Into the Blue Chapter 16

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: To give my readers an idea what the new Mule/Hovertruck that I'm using in the story roughly looks like, Imagine a Chevrolet Avalanche with no wheels.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Into the Blue

Chapter Sixteen – Departure

“Mornin Sheriff,” Called Kaylee from her perch on top of the new hover truck.

“Mornin Miss Kaylee. Alright if I go check in on Josh?”

“Jus head straight on back to the infirmary, Simon's in with him right now.”

“Thank you,” replied the Sheriff as he walked towards the infirmary.

“I think this will work Kaylee,” said Allan as he walked up the ramp into the bay, a long length of steel pipe in his hands.

“Think it will, Allan,” she replied.

After setting the pipe on the deck next to the pile of pipes already there, Allan began cutting the pipe into various lengths with a power saw. He and Kaylee were building a cradle to hang the new truck from the overhead winch in the cargo bay, similar to how they stored the old hover mule.

Allan had hashed out a rough design with Kaylee over breakfast. Now the pair set about fabricating the cradle.

After two hours of cutting pipe and welding, the cradle was complete. Allan wiped the sweat from his brow and smiled.

“Been a while since I did any work like this,” he remarked, “Seems kinda nice to actually build something from scratch again.”

“I know how's you feel Allan, tinkerin' is always fun,” replied Kaylee.

“Ready for a test?” asked Allan.

“Yep,” came the reply.

“Let's do it.”

Allan and Kaylee attached the new chain harness to the cradle and then attached the chains to the overhead winch. After double checking the connections, Allan signaled Kaylee to begin lifting the truck.

Slowly, Kaylee lifted the vehicle into the air, stopping for a moment once the load was fully on the winch. While larger than the old Mule, the new hovertruck actually weighed less. The only complication had been figuring out a way to hoist it to the top of the cargo bay and keep it secure when it wasn't needed. The cradle they had just built solved that problem.

“Looks good, people,” said Mal as he entered the bay.

“That it does Capn',” replied the mechanic.

“It won't bounce around?” asked the Captain.

“Just as long as you aren't flying Mal,” Allan replied with a grin.

“Everyone's a comedian,” replied the Captain in a sour tone even though Mal had a grin on his face.

“Mal, you got a minute?” Called the Sheriff from the hatch leading to the Infirmary.

“Sure thing Mike,” he replied walking over to the Sheriff. “What's on your mind?”

“Had a talk this mornin with the Judge.”

“And?” Mal asked.

“His secretary's been trying to locate Madison and Jenny's kin. As of this minute it looks like the girls are orphans. Jenny's father was the pilot on the ship she was on. He was killed with the rest o' the male crew members. Her Ma' passed on a couple o' years ago and she ain't got no livin grandparents.”

“No aunts or uncles?” Mal asked, wondering where this conversation was going.

“None that we can find. She'll be eighteen in a few months and legally can be on her own. In the meantime I need to find a place for her.”

“I think I know where you're going Mike and I sympathize. But I got too many mouths to feed as is...”

“Oh no Mal, that ain't what I was thinkin' at all. I just need some backup when I ask Vera to take her in.”

“Don't think you'll need that,” Mal said, “I can't see Vera turnin' those girls away.”

“I reckon you're right there.”

“What about Madison?” Mal asked.

“She's got an aunt over on Ariel. Thing, is she's already eighteen so she don't have to go. I'm not sure I want to saddle her on Vera. I gotta idea though.”

“Ain't gotta worry bout that,” Jayne said as he walked up, “Ma' ain't gonna let them girls outta her sight I reckon.”

“I think yer right there Jayne. I just didn't want to be imposin on yer Ma'.”

“Shoot, you know her. She'll put em' to work and pay em' a good wage.”

“Iffin you say so Jayne, I just don't want ta' be on yer Ma's bad side.”

“Never happen Mike.”

“I'm guessin Alisha's stayin on with you folks?” Mike asked Mal.

“Yep, hired her on as ships cook, she graduated first in her class in cookin school. Can't be passin that up. Sides, Zoë'd like to put a bullet to me iffin I left her sister somewhere.”

“I reckon thats so,” replied Mike, “There's one last thing though.”

“What's that Mike?” asked Mal.

“Ran across a warrant outta Persephone this mornin. Husband and wife wanted fer murder. Seems they're the spittin image o' Jayne's future in laws. Even the names are the same. What can ya tell me bout that?”

Jayne and Mal shared a look. Taking a deep breath, Mal looked the Sheriff in the eye.

“Got time for a long story Mike?”

XXXXXXXXXX

“How much longer I gotta be in here Doc?” Josh Ring Asked Simon.

“Another day here on Serenity, then I think I can let you go home. Will that be acceptable?”

“I 'spose,” the young deputy grumbled.

Simon smiled at the young man, “Consider yourself lucky. That was a very serious gunshot wound.”

“I know Doc and I appreciate it an all, I just wanna get home ta' my own bed.”

“I understand Josh. Barring any problems in the next twenty four hours, I'll send you home tomorrow.”

“You got a deal there Doc... Oh, hey Mattie.”

“Hey Josh, How ya feelin?” Asked the young man as he entered the infirmary.

“Kinda like I been shot,” the deputy chuckled.

“I reckon so,” Mattie said smiling, “Hey, uh Simon, you got a minute?”

“Sure Mattie, we can go out in the lounge. Josh, if you would excuse us?”

“Go ahead Doc.”

Simon led Mattie to the sofa in the common area outside the infirmary. Simon sat across from the young man.

“What's on your mind Mattie?”

“You said you might be able to do somethin bout my bad lungs?”

“Yes I did,” Simon replied. “I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. I was a little busy with Josh.”

“It's okay, Simon,” Mattie replied.

“I'll be right back,” Simon said as he got to his feet.

A moment later, he returned with a vial of medication. As Simon sat back down, he handed the pill bottle to Mattie.

“What's this?” Mattie asked.

“It's called Ventilore.” replied Simon, “It's a lung tissue regenerator. I keep it in stock in the event anyone gets shot in the chest or has a vacuum injury.”

“What's it do?”

“Take one pill a day until it's gone. In three weeks or so, your lungs should be mostly healed.”

Mattie's eyes bugged out, “Yer kiddin?”

Simon smiled, “No, I'm not. Ventilore is fairly new on the market. I've only had it on the ship for a few months. I'm not surprised the doctors here on Deadwood don't have it yet.”

“So I take this stuff and I'll be cured?”

“For the most part. Your lungs are fairly scarred from what your mother told me. This will heal most of the damage. You will never be one hundred percent but I'd venture that you should recover between eighty five to ninety percent of normal lung capacity when all is said and done.”

“I... I don't know what to say.”

“Thank you comes to mind,” Simon said with a chuckle, “Besides, before long you will be my brother in law.”

“Thanks, Simon.”

“Your Welcome.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“My god,” Mike Clancy said as he sat in the galley across from Mal and Jayne.

“Just about covers it,” Mal replied.

“So, these hundan's from the Alliance and Blue Sun cut in ta' River's brain?”

“They did,” Jayne replied, “River and Simon used to have Fed warrants out for em' as well. Got em' canceled a while back after Miranda but Blue Sun is still after River. These go-se charges against her folks is just a way ta' try and flush her out. Thing is, they don't know Riv's folks are here with us.”

“And you folks sent the Miranda wave too?”

“We did,” Mal replied. “Cost us plenty. Zoë's husband Wash was killed and so was a couple o' friends o' ours, Shepherd Book an' Mister Universe. Not to mention most of our business contacts.”

“Wondered what happened to Universe. He sorta dropped off the cortex all a sudden.”

“Now you know why,” Mal replied.

“What can I do to help?” Mike asked.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Look at all the pretties!” squeaked Kaylee as she followed Alisha and Zoë into the womens clothing store. Inara and River smiled at their friends enthusiasm.

“Miss Inara?” Madison asked the former Companion, “What are we allowed to get?”

Inara smiled at the teenager, “Well I would suggest the essentials first. Underwear, pants, shirts and some skirts. One or two dresses as well. After that we'll see about some shoes and accessories.”

“We don't want to be spending all your money,” Jenny said as she stood beside Madison.

“Nonsense girls,” Inara replied, “You girls don't have anything for clothing. You need this. Don't worry about the money, Sheriff Clancy gave me a substantial allowance to purchase all three of you girls new wardrobes.”

“He did?” asked Alisha.

“Yep, replied Zoë, “Seems that when Maxwell got himself dead, his assets reverted to the county. And since he was involved in illegal actions. You three, as some of his victims are allowed significant restitution,” Zoë finished with a smile.

“You will receive some cash as well,” commented River. “It will help you get back on your feet.”

“That will be a great help,” replied Alisha

XXXXXXXXXX

“Having fun, dear?” Zoë asked as she stood behind Allan. She had just returned from her shopping trip.

“A ball,” Allan replied with a smile as he finished replacing the carburetor on the Harley Davidson motorcycle he had “borrowed” from Maxwell's ranch.

“What are you doing?”

“I modified the carburetor to run on the same fuel as the Mule over there. Gasoline is kinda hard to find but Synfuel is available anywhere,” Allan said as he stood back up to give Zoë a kiss, “How was the shopping trip?”

“The usual, keeping Kaylee from buying out the whole store.”

Allan laughed, “She sure is a girlie-girl when it comes to clothes.”

“Especially for a mechanic,” Zoë agreed.

“Zoë!” called Mal from the catwalk.

“Sir?”

“Crew meetin in ten minutes, round everyone up. Including the girls. Reagan and Gabriel too.”

“On it Sir.”

XXXXXXXXXX

When everyone was gathered around the table in the ships mess, Mal cleared his throat to begin.

“Okay, quite a bit o' stuff has been happinin lately. As I see it right now we need to get some cargo work and get to Belepheron in a timely manner. Also got a slight problem. Mike Clancy noticed the warrant's fer Gabriel and Regan.”

“Oh god,” muttered Gabriel.

“Not to worry Gabriel,” Mal replied. “Jayne an me filled him in on all the sorted details. He won't arrest you. In fact. He's willing to protect you two here on Deadwood.”

“I don't understand Captain,” said Reagan.

“We're going quite a bit closer to the core on this run. Likely to get boarded by the Feds before we're done. You two need someplace safe for the moment.”

“You kickin' em off Capn'?” Kaylee asked, a slight tremble in her voice.

Mal smiled at his mechanic, “Not kickin' em off Lil' Kaylee. Just giving em a place to hole up for a while.”

“What are we to do, Mal?” asked Gabriel.

“You're gonna stay here with Vera on deadwood fer a while. I know it's not Osiris, but it's the best we can do for the moment without runnin the risk o' getting you and or River pinched.”

“I understand Captain,” Gabriel replied solemnly.

“Now Gabriel, we're not abandoning you here. As soon as it's safe, we'll come back and pick you up. Side's, it'll give Reagan and Vera plenty o' time to plan River's weddin,” Mal finished with a slight chuckle.

A slight murmur of laughter went around the table, Even Gabriel managed to smile.

“I know this is kinda sudden but we need to get the show on the road so ta speak,” Mal continued, “Blue Sun is hunting River actively again and the only way to maybehaps stop em' is to go after Blue Sun itself like Allan is proposin.”

“I understand your reluctance Gabriel,” Allan said, “But until this is sorted out you will be safer here.”

“All right Mal, we will stay,” replied Gabriel.

“Good, now that thats settled, we need to move on to the issue of Jenny and Madison,” Mal said as he looked at the two girls.

“What about us sir?” Madison asked.

Mal smiled at the two teenagers, “Madison, since you're of age you can do what you'd like. Now Mike Clancy is offerin you a job as his secretary down at the sheriff's office iffin you want it.”

“Where will I live?” she asked.

“Vera's gonna be setting up a place for you and Jenny in Jayne's old room. Jenny, since you ain't of age yet, Vera's been given temporary custody o' you till you turn eighteen.” The two girls smiled at each other. Their shared ordeal had cemented what would probably be a lifelong friendship. Both girls had smiles on their faces.

“Zoë?” Mal said as he turned to his second.

“Yes Sir?”

“Alisha know how to use a gun?”

“I haven't shot one since I was a small girl Captain,” Alisha replied.

“Before we leave, I want Zoë and River to get you back up ta speed.”

“Yes Sir.”

“When are we leaving Captain?” Asked Simon.

“No more than two days if we can manage it. Josh gonna be able to leave by then?”

“Without complications, I should be able to discharge him tomorrow morning.”

“Good enough Simon,” Mal replied, “Make sure the infirmary is stocked up. Mike's willin to foot the bill as payment for fixin Josh up. Kaylee, you and Allan get us stocked up on parts and ship supplies. Jayne, as usual get the weapons and ammo up ta snuff. Alisha, get us stocked up on food for a two month run. I want some reserves in case we have any problems.”

There was a flurry of nods around the table.

“Okay people, lets get to work, I want to be in the black no later than 18:00 day after tomorrow,” Mal ordered.

XXXXXXXXXX

The next thirty-six hours went quickly. Alisha's shooting lessons went well. It seemed that proficiency with firearms was an Allyne family trait. Within about an hour, Alisha was hitting bullseye's with both pistol and rifle. Things had gone so well that soon Madison, Jenny and even Gabriel had participated in the lesson's.

Allan and Kaylee had raided the town's small salvage yard for any likely to break parts. Allan had also topped off the ships fuel and water. Vera located ten barrels suitable for water storage and Allan filled these as well. Lashing the containers to the aft bulkhead.

Spare fuel for the small mule, hovertruck, and motorcycle had also been loaded. Alisha was able to obtain a large assortment of fresh food as well as a good stock of frozen and canned food. Allan's stash of frozen food was running low so the new purchases were a welcome addition.

It was now entering the second week of November. Allan had found a local farmer willing to part with two turkeys. Allan had them butchered and flash frozen for storage. The crew was going to have a real Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner this year.

By late afternoon the second day, Serenity was as ready as the crew could make her for the two and a half week run to Belepheron.

The goodbyes were tearful, particularly between Alisha, Madison and Jenny. The three girls had been through so much together, it was difficult to say goodbye.

River and Simon parting from their parents was no less emotional. After so long apart, the Tam family had just began to heal. At least this time, they were leaving on good terms with a promise of a reunion soon.

Vera had teared up a bit while she said good bye to Jayne and River. Fred, giving her big brother and soon to be sister in law kisses on the cheek. River received a hug from Mattie and Jayne shook his little brothers hand. Jayne giving his brother a wink and nudge when Madison stood next the younger Cobb.

The farewells completed, Zoë closed the ramp. A few minutes later, Serenity's engines fired and the ship gracefully climbed into the darkening sky under River's gentle touch.

XXXXXXXXXX

“We good, Albatross?” Mal asked his pilot.

“We are, Captain,” River replied with a smile, “Our ETA to the fueling station is seven days, fourteen hours, eight minutes.”

“Good River, Why don't you go take a break for a while. I'll watch the ship.”

“Very good Sir,” River said with a grin, “I'll send Inara up in a few minutes.”

“You peekin' again?”

“No, but you are broadcasting loudly tonight,” River replied, “Not to worry Captain, I won't spoil your surprise.”

“I'd take that as a kindness iffin you didn't Albatross.”

River stood from the pilots seat and made her way aft to the hatch. Pausing a moment by the door she looked back to Mal.

“It's about time,” she said with a smile.

“Would you get out of here please... and close the door on your way,” Mal said smiling.

“Aye-aye Captain,” River replied as she exited and slid the door shut.

As soon as River left the bridge, Mal stepped down into the avionics compartment in the lower section of the bridge. Returning a moment later with a picnic basket and a large blanket.

Working quickly, Mal spread the blanket on the floor of the bridge. Placing the basket to one side, he quickly laid out two place settings. Leaning back, Mal admired his work. Reaching into his pocket, Mal's fingers closed around the item he was looking for.

Smiling, Mal sat on the floor and waited for Inara. A moment later he heard footsteps climbing the stairs. A small knock on the door announced Inara's presence.

“Mal? River said you wanted to see... Goodness!” Inara exclaimed as she entered the bridge.

Mal came to his feet, “Miss Serra, would you care to join me for a fine picnic dinner under the stars?”

A smile crossed Inara's face, “I would be delighted Captain,” she replied.

Mal assisted Inara in sitting on the blanket as soon as he was also seated, Mal removed a bottle of wine from the basket and poured a glass for Inara and himself.

“What brought this on Ai-ren?” Inara asked.

“Can't a man enjoy a glass of wine with his girl?”

“Of course Mal but this is so out of character for you.”

“Oh, I'm a character alright,” Mal said with a slight chuckle.

Inara giggled, “That you are, Mal.”

Mal gazed into Inara's eyes. It was his gut check before he precoded further. A big smile came across his face.

“Inara, I kinda wanted to ask you somethin,” Mal began.

Inara's breath caught in her throat. Her heart began to pound and she became a bit dizzy. Finally she was able to speak.

“What... what did you want to ask me?” She asked. Praying to God, Buddha and and any other deity that she was right in her guess.

Mal reached into his pocket and removed a small carved wooden box. Carefully Mal opened the lid. Inara gasped at what she saw inside...

“Inara Serra, would you marry me?” Mal asked, a silly grin on his face.

Inara froze. She had deduced that Mal was going to propose but she didn't expect how she would react when she actually heard the words. Suddenly Inara's brain refused to function

Mal looked at Inara, she hadn't said anything yet and looked to be in shock. Mal noticed her eyes had become wet.

“Uh, Inara...”

“Yes, Mal?”

“I, uh kinda asked you a question,”

“Yes, Mal.”

“And yer answer?”

“I said 'Yes Mal'.”

“I know you said yes but... Yes? You said yes?”

“I said 'Yes Mal',” Inara replied, “I will marry you.”

“Hot damn.”

TBC