Into the Blue Chapter 19

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: Getting closer to the end of this arc folks... A few more chapters to go. Also I apologize, this chapter wasn't very easy to write. A lot of things had to happen at once and I think it falls a bit flat. I have a better idea what's going to happen for the next couple of chapters. It's not going to be a cakewalk for our crew.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Into the Blue

Chapter Nineteen – Fed's

“That smells great Alisha,” Allan said as he strode into the galley, “Just like the Thanksgiving dinners from when I was a kid.”

“Glad you like it,” she replied, “I haven't made a full turkey dinner since school.”

“Well it is a lot of work,” Allan admitted.

“Not so much. But where did you find the turkey's?”

“Deadwood, found a farmer there who had some good sized birds for sale.”

“What is Thanksgiving day anyway?” Alisha asked.

“Thanksgiving day, is a traditional North American holiday, which is a form of harvest festival. The traditional first Thanksgiving is credited as having occurred at the site of Plymouth Plantation, in 1621. However in later centuries it was commercialized as a time of family gathering and overconsumption of food. Followed by hours spent watching televised sporting events,” River said as she entered the galley.

“I like turkey,” she finished.

Alisha looked flummoxed while Allan just chuckled.

“That sounds about right Kiddo,” Allan replied smiling, “I spent many a Thanksgiving day overeating and spending the afternoon watching football on television.”

“What's television?” Alisha asked.

“A primitive form of the cortex,” Allan replied, “Capable of receiving audiovisual signals only.”

“Oh,” Alisha replied.

“Need any help?” Allan asked.

“You can mash the potatoes,”

“Think I can handle that.”

XXXXXXXXXX

The crew was greatly impressed with the spread presented. Allan had procured all the fixings of a traditional twenty first century American Thanksgiving dinner. The hardest thing to get had been a pumpkin pie. But after a quick stop at the skyplex on the way to Belepheron, Allan had scored several cans worth of protein based pumpkin pie filling.

Alisha had bonded with the crew quickly. Her open laugh and quirky sense of humor a stark contrast to her stoic older sister Zoe. Alisha's considerable cooking skills were welcome as well. While Inara, Kaylee, River and Jayne were fair cooks, and Allan a talented amateur chef. Having a professionally trained chef on board who could make protein paste taste like the finest meal at a core restaurant, did wonders for morale.

The food was so good on board Serenity now that Simon and Mal insisted that everyone exercise more to try to keep in shape. River began holding martial arts classes in the bay at least once a week while Jayne offered his weights to any that wanted to use them. River was surprised to find out that Allan held a brown belt in Karate. She then tapped her fellow pilot to assist her in the martial arts classes.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan had the bridge as they approached Belepheron. Durin had sent priority landing codes. Since Serenity's last visit. Planetary security had been bumped up. Unless a ship had a proper clearance code it wasn't allowed anywhere near the floating private estates. Ironically the ship that caused the heightened security was now given priority clearance to land at the same estate that had been robbed.

Allan flew the entry with his usual precision, Zoe at his side. Mal sat in the co pilots seat. River was off duty taking a nap after having been up all night navigating the congested spacelanes this near the core.

As Serenity dropped lower in the atmosphere, Allan caught his first glimpse of the huge estates of Belepheron.

“Wow,” he muttered, “Too bad my patent on anti-gravity is out of date. Just think of the royalties I could make just off this place.”

“I thought you didn't want boatloads of cash Allan?” Mal asked smiling.

“I could be persuaded looking at all of this,” Allan chuckled.

“Too much flash,” Zoe said quietly, “Makes you a target.”

“Got that right Baby,” Allan replied, “Even back on earth I never had a house bigger then about 8,000 square feet. Being an old bachelor like I was, I didn't want or need anything bigger than that.”

“How rich were you Allan?”

“Filthy rich Mal,” Allan replied, “More money than I ever needed. Most of the financial publications pegged me as either the fourth or fifth richest person on Earth. Only one's who had more wealth than me were those in the fossil fuel business. And that was only because of the low supply and huge demand for petroleum in the latter 21st and early 22nd centuries.”

“I was the richest pure industrialist at the time I guess,” Allan continued, “At it's peak on Earth, Blue Sun was making about a million dollars a minute according to the accounting department.”

“Tian,” Mal muttered.

“Not that I really cared,” Allan said as he flew the ship lower, “All I was concerned with was building the ark ships and my own ship. I had to fight tooth and nail over some things. Cultural diversity was one. All the government wanted to do was send people from North America, Europe and China. And of those people, only people of certain ethnic and religious backgrounds. I threatened to stop building the ships until they agreed to let people from other countries and religions board the ships. I tried to get enough different cultures to keep things... interesting.”

“Sounds like the Alliance,” Zoe agreed.

“Yep,” Allan replied, “They treated it like a military project. My government liaison was the Minister of Defense of all people.”

“Hard to work with?” Mal asked.

“The worst. How do you think the Lassiter got it's name. John Lassiter was the Minister of Defense.”

Mal chuckled at that, “Now you've come full circle, landing at the floaty island of a fella that owns one of the last Lassiters.”

“Yep, And I guess I had the last laugh too. The bastard got sent on the exodus ships in cryo. I imagine hes buried on Londonium or Shinon somewhere.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan expertly settled Serenity on Durin Haymer's private landing pad, located behind the main structure on the floating estate. The last time Mal had been there, it had been with shuttle two and Durin's wife.

Mal dropped the ramp and stepped into the sunshine, Allan and Zoe flanking him while the rest of the crew followed.

A servant followed by Durin's bodyguard approached, “Welcome to the Haymer estate. I am Mr. Chu, Mr. Haymer's butler. If you would all follow me?”

Mal nodded and the group followed the butler, Haymer's bodyguard brought up the rear.

After a short walk through the estate's magnificent gardens, the group was led to a large covered patio near the huge swimming pool. Durin and Yolanda were waiting for them.

“Welcome friends, “ Durin said with genuine warmth.

“Different entrance than last time huh Mal,” Yolanda quipped.

“Might say that,” Mal replied as he shook Durin's hand.

“Nice to be here Durin,” Allan said as he shook the younger man's hand.

Durin motioned his guests to sit as servant's brought drinks. After everyone had taken a seat, Durin began.

“The reason I asked you here is that something has come up that will assist Allan in his mission to retake Blue Sun,” Durin began without preamble, “And there is an old friend of mine here who can be a great help.”

“Who's this old friend?” Mal asked suspiciously.

“My old military academy roommate, “Durin replied, “Now he is a politician of standing and after you tell him the same story you told me back on your ship, I believe he can assist you... All of you.”

“Never much liked politicians,” Mal replied. Allan sat silently wondering what Durin had up his sleeve.

Mal shot a glance at River and was surprised to see a slight grin on her face, “Albatross?”

“No threat Captain.”

Mal grumbled and nodded. Yolanda noticed the new face.

“Who's the new crew member?” she asked.

“Our cook, Alisha,” Zoe replied.

“Looks like she could be your sister Zoe.”

“Thats because I am,” Alisha replied.

“Well, Ain't that something.”

“Yolanda, Please?” Durin said quietly.

“Fine,” She huffed.

“Back to the business at hand,” Allan said, “Who is this friend?”

“I am, Mr. Bryant,” said a tall well dressed man who approached the group, “Please let me introduce myself. My name is Richard Farnsworth and I'm the new Alliance Prime Minister.”

“Wo-de-ma,” Zoe whispered.

“What are you playin at Haymer?” Mal asked indignantly.

“My intentions are honorable Captain,” Durin replied, “Richard is the recently elected Prime Minister. I told him some of your story, now I want him to hear the rest from your own lips.”

“What part of the story do you want?” Mal asked.

“I would like to hear Miss Tam's story first,” the Prime Minister replied.

River and Simon sat straighter. River glanced at her brother and Simon nodded. River cleared her throat to begin.

“Mr. Prime minister, have you ever heard of a facility called the Academy?”

XXXXXXXXXX

The telling of the tale took nearly an hour. From River's admission to the Academy through Miranda and the funeral's for Wash, Book and Mr. Universe. To the Warrant's for River and Simon's parents. Through it all the Prime Minister remained silent. When River finished, Richard Farnsworth looked furious. Not for anything the crew of Serenity did but at his predecessors in the government.

Collecting his thoughts and composure, the Prim minister finally spoke, “Durin, you were right. I should be giving them medals.”

“Huh?” Mal muttered.

“Captain, I must commend you. I know it's been hard for people like you after the war. You did what you had to to survive. You kept River and her brother safe from us. I mean us in the realm of the Alliance. You have nothing to fear from me.”

“Thats a might comfortin,” Mal replied.

Farnsworth looked Allan in the eye, “Where do you fit in all of this Mr. Bryant?”

“Poorly,” Allan replied.

Farnsworth chuckled, “I highly doubt that.”

“My story and I'm sticking to it.”

“Durin tells me a tall tale of a man frozen in cryo for nearly four hundred years.”

“Four hundred and two,” Allan replied, “And that man is me.”

“Fascinating. How did you come to be a member of this crew?”

“Dumb luck, Found my ship floating in space.”

“The same four hundred year old ship found in space near Boros five months ago?”

“Someone found the booster?” Allan asked, his interest peaked.

“An Alliance cruiser found it,” Farnsworth replied, “And a few weeks later the wreckage of a smaller vessel was found on Kelly.”

“Me as well,” Allan replied, “If not for Simon being a damn fine surgeon I'd be dead.”

“What happened?”

“Pirates attacked Serenity, I broke off in my ship and we tag teamed em' they launched missiles and I got em' to lock onto my ship. I led the missiles back to the pirates, they blew up and my ship took damage. Let's just say that when I bailed out I hit the ground a little hard,” Allan said as he squeezed Zoe's hand.

“You are a brave and resourceful man Mr. Bryant,” The Prime Minister said, “And with the information I've gathered here today and from what my investigators have uncovered. I think we all can help each other.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan, Durin, Mal and Prime Minister Farnsworth adjourned to Durin's study. Yolanda was left to entertain the rest of the crew poolside.

“So, What can you do to help us Mr. Prime Minister,” Mal asked as the group sat around the small table in the study.

“First off Captain, let me assure you that after what I've heard here today combined with what my own inquiries have turned up. Heads are going to roll. Both in government and at Blue Sun.”

“Just as long as it ain't my head rollin,” Mal replied.

“Before I heard Miss. Tam's story, that was a possibility. But now her statement's combined with the medical evidence her brother provided. I believe you.”

“Thats a right comfort I suppose.”

“I'm assuming that you can handle the housecleaning in Parliament?” Allan asked.

“Yes, the first thing I am going to do is suspend the authority of the Operatives. They have entirely too much power without oversight.”

“That sure wouldda been nice two years ago,” Mal replied, “Maybe Wash, Shepherd Book and a bunch o' other folks would still be livin.”

“I concede your point Captain,” Farnsworth replied, “The other problem is Blue Sun.”

“That it is,” Allan agreed.

“From what I've been able to gather for information, nearly every member of the board except for Durin here and Madeline Chang are inditeable for everything from insider trading to genocide.”

“Sounds about right,” Allan said darkly.

“The problem, according to Durin is that if everyone from the CEO on down were arrested, many of the VP's and others with stock holdings could override Durin or Mrs. Chang's votes. There's also the vacant post of CEO and Chairman to contend with. Under emergency measures I can appoint a stewardship to operate Blue Sun on a day to day basis but long term it will not solve the problem.”

“I concur,” Allan replied, “You need someone with enough controlling stock behind them to make their orders stick.”

“Do you know anyone with that amount of stock Mr. Bryant? The Prime Minister said smiling.

“I just might know someone,” Allan grinned, “Someone at this table even.”

“How many shares do you have?”

“As long as the certificates can be legally authenticated, I have in my control just over two million shares.”

“Good lord,” Farnsworth exclaimed, “You have the certificates?”

“They are in a safe place on Serenity.”

“I can assure you that the certificates will be authenticated,” Farnsworth said thoughtfully.

“It looks like we can do business Mr. Farnsworth.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Three hours later, Allan and Mal made their way back to the pool area while Durin excused himself to make a few calls regarding their discussions.

“What a gorram lazy crew I got,” Mal said grinning at the sight in front of him.

Zoe, Alisha and Inara were dressed in swimsuits and lying in the sun. Yolanda was under an umbrella due to her light complexion. Meanwhile, River, Jayne, Kaylee and Simon were in the pool playing some kind of game that consisted of trying to push one of the girls off the shoulders of their men.

“We're dirt side Sir,” Zoe replied as she pushed a pair of sunglasses to the top of her head, “We're taking a break.”

“Plenty of suits in the pool house Mal,” Inara replied.

“Well, since we just got handed pardons for nearly every crime we ever committed, I guess some celebratin is in order.”

“What?” exclaimed Zoe and Inara simultaneously.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Mal do you want to explain that again?” Inara asked as the crew gathered around a table next to the pool.

“Thanks to our profound service to the Alliance. The crew of Serenity, River and Simon Tam as well as Gabriel and Reagan Tam are hereby absolved of any crime committed prior to January first, 2521,” Mal said grinning.

“Wait a minute,” Jayne said, “That mean we get a free pass till the end o' the year?”

“Sort of Jayne,” Mal replied, “It don't mean we can go off and start robbin banks for the next three weeks. It means that in case something happens between now and then that's not our fault, we get a free pass.”

“What did we have to give up for that privilege Sir?” Zoe asked suspiciously.

“Nothing but some time Zoe, “ Mal answered, “The time we're going to spend helpin the Alliance take down Blue Sun.”

“I don't get it,” said Jayne, “What are we doin?”

“It's simple Jayne,” Allan said, “We're gonna steal... excuse me. Acquire Blue Sun.”

Mouths dropped around the table and everyone looked at Allan like he was crazy. Even Zoe looked skeptical. River just grinned.

“As of this afternoon, a new corporation is being registered with the Belepheron Planetary Government. This corporation is called Serenity Holdings,” Allan said smiling, “The corporation is going to take over Blue Sun as soon as most of the board members, vice presidents and assorted managers are arrested for their crimes.”

A small smile came across Simon's face as he realized what was happening.

“A hostile takeover?” He asked.

“A very hostile takeover,” Mal grinned.

“What about Parliament?” Inara asked, “Aren't a majority of them in bed with Blue Sun?”

“They are,” Allan replied, “The Prime Minister will be dealing with the small fish internally. The big fish as well as all the players for Blue Sun will be here at the Gala in a week and a half.”

“So?” asked Jayne.

“So, at the Friday night party, we and about thirty Fed's will arrest the whole lot,” Mal answered.

“How we gonna do that Capn',” Kaylee asked.

“Because as of 16:00 today. We all are now Deputy Federal Marshals.”

“We... all of us?” Alisha asked.

“Even you Alisha,” Allan replied, “Heck, Even Saffron's been deputized.”

“And why is this being done?” Simon asked.

“Because Blue Sun has so many eyes in the government, we're the only one's the Prime Minister can trust for this,” Allan said.

“Only the Prime Minister, Yolanda and Durin and us know about this. We're going to be the inside team while the regular feds are backup,” Mal added.

“We're Feds?” Jayne asked.

“We are Ai-ren,” River replied.

“Shiny.”

TBC