Archangel - Chapter Thirty-two Author owns no rights to Firefly, and no copyright infringement is intended. Fanfic only. -------------------- The eleven men and women in the meeting room where perhaps the most powerful group of people in the history of mankind. For these eleven people were the power behind the Alliance Parliament. They made the decisions that affected the lives of almost every citizen in the ‘verse. “The operation is progressing nicely,” the man at the head of the table rumbled in his deep baritone. “We are nearly at the point where we can begin our cleansing campaign, in an effort to restore order.” “Who will command that effort?” the woman next to him asked. “That has yet to be determined,” the man informed her. “We are, as you know, using the present crisis as a test, of sorts, for those in leadership positions. Several have caught our attention, though no one of them has risen above the others, as yet.” “How long will it be before we can began?” another man asked, his voice betraying his eagerness. “I suspect it will be between two and five weeks, depending on reactions from the public,” the Information Minister replied, smiling. “We are controlling what IPN releases of course, but the various other agencies are running wild with the story.” “Are we set to. . .handle, the reaver issue, once this is finished?” a woman at the far end of the table asked hesitantly. “We are,” the chairman nodded. “All is in readiness.” “Then why not start now?” the over eager minister asked, leaning forward, his eyes alight. “Why not move now, and be done with it?” “We need to let public opinion come to a head, first,” the chairman informed him. “Your time will come, Az. Be patient.” Az nodded reluctantly, and leaned back into his chair. He paid scant attention to the nuts and bolts his fellow ministers argued over during the next hour. His mind was ranging far from the board room. ---------------- As the meeting broke up, the man known as Az walked down the hallway to his own offices. He walked into his private office without a word to his staff, and sat down. Opening up a cortex screen that by-passed the building’s secured lines, he placed a call. Soon, an elderly man appeared on the screen, and smiled at the sight of the caller. “Hello, my young friend.” “I am no longer so young, Brother Thomas,” Az snorted. “How are you, then, my no longer so young friend?” Thomas asked. 'What have you learned.' “Well, I have been better, but I’m fine considering the shape I’m in,” Az laughed. 'We have run out of time. We must move now, if we are to prevail.' “Well, I’m sure you’ll be fine, in the long run,” Thomas chuckled. “I don’t suppose you’ll be getting out here for graduation, will you?” 'We are ready. Will you be joining us?' “No, I’m afraid that my duties here will prevent that,” Az sighed. “And I was looking forward to it. I know that some of the best students are leaving this year. I was just thinking, yesterday, how long it’s been since the last student that was so accomplished.” 'I cannot. Have you found him? Is he willing?' “Well, it’s possible some of the alumnus will be here,” Thomas frowned. “Though with the browncoats apparently attacking anywhere they take the whim may affect their plans.” 'I know where he is, and I believe that he may be. I will know soon.' “Well, if I can work out my schedule, I’ll attend,” Az sighed. “I just don’t see it happening, though, as busy as I am. But I will see to it that the graduates are gifted,” he smiled. 'I have arranged for the items you need, and they will be there on time.' “That is very kind of you,” Thomas nodded. “Many of our students owe you a great deal for your kindness in assisting them in entering society after their education.” 'We will make use of them, thank you.' “It’s little enough I can do to repay your kindness to me,” Az said truthfully. “If not for you, I wouldn’t have been as successful as I have been. Take care, teacher,” he smiled. 'Watch yourself. Things will happen quickly when they happen.' “I shall, and you do the same. The Alliance needs men such as you,” Thomas smiled. The connection broke, and Az leaned back in his chair. His hand rose of it’s own volition, and stoked a small pendant beneath his shirt. Had anyone ever seen it, they would have wondered at the strange design. A cross, adorned with wings. 'And so it begins,' he thought. 'But where will it end.' ------------------ “We’ll be over Londinium in a few hours,” Mal told Inara quietly. “Where will we go after we drop off Sheydra and the others?” Inara asked. “No idea,” Mal shrugged. He had told the crew of the call from the Operative. “Just have to see what’s happening, that’s all. Might be we’ll find a job or two, give us a reason to be moving.” “Sheydra has compensated us rather handsomely for rescuing her and the others,” Inara smiled. “In all honesty, it’s about as much as we could make in the next three years, if we worked steadily.” “Ain’t no reason not to be workin’,” Mal told her. “And, it gives us a reason to be about.” “True,” Inara murmured, leaning into him. “Jayne, please come to the bridge”, River’s voice broke over the com. Mal looked up at the com. “What is it, River?” Jayne’s voice came back. “You have a call,” River replied. “He says he’s an old friend of yours. Named Thomas.” “That’s all we need,” Mal groaned. “Old friends of Jayne’s.” “Mal,” Inara warned. “You don’t even know who it is.” “If they’re friends of Jayne’s, how good can it be?” ---------------- Jayne sprinted to the bridge, Kaylee running after him in surprise. Jayne had looked dumbfounded at the name. The big man reached the bridge, to see River pointing to the screen. “Hello, Michael,” Thomas said, his smile one of joy at seeing a long lost friend. “Brother Thomas,” Jayne’s head inclined in respect. “I didn’t expect hear from you.” “Or that I knew where you were?” the old man’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve know where you were since you left, my son,” the old man informed him. “And I have watched your actions over the last few weeks, as well. You have done well. Made us proud.” “I did only what was needed, Brother Thomas,” Jayne replied. “Troubling times are upon us, Michael,” Thomas told him. “It is time to come out of hiding. You are needed by the order.” “Sir, I. . .I have obligations here,” Jayne told him, respectfully. River and Kaylee were both looking on in amazement at the respect Jayne was showing the older man. “I know,” Thomas smiled. “And that your Captain is trying to find some way to stop all of this. Tell him to fear not. Plans are already made for just that. Plans that need you to be successful.” “I presume you can find your way here, after all this time?” he finished drily. “I can, sir,” Jayne nodded. “Quickly, then,” Thomas ordered. “Time is short, and there is much to do.” “Yes, sir,” Jayne nodded again. The screen went blank, and Jayne sighed, turning to face Kaylee, and River. “Get Mal up here, mei mei,” he told River. --------------------- “He what?” Mal asked, frowning. “Thomas says that they’ve already made plans for all this,” Jayne repeated. “He needs me to help him. And he might could use you, too, Mal,” Jayne added. “I didn’t ask. But I need to go there, and see what the deal is.” “Jayne, where is this school?” Zoe asked. “We’re already headed that way,” Jayne admitted with an exhaled breath. “It’s on Londinium.” “What?” Inara was shocked. “Where?” “In a monastery, overlooking the Crystaline Sea,” Jayne told her. “What?” Simon almost screeched. “That’s. . . .” “Jayne, are you talking about Montressorri de Alba?” Jazz asked, hesitantly. “Yes,” Jayne nodded. “That’s an Alliance puppet school!” Simon bellowed. “And you want to take River there?” “Looks can be deceiving, Simon,” Jayne told him. “What better way to hide something, than in the last place anyone would look?” “Jayne, graduates of that school occupy some of the highest positions in the Alliance Government,” Inara pointed out. “I’m aware of that,” Jayne smiled slightly. “I don’t like it,” Mal said suddenly. Jayne shrugged. “I still have to go,” he told them. “You don’t want to, that’s fine. I can make it there from wherever we land. I better get packin’, though,” he rose from the table. “Wait a minute,” Mal ordered. “You’re gonna leave us and go out to this school?” “I ain’t got an option, here, Mal,” Jayne told him. “He calls me, I go. That’s how it is.” “And he says he knows what we’re doin’?” Mal asked. “Yes, and told me to tell you, ‘fear not’,” Jayne nodded. “They’ve been waiting for something, it seems like. Whatever it was, it’s happening, or about to.” “We’ll go,” Mal said suddenly. Reactions were varied. “Anyone don’t want to go, can get off when the Companions do,” Mal said over the various comments. “Sheydra will see to it you’re all kept safe. Meanwhile, I aim to see what kinda school can produce a man what can kill two hundred reavers with a pair o’ swords, and a bucket o’ guts.” Jayne started at what almost sounded like a compliment, but said nothing. “I’d love to see it,” Inara said wistfully, realizing she’d be seeing something few people had ever seen. The home of the Archangels. “Well, everyone can decide what they want to do ‘fore we get to Londinium,” Mal said. Just then an alarm chimed over the comm, and River stood, heading for the bridge. “What’s that?” Mal asked. “We’ve reached Londinium,” River told him. “Well, time’s up, then,” Mal smiled. ------------------- In the end, no one left. Despite their apprehension, no one wanted to be separated from the rest. As the last of the Companions moved down the ramp, Sheydra stopped to hug Inara. “Please be careful, dear,” she said softly. “You be careful as well, Sheydra,” Inara warned. “Don’t stir too much until you’re in a position to protect yourself.” “I won’t.” With the ship empty, Mal closed the ramp, and hit the com. “Take us there, River,” he ordered, and hugged Inara to him. “Aye, Captain,” River replied, and the ship lifted, heading toward the mysterious monastery on the cliffs of the sea. ------------------- Serenity settled gently onto a small landing pad a short way from the school. As the ramp lowered, a single man was waiting for them. “Hello, Michael,” Brother Thomas smiled broadly, and embraced his former student. “Brother Thomas,” Jayne returned the embrace, surprising several of the crew. “And I presume this is Captain Reynolds?” the older man smiled, extending a hand to Mal. “Yes, sir,” Jayne nodded. “Mal, this is Brother Thomas. He was my mentor during my years here.” “Sir,” Mal nodded. “Your surprise is understandable, Captain,” Thomas smiled. “Michael is not the most genial of people.” Jayne turned red at that, but surprised them all by staying silent. “You can say that again,” Mal nodded, and Thomas smiled. “I must caution you all, before you are allowed to enter,” Thomas addressed the crew. “You will see and hear many things in the days ahead. Learn many things about us. You are never to repeat any of those things, anywhere. Our existence is dependent upon our security.” “I’m a reporter,” Jazz said at once. “I can’t make that kind of promise.” “Then I’m sure the Captain will allow you to remain on the ship,” Thomas never missed a beat. “I cannot allow you inside, if that is your answer.” “The people have a right to know. . . .” “The people have a right to survive, young miss,” Thomas cut her off. “And we are pledged to that right. Have shed much blood for it, over the centuries. You will not be allowed to endanger that mission.” Jazz looked at him closely. Finally she sighed. “Fine,” she said shortly. “I promise.” “I do hope you mean that, miss,” Thomas frowned. “We are not forgiving of those who betray us.” “I do,” Jazz promised. “I’m in this hip deep already. But,” she added. “I get to report on whatever happens, so long as I don’t mention you or your school. Deal?” “We can live with that,” Thomas smiled. “And the story will need to be told.” “Now, that that is taken care of, please,” Thomas waved toward the building. “Everyone come inside. There is a meal waiting, and quarters have been prepared for all of you.” “‘Spect we’ll probably stay on the ship, sir,” Mal blushed a bit, and Thomas smiled. “We aren’t that kind of order, Captain,” his eyes were laughing. “You may safely stay inside, and not fear offending anyone.” “Well, I uh. . . .” Mal sputtered, and Inara laughed lightly. “We thank you for your hospitality, sir,” she said regally. “Hey, what about me?” Kaylee demanded. “I assure you, his room is large enough for the two of you,” Thomas’ eyes danced in merriment as both Jayne and Kaylee blushed red. “As I said, we aren’t that kind of order.” ----------------------- “This is some place, Jayne,” Mal said as the crew ate supper. “It is,” Jayne replied. He’d been lost in his memories of this place, seeing old familiar haunts, training areas, and remembering times spent here. “It’s very old,” Inara commented. “I don’t know that records indicated exactly when the original walls were erected.” “Five years after the Arrival,” Thomas supplied, entering the room, and taking a seat. “The main building is the original.” “I don’t suppose I could. . .” Inara began. “Of course you can,” Thomas nodded. “Your love of history is obvious, my dear. I’d be delighted to show you around myself, but I fear I haven’t the time. You can explore at will on your own, or I can have a student escort you. The choice is yours.” “Thank you,” Inara smiled, almost shyly. This was a great treat for her. “I’m afraid I’ll have to borrow Michael from you for a bit,” Thomas apologized. “If he ever finishes, that is,” he added, wryly. “I see you haven’t lost your appetite.” “He ain’t,” Mal nodded. “Eats like a horse.” “Yeah, well,” Jayne said lamely. “Captain, I’d be delighted if you would join us,” Thomas added, and Mal started at that. “Me?” “Yes. I think you can be of great service to us. And you would likely get the answers to some of your questions as well. You have done great things for the people. You are most welcome here. All of you,” he added, looking at the crew. “Well,” Mal temporized. Inara nudged him. “Sure,” Mal nodded, rubbing his ribs. “I’d be. . .honored.” “Excellent.” Thomas looked at River then. “That invitation is open to you as well, little one,” he said kindly. River looked startled. “Sir?” “You are known to us,” he told her. “And your input would likely prove valuable. Not to mention,” he added, “that you have gained Michael’s trust. No small matter, I know from experience,” he smiled ruefully. “I don’t think. . . .” Simon began. “I’d like that very much,” River’s quiet answer over-ruled Simon’s objection. Thomas nodded. “When you are finished, come to my office,” he told Jayne, rising. “I’ll be waiting.”