Into the Blue Chapter 11

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. I’m just playing. No money being made.

This fic takes place just over two years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/OC and Jayne/River.

A/N:

Thanks again Chris for the beta…

Into the Blue

Chapter Eleven – Coming Home

River was still awake. Her mind was in turmoil from watching the Miranda wave again. Even over two years later the images burned back into her brain. She didn't blame Allan or Mal for showing Durin Haymer the wave. It was necessary.

Seeking comfort from Jayne's Body she crawled on top of her Fiancé, trying to find solace in his warmth. Jayne grumbled and pulled her close.

“You okay baby girl?” He rumbled sleepily.

“Can't sleep, I keep seeing the wave in my head.”

“Mal an' Allan shouldn't a shown that with you in the room.”

“No difference, I would have felt it from Saffron and Haymer.”

“I'll keep ya safe from the nightmares Riv.”

River smiled, “My Jayne is very protective.”

“Damn straight girl.”

Suddenly River's body tensed and her eyes got a blank look. Jayne looked at her with concern. Wondering what River had seen to make her react like that. A moment later she relaxed and a huge smile came across River's face.

“Zoë has healed,” She said.

“Huh?”

River pulled herself up and kissed Jayne. Pulling away, she continued.

“Allan proposed.”

Jayne's eyes widened, “Do we have ta go in there and save him from Zoë kicking his Pi-gu?”

River shook her head, “She said yes.”

A grin came across Jayne's face, “Good fer them, Allan's been a blessin fer Zoë.”

“He has,” She agreed.

With the happy feelings emanating from the bunk next door, River was finally able to fall asleep.

XXXXXXXXXX

Zoë awoke early. She needed a smoother as her and Allan's pre and post proposal activities had strained her healing gunshot wound. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Zoë stared at the diamond ring on her finger, A slow smile crossing her face. Carefully she got up and began to dress. Upon finishing she knelt back across the bed and kissed Allan on the forehead. He didn't stir as Allan was deeply asleep.

Making her way through the darkened ship, Zoë arrived in the infirmary. Opening a cabinet, she removed a small bottle of mild painkillers. Shaking two pills from the bottle she swallowed them dry.

Walking slowly back through the ship, Zoë stopped in the galley and started the coffee maker. She decided that she would stay up rather than try to go back to bed.

A cup of coffee in hand, Zoë quietly made her way to the bridge. Stepping through the door she couldn't help but smile at the sight of Mal asleep in the pilot's seat, a soft snore escaping his lips.

Zoë waved her cup of coffee under the Captain's nose. Mal came to with a snort, nearly knocking the cup from Zoë's grasp.

“Sorry Zoë, kinda drifted off there,” Mal said wiping the sleep from his eyes. “What time is it anyway?”

“Little after four sir,” she replied.

“Up kinda early ain't ya,” Mal asked, “Nothin wrong 'tween you an Allan is there?”

“We're shiny Mal,” she said quietly.

Mal's face changed immediately. Zoë Almost never called him by his name.

“Don't give me that we're shiny crap Zoë... What's wrong?”

She smiled. Mal's not very observant sometimes. Zoë thought as she waved her engagement ring under Mal's nose.

“Like I said, we're shiny... very shiny.”

Mal's eyes popped, “Zoë, is that what I think it is?”

“It is.”

Mal's face broke into a wide grin, “Congratulations Zoë.”

“Thanks Mal.”

“You two set a date?”

“Ain't got that far yet sir,” Zoë laughed.

“Don't wanna rush it anyway,” Mal replied.

“When you gonna ask Inara?” Zoë teased.

Mal's mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he stammered out a reply.

“Who... I... Well...”

Zoë laughed, “Go on back to Inara. I'll finish the watch. I got a few things I need to tell the boys,” Zoë said as she indicated the dinosaurs on the console.

A knowing smile on his face, Mal nodded and turned to leave. Pausing in the door, he turned back.

“I think Wash'd be happy for you.”

“I know he would sir,” she replied.

“See ya at breakfast Zoë.”

“You too sir.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan rolled over in bed, his arm finding empty space where he expected Zoë to be. Waking immediately, Allan sat up looking around the room. Realizing Zoë had left, Allan quickly pulled on some sweats and a t-shirt. Donning his sneaker's Allan made his way to the ladder and climbed out of his a Zoë's bunk.

Looking around, Allan smiled as he spotted Zoë sitting in the pilot's seat on the bridge. Quietly he climbed the stairs and crept through the hatch.

“Hey baby,” Zoë said quietly.

Allan chuckled, “Never can seem to sneak up on you,” He said as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of Zoë's head.

“Only one on this boat who can sneak up on me is River.”

“She is good at that,” Allan agreed.

“I missed you when I woke up,” Allan said after a moment.

“Sorry baby, arm was hurtin a bit. Needed a smoother,” Zoë said quietly, “Then I decided to give Mal the rest of his watch off.”

“Okay,” Allan said.

“And I needed to do some thinkin on things, too.”

“Like what?” Allan asked.

“Us,” she replied simply.

Allan felt his stomach drop into his toes, Zoë was staring at the engagement ring on her finger. Zoë felt Allan's arms tense around her shoulders.

“Second thoughts?” Allan asked, fearing her reply.

Standing quickly, Zoë pushed Allan into the chair and then sat on his lap, straddling his hips so they were nose to nose.

“No ruttin way,” she replied with a hug.

Allan's body relaxed, “Love you Zoë.”

“Love you too baby”

Allan and Zoë began kissing passionately, their hands roaming over each other bodies when without warning, a beeping noise came from the com panel.

Allan groaned and Zoë giggled, “Never fails,” Allan grumbled as he hit the answer button. At least we still got clothes on. He thought as Zoë reluctantly crawled off his lap.

“Serenity here,” Allan said to the incoming wave.

The face of an older woman popped onto the screen. She was fairly attractive with graying sandy hair, a slightly weathered face and piercing blue eyes. She looked to be about sixty years old, Allan thought.

“Howdy, this the ship that's bringin the farm supplies ta Deadwood?” The woman said.

“And you are?” Zoë asked.

“Where are my manner's,” the woman chuckled, “My name's Veronica Cobb, I'm th' president o' the co-op thats getting delivered to.”

Allan and Zoë shared a look, grins on their faces.

“We are,” Zoë replied after a moment.

“And who all are you folks?” Veronica asked.

“I'm sorry,” Zoë replied, “I'm Zoë Washburn, first mate here on Serenity and this here is Allan Bryant, one o' our pilots.”

The older woman's face broke into a wide smile, “This the Serenity that Jayne Cobb crews on?

“It is,” Allan replied with a smile.

“Hot damn,” she replied, “Case ya didn't figure it out by now, I'm his Ma'.”

“Had that inkling,” Zoë replied with a smile, “Pleased to meet ya' Mrs. Cobb.”

“Please dear, call me Vera,” she replied on the screen.

“Okay, Vera,” Zoë replied.

“Where is that boy o' mine?” Vera Cobb asked.

“Still in bed ma'am,” Alan replied. “It's about five am ships time.”

“He's not up at five?” she said indignantly. “Boy's getting lazy.”

Allan and Zoë laughed. Quickly, Allan hit the button that opened the com to Jayne and River's bunk.

“Jayne! Wake up, you got a wave!” Allan yelled into the com, grinning.

“Gorramit, I'm tryin ta sleep here,” came Jayne's grumpy reply.

“Just get your pi-gu to the bridge,” Zoë replied in her first mate's voice.

“Gimme a minute,” he grumbled.

Vera was chuckling on the cortex screen, “Never was one for getting outta bed in th' mornin.”

Zoë agreed, “What brings you to call us misses... Vera?”

“Had some hundan's run off and steal most o' our supplies yesterday. Need the replacement's as quick as we can get em' afore the cattle start starvin.”

Allan quickly looked at the nav display, “Current speed, we'll be there in ninety hours,” he replied, “is there somewhere near you we can get fuel Vera?”

“Port's got plenty a fuel.”

Allan was busy with calculations, “If the captain approves, we can go full burn and be there in about seventy hours,” Allan said.

“The quicker the better,” Vera replied.

“I'll see what I can do,” Zoë replied as she left the bridge to talk to Mal.

Jayne stomped onto the bridge, “Who the hell wants me at this time a th' mornin?”

Allan hid a snicker, when the woman on the screen replied.

“Jayne Michael Cobb! Is that any way to talk to yer Ma?”

Jayne looked like he was going to faint, “I... uh, Sorry Ma'.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan was flipping pancakes on the stove when Mal and Jayne returned from the bridge. Allan felt the slight lurch that accompanied Serenity going to full burn. Zoë looked up from her coffee at the table. Kaylee and Simon entered from the engine room while Gabriel and Regan sat in the lounge just off the galley. Inara sitting beside Zoë.

Taking his place at the table, Mal filled in the crew.

“Jayne's Ma' and her neighbors on Deadwood got raided yesterday. Ran off with most o' their feed supplements, seed and fertilizers. Didn't take the cattle, just the means o' feedin em' and growin more feed. They need what we're carryin as soon as we can get there so that's why we're at full burn.”

Mal continued after a sip of coffee, “Since we're at full burn we need to keep on our toes. Four hour bridge shifts split between River, me, Allan and Zoë. Nara, I want you to see to the cookin with Reagan while we're on full burn. Kaylee and Allan are gonna be too busy seein to the ship to take their cooking shifts. Kaylee, I need you in the engine room as much as you can be. Allan and Jayne can spell you fer a time when ya' need a break. Gonna be seventy hours give or take till we get there. I don't want folks getting too tired so pace yerselves.”

Allan spoke up, “I can spell Kaylee for a couple of hours after my bridge shift. That'll give me six hours off before I'm back on.”

Allan walked over from the stove placing a huge stack of pancakes on the table along with some sausage. Reagan and Gabriel moved from the lounge to the table for breakfast. Sitting next to Zoë, Allan looked at Zoë quickly and she nodded.

Clearing his throat theatrically, Allan spoke up, “Uh, Mal? I know a few folks already know but Zoë and I have an announcement.”

Mal and Jayne tried to hid grins while the rest looked confused.

“Last night,” Allan began, “I asked Zoë to marry me and she said yes.”

Zoë held up her left hand showing off her engagement ring. Allan cringed since he knew what was coming next as Kaylee squealed loudly and wrapped her arms around Allan.

Smiles broke out around the table as the newly engaged couple were congratulated by the crew.

After the congratulations were over, Reagan excused herself and brought River her breakfast on the bridge.

After finishing his meal, Allan excused himself for a nap before his shift on the bridge. He knew sleep was going to be at a premium the next few days and he and Zoe hadn't gotten much sleep last night. Gabriel, Jayne and Mal left the galley to rearrange and check the cargo. To help prevent boredom, the elder Tam had began to help with whatever chores on the ship he could.

Once the men had left, Kaylee and Inara cornered Zoë before she could leave.

“Okay Zoë.” Kaylee said grinning, “Spill it.”

“Spill what Mei-mei,” Zoë said trying hard not to grin.

“How did Allan propose? Did he get down on one knee? Was it all romantcial?” Kaylee asked.

Zoë snickered, “Woulda been kinda uncomfortable iffin he'd done that at that particular moment.”

“You mean he did it when you two were... you know...”

“In bed,” Inara finished with a knowing smile on her face.

“Were ya' doin anything at that moment?” Kaylee asked coyly.

Seeing no escape, Zoë replied, “We'd just finished.”

A smirk forming on her face, Kaylee asked, “Allan must be pretty good in the sack, huh?”

“Kaylee!” Inara and Zoë yelled at the same time.

“Jus askin.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan growled as he swatted at the alarm clock next to the bed. The last two and a half days had been rough. The rotating four hour bridge shifts followed by two in the engine room had been tiring. It reminded Allan of his college days cramming for exams.

Getting too old to do shit like this, he thought. Rubbing his face, Allan pulled his sneakers back on and stood up. He'd collapsed on top of the covers fully clothed except for his shoes. Splashing some water on his face from the small sink in the room, Allan felt somewhat more awake.

Groggily, Allan climbed the ladder out of his and Zoë's bunk into the forward corridor. Slowly he made his way to the bridge to relive River.

“Good morning Allan,” the young pilot chirped.

Allan grunted in reply. River frowned at him.

“Sorry kiddo,” he apologized, “Getting a bit too old to pull shifts like this.”

“You are only as old as you feel,” River replied.

“Then I'm about eighty-five right now,” Allan chuckled.

River gave Allan a cross look. Then quickly her expression softened.

“When is your birthday Allan?”

“January seventh,” he replied as he sat in the co pilots seat.

“How old will you be?”

“You want that in centuries?” Allan said with a grin.

River stuck out her tongue, “No silly, your physical age.”

“I guess I'll be fifty three.”

River smiled, “Then we will have to have dual parties if my parent's are still aboard in three months.”

“Dual parties?”

“My father's birthday is January eighth... he will be fifty six.”

“Ah,” Allan replied, “would save on having two cakes.”

“It would,” River agreed.

“You know River, I never seemed to get around to asking this. What major holidays are still celebrated?”

River smiled, “We still celebrate a form of Christmas. At least the exchanging of gifts and a family gathering. Some parts of Londonium, Osiris and many of the rim worlds celebrate Thanksgiving. Most Christians still celebrate Easter as well.”

Allan nodded, “Thanks kiddo. You better get some rest, you're on deck for the landing in eight hours.”

All right Allan, I shall see you later.”

“Later River,” Allan replied as he settled himself in the seat for the next four hours. Allan began wondering where he could score a couple of frozen turkeys and what he should get Zoë for Christmas.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan was staring into space. Not the star speckled blackness of outer space but at a spot on the wall next to the console, lost in thought.

Zoë found him like that, eyes unfocused staring at the wall, “You okay baby?” she asked quietly.

Allan nearly jumped out of his skin, “Ahhhh! Don't do that!” he cried, catching his breath “Gonna give me a heart attack.”

Zoë smirked at him, “So I'm guessing you don't want this sandwich I brought you?”

“Didn't say that,” Allan replied.

Zoë moved to Allan, spinning the chair around to face her, Zoë sat in her fiancé's lap. Tearing off a piece of the sandwich, she pushed it into Allan's mouth.

After swallowing, Allan grinned, “I thought we'd gotten past the you feeding me stage?” Allan said, thinking back to the long convalescence from his numerous broken bones.

Zoë smiled sweetly, “Just wanted to spend time with my man.”

“Glad you did,” he replied. Zoë's answer was a kiss.

“Never thought I'd be this happy again,” Zoë said thoughtfully as she pulled her lips away from Allan's

“I never thought I'd ever find someone I wanted to make my wife.” Allan replied.

Allan circled his arms around Zoë's waist while her arms encircled his shoulders.

“Love you baby,” she whispered.

“Love you...” Allan started to reply.

“Gahhh! Thought I was over seein folks making out in the pilot's seat,” Mal exclaimed as he entered the bridge, a grin on his face.

“Nice way to ruin the moment sir,” Zoë replied sarcastically.

Mal laughed, “That's my Captainy responsibility, ya know.”

Zoë glared at Mal, Allan tried not to laugh.

“You haven't caught River and Jayne up here like I have Mal,” Allan snickered.

“I don't need to be hearin that,” Mal shuddered, “Why don't you two go spend some quiet time together. Ain't had much o' that the last coupla days. I'll handle things till River gets up here in an hour,” Mal finished seriously.

Zoë stood up quickly, grabbed Allan by the shirt and dragged him from the seat, muttering something about ripping clothes off. Mal thought it all sounded very familiar.

XXXXXXXXXX

Three hours later, Mal, Zoë, Allan and River were on the bridge preparing to enter atmo over Deadwood. River as usual sat in the pilot's chair with Mal next to her standing. Allan sat in his place at the co-pilots controls, Zoë behind him, her hand on his shoulder.

Allan monitored systems while River flew the entry with her customary precision. After a few minutes, the plasma licking the bridge windows subsided and the visible sky lightened as they flew lower. Soon the terrain became clear. Deadwood seemed to live up to it's name.

The landscape was mostly desert and dry prairie with a few small stands of trees in the higher elevations. As Serenity approached the town of Redding, Mal spoke up.

“All set to meet yer future mother-in-law Albatross?”

“I am, But my Jayne is very nervous. He hasn't told her about us yet.”

Mal and Zoë shared a look before Zoë spoke, “I'm sure she'll like you little one.”

River smiled, “I am confident of that, but I'm wondering how my parent's will react when meeting Jayne's mother.”

“Might be fun to watch,” Mal snickered.

River shot him a dirty look. Allan spoke up to interrupt the direction the conversation was going.

“Approaching the port,” Allan said quickly.

“Thank you Allan,” River said as she slowed the ship for landing. A few moments later Serenity was on the ground.

“Well, lets go meet Mrs. Cobb,” Mal said as he led the procession out of the bridge, heading for the bay.

As soon as the crew, including Mr. And Mrs. Tam were gathered, Zoë lowered the ramp.

As the ramp hit the dusty ground, six people could be seen approaching the ship. Most were dressed in the garb of farmers and ranchers. In the lead was a tall and imposing woman.

Nearly as tall as Zoë, Veronica Cobb looked like a force of nature. Her long graying sandy hair pulled back into a tight bun. Her shoulders were broad yet still feminine. Striking blue eyes squinted in the harsh sunlight. It was obvious that in her younger days, Vera Cobb must have been a stunningly beautiful woman.

She was dressed simply, a dark blue blouse tucked into a long plaid skirt. A Stetson style hat hanging by a strap on her back. The most telling thing that Vera wore was the elegantly tooled leather gun belt holding a large pistol. Even if someone hadn't already been told, one could tell that this woman was indeed, Jayne's mother.

Mal walked down the ramp, Zoë at his side while the rest of the crew waited in the bay. Upon reaching the older woman, he extended his hand.

“Mrs. Cobb, I'm right pleased to finally make yer acquaintance,” Mal said as he greeted the woman.

“Captain Reynolds, like I told ya on the wave... call me Vera.”

“Only if you call me Mal.”

“You got it Mal,” She replied grinning.

“This here is Zoë Washburn, my first mate,” said Mal.

“We spoke on the wave,” Zoë said with a smile, “Nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise,” replied Vera, “I was sorry ta hear bout yer husband. Jayne told me bout it in his letters.”

“Thank you,” replied Zoë.

“Now, where is that boy o' mine anyway?”

I think he's hiding,” Zoë replied with a smirk.

A look of consternation crossed Vera's face, “Jayne Michael Cobb, get your sorry ass down here and hug yer Ma'!”

Looking like a ten year old little boy who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, Jayne walked slowly down the ramp, followed closely by River.

“Hey Ma' ” Jayne said sheepishly as he walked up to his mother.

Vera Cobb smacked her son on the arm, “You hidin from me boy?”

“No Ma'am.”

“You may have been gone near on twenty years but I can still tell when you're hidin somethin from me.”

Jayne grinned slightly as he pulled River from where she was hiding behind Jayne's back. Placing his large hands on her small shoulders, Jayne started to speak.

“Got's someone I want ya ta meet Ma,” Jayne said nervously, “This here is River Tam. Well she and I are kinda, well... she's my fiancé Ma'.”

For a moment Veronica Cobb was speechless. Her eyes darting between her son and his fiancé. River was so nervous she couldn't read what was going on in her future Mother-in-law's mind.

Suddenly a huge smile lit up Vera's face, “I'm right pleased to meet you River. Welcome to the family.”

TBC