preachin."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Inara woke up the same time as always.

She moaned, stretched gingerly as she was accustomed to her baby being close.

Yet when she opened her eyes, the child wasn't there.

With neither Mal or baby in sight, she quickly got up, and headed out of the bedroom. Moving down the stairs, she wondered why they hadn't returned to bed. Within three days, she had become a natural parent. Therefore lack of baby made her fret.

Then she found Mal.

Malcolm Reynolds was sprawled out on the couch, blanket over his lower extremities, bottle on the coffee table, and her new daughter sleeping in the crook of his arm. Smiling, she shook her head and released a ghost of a giggle, for her lover was snoring softly. Seeing a piece of paper sticking out of the infant's blanket, she gently leaned over and pulled it out. Taking the paper, Inara carefully inspected how it was artfully folded into a flower, and how there was a faint trace of writing folded inside. Taking apart the origami, dark eyes landed on River's handwriting. River's handwriting being very distinguishable, for it was a chaotic mix of cursive and block.

'My name is Meilin Hadley. Thank you for welcoming me into this strange world.'

A smile pulled across Inara's lovely features, and she shut her tired eyes before opening them and gently resting a palm on Mal's shoulder.

He stirred awake, eyelids creeping open. "Hm?"

"You fell asleep with Meilin." She explained, humor in her vision.

"Who?" It took him a minute to realize the weight in the crook of his elbow. The baby squeaked in her sleep, moving her lips as he glanced down at her. "Oh... um... yeah." Sitting up, he held the little girl with one hand and rubbed his askew sandy brown hair with the other. "This... ain't what it appears to be." Stopping, thinking about what she had announced, his expression became flummoxed again. "What did you call her?"

"Meilin." Inara reached out and took the babe. "That would be her name, Meilin Hadley." The words oozed pure affection and adoration for her baby.

"Where did you get that?" He rose up, folding the blanket before throwing it haphazardly onto the back of the couch. The captain watched how she gracefully rocked herself, as Meilin had stirred some and needed shushing.

"That's her name." Inara gave him the paper.

Reading it he scoffed.

"Would you mind fixing a bottle?" She dismissed his vocal noise as she gently rubbed little Meilin's back. "I'll be upstairs diaper changing."

"Wai..." Before he could protest and declare he didn't want anything to do with the baby, she was up the stairs, talking softly to the newly named Meilin Hadley. Scowling, he snatched up the bottle and trudged to the kitchen. "Never talks ta me like that."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jayne had passed through some of the prettiest country he had ever witnessed.

It was early in the morning, the sun had barely lifted halfway up the eastern horizon, making the new day pale yet awash with glorious color that splattered the ponderosa pines. Despite his massive size, the black horse called Donner was nimble footed. That was valuable because of the tightly wound path they traveled, and that morning the small road flushed into the town of Tehatchepi.

It was a small town, mostly log built buildings. However there was a barn, a hotel, and a saloon.

The saloon made Jayne smile.

He urged Donner into a canter, leaving the trail and heading straight for the livery. Jayne could tell the horse was anxious to get into the stables as well, for they had been out on the trail for three days. Three days was a long time without a bath, company, and change of clothes. Though the first two only applied to the horse, they both felt the same as Jayne slowed the pace down and slung himself out of the saddle and onto soil. Taking the reins he walked his horse into the livery, reaching over to pat the large snout. "H'low." He called out.

"Good morning." A man came out of the stall, bent with age and shuffling along. Worn eyes widening at the size of the horse. "Where'd you get a pony that size? Good lord he looks like a giant."

Jayne smirked proudly.

Donner, instead of being majestic and great, nibbled on the brim of Jayne's hat.

Scowling he reached back and swatted the horse away. "Well big as he is I hope you got room for him. We need ta rest us some, had a long trip and I gotta turn around and head out tomorrow." Jayne passed the reins onto the elderly man and went back to pick up his bundle of furs off of the back of the horse.

"Twelve bits a day." An old hand reached up and petted Donner.

"Fine with me. And if you know of anyone who needs a stud, tell 'em that this boy here is twenty credits ta juice up a mare." Shouldering the pack of furs he wet his lips.

"I'll tell all, there's a few men out in these parts who've been lookin' for a strong stud."

"See? Get some tail soon enough, cheeky ol' hun-dan." Jayne patted the black rump before digging into his pocket and taking out the coin. Passing it onto the stable master, he nodded to the man. "How's the hotel?"

"If you're asking about company ta share a room with you, you won't find that here other than wives fer sale."

Jayne frowned.

"Other than that though, hotel's got cots, bathin's extra."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Good mornin'." Kaylee chirped as she came down the stairs dressed in overalls and ready to help Mal continue put up the fence. Entering the first floor of their home, she spied the captain dressed for the day and eating breakfast, Chester the dog sitting next to him while Inara sat in the rocking chair by the freshly fueled fire, bottle feeding. Grinning from ear to ear, she went over to her friend. "How is she?" Crouching next to the rocker, she watched their new crew member.

"She has a name." Inara announced softly, smiling with accomplishment. It wasn't her own choice for a name, however it was a beautiful name, and it finally solved the mystery of what to call her child. "Meilin Hadley."

"Na di er wa-mei." She cooed, reaching out and stroking a tiny fist. Kaylee was missing Simon, in his freshly hygienic outpost cabin, since leaving him in the morning after their midnight cleaning marathon followed by a quick coition. Nonetheless hanging out with Inara and conversing over babies had taken the edge off of her needs. "Hi Meilin, glad you finally gotta name."

Mal slurped his coffee. "Kaylee, we gotta go out there and start digging post holes, stop confabbing with a baby, eat some chow."

Kaylee rolled her eyes and ignored him. "She looks so much better," glancing up at Inara "When Simon gets back he's gotta measure and weigh her, she's bigger."

"Yes," Inara let out a tired giggle "she has a certain zeal when it comes to eating."

"She's got the right idea, seeing someone needs to eat and get to work." Mal grumbled, taking a mouthful of his ration of eggs. He had made breakfast, for the regular cook was occupied.

Kaylee didn't even frown as she kissed Inara's cheek and got up. "You two have fun today." She headed over to the stove to get her breakfast. Just as Zoe and River came from their respective places.

"Good morning Meilin Hadley." River announced, Boston around her neck like an ermine as York trotted over to the fridge for cream, yowling all the way in anticipation.

"So you settled on a name?" Zoe smiled down at mother and child. Inara in her robe and slippers, hair pulled up so it wasn't in the way. And Meilin, in the lightest blanket there was for the fire was roaring, her clothes were gone as they were being washed for what seemed to be the hundredth time.

"Meilin." She smiled up. "Meilin Hadley."

"Congratulations." Zoe responded fondly while she walked over and Kaylee handed her a plate of breakfast. "Like Kaylee said, hope you two have a fun day."

"Thank you." Inara checked the bottle and removed it from the full, sleepy Meilin. Setting it down, she lay a towel across her shoulder and set the infant there. Beginning to firmly pat the back, she continued. "However I don't know if the reaction will be much fun when I tell Mal I need to go out and buy a few things."

The captain's head lifted up to attention and he swallowed his food. "Come again?"

"Meilin needs a few items. Some clothes, namely, because she only has one set. But some more formula, a baby blanket...."

"What's wrong with the our blankets?"

"Cap'n, those are like having one small baby in three feet of blanket." His mechanic explained. "It's cumbersome."

Meilin regurgitated some formula up, then let out an unladylike burp. Sighing, as the pressure had been relieved, she began to flutter off to sleep.

"Excuse you." River blurted softly.

"Exactly." Inara responded to Kaylee, shifting the babe and wiping her mouth. "Some more cloth diapers would also help...."

"You know," the captain cut her off. "I have a certain.. mental sensation, that figures this list is gonna go on for a mile or so. And I hate ta sound so damn stingy but there is no coin for resplendent shopping or decking my room out in pink fancy-dancy baby decor." Mal's voice hit a very ironic note whilst he explained. "I'll go pick up formula and a few diapers, but we just spent fifty credits on posts, planks, nails and hinges." Draining his coffee, he went over to the sink, set his plate and mug inside, then walked over to the living room and leaned over the rocker. "I'll run that errand after gettin' some work in. You two ladies be good, no flamboyant shoppin' on the coretex." After giving Inara a quick kiss, he reached out, carefully stroking Meilin's dark fuzzy hair. A groan eliciting from her lips in response to the loving touch. "And you be good for momma." Standing up, not regarding the faces of shock from his crew, Mal went over and slipped on his boots, then opened the door outside. "Chester."

The dog's ears perked up, rising, he hurried over.

"You're all healed up, gotta get back to livin' outside instead of being a house pet." Watching the dog lope outside, he glanced up at Kaylee who was still digesting his affection towards Meilin. "Kaylee, I want you out double time. Zoe, take Chester out with you, he needs ta get back into working shape."

With that, he left them all stunned.

*** *** *** TRANSLATIONS/DEFINITIONS

Meilin (Mei-Lin): Plum jade.

hun-dan: Bastard

Na di er wa-mei: That's so perfect.

******

**As always, the writer appreciates all comments whether they be positive, negative, or suggestions.**

COMMENTS

Monday, January 28, 2008 3:41 AM

MDBROWNCOATGIRL26


Jayne's letter was priceless, as was Simon insisting on cleaning the cabin before he and Kaylee went to bed. Pretty name for the baby.

Monday, January 28, 2008 8:40 AM

LEIASKY


heh. The bit with the dog made me giggle. Mal's reaction to the baby never really sat right with me. He's not that cold hearted! At least he's coming around now.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 5:47 AM

PLATONIST


I knew Mal couldn't keep away from that baby forever, sweet chapter... love the notes from Jayne and River.

And Mal telling Inara NOT to shop on the Cortex...LOL. We've all heard that one before.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 1:32 AM

WYTCHCROFT


oh you are so on a roll these days!:)


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