Archangel – Chapter Eighteen Author owns no rights to Firefly, and no copyright infringement is intended. ------------------------- As the three approached the ship, they met Simon, walking with a woman. She was wiry, tall and slender, with auburn hair, and green eyes. River smiled slightly at the glasses, and nearly frumpy form of dress. “A flower, yet to bloom,” she murmured. “Hi, Simon,” Kaylee smiled. “Whose your friend?” “Kaylee, River, Jayne, this is Jasmine Carter,” Simon introduced them. “She’s going to ride along with us a while, apparently. She’s a reporter. Jasmine, this is Kaylee Frye, the ship’s engineer, my sister River, our pilot, and Jayne Cobb, our security specialist.” Jasmine looked them over, smiling. Her glance lingered on Jayne a bit longer than Kaylee thought needful, but she needn’t have worried. “You’re a rather tall man, Mister Cobb,” she said casually. “You wouldn’t happen to own a set of armor, would you?” she asked with a grin. “Sure,” Jayne said gruffly. “Man needs body armor, out here.” “I meant real armor, Mister Cobb,” Jasmine smiled. “But I’m sure you knew that.” “Real armor?” Jayne feigned confusion. “Like all that knight in shinin’ armor go se? What’d a man need somethin’ like that for?” “Oh, never know,” Jasmine shrugged. “Well, let’s get you on board,” Simon said into the silence. The two started on, leaving Jayne and the girls watching. “Inquisitive,” River said musingly. “Nosy,” Kaylee grumped. “Ladies,” Jayne chided gently. “Let’s play nice.” “You better not play at all,” Kaylee warned darkly, and Jayne laughed. “I don’t see how that’s funny!” Kaylee huffed. “He laughs at your need to assert ownership,” River smiled. “He is yours, Kaylee. You should know that.” Kaylee colored a bit at that, but didn’t back down. “Just so that’s clear,” she nodded. “It’s clear, baby doll,” Jayne nodded. Kaylee looked mollified at that. “Let’s get aboard,” River suggested. “See why we have a reporter ‘tagging along’ with us,” she grinned. “Though I think Simon will enjoy the tagging.” Kaylee giggled at that. She didn’t wish Simon any ill will. She hoped that maybe he’d be happy. But not with her. Not now. She had what she wanted. --------------------- “I see you’ve met the rest of the crew,” Mal said, walking into the bay. “I have,” Jasmine nodded. “I was talking to Mister Cobb about his armor,” she tested. Mal looked at her. “What armor?” he asked, looking at Simon. “I don’t know about that sort of thing, Captain,” Simon shrugged, playing his part well. “I’m just the medic.” “You two are pathetic liars,” Carter was amused. “You unloaded nearly fifty people here, Captain,” she said pointedly. “All of whom know it was Cobb that saved them on Beaumond.” Mal bit off a curse at that. She was right. He hadn’t even considered all that, he’d been so wrapped up in being a complete hundan toward Jayne. “Well, I ‘spect you’d need to talk to Jayne ‘bout that, Miss Carter,” Mal told her. “Only, Jayne ain’t real sociable like, so if’n he tells you to go ‘way, you should.” “You can’t control him?” Carter asked warily. “No one controls Jayne,” Mal admitted. “He follows my orders, ‘counta I’m the Captain. But he’s his own man, make no mistake.” “Interesting,” Carter murmured. “Where will I be staying, Captain?” she asked. “Passenger dorms,” Mal nodded at Simon. “Doc can show you. You don’t mind, Simon?” “Not at all,” Simon smiled. “This way, Miss Carter.” “It’s Jasmine, Simon. Just Jasmine.” Mal hid a smile at that, then turned to where the other three members of his crew were coming on board. “And where have you three been?” he demanded, with a mock scowl. “Caught’em tryin’ to sneak into a bar, Captain,” Jayne told him straight faced. “What?” Kaylee screeched, but River simply giggled, and punched his arm. Mal smiled at that. Seemed as if Albatross was right when she said Jayne considered her a friend. “We went to my old home place, Mal,” Jayne grinned, as Kaylee huffed. “Just wandered there and back.” “Everything right?” he asked. Jayne nodded. “As it can be, ‘thout my ma there,” he said somberly. “Why is the reporter riding with us?” River asked. “Thought you said we needed to take on a passenger?” Mal frowned. “I did,” River nodded. “But don’t know why. Why?” Mal snorted. “She want’s to write about us,” he scowled. “And about Miranda. The wave and all. Says that there’s a growing Independent Movement that it might inspire.” “And you agreed?” River looked shocked. “Not to all of it,” Mal admitted. “Told her we’d get her a copy of the wave, but no writin’ ‘bout us. Least for now,” he added. “Seemed a might interested in Jayne,” Mal said after a pause. “And his armor.” Jayne frowned. “Seems like someone made a capture of some of it,” he said quietly. “Folks at the house seen it on the news waves. I’m sorry, Mal,” Jayne offered. “I didn’t think nobody’d be filmin’ in a reaver attack.” “Don’t apologize,” Mal ordered sternly. “Saved me, and Inara, and Zoe. And ‘sides, we had fifty folks, right at it, on this ship. They seen everything. Ain’t no hidin’ it, Jayne.” Jayne’s face fell as he realized what Mal was talking about. He hadn’t thought of any of that. River looked up at him. “Do not be concerned,” she told him. “And she is not a threat, Jayne.” “Don’t get all closed off on me, Jayne,” Kaylee ordered. “That ain’t gonna work, no more,” she added. He smiled, albeit weakly. “Looks like you got two fine handlers, there, Jayne,” Mal smirked. “Reckon I’ll leave ya to it. We ain’t workin’ tonight, and not but a bit tomorrow. Have fun.” With that Mal walked off to find Inara.

-------------------------- With the night off, the crew had decided on various forms of entertainment. Simon had examined Jayne and declared him fit, against every medical truth he knew. “I can’t understand it,” Simon shook his head, digging the now useless stitches out. “There is no way you should be this well, this quickly.” “It’s the reaver virus, Simon,” Jayne said quietly. Simon stopped his work, and looked at Jayne. “What?” “The monks told me it was on account o’ the reaver that bit me,” Jayne shrugged. “Said they’d seen it a’fore.” “That. . .that actually makes sense,” Simon mused, his eyes taking on a distant look. “Reavers fly without containment, they eat flesh, they’re covered in scars and wounds. Yet,” he added, “they never seem to be sick, or die.” “Well, they die,” Jayne said pointedly. “Well, yes,” Simon grinned. “When someone cuts their head off with a large sword, they do. But I’ve never seen a sick reaver, Jayne,” he pointed out. “They’re all sick, Simon,” Jayne shuddered. “You know what I mean, Jayne,” Simon told him, finishing with the stitches. “You’re ready to go,” he announced. “Please try and stay fit for a day or so, Jayne,” he added. “I could use the rest.” “Do my best, Doc,” Jayne grinned. “What are you going to do with our night off?” Simon asked. “Kaylee and River want to go into town, so I guess we’re goin’,” Jayne shrugged. “Wanna tag along?” Simon looked shocked for an instant. “No, I really am tired,” he managed. “And I think the two of them can look after you,” he added with a smirk. Jayne chuckled at that. “I’m sure.” ---------------------- Zoe had already left the ship, in search of a hotel with bathtubs. Mal and Inara were staying on the ship. Jayne showered and dressed, meeting River and Kaylee in the bay. “Took you long enough,” Kaylee huffed, and River giggled. “Had to get my stitches out, woman,” Jayne grinned. “Oh,” Kaylee smiled, hugging him. “That is good news,” she smiled wickedly. Jayne raised an eyebrow at that. “I’m still here, you two,” River pointed out, laughing. “Well, let’s us go, then,” Jayne said. Each girl took an arm, and the trio started into town. Simon watched them go, smiling. “Interesting look, Simon,” Jasmine startled him. “Just watching the rest of the crew going,” he told her, still smiling. “Your sister and Cobb?” she asked. “No,” Simon laughed. “No, she and Jayne are friends, that’s all. No, Jayne and Kaylee are the couple.” “That explains the hostile glances,” Jasmine grinned. “When I was talking to Cobb earlier.” “Probably,” Simon nodded. “Well, are you going into town?” she asked. Simon shook his head again. “No, I’m going to bed,” he told her wearily. “Taking care of all those injured has worn me out.” “Well, sleep well, Doctor,” Jasmine smiled, and headed down the ramp. --------------------- Jayne, Kaylee and River were walking down the street, glancing at various shops along the way. It was a pleasant evening, and they were having a good time. Suddenly River stiffened, and Jayne stopped short. “What is it, River?” he asked, looking around. “Zoe,” she whispered urgently. “Zoe’s in trouble. This way!” she pointed across the street, and down. The three set out without another word. --------------------- Zoe hadn’t meant to be in trouble. In fact she’d tried to avoid trouble all together. But some men couldn’t seem to take no for an answer. And this one had friends. The fight had gone fairly well for a minute, but it was five on one, and Zoe was soon overwhelmed. “Come in here, wearing that gun, like you was a man, huh,” one snarled, holding her arm. “You need a lesson in manners.” “We’ll give’er a lesson, all right,” another thug leered at her, his eyes running up and down her body. “One she’ll enjoy, I bet,” he added, his eyes gleaming with malicious glee. Suddenly the leering man had other problems, as a small foot slammed into the side of his head. “Evenin’, boys,” a deep growl came from behind, and Zoe had never been so relieved to hear Jayne’s voice. Both men holding her arms disappeared, as Jayne grabbed them by the necks, and slapped their heads together. River had already dealt with the first man, and now went to work on the second one. Kaylee ran to where Zoe had collapsed onto the floor. Jayne slammed the two heads together again, and the sickening crunch of bone was clear in the room. The last man looked from one attacker to the other, and then fled. Jayne started to go after him, but Zoe grabbed his arm. “Leave him,” she gasped. Jayne realized she was hurt, then. “Gun,” Zoe pointed to her carbine, and River retrieved it. Jayne looked Zoe over, then lifted her up, carrying her outside. “I can walk, Jayne,” Zoe gasped. “No, you can’t,” Kaylee said to her. “You’re hurt. Let Jayne tote ya.” “Let’s get her back to the ship,” River said quietly, looking around. “Something here still isn’t right.” Jayne nodded, and the group started for Serenity. “Zoe, you know who they was?” Kaylee asked. Zoe shook her head, still gasping for air. “No. . .idea, mei mei,” she managed. “No more talkin’ till we get to the ship,” Jayne ordered. “Sounds like you got a broke rib or two.” Zoe nodded, laying her head on Jayne’s shoulder weakly. River walked behind them, watching carefully for any signs they were being followed. “Anything, mei mei?” Jayne asked quietly. “No, ge ge,” she assured him, replying in kind to his endearment. “We are not being followed.” “Make sure it stays that way,” he ordered. “I will.” They hurried up the still lowered ramp. “Kaylee, go and get Simon, then Mal. River, you watch from here. I’ll be back, and stay with you, soon’s I get Zoe to the infirmary.” “Very well,” River nodded. Kaylee set off at a run. “Thanks, Jayne,” Zoe gasped. “No problem, Zoe,” he smiled down at her. He got to the infirmary and lowered her gently to the table. Simon came hurrying in. “What happened?” “She was attacked by five hundans in town,” Jayne told him. “I’d say she’s got some rib damage for sure.” Simon nodded, and started to examine her. Mal arrived just then. “What’s goin’ on?” he demanded. “Kaylee can tell you,” Jayne told him. “I’m goin’ to stand watch with River till we know for sure we wasn’t followed.” Mal nodded. “Zoe was attacked, Captain,” Kaylee told him. “River felt it, and her and Jayne, well. . .” “I can get that part,” Mal nodded. “How is she, Simon?” “She’s got some cracked ribs, and several bruises,” Simon told him, working busily. “Zoe, you up to tellin’ me what happened?” Mal asked. “Not now, Captain,” Simon said shortly. “Every effort she makes puts more pressure on her ribs. Let me make sure they aren’t threatening her lungs, and then she can talk. Okay?” “All right,” Mal nodded. He headed back out to the ramp, where Jayne and River were watching. Kaylee followed as Inara arrived to help Simon. “Any idea what that was about?” he asked. “No, Captain,” River shook her head. “Just felt her in trouble. We followed it, and found her being attacked by five men,” she shuddered as she remembered the minds she’d touched. “They meant to. . . .” “I get it,” Mal said softly, squeezing her shoulder softly. “One of’em got away,” Jayne told him. “Zoe said to let him go. Glad we did, after I seen what shape she was in.” River could feel the anger ripping through him. “I appreciate it,” Mal nodded. Jayne snorted. “Like I’d do anything else,” he told Mal, and the Captain nodded again. “I know, Jayne,” he said quietly. “I didn’t mean it like that at all.” “He knows that, Cap’n,” Kaylee said, glaring at Jayne. “It’s all right, Mal,” Jayne shrugged. “Just takes some gettin’ used to, is all. Me and you bein’ able to get along.” “Reckon it will,” Mal smiled. “Glad for it, though,” he added. “Me too,” Jayne admitted. Kaylee beamed at him then, hugging him. “Well, I’ll get back and check on Zoe,” Mal said. “You can watch until that reporter woman gets back, then seal the ship.” “Will do,” Jayne nodded. Mal departed, and the three of them were left alone. “Why would they do that?” Kaylee asked, worry in her voice. “Wanted something they couldn’t have,” River said quietly. “Vile, loathsome creatures. From far out of the town. Come here to ‘play’,” she shook slightly. “I shoulda thought o’ that,” Jayne murmured. “Damn tuskers, rot their guts,” he swore softly. “Tuskers?” Kaylee asked, frowning. “Wild men, some folk call’em,” Jayne said quietly. “Live out in the wilds. Celeste is some settled, mind, but there’s huge areas where they ain’t nothin’. Mountains, desert and the like. Tuskers live out in them wilds, huntin’ and trappin’. Most are meaner’n a snake. They venture into a town like this, and think they can tree it.” “And sometimes they can,” he admitted. “Mind one time three of’em called on my ma,” he laughed. “Figured she was a widow woman, all alone but for a wild boy, and an old man. She whupped the tar outta of’em. Tough woman, my ma,” he said proudly. “Sounds like a formidable woman,” River smiled. “Tuskers,” Jayne shook his head. “Wonder if them five was all there was?” he asked himself, looking back out the door, to the lights of the town in the distance. “Tuskers travel in packs, like every other scavenger,” he snarled. “Like as not the one that run, he went to fetch help. If they was more than five.” He turned to Kaylee. “You care to go to my bunk, and fetch Vera for me, ai ren?” Kaylee smiled. “Why, Jayne,” she looked at him wide eyed. “You’d let me touch your gun?” River snickered at the innuendo, and Jayne fought off a chuckle. “Any of my guns, baby doll,” he growled softly, and Kaylee’s face went hot at that. “I aim ta hold ya to that, you old bear,” she promise, then went to get the gun in question. “You two should get a room,” River rolled her eyes theatrically. “Got a room,” Jayne smirked. “Just ain’t had the chance to use it, last few days.” He looked back out the door, and turned serious. “If they come, mei mei, they won’t be playin’,” he warned. “They can’t let somethin’ like this pass. Make folks take’em lightly, dong ma?” River nodded. “Understood.” “Don’t go gettin’ all wild on me, okay?” Jayne told her. “Soon not lose you.” “The feeling is mutual, ge ge,” she told him quietly. “Control yourself and fight with your head, not your rage.” “I will,” he promised. “You don’t mind I call you that, do you,” he asked suddenly. River looked at him, smiling. “Would not call you ge ge if I did,” she told him. “I rather like the idea of being your smaller sister, Jayne Cobb,” she added. “I like it too, River Tam,” Jayne told her. “I like it too.”