BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL

BADKARMA00

Archangel – Chapter Seventeen
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Kaylee and River learn a good deal more about Jayne, and the Passenger shows up


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 2033    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

Archangel – Chapter Seventeen Author owns no rights to Firefly, and no copyright infringement is intended. --------------------- Serenity made Celeste several hours ahead of schedule, to the relief of everyone aboard. The crew was weary from caring for the refugees, and the refugees were ready to be off the ship and on solid ground once more. A wave to the authorities had ensured that someone was on hand to receive the refugees, and Inara had corralled them at once about the restitution due to Serenity. “I’m declaring a down day,” Mal said to the assembled crew. “We’re all give out, and Inara’s wrangled us a fine deal outta the Alliance for the refugees to boot. We got cargo to deliver here, anyway, can see to that in the morning. Meantime, we’re off. We’ll see to our maintenance, and what not, look for work day after tomorrow.” The crew were thrilled to hear that. “I think we can all do with some off ship time,” Inara smiled. Everyone agreed. “Okay then,” Mal smiled. “Go, and be happy.” The crew scattered. “I got somethin’ I need to take care of, Mal,” Jayne said quietly. Mal nodded. “Be careful, and don’t hurt yourself,” was all Mal had to say. Jayne nodded, and headed off the ramp. “Seems you and Jayne are getting along quite well,” Inara smiled. “We sorta reached an understandin’,” Mal nodded. Jayne hadn’t asked that he not tell his story, but Mal felt like he owed it to the big man. “Well, why don’t we decide what we can do, with all this ‘down time’?” Inara smiled, and took Mal by the arm. “Sounds like a plan to me, darlin’,” Mal grinned. River stood watching as Jayne walked away. It was obvious he knew his way about. Just as she was about to follow, Kaylee came bounding down the steps. “Where’d Jayne go?” she asked, looking around. River pointed at the departing Jayne. “Why didn’t he tell me he was leaving?” Kaylee demanded hotly. “Gently, Kaylee,” River said softly. “Jayne has ghosts that must be lain to rest.” “Ghosts?” Kaylee paled at that. “From his past,” River nodded. “We will follow, in case he needs help.” “Okay,” Kaylee nodded, eagerly. Together the two set out, following. ------------------ Jayne walked steadily down the road away from Serenity, not hurrying, but not dallying either. “Wonder where he’s goin’?” Kaylee asked in concern. “Unknown,” River frowned. “He is. . .his mind is a swirl of emotions.” They followed at a distance, careful to avoid being seen. They didn’t want him to feel they were intruding, simply to be near if he had need. As they moved slightly out of the town, Kaylee began to grow nervous. “Not far, now,” River assured her, feeling her friend’s tension. Sure enough, in just a few minutes Jayne turned into the gate of a cemetery. The two women stopped, uncertain of what to do. Finally they followed, though reluctantly. Jayne turned down a row of stones, stopping in front of one, and kneeling. Kaylee and River walked to a nearby tree, waiting. ------------------ Jayne carefully brushed away the leaves and dirt from the stone before him. “Sorry, Ma,” he said softly. “Shoulda done been here, before, and looked after you. Ain’t got no excuse.” “I left that school, Ma, after I got the word. But here a while back, that Book, he came onto the ship I was on. He. . .he helped me, he did. Made me some better. I’m sorry I disappointed ya, Ma,” he said, tears in his eyes. “I just was so mad, so hurt. So alone. I just took out, without thinkin’. Just like always.” “But I’m doin’ fair well, now,” he assured the stone. “Got a good job, on a good crew. And, got me a girl,” he smiled. “She’s pretty, Ma, and kind, and sweet, and gentle. Pretty much everything I ain’t. She knows, Ma,” he nodded to an unheard question. “Loves me anyway. Just like you did. She. . .she’s got some kinda charm, Ma. When I’m with her, I ain’t so mad all the time. Things don’t bother me so bad, and I ain’t got all that crawlin’ around in my head, like.” “It’s amazin’, really. I’m at peace. I guess that’s what you wanted for me. I. . .I have missed you so much, over the years. Not ever’body is as kind and as good as you were. I learned that the hard way, I’m afraid.” “I was thinkin’ on stayin’,” he said. “But Kaylee, she wants to stay on the ship, and I couldn’t take that from her. But one day I might come back, stay on the home place. I’m gonna go and check on it, ‘fore I go. I’ve missed it.” “I wish you hadn’t sent me away, Ma. I know it was the right thing, and all. But I still wish it. Just like I wish you was still here. Sometimes, I get scared, and wish you were here to tell me everything’s gonna be okay. I miss that. Even if it wasn’t true, always made me feel better.” “I’m gonna go, now,” he stood. “I love you, Ma. Always will. Nothin’ll ever change that.” With that he walked away, heading back out. Kaylee and River waited until he was gone, and then hesitantly walked over to the stone. Both women froze when they were close enough to read it. Kaylee’s hand flew to her mouth, and tears flowed freely from her eyes. River was less obvious, but her own tears were evident as well.

Command Sergeant Major Janine Veronica (Vera) Cobb 7th Ind Marines (SB) Killed in Action - 2509

“Oh, my God,” Kaylee whispered. “Jayne Cobb.” “He doesn’t know his own name,” River nodded. “Took her’s in testament to her.” “Oh, River,” Kaylee shuddered. “I can’t imagine. . . .” “Nor can I,” River agreed. “Even after all I have endured.” The two women hugged each other. “Come,” River said quietly. “He will get away,” she grinned. Kaylee chuckled at that, wiping her tears away. They scurried out of the cemetery, heading for the gate. As they went through it, they heard a voice from behind them. “Might as well walk with me, ‘stead of slinkin’ along behind.” Both whirled to see Jayne standing behind them. “How. . . .?” Kaylee looked shocked. River was surprised as well, but hid it better. “I’m gifted,” Jayne grinned slowly. “You ain’t mad, are ya?” Kaylee asked. “If there’s two people in all the ‘verse I couldn’t be mad at, it’s you two,” he smiled. Kaylee ran to him, hugging him tightly. She stood on her tip toes, and kissed him. River watched, smiling. “Where to now?” she asked. “Home,” Jayne smiled. “I’m goin’ home.” Each woman took a hand, though soon Kaylee was leaning against him, his arm around her shoulder. Together they started off again. --------------------- “Is this Serenity?” Simon looked up to see a woman standing on the ramp, looking into the ship. “Yes, it is,” he replied. “Can I assist you?” “I wanted to see about passage,” the woman told him. Simon frowned. “That’ll be up to the Captain,” he told her. “He’s not on board at the moment, though he should return soon. Would you like to wait?” “If that’s okay, yes,” the woman nodded. “Sure. My name is Simon. I’m the ship’s doctor.” “Jasmine,” she smiled, taking his extended hand. “Jasmine Carter.” “Welcome aboard, Miss Carter,” Simon smiled. “Let me get you a chair.” Simon added a chair to his own, where he’d been sitting in the sunshine. Jasmine sat. “How long have you been on the ship, Doctor?” she asked. “Just Simon,” he smiled. “Almost two years, I’d say. Have to look at a calendar to know for sure,” he admitted. “I find it’s easy to loose track of time in the black.” “So you were on board when the Miranda Wave was sent?” Jasmine asked. Simon was immediately wary. “The what?” he tried to cover. “Don’t bother denying it, Doctor,” she laughed. “Everyone knows about that.” “Do they?” he smiled. “I’m not familiar with it. Must have been before I came on board.” “It was only a year ago, Simon,” Jasmine scolded. “You had to have been here.” “Well, my memory isn’t all that good,” Simon shrugged. “I don’t work for the Alliance, Doctor Tam,” she told him. “I’m an investigative reporter. I’ve looked for this ship for nearly a year, wanting to talk to you, all of you, about what happened.” “You’ll have to talk to the Captain, Miss Carter,” Simon told her. “Talk to the Captain about what?” Mal asked as he and Inara walked up. “Miss Carter is a reporter, Captain,” Simon said. “She want’s passage, and to interview us about something called Miranda.” “We don’t accept passengers, Miss Carter,” Mal said at once, his eyes narrowing. “More trouble than they’re worth.” “Captain, please,” Carter smiled. “Hear me out, before you blow me off, okay?” Mal looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “I’m listening.” “I’m not an Alliance sympathizer, Captain,” Carter told him. “I’ve been working to expose some of the things that are going on inside the Alliance. As you might imagine, that’s made me somewhat unpopular amongst the Parliament.” “They do take a dim view of criticism,” Mal nodded. “Oh, well said!” Carter laughed. “You and your crew are a rallying point for a large number of former, and new, independents, Captain. Telling your story will help them. Also, in light of recent reaver attacks, there’s a great deal of renewed interest in the Miranda Wave.” “War’s long over, Miss Carter,” Mal said stiffly. “You’re still wearing your coat, Captain,” Carter pointed out. Inara stifled a laugh at that. Simon grinned. “It’s a good coat,” Mal said. “No sense not wearing it.” “My father said the same thing,” Carter nodded. “Still wears his.” “Miss Carter, you ain’t convincin’ me, here,” Mal pointed out. “I’m trying,” she objected. “You’re just a very stubborn man.” Inara laughed aloud this time, and Simon chuckled. Both got a captainy glare. “Please, Captain,” Carter said. “I won’t be a burden. I can pay my way, and I’ll help cook. I’m a good cook,” she added. “I just want to tell your story, all of your stories, to the people who are trying to make a difference. They’ll do it with or without you, but at least let them hear what you have to say.” Mal considered that. It would be a good way to get the Wave out in the public eye again. “Mal, it doesn’t sound bad,” Inara said quietly. “It’s a chance to get the information out, again. Unspoiled.” “All right,” Mal nodded. “We’ll try it a while, Miss Carter. But,” he held up a hand. “Nothing in your stories about us as yet. I can get you a copy of the Wave, and you can send it to whoever you work for. But nothing to link it to us. We’ve had trouble enough for a spell, and lost too many good folks as it is.” “I can work with that,” Carter nodded. “I’ll get my things.” “May I help you?” Simon asked, and Carter smiled. “Sure!” Simon left with her, and Inara watched, smiling. “You gave in awfully fast, Mal,” she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “River told me we’d be takin’ on a passenger,” Mal shrugged. “A flower yet to bloom. And that she’d help Simon heal.” “Jasmine,” Inara whispered. “And Simon was smilin’,” Mal nodded. “River ain’t never been wrong, yet,” he shrugged. “Figured I best trust her till she is.” -------------------- The house was just like Jayne remembered it. He smiled at the figure sitting on the porch, rocking away. “Hey, old man!” Jayne yelled, nearly belligerent. “Ain’t you got nothin’ better to do than sittin’ in that chair?” The old man in question swelled up at once. “And what difference it be to ya, boy, that an old man’s sittin’?” he demanded. “Jayne, that’s mean!” Kaylee huffed. He winked at her. “Just seems a shame you sittin’ here whiling the day away, when there’s huntin’ and trappin’ to be done!” he yelled. The old man stiffened at that. “Mikey?” the old man said hesitantly. “Boy, is that you?” “Hello, Crow,” Jayne said kindly, moving up the walkway. “How are you, these days?” “Well, glory be,” the old man nearly had tears in his eyes as he stood. The two men embraced warmly. “Thought sure you’d be dead, boy,” the old man said kindly. He turned to the screen door. “Ma! You best get out here!” As the girls watched, a matronly older woman walked out onto the porch, wiping her hands on her apron. “What are you caterwaulin’ about, now, you old heathen. Folks can hear you all the way over to. . . .” She trailed off, seeing Jayne standing there, smiling. “Hey, Ma,” he smiled. The old woman’s hand flew to her mouth. “Michael?” she said haltingly. “Oh, Michael, is it you?” “Yes’m,” Jayne nodded. He walked over and gently hugged the old woman. “Land sakes, child,” the woman breathed. “Look at you, all grown. Oh, your Ma would be so proud o’ you!” Jayne reddened at that a bit, and Kaylee and River both smiled. “Crow, Ma, these are my friends,” he pointed. Kaylee glared at the ‘friend’ mark, and Jayne realized he’d erred. “Well, this one is my friend,” he amended, pointing at River. “River, this is Crowfeather, and Ma Higgins. Ma, Crow, this is River Tam.” “Pleased to meet you,” River smiled. “And this,” Jayne smiled, putting his arm around Kaylee, “is Kaylee Frye. She’s. . .well, she’s my girl,” he said, and Kaylee beamed at that. “Nice to meet ya,” she smiled. Crow chuckled, and Ma Higgins grinned. “Well, it’s certainly our pleasure to meet both o’ you,” she exclaimed. “Well, don’t just stand there, you great lummox, bring’em inside!” “Yes’m,” Jayne smiled, and motioned for the girls to head inside. The house was larger than it looked, the girls realized, as they entered. The floors were hardwood, polished to a smooth, bright sheen from many years of wear and care. The walls were adorned with pictures, and knickknacks of all manner were along the walls. “Jayne, it’s beautiful!” Kaylee gushed. River nodded in agreement. “It’s a home,” she whispered, feeling the love that the house had known since it had been built. “Come on out to the kitchen, and we’ll set a table,” Ma said. “Crow and I were gettin’ set to eat, anyhow.” The three followed her into the large kitchen. “Don’t go to no trouble on our account, ma’am,” Kaylee said. “It’s no trouble, child,” Ma Higgins said, smiling. “We never expected to see the boy again. That he brung you here, the two of you, means you’re somethin’ special, I’m thinkin’.” “They are,” Jayne nodded. Kaylee and River both beamed at that. “Well, sit on down!” Ma scolded. “We’ll assist you,” River said. She and Kaylee moved to help, and soon the table was set. “Ma, how’re things goin’?” Jayne asked, as they ate. “You two need anything?” “Not a thing, son,” she shook her head. “You’ve been sending money along, and we’ve set a good bit of it by, to be honest. The place is making a bit, too,” she smiled. “Got three orchards now, and we lease out the hay fields. Pretty well pays for itself, most years.” “I’m glad,” Jayne smiled. “I don’t want the two o’ you goin’ without anything though. Mind you tell me, was you to need somethin’.” “You’re a good boy, Michael Cobb,” the old woman smiled. “But me an’ old Crow we get by just fine for two old folks in our sunset years.” “Works me like a dog, she does,” Crow grumbled. “Ain’t got no compassion on an old man near on to dyin’.” “You’re too ornery to die,” Jayne grinned, and Crow guffawed at that. “Reckon I might be, son,” he nodded. “You here to stay?” he asked. “No, sir,” Jayne admitted. “Fact is, we’ll have to head back, soon. Our ship’s in, dropped off some folk from Beaumond.” “You were there when them reavers hit?” Ma looked shocked. “Well, we was leavin’, just as they hit,” Jayne skirted the truth. “Made it out ‘fore they got to us.” “Thank the Lord for that,” Ma said. “Land all, if they ain’t still goin’ on about it in the news waves. It must o’ been awful!” Crow was watching Jayne closely, and his attention was bothering Jayne, just a bit. “You wouldn’t lie to us, would you boy?” he asked craftily. Jayne looked at him. “Sure,” he grinned. The old man cackled with glee at that. “Waves showed a clip of a right large man, holding a sword, killin’ them reavers left and right,” the old man’s eyes twinkled. “Looked right familiar, I thought.” “Musta been someone ya seen on the waves before,” Jayne murmured. Crow smirked. “That’s what I figured, too,” he nodded. Jayne made an effort not to sigh in relief. Old man always was smart. Jayne thought back to how often Crow had told him, don’t never let on how smart ya are, boy. Folks is more comfortable ‘round a man they think is dumb. That advice had served Jayne well, over the years. The light was waning somewhat when Jayne finally announced that he and the girls needed to head back. “Try not to wait another fifteen years or so, to see us again, Michael,” Ma said softly. “Might’nt be here, if you do.” “I’ll try, ma’am,” Jayne promised. “Well, when you two get ready to settle, this place will be here, waitin’ on you,” she winked, and Kaylee blushed a little at that. “I hadn’t never thought on it, till me an Kaylee. . .I mean, that I’d settle, that is,” Jayne said, smiling. “Looks pretty good, though, now,” he hugged Kaylee to him, and she smiled, coloring a bit more. “She’s a pretty one,” Ma chuckled. “And so are you, little one,” she told River, who also blushed. “You two take care of him for me. He’s prone to gettin’ into trouble.” “We know,” the two chorused together, and Jayne groaned at that. “Good-bye, Ma,” Jayne hugged her one last time. He gripped Crow’s hand firmly. “Take care, old man,” he smiled. Crow looked at him knowingly. “You did well, boy,” he nodded. “I’m proud o’ ya. Was the most incredible thing I ever did see.” “Thanks,” Jayne nodded, not bothering to deny it. The three started back then, walking as quickly as Jayne could managed comfortably. “Well, now there’s something else you two know that nobody else does,” he commented. “We’re very special, however,” River grinned. Kaylee nodded. “That’s right.” “Yes, you are,” Jayne said seriously. “Both of you. My bao bei,” he hugged Kaylee, “and my mei mei,” he kissed the top of River’s head. Both women giggled at that. “Not for you two, no tellin’ where I’d be, right now. And there’s nowhere I’d rather be than where I am this minute.”

COMMENTS

Saturday, February 16, 2008 9:23 PM

TWILIGHTSEEKER


I have truely enjoyed your stories and hope there are more to come....gives me the urge to keep fidding with the one I have....keep up the good work


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