Into the Blue Chapter 14

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 Fourteen – Recovery

“What did you say?” Jayne asked incredulously as he stood next to Allan.

“Kinda hard to believe it myself,” Allan replied, “But the older girl is Zoë's sister.”

“Didn't even know she hads one,” The big man replied.

“Zoë just told me about her last night. Fate works in mysterious ways my friend.”

“Amen ta' that Allan.”

“Come on Jayne, Sheriff asked us to check the rest of the buildings while he escorts the girls back to your Ma's place.”

“Let's go.”

Jayne and Allan carefully checked the horse barn and found no one inside. The pair made sure the horses had water and oats to hold them for a day or so and then made their way to the cattle barn. Most of the herd was out in the fields and only a few head were in the barn.

Making their way up into the loft Allan and Jayne found what they were looking for. The crates of feed supplements, fertilizer and seeds that were stolen from the co-op's storage building.

“This look like all of it Jayne?” Allan asked.

“Acordin to m' ma' it is,” he replied.

“Best leave it here, the co-op members can get it later,”

“Good idea Allan, didn't want ta lug it anyway,” Jayne chuckled.

“Come on, a couple of more buildings to check.”

Making their way out of the loft, the pair quickly moved to a garage like building beside the cattle barn. Opening the door, Allan had to let out a low whistle.

“Nice,” Allan said as he looked at the brand new hover truck parked in the garage.

The vehicle looked like it had a similar propulsion system to the old mule that had been wrecked on Whitefall. There the similarity ended, this vehicle had a fully enclosed six seat cabin and a large cargo bed behind the cabin.

“Think we could fit this with lifting points and hang it in the bay Jayne?”

The big man smirked, “Thinkin on borrowin it?”

“Current owner ain't gonna need it six feet under,” Allan remarked.

“Think yer right there,” he replied.

“Let's see what else Maxwell had for toys.”

After a brief search, they found a four wheeled ATV like vehicle that Jayne said was similar to the old Mule they had destroyed getting Mal back from Niska. There was also a small trailer for the ATV.

Allan approached an object under a tarp behind the ATV. Pulling the tarp, Alan gasped at what was revealed.

“What is it?” Jayne asked looking at the weird wheeled vehicle, “looks kinda like a big powered bicycle.”

Allan was in shock for a moment. Then a big grin came across his face. “Never thought I'd see another one of these again in my life,” Allan said as he knelt down to examine the vehicle. Finding the serial number, he smiled wider.

“This my large friend, is a nearly five hundred year old Harley Davidson Motorcycle. Actually it's a Harley Soft Tail. I had one like it myself back on Earth.”

“Worth a lot?” Jayne asked, trying to calculate what it might be worth.

“More than Serenity,” Allan said.

Jayne looked shocked.

“Come on,” Allan said, “Lets get it outside and see if it runs.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Sheriff Clancy drove the lead ground car with Vera, and the two younger girls rescued from the hidden room in Maxwell's ranch house. River drove the second car with Zoë and her sister Alisha.

Alisha sat in the back seat, her arms wrapped around her sister. Almost as if she let go, Zoë would evaporate into the fog that her mind was in.

“Zoë?” Mike Clancy's voice crackled across her earpiece.

“Go ahead Sheriff.”

“Vera wants to stop at the clothing store in town. Pick the girls up some things.”

“We'll follow you there.”

“River?” Zoë asked

“I heard, you can stay here with Alisha. I'll get her some clothing.”

“Thank you River.”

Some of the shock was wearing off and Alisha began to regain her composure.

“Zoë?”

“Yes?”

“What happened to you?”

“What do you mean Sissy?”

“After Mom and Dad, died, why didn't you come for me?”

Zoë couldn't help it but a tear ran down her cheek, “Alliance Army wouldn't let me resign to take care of you. Said I had a commitment for two more years. Then the war started and when it was over I tried to find you but I couldn't...”

“You tried?”

“I did,” Zoë said as she kissed her sister on the forehead, “Almost a year, no one would talk to me about you. Probably because I switched sides.”

“You... You joined the Independents?”

“Yep, Made corporal before it was over.”

Alisha Smiled for a moment, “What happened after?”

“My Sargent bought a ship, I signed on with him and we've been flying around the 'verse ever since. I'm the first mate.”

“A ship... I was on a ship, before... before...” Suddenly Alisha began to sob again.

“Shhh, it's okay Sissy, it's okay. No one's gonna hurt you again. Got me here now.”

Zoë tried to find out a little more about her sister, “You were on a ship?”

The girl nodded as she tried to get herself back under control. Alisha had tried to be strong throughout her ordeal to help the other girls but now that she was free, her strength had left her.

River pulled up behind the Sheriff's car in front of a small clothing store near the center of the small town.

“I'll be right back,” River said as she exited.

Alisha stopped sobbing. Pulling herself back together gain, she continued her story.

“I got out of the orphanage when I was thirteen, a foster family on Osiris raised me until I was eighteen. My grades were good enough to get a scholarship to culinary school. You know how I used to love to help Mom in the galley...”

“I remember,” Zoë replied.

“Well I graduated and got a job on a small liner making the run between Persephone and the core. Then about three months ago we got hit by pirates. They robbed the passengers Killed all the male members of the crew and took... took...”

“It's okay Sis, I get the picture,” Zoë replied.

“What world are we on anyway?” Alisha asked, “And why are you a deputy?”

“We're on Deadwood, and the badge is just temporary while we were on a job.”

“So you're really on a ship?”

Zoë smiled at her sister, “I am, it's a firefly called Serenity.”

“Always did like firefly's”

The simple conversation seemed to help Alisha. Her normal personality coming back.

“Are there any other women on your ship?”

“With you on board we'll be in the majority,” Zoë replied.

“Me on board?”

“I ain't seen you in thirteen years. You ain't getting outta my sight iffin I can help it. Besides, Captain always wanted to hire a cook.”

Alisha started to giggle which transformed into true laughter. The stress of the last few months bleeding out of her.

River came back to the ground car and found Zoë and her sister laughing in each others arms. A small smile crossed the young psychics face as she slid behind the wheel. River set a bag on the seat next to her as she started the vehicle and began to follow the other car back to the Cobb homestead.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan and Jayne had loaded the ATV in the back of the hover truck. Attached to the back of the vehicle was a horse trailer borrowed from the ranch to haul the two horses Allan and River had used to approach the ranch before the gunfight.

Allan was like a little kid on Christmas morning. He poured himself over the old motorcycle, checking the lubrication levels, fuel and brakes. Satisfied it was safe to try to start the engine, Allan swung his leg over and settled into the saddle. A big grin on his face, Allan turned on the key that had been left in the ignition and hit the starter.

After a few seconds of cranking, the old engine coughed once and fired up with a roar. Jayne jumped back at the throaty rumble from the machine. Allan just smiled at him.

“Don't worry, it's supposed to sound like that!” He yelled over the noise.

“Iffin you say so!” Jayne yelled back.

“Let's head back!” Allan yelled as he hit the throttle and roared down the drive in a cloud of dust.

“Gorram kids,” Jayne muttered as he started the hover truck and began to follow Allan at a slower pace.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mike Clancy left the rescued girls in Vera's capable hands. Leaving to begin the mountain of paperwork he faced after the shootout.

Inara and Reagan met the group on the front porch.

“River, I see we have some new guests,” said Inara

“They were held by Maxwell as slaves. They have been assaulted and worse.”

“My goodness,” Reagan exclaimed.

“Mom, can you go see if Simon is done with the Captain and Josh?”

“I'll be right back dear.”

Inara stepped up to the two younger girls, “And what are your names?”

“I'm Jenny,” the blond replied.

“Madison,” replied the brunette.

“And who's this Zoë?” Inara inquired looking at the disheveled dark skinned girl hanging on her friends arm.

“This is Alisha.”

“I'm pleased to meet you Alisha,” the ex companion replied.

“Alisha is my baby sister Inara,” Zoë said simply.

“Merciful Buddha!”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan was having a blast, He hadn't been on a motorcycle in years. He got some very strange looks as he passed through the town on his way to the Cobb residence.

Vera, Inara and Zoë escorted the three former slaves upstairs to Fred's bedroom. Simon was still busy working on Josh and had Mal to examine after that. He informed Reagan that it would be okay for the girls to shower and get dressed. Requesting that as soon as he returned, Simon wanted Allan to do a quick examination for injuries on the young women.

River waited for Allan on the front porch, she could feel the joy in his mind well before she could hear the roar of the approaching motorcycle.

“Having fun?” River asked after Allan shut the bike off in the yard.

“Yep,” Allan replied simply, “Think I'm having my midlife crisis. Already got the younger woman, and now I went and got myself a toy.”

River giggled.

Turning serious, Allan asked, “How's Josh and Mal?”

“Simon is still working on Josh. The captain is stable. A through and through wound. Inara bandaged it.”

“And the girls?”

“Better, we purchased some clothing for them and they are cleaning up as we speak. Simon would like you to examine them for injuries when they are cleaned up.”

I can do that. I just want a couple of you girls in the room as well. They've been traumatized by men for a while now. I don't want to upset them.”

“A good idea. Inara is with them now. Her councilor training will be very helpful in this case.”

“I think you're right there kiddo.”

“Where is my Jayne?”

“He'll be along. Found some more toys at Maxwell's If the Sheriff lets us keep em' we'll be all set for ground transportation.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Alisha, Jenny and Madison had showered and dressed in their new clothes. Inara promised to buy them more clothing in the morning. The three girls were dressed in jeans and T-shirts. They had comfortable sandals on their feet.

Vera and Fred had brought the trio tall glasses of iced tea and some sandwiches. The girls had drained the glasses quickly and devoured the sandwiches. They hadn't had real food in weeks.

In conversation with the younger girls, it had been discovered that they had been taken separately by the same group of pirate/slavers that had attacked Alisha's liner. Jenny was from Boros and Madison was from Ariel. All had been traveling on liners that had been hit in deep space.

“Makes me wanna mount some guns on Serenity an go huntin,” Zoë commented.

“I agree with that,” Vera replied. Even Inara nodded.

A soft knock came at the door, Fred answered it. River and Allan stood outside.

“Simon is busy and wanted Allan to check the girls for injuries.”

Fred nodded and admitted the pair. The two younger girls looked frightened and Alisha just tensed.

River moved to the bed and sat next to the younger girls. Allan stepped to where Zoë was standing and gave her a quick hug and kiss. Turning he knelt down in front of Alisha.

“Hi,” he said simply.

“He... hello,” replied Alisha.

Putting a big smile on his face Allan continued. “So I guess your my soon to be sister-in- law?”

“Huh?”

Allan chuckled, “My name's Allan and your sister is my fiancé.”

A warm smile came across Alisha's face. When the young woman smiled she looked like a younger version of Zoë.

“I'm also a medic. Our doctor is busy with one of the deputies who was injured. He asked me to check all three of you for injuries. I have a scanner so you don't have to disrobe. I will have to ask a few uncomfortable questions however. Will that be alright?”

All three girls nodded.

“Okay, lets begin.”

XXXXXXXXXX

An hour later, Allan and Zoë descended the stairs to the parlor and sat on the couch. All three girls were exhausted and were currently napping. The most serious physical injury Allan had found was that Alisha had two cracked ribs. She had fought back and prevented the younger girls from being raped. She herself hadn't been so lucky.

Gabriel walked in from the kitchen and handed Allan and Zoë beers while opening one for himself.

“Beer Gabriel? We'll make a working class man out of you yet.”

The older man chuckled, “To be honest, I'm starting to enjoy this little adventure. I can see why Simon and River enjoy their lives on Serenity. Not that I wouldn't mind going back to our home on Osiris sometime.”

“I understand that,” Allan replied before taking a long pull on his beer.

“What will happen to those girls?”

“One will be staying with us on Serenity,” Allan replied.

“Which?

“My sister,” replied Zoë.

“Your... your sister?” Gabriel asked, a shocked look on his face.

Zoë nodded, “I hadn't seen her since before the war. She was ten or eleven last I saw her.”

“What are the odds?”

“Fifteen million, three hundred sixty five thousand, four hundred thirty to one... approximately,” quoted River as she descended the stairs.

They all began laughing.

XXXXXXXXXX

Matty and Jayne had put the horses in the barn. Matty made his way back to the house while Jayne walked to Serenity. Entering the ship, he made his way to the infirmary.

Josh was still unconscious on the exam chair. Simon was just finishing a few weaves on Mal's leg.

“How ya doin Capn'?”

“Been worse Jayne but I'll live I spose.”

“Yes you will Captain. But I suggest you use crutches for the next few days,” Simon said in his doctors voice.

Mal grumbled something under his breath.

“Better do as he says Cap, otherwise Nara's like to make you sleep on the couch fer a week.”

“It's a mutiny I tell ya,” muttered Mal.

XXXXXXXXXX

Jayne and Mal entered the house. Simon had stayed on the ship monitoring Josh after his surgery. Kaylee keeping Simon company.

Fumbling on his crutches, Mal dropped heavily into the large overstuffed chair in the parlor.

“So what's been happening while I was getting shot... again.”

Zoë chuckled, “Not much sir,” She replied, “Rescued three girls from a hidden room in Maxwell's basement. Found a replacement small Mule an a hover truck to replace the Mule we lost on Whitefall.”

“Where'd the Mule and truck come from?” Asked the Captain.

“Maxwell's garage,” replied Allan, “He didn't need em' anymore and before you say. I called Mike and he said we could keep em' as payment for our help on the bust.”

“Good call Allan. What kinda truck is it?”

“Hoverworks model twenty six. One metric ton payload and a six seat cab. Fully enclosed with heat and air conditioning. No more than three months old.”

Mal grinned. A large Mule replacement like that would make jobs go much smoother.

“Got another ATV like the one you had before I came on board as well. Got a trailer for it too,” Allan continued.

“Well, that is quite a haul. How we gonna store the truck though?”

“Kaylee and me are gonna look at it in the morning I'm sure we can figure out something.”

“Good plan.”

“Sir?”

“Yeah Zoë?”

“One thing about the girls we rescued.”

“What's that Zoë?”

“One's gonna join us on Serenity.”

Mal looked a bit cross, “Ain't that my decision?”

“Not this time Mal.”

“Uh oh,” Mal thought, “She's usin my name again.”

“And why not?

“Because one of em's my sister.”

“Huh?”

TBC