Disclaimer thingy: Firefly/Serenity are owned by other folks and not by me, though I appreciate being able to write some stuff purely for fun inspired by the Firefly 'Verse. All constructive comments and feedback from you shiny readers out there much appreciated!

**********************************************

Mal fell backwards and hit the ground heavily with a stunned gasp, as the breath was knocked out of him by the impact of the blow. For a moment he lay still, sprawled on his back in the dust; then his head turned to one side as he groped unsteadily to try to turn over. Before he could do so a booted foot slammed into his ribs, driving what little air he had left out of his lungs. He choked, fighting to breathe; then another kick caught him in the head and he blacked out. Vaughan stepped back, rubbing his fist. He looked down at Mal where he lay on the ground, ready to strike again. Beside him Felix nodded. “You got him, boss. He ain’t gettin’ up any time soon.” “Yeah.” Vaughan regarded Mal. “Reckon not.” “Woulda been easier to shoot him,” commented Felix. “Noisier too,” replied Vaughan. “Don’t want to attract any attention from anyone left on board. This way he’s out of the picture – and we can go in quietly.” He glanced up at the ship. “Likely there ain’t too many left, but best not to take chances. The merc and the nigger bitch were on that mule, but could be other muscle on the crew that we haven’t seen yet.” He smiled unpleasantly down at the unconscious Mal. “Though it doesn’t seem like this hwoon dahn has got much of a notion of security. I’ll bet he’s still holding my money.” He bent down and patted down the sides of Mal’s chest, then pulled open his coat to reveal a bulging inner pocket. “Hah.” He pulled out the small leather bag and opened it, running his gaze over the coins. “Looks like it’s all there. Come back home to papa.” He stuffed the bag into his pocket and straightened up. “Looks like you should’ve given me that discount… Huh, delivery boy?” With that he drew back his foot and kicked out again, his boot connecting hard with the side of Mal’s head. Felix glanced back in the direction of town. “How long you think we’ve got?” “Long enough.” Vaughan turned away from Mal’s unconscious form and began to walk towards the cargo bay ramp. Felix followed him, the two men moving swiftly and silently on board, guns at the ready.

* * * * *

Up in the engine room, Kaylee crawled out from under the engine housing and stood up, frowning at a part in her hand. “Geez…” she muttered. “I’m sure that didn’t ought to be like that.” She examined one end of the part closely. “Oh, I see… I think…” “Anything wrong?” asked Leon, from where he sat on the engine room steps. Kaylee shook her head. “No. Well, yeah, but I can fix it.” She turned to her toolbox and began to rummage. “Aw heck - ” A grimace spread across her face. “Why’s it you can never find the tool you want when you need it?” She crouched back on her heels and stared hard at the part. Then her face cleared. “Wait a minute… I know where I left the darn thing!” She looked at Leon. “I was fixing a unit in the infirmary for Simon, and I put it down on the worktop in there. Would you mind going and getting it? It’s about so big - ” she held her hands apart to show him the size, “ – with a little round doohickey at one end. It should just be lyin’ on the side somewheres down there.” “Okay,” said Leon, getting to his feet. “Back in a minute.” He climbed up into the hallway, turned right and headed down the stairs which led to the infirmary. Left behind, Kaylee regarded the part in her hand for a minute, turning it around quizzically. “Oh… Or maybe it should go in this way round.” She bent down and peered into the engine housing, trying to see the place where she’d disconnected the part from. “Hell, s’darker than a mineshaft down here… Gotta get some light.” She stood up and laid the part to one side, then moved briskly out of the doorway into the passage. Quickly she walked to the galley, looking around her, then shook her head and muttered, “I know where there’s a flashlight. Down in the cargo bay tool locker, if Jayne ain’t forgotten to put it back again.” Kaylee walked to the far doorway and stepped through – then felt herself pulled sideways and slammed against the passage wall, something pressing hard against her throat. A low voice said harshly, “Make a sound and you’re dead.” She froze, her breath choked. Someone was gripping her arm, pushing her face-first against the cold metal. Then the grip yanked her around and she was facing two men, both holding guns trained on her. She immediately recognised Vaughan and Felix. “Wha – What - ” Her voice was thin with shock. Vaughan lifted his gun and pressed it to the side of her chin. “No noise. Just nod or shake your head.” Breathless, Kaylee stared into his eyes. “Any more crew on board this ship? Anyone besides you and Reynolds?” Kaylee felt her stomach knot. Where’s Mal? Vaughan’s mouth tightened and he ground the muzzle of his gun hard into her cheek. “Anyone else here, girl?” Kaylee felt her heart miss a beat. They don’t know that Leon’s on board Serenity. But for how long? She gave a tiny shake of the head. Vaughan’s eyes narrowed. “You sure about that?” She nodded again, still held silent by the gun barrel touching her face. “Right. Then we’ll just go make sure, huh?” He pulled her away from the wall, gun at her neck. “Felix, you check out the crew quarters, then lock ‘em down. Get up onto the bridge and start powering this heap of junk up. Me and the little lady here are going for a tour around, make sure there’s no other company.” Felix grunted assent and moved off, and Vaughan pulled Kaylee towards the cargo bay steps. Kaylee had to hold onto the rail as they descended, her legs starting to shake. She stared sideways at the still-open cargo bay door, then flinched as Vaughan nudged her with his gun to keep her moving. “C’mon. Let’s go.” Kaylee stumbled on towards the infirmary and passenger quarters, trying to go as slowly as possible. She realised that she had to keep talking, to give Leon warning of their approach. With a dry mouth she asked, “Where – where’s the captain?” “He won’t be joining us,” said Vaughan dryly. Kaylee’s stomach twisted. “Where is he?” she asked again, her voice trembling. Vaughan laughed. “Taking a nap outside.” He prodded her forwards with the gun. “Keep moving.” They advanced along the passage until the infirmary came into view – and there was no sign of Leon. Kaylee felt an inner surge of relief, then flinched as Vaughan pushed her onwards. “Let’s take a look in those cabins.” They continued down the passage and Vaughan checked every room, taking care to keep Kaylee close. At last he turned back with a hard smile. “Well. Looks like it’s just us and you, sweetheart.” He pushed her back to the seating area outside the infirmary, and reached out to an intercom on the wall. “Felix? All clear. How’s it looking up there?” “No sign of anyone else, boss. Powering up now, you want to shut the cargo bay door.” “Roger that.” Vaughan shut the intercom off and grinned at Kaylee. “Like to come for a ride, little lady?” Kaylee met his eyes, taking a step backwards – but Vaughan grabbed hold of her wrist and pulled her close, lifting his gun to her face again. He spoke in a low voice. “Feel this gun?” He pressed the barrel hard against her temple, making her wince. “I’ll use it. You better believe it.” Kaylee held herself rigid in his grip, trying to stop shaking. “Now, we’re going to head on up to the bridge, nice and slow. Give me any strife, and all your troubles will be over. Permanently.” They moved past the infirmary and back out to the cargo bay. Only when the sound of their footsteps had died away did Leon’s face appear from behind one of the infirmary beds. He moved cautiously, eyes wide, straightening up from the crouch he’d dropped into as soon as he’d heard Vaugan and Kaylee approaching. His hands shook: one still held the tool Kaylee had sent him for. He looked down at it, then carefully laid it on the bed. Tyen ah. Who’s that guy? What’s going on? The fear he’d heard in Kaylee’s voice had told him she was in trouble. Bad trouble. There was a distant clunk: the cargo bay door being locked shut. A moment later, the thrum of the engines powering up began to sound. Leon stared around the infirmary. We’re taking off? Where the hell is everyone? The tug of Serenity lifting off jolted him and he put out a hand to steady himself; looked wildly at the shelf of medical supplies in front of him. There’s two of them, at least. And probably both armed. What the hell can I do? Then his eyes fell on a row of neatly-labelled bottles, next to a sterile hypo in a pack. He had a sudden memory of Simon leaning over him, sending him down into blissful sleep. Slowly his eyes narrowed. Kaylee stumbled as Vaughan pushed her swiftly along the fore passage, almost falling up the steps onto the bridge. Felix was seated at the console: he looked around as they came in. “All done, boss. We’ll be leavin’ atmo in a minute.” “Good.” Vaughan nodded. “Head for those co-ordinates I gave you, and send off that wave to MacDonald. Tell him we’ll be wanting a ride back home after we’ve traded.” “Reckon he’ll give you a good price?” “For breaking this clunker?” Vaughan snorted. “Won’t get much. But it’ll pay for some of the aggravation.” “Breaking…Serenity?” Kaylee’s eyes widened. “You can’t do that!” Vaughan turned his head to look at her coldly – then swung his clenched fist, back-handing her across the face. Kaylee fell against the bulkhead, clinging to the metal wall. Vaughan leaned over her. “Don’t remember asking you for your opinion.” Kaylee looked up at him, one hand going unsteadily to her mouth. Vaughan’s blow had driven her cheek against her teeth: she could taste blood against her tongue. “You better understand, girl. This is my ship now. Reynolds owed me, for his lack of respect. I ain’t going to take attitude from some Rim-trading junk flyer. I get this ship, and I’m going to sell it for whatever it’ll bring. And it’ll bring more in pieces.” Kaylee stared at him. “And that’s not all I get…” Vaughan reached out with one hand: Kaylee involuntarily flinched back. Vaughan smiled, then took hold of her chin. “The ship isn’t up to much, but you are a pretty piece of goods.” Kaylee jerked herself free, her eyes dark with fear. “I’m not for sale,” she managed to get out between clenched teeth. Vaughan smiled again. “Who said anything about paying for it?” he said amusedly. And he ran a finger down her arm. Kaylee stiffened and pulled back against the wall. Vaughan laughed, then stepped back. “Relax, bao bei. There’s no hurry. We’ll have all the time in the world to get acquainted.”

* * * * *

Simon folded his arms behind his head and leaned back against the sheltered sun-warmed wall, closing his eyes and letting the late afternoon warmth penetrate his skin. It felt good just to sit there for a moment. “You look pretty comfortable.” He opened his eyes, to see Inara smiling down at him. He smiled back, propping himself more upright. Behind her he could see River making her unhurried way down the street, followed by Zoë who appeared to be chaperoning a reluctant Jayne. Simon glanced at the shadows, then looked back to Inara. “Is it time to be heading back already?” “Afraid so.” Inara stepped gracefully into the mule. As River came up Simon gave her a hand in too. Zoë swung into the driver’s seat as an audibly grumbling Jayne dropped heavily into the back of the vehicle. “Quit grousing, Jayne.” “…Four lousy drinks…” Jayne sounded outraged. “Ain’t hardly started to wash the dust outta my throat…” Zoë started the mule engine in reply, and swung them out into the street. There was little traffic and they made good time to the edge of town and out into the open country. Jayne had finally stopped muttering complaints and everyone had fallen into companionable silence by the time Zoë crested the ridge that lay between them and where Serenity had touched down. Simon’s elbow skidded off the mule sill and jolted him from his thoughts as the vehicle suddenly slowed. Jayne yelped a protest as his knees collided with the back of Simon’s seat, and both River and Inara let out cries of surprise. “Goddamn, Zoë!” Jayne cursed. “You want to go easy on the brakes?” “Wuh duh tyen ah…” Zoë spoke in a low voice, frowning ahead. Simon followed her gaze and was surprised to see empty landscape where Serenity had been. Zoë had brought the mule to a halt: for a moment they all stared at the lack of ship. “Gwai-gwai long duh dong…” Jayne spoke first. “Where’s it at?” “Did we take a wrong turning?” Inara sounded alarmed. “No.” Zoë looked around. “This is where we landed.” “Then… where’s the ship?” asked Simon. “Hell, we weren’t gone that long,” protested Jayne. “Mal said we had two hours!” Zoë said nothing more, but kicked the mule into gear and drove swiftly forwards. As they drew closer to where Serenity had been, everyone continued to look blankly at the bare patch of ground. Then Jayne shot out a pointing finger. “Somethin’ over there!” In a moment they all saw it: a dark shape on the ground. Zoë steered towards it. They were only a few yards away when Simon said, “Oh God.” He began to clamber into the back, tugging his medical bag out from under the seat. Zoë brought the mule to a crunching halt and everyone piled out, Zoë in the lead as they ran towards what they could now see was Mal lying sprawled on his back. Zoë reached him first and knelt down, her eyes taking in the blood that covered the side of Mal’s face. Simon was beside her straight away, setting down his bag and reaching out carefully to Mal’s head. Inara came to a halt behind him. “Lao tyen - ” Simon was frowning as his fingers carefully checked for a pulse, his eyes scanning the damage. “He’s alive. But he’s had a bad blow to the head.” “No shit, doc,” grunted Jayne. Simon ignored him, taking a sterile wipe out of his bag and using it to gently clean some of the blood away. As he did so Jayne stalked around the immediate area, scowling at the ground, then returned. “Reckon someone jumped him. There’s at least two sets of tracks leading to where Serenity’s ramp was.” Suddenly Mal stirred under Simon’s ministrations, letting out a faint groan. His eyes flickered half open and one hand tried to lift jerkily up. “…Whuh… Uhh…” He stared up at Simon muzzily and tried to lift his head: winced and let out another groan. “Take it easy,” Simon said quickly. “Just lie still a moment.” Mal’s brows drew together in a grimace, then he opened his eyes again. “…Guay… What the hell happened?…” His hand wavered up to touch the side of his head and he bit down on a curse. “Goddamnit…” “We were hoping you could tell us, sir,” said Zoë. Mal frowned up at her. “Serenity’s gone.” “What?” That got Mal trying to sit up. He almost made it into a sitting position before clutching at his head with one hand and nearly falling over sideways. Simon and Zoë both grabbed at him to hold him upright; Mal twisted to look over his shoulder. When he saw the empty landscape his eyes darkened. “Tah mah duh…” Simon gripped his shoulder. “Where’s Kaylee?” “She ain’t here?” Mal turned back to him. Simon shook his head, his face showing some of the dread he was beginning to feel. Mal took a moment to catch his breath, then began to stand up. “Give me a hand, Zoë.” She supported him until he was upright; Mal staggered a little, leaning on her, then took a few unsteady steps to the scrape on the ground where Serenity’s ramp had rested. He stared down at it, then lifted his head and looked up at the sky. “That hwoon dahn…” He took a breath. “Vaughan?” asked Zoë, standing next to him. “Who else’d it be?” Mal swung around then caught his breath, his hand lifting to his ribs. “Tyen ah - ” His lips tightened. “Mal, you’re hurt.” Inara stepped forward. “Not as bad as Vaughan’s gonna be when I lay hands on him,” said Mal harshly, trying to breathe without jarring his side. “And how the ruttin’ hell are we gonna do that?” exclaimed Jayne. “Flap our wings?” “Shut up, Jayne,” said Zoë flatly, watching Mal’s face with concern. “You oughta sit down, sir.” Mal shook his head, then winced again. Simon moved close to him. “She’s right. You should sit down before you fall down.” “Goddamnit, that son of a bitch stole my ship!” Mal shouted, then shut his eyes against the pain hammering inside his head. He felt Simon’s hand holding his arm and opened his eyes to look at the young doctor, whose face was drawn with worry. “And Kaylee must still be on board,” he finished. There was a brief silence. Then Zoë said, “What do you want to do, sir?” Mal started to walk painfully towards the mule. “Head into town. We’ll find out where Vaughan’s gone, then I’m going after him.” “You figure he’s gone far?” Zoë was already climbing into the driver’s seat. “Not far enough.” Mal’s mouth was set in a grim line.

* * * * *

Kaylee sat very still against the cockpit wall, her eyes on the two big men seated in the pilot’s and co-pilot’s chairs. Her hands were bound tightly in front of her with cord Felix had found in one of the storage lockers. That done, she had been pushed to sit on the floor and told not to move and to keep quiet. She didn’t need telling twice. The side of her face where Vaughan had hit her ached, a glowing point of pain spreading out along her cheekbone. She sat with her knees pulled up close, arms hugged to her body to try to keep away the shakes that she knew would begin if she let them. A tight knot of fear sat sharply in the pit of her stomach. Oh God. What am I going to do? Her eyes rested on Vaughan’s back. Big as his hired man Felix was, Vaughan was the one who really scared her. He was the one who was calling the shots. The easy, almost casual way he’d hit her showed the kind of man he was. And I don’t know where’s he’s taking Serenity. And me. Or what he’s done to Mal. The knot in her stomach drew tighter. Oh God. I can’t get out of this on my own. I was never on my own like this before. Even when Jubal Early came on board, the others were there. River was there, in my head, talking me through. But now it’s just me. And Leon. But what can he do, against two armed men? They’ve locked all the crew quarters, he won’t be able to get to Jayne’s armoury – even if he was to get up the fore deck without them hearing or seeing him. Felix leaned back in the pilot’s chair. “Okay, boss. All set. MacDonald’s expectin’ us. Says he can give us a ride back after we’ve delivered the goods.” “Right.” Vaughan nodded. “What’s our ETA?” “Three, maybe four hours, we go easy. Course is locked in. This old crate’ll practically fly itself once you point its nose at somethin’ big enough.” Vaughan grunted. “Okay. I’ll keep an eye on things up here. You take a look around, see what else there is on board worth anything.” “Figure there’ll be much?” asked Felix, standing up and moving to the doorway. “No.” Vaughan snorted humourlessly. “Raggedy-ass operation like this ain’t likely to have much stashed away. But you never know. Check it out.” Felix nodded and headed out of the bridge. As his heavy footsteps faded away down the passage, Vaughan glanced over his shoulder at Kaylee. “Make yourself comfy, sweetheart. Be a few hours before we get where we’re going.” “And then what?” Kaylee’s voice shook a little: she tightened her jaw. “You figure you can sell Serenity and just head back home? Zoë and the others’ll be waiting for you!” “Mm hmm.” Vaughan smiled. “So they might. But so will the rest of my men. And I got you to bargain with. They want you back safe and sound, your friends’ll have to talk nice and polite to me. Unlike that liaou-mahng captain of yours.” “Mal’s worth a hundred of you!” exploded Kaylee, forgetting for the moment that not so long ago she’d asked Leon to drop a rock on Mal’s head. “And you musta took him by surprise, or else you’d never have got the drop on him!” Vaughan snorted again. “Weren’t too difficult,” he replied. “Didn’t even have to waste a bullet on him.” Kaylee felt chilled. “What did you do?” “Taught him who the bigger man was in the deal.” Vaughan’s eyes grew cold now. “Nobody cheats me and talks down to me. Especially on my home ground. Maybe Rim-cruising tramps like you bunch of losers think you can get away with mistreating a real businessman like me… Well, you’re learning that ain’t the case.” His lip curled a little. “Guess that’s what I get for trading with a crooked old puo-foo like Jing-Mei. Still: I don’t think I’m going to lose out on the deal.” He knocked dismissively on the console. “This heap of junk’ll pay plenty more than one thousand, even after MacDonald takes his cut. Your mouthy browncoat captain should’ve taken what I offered him, instead of getting greedy.” He smiled at her. “But then, I suppose he just didn’t know he was up against a better man.”

* * * * *

Zoë stood with folded arms behind Mal, her dark eyes fixed on the pudgy man behind the desk. Her gaze travelled intently to the doorway, where Simon was standing impatiently with Jayne. Wait, Zoë signalled him with her eyes. Let the captain handle this. Mal was controlling his anger. Barely. She heard it in his tone, which was low and dangerous. “I’m tellin’ you I can pay you for hirin’ a ship. Just not right now.” “Really.” The pudgy man rested his interlocked fingers on the desk and regarded Mal with a complete lack of interest. “And what security can you offer me?” “My good word,” said Mal shortly. The man raised his eyebrows. “Uh huh? Well, that plus three hundred platinum will get you hire of a ship.” His eyes slid over Mal’s dishevelled appearance pityingly. “Don’t know if anyone’s told you, but you don’t exactly present the appearance of a trustworthy character. Been in the wars?” Mal’s jaw tightened and he leaned forward sharply over the desk: Zoë saw him wince as the movement pulled at his bruised ribs. “Listen, you hwoon dahn, I just had my ship stolen out from under me by a no-good son-of-a-bitch called Vaughan, with one of my crew still on board. I don’t get both them back safe and sound - ” “Vaughan?” The pudgy man’s demeanour changed. “Vaughan took your ship?” “Yeah!” Mal’s control was wearing thin. “What’d you do to him?” demanded the man. He pushed his chair back from his desk. “I’m not hiring, selling or giving you a damn thing. You want me to cross Vaughan? He runs this town!” He turned to the hired muscle who’d been standing beside him. “Show the – good captain – here and his friends out!” As Mal prepared to argue, his fists starting to clench, Zoë stepped up next to him. “Come on, sir. We’re not going to get any help here.” Mal held the man’s gaze with a burning one of his own – then turned and stormed out of the doorway. Serenity’s crew came to a halt in the dusty street outside; the door of the ship trader slammed shut behind them. Mal walked the few steps to the mule and put his hands on it, his back to the others. For a moment his head lowered: they all heard him take a long breath. His knuckles whitened where his hands clenched into fists on the metal. “Sir.” Zoë spoke quietly. “We’ll find someone who’ll let us have use of a ship.” Mal’s head lifted and he slowly turned around. His face was pale with suppressed anger. “Damn right we will.” His voice was rough. “Don’t care if I got to kill someone to get it. In fact, ‘f’it were that guy in there I might even enjoy myself a little.” “Look, every minute we stand here talking, they’re getting further away!” Simon’s voice rose urgently. Mal shot him a look. “Thanks for clearin’ that up, doc. Would’ve had a little trouble keepin’ that at the forefront of my mind without you remindin’ us.” “Look, there must be something we can do!” broke in Inara. She gestured at the mule. “Surely we can raise some cash on the mule, I’ve got a little money on me, if we all pool what we’ve got together - ” “Oh sure - we might just be able to buy ourselves an astro-yacht!” snorted Jayne derisively. Inara turned on him angrily. “We have to try! They’ve got Kaylee!” “And Leon.” River spoke quietly, but somehow her voice made them all fall silent. She looked at them. “Leon’s on board too. None of you even remembered him.” “Leon ain’t Kaylee,” said Mal shortly, although River’s words had given him a twinge of guilt. She turned her head and rested her eyes on him, saying nothing more. “Please…” Simon spoke in an intense tone. “Let’s do something! I can’t stand this!” “Inara’s right.” Zoë’s voice was clear. “Pooling what we got and finding someone who’ll trade us some transport’s got to be our best move.” “And then what?” demanded Jayne. “How we gonna overtake them with the start they got? We don’t even know where they’re goin’!” “We’ll find out,” said Mal in a dangerous tone. “Right…” Jayne shook his head with disgust. “Then we go up and knock on the airlock and they let us in? Sounds ‘bout like one of your usual plans.” “Goddamnit, Jayne - ” Mal turned on the big mercenary. “You want to shut that big fat mouth of yours before I do it for you?” “Hey!” Jayne’s hackles rose and he squared up to the captain. “You hadn’t got yourself jumped, we wouldn’t be in this mess!” “Bi-jway!” Inara stepped in between them. She held Jayne with a furious gaze, then turned to look at Mal. “We’re wasting time.” After a moment, Mal’s eyes dropped from hers. He turned around. “Zoë, find a dealer we can trade with. Everyone else… Let’s see what we’ve got in the way of assets.”