Into the Blue Chapter 22

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 Twenty Two – Endings... and a beginning. - -

“Hmmn?” Allan muttered as he suddenly awoke. Startled to wakefulness at the sensation of Serenity moving.

“River's just movin the ship topside Baby,” Zoë said soothingly, “You can go back to sleep.”

“What time is it?” Allan yawned.

“Little after eight.”

“Now that I'm awake, guess I'll get up,” Allan said as he pulled off the covers. Glancing at his Fiancé, he smiled.

“What?” Zoë asked as she fastened her bra.

“Nothing sexier than watching the woman you love get dressed... unless it's her getting undressed. That's a might sexier.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere... but not till tonight.”

I can wait... Maybe.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan made his way to the galley in search of coffee. Finding the pot empty, he grumbled a bit and started to make a pot. As the brown liquid began to drip. Allan thought back on the event's of the previous night.

Allan's mind was still reeling from the fact that the enigmatic CEO of Blue Sun was in fact John Lassiter. The former Alliance Minister of Defense. Who like Allan, had been born on Earth that was. John Lassiter had been placed into cryo sleep on the ships that left from Earth seeking a new home here in the 'verse.

Before Zoë had been forced to kill Lassiter, the man had admitted to being woken from cryo and then placed back in. It was obvious Lassiter had been out of cryo for some time as it appeared that he was in his late sixties. When Lassiter had left Earth in cryo on the exodus ships, he had been in his late forties. Even younger than Allan.

Allan shook his head at the thought. Were there more like him? Men and women from Earth either still in cryo or perhaps living in this century. It boggled Allan's mind at the possibilities.

Drawn by the scent of coffee, Simon stumbled into the galley. Allan poured the young doctor a cup and handed it to Simon.

“Thank you Allan.”

“Looks like you could use one,” Allan said, “How's Durin?”

“He woke up for a short while this morning. His prognosis is promising.”

“I'm glad to hear that,” Allan replied, “Without Durin, I'm not sure how things are going to transpire with Blue Sun.”

“Are you sure you still want to run that Gou tsao de company?”

“I have to Simon. Or at the very least, leave someone I trust in charge. It's the only way River will ever be safe.”

“I hope you're right Allan, I truly hope you're right.”

“I hope so too.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Mal couldn't quite get used to being saluted by all the Purple Bellies detailed to protect the Haymer estate and Serenity. Apparently several key players had escaped justice last night and the Prime Minister was wary of reprisals.

Taking a moment to enjoy the morning sunshine along with his morning coffee, Mal stood at the bottom of Serenity's ramp. As he sipped his cup, a young Alliance lieutenant approached Mal.

“Captain Reynolds?” the young man said as he saluted Mal.

“No need to be salutin me son,” Mal said sternly.

The young man just smiled at the captain, “Sir, may I ask you a question?”

“Not sure I'll answer it but go ahead.”

“Are you the same Malcolm Reynolds that led the Independents at Serenity Valley?”

Mal's face hardened immediately, “What if I am?” Mal replied, fury flashing in his eyes.

“If you are sir, I'd... I'd like to shake your hand.”

“Huh?”

“It may come as a shock to you Captain but your defense of Serenity Valley is required reading at the Alliance Military academy.”

“As what? An example on how to be ground under someone's heel?” Mal replied. His anger still boiling.

“No sir, quite the contrary. You are shown as an example of superb leadership and courage under fire. No matter what our political differences may be... I am honored to meet you sir.”

Mal was dumbstruck for a moment. A small smile crossed his features as Mal held out his hand.

“Son, if the Academy is pumpin out more officers like you. There might be some hope in the 'verse yet.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“How you doin mei-mei?” Zoë asked her sister.

“I'm okay sis,” Alisha replied.

“Sure about that?” Zoë asked, “I know for a fact you killed two men last night. Bound to be hard the first time.”

“I... I thought it would be. I don't know why, but I just acted. It was automatic.”

“Seems like you're a bit too much like me than I thought,” Zoë replied, “Not sure I'm real happy bought that.”

“You're not the only one Zoë,” Alisha said thoughtfully, “It's not that I feel like a killer. It's... it's like I had no choice.”

“That's the gist of it Sissy. In the heat o' battle, folks find they can do all sort o' things that normally go's against their grain.”

“No offense sis, but I hope I don't quite get to be like you when it comes to killin folk.”

“I pray you don't have to mei-mei. My's life's been pretty hard up till now. Maybehaps that this is behind us, things will calm down a bit.”

“I hope so sis.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Inara's eyes were still red from the tears shed over her friend Sheydra. Inara had known Sheydra since they were both student's at the training house. Sheydra and Nandi had both been her first friends when Inara had come to the house. Even though both girls were older, they had befriended the younger girl.

At the training house, the girls were called the Three Musketeers. Primarily because they were rarely apart for any length of time. Now, of the three, Inara was the only one still alive. Worse still, Inara had been present for the deaths of both of her friends.

Steeling herself with all the composure she could muster. Inara placed a call to the training house.

A moment later the face of the House Priestess appeared on the cortex screen.

“Inara? Thank goodness, I was just about to wave you. I... I have some terrible news...”

“I know, Sheydra is dead,” Inara replied sadly.

“How... how did you know dear?”

“I was there Cathrine... I was there.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Jayne and River were strolling on one of the many winding paths spread throughout the grounds of the Haymer estate. Grateful for the peace and quiet as they walked hand in hand.

“Jayne?”

“Yeah baby girl?”

“Do you think that it would be appropriate if we got married when we go back to Deadwood to retrieve my parents?”

“You sure you wanna do it that quick?”

“I am sure Bao-bei.”

“Then I'm happy w' it.”

“Are you?”

“Best way ta do it I reckon. My Momma ain't gonna be happy if she ain't at the weddin and I'm sure your Daddy might be a bit put off iffin he weren't there ta walk ya down the aisle.”

River smiled at Jayne. The smile that seemed to lite up Jayne's soul, “I love my Jayne.”

“Love you too Crazy Girl.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Kaylee was in her usual position under Serenity's engine. Kneeling on her hands and knees, Simon was admiring the view of Kaylee's behind as she worked.

“Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si!” Kaylee, swore as she dropped a wrench deep into the bowls of Serenity.

“I thought you only swore when it wasn't appropriate. Looks to me like that was a very appropriate time to swear,” Simon chuckled.

“Simon!” Kaylee yelped as she extracted herself from underneath the machinery, “I didn't here ya come in Bao-bei.”

“I must admit I was enjoying the view.”

“View of what? My fat Pi-gu stickin out from underneath the workins?”

“Something like that but I assure you, that you are far from fat.”

“Well lookie there. Mr. top three percent didn't stick his foot in his mouth,” Kaylee teased.

“I have my days Bao-bei... I have my days.”

XXXXXXXXXX

It was late afternoon when the wave came in. Allan was on the bridge watching the news over the cortex with rapt interest. The story of the day was the arrest of most of the senior management of Blue Sun, along with nearly twenty current and former members of Parliament. Included in the last group of arrests was the previous Prime Minister.

The press was clamoring for details by the second while rumors ran wild. Blue Sun's stock had dropped nearly fifteen points and then rebounded back to it's previous price when a rumor surfaced that new management was going to be running the company.

The chime of the incoming wave alert broke Allan out of his revere. Hitting the accept button, Allan wasn't surprised to see who was calling.

“Hello Mr. Bryant.”

“Mr. Prime Minister,” Allan replied to the face on the screen.

“I understand from the reports I have here. Things did not go smooth last night. How is Durin?”

“He's been awake. Dr. Tam has him sedated right now but his prognosis is good.”

“I'm glad to hear that Allan... May I call you Allan?”

“You may... Richard.”

The Prime Minister smiled, “I was sorry to hear about Miss Sheydra. She was a respected member of the guild.”

“I understand that she was,” Allan replied, “She was also a close personal friend of Inara's. She isn't taking it well.”

The Prime Minister shook his head, “Sometimes the 'verse is a small place.”

“I have noticed that myself, these last few months, Allan said quietly, “Richard, I believe you have a security leak in your office. It's the only way they could have known what was going on.”

“I fear you are right Allan. I already have investigators working on it.”

“Glad to hear it,” Allan replied, “What about Blue Sun itself?”

“Thats why I called Allan,” The Prime Minister replied, “By executive order, I am establishing a board of trustees to oversee Blue Sun until such time a board of directors can be reestablished,”

“That seems to be the prudent course to take,” Allan commented.

“It is. Blue Sun is so integrated into the economy of the Alliance, if it were to fall...”

“I understand sir,” said Allan, deep in thought.

“Is there something wrong Allan?”

“No, I was just wondering who would be on the board of trustees.”

“At the moment, Durin and Mrs. Chang. As the only board members not under inditement, they will be of course be involved. Also a senior vice president in charge of the shipbuilding division and one from the consumer products division will be named as a trustees.”

“Good choices,” Allan replied.

“And to head the board of trustee's... I would like you to take the job.”

“Excuse me?”

“You Allan. It's your company. You should have a say in how it's run.”

“Mr. Prime Minister... Richard, I'm flattered. However at this time I don't think I have the time to run the board... Perhaps Durin when he's up and about?”

“I know you have a great deal on your plate right now,” Richard replied, “But this will not happen overnight. It will be some time before Durin is healthy enough to travel and I know you have several weddings to attend in the next few months... Including your own I believe.”

“Zoë and I haven't set a date yet, but you're right. We also have a funeral to attend for Miss Sheydra on Shinon. We leave in the morning.”

“You can do most of what the board needs at first over the cortex....”

“But later I will need to go to Londonium,” Allan finished for the politician.

“Yes.”

“I need to talk to Zoë first. I”ll wave you in the morning.”

“Thank you Allan. Good day.”

As Allan cut the connection, he heard a noise behind him. Turing he found Zoë staring at him.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Zoë asked, a slight grin on her face.

“How much did you hear?”

“All of it.”

“What do you think?”

“This is your chance Baby,” Zoë said earnestly.

“It's not your kind of life... hell it's not my kind of life anymore.”

“It needs doin.”

“I know,” Allan said sadly, “But... I'm... I'm a bit scared Zoë.”

“Scared a what?” she asked, “I seen you face down armed men without so much as a change in your expression.”

“Isn't that, I'm scared of loosing you.”

“I ain't intendin on leavin... Are you?”

“No... Hell no. It's just I'm afraid that I'll be stuck running Blue Sun and you'll get restless and... Aw hell, I don't know.” Allan said throwing his hands in the air.

Zoë crossed the small space between then and straddled Allan's lap, “You ain't gotta be afraid o' that Baby. I love you. Ain't nothin in the 'verse gonna make me give you up without a fight.” Zoë finished her statement with a passionate kiss.

“Well if you put it that way...” Allan replied with a smile.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Tai-kong suo-yo duh shing-chiouh doh sai-jin wuh duh pee-goo!” Alisha swore as she looked through her limited wardrobe. “I ain't got nothin to wear!”

“You okay down there Mei-mei?” Zoë called to her sister through the open hatch to Alisha's bunk.

“No!”

Chuckling, Zoë descended the ladder into her sister's bunk, holding a garment bag, “Havin trouble figuring out an outfit for tonights big date?”

“Yes...” Alisha said, almost in tears.

“Try this Sissy,” Zoë said holding out the garment bag.

“What's this?”

“The dress I wore on me an Allan's first date.”

Alisha looked in the bag and nearly cried, “Zoë! It's wonderful.”

“I think it'll fit you okay. We're about the same size, cept fer height.”

“I'll borrow some heels from Inara,” Alisha gushed, “Thank you Sis.”

“You're welcome Sissy.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Promptly at 6:30, a sleek hovercar landed on the pad next to Serenity. Stepping from the driver's seat, Major Reginald Michaels was more nervous now than he had been in last nights firefight. Perhaps the presence of all the male members of Serenity's crew on the pad... armed. Led to his unease.

“Major Michaels,” Mal nodded to the young officer.

“Captain Reynolds,” The Major nodded while adjusting the collar of his best dress uniform. A difficult task with one arm still in a sling from the wound he received in last night's shootout.

“You seem a might young for your rank son,” Mal commented.

“I'm good at my job sir.”

“I reckon there's more to it than that.” Mal said. It wasn't a question.

“There is sir.”

“I'm thinkin you can tell us the story later.”

“Yes sir.”

Allan stepped forward and put his arm around the shoulder of the younger man, “Now Major,” Allan began, “Alisha went through a traumatic experience a few months ago. She was... assaulted. Her emotional state isn't one hundred percent yet. I felt you should know this.”

“Mr. Bryant. I assure you my intentions are honorable.”

“I believe they are son,” Allan said grinning, “We just wanted to let you know where things stood.”

“Thank you sir.”

Allan smiled, “Now, don't worry about all the hardware, that's more for Alisha's benefit than yours. You don't have to worry about us. Anything happens, you need to worry about Zoë.”

“I'll remember that sir.”

“You better.”

XXXXXXXXXX

A few moment's later Alisha exited Serenity wearing her sister's borrowed dress. Alisha rolled her eyes at the presence of the male crew members, all armed and waiting at the bottom of the ramp.

“What am I? Sixteen?” Alisha grumped.

“Jus givin the Major the lay o' the land,” Mal chuckled.

“Whatever,” Alisha sighed, “Come on Reggie, before their knuckles start dragging.”

“Hey! Thats only Jayne,” Simon called out.

XXXXXXXXXX

A little after midnight, Major Michaels landed the hovercar next to Serenity. A few moment's later, the officer escorted a giggling Alisha up the ramp.

“I had a nice time tonight Reggie.”

“The pleasure was all mine Alisha.”

“I'm sorry we can't stay longer, but we have to leave for Shinon in the morning. Then we're off to Deadwood.”

“Do you think you might be getting to Londonium anytime?”

“I think so. Might be a few months. Allan will need to go there to deal with the Blue Sun problems.”

“Here's my private cortex address. Wave me anytime.”

“Thank you Reggie,” Alisha replied, after a moment's thought, Alisha gave the young Major a quick kiss. Turning quickly, Alisha ran up the stairs to her bunk.

Standing in the middle of the bay, the Major found a grin forming on his face.

With a spring in his step, Reggie strode down the ramp to his rented hovercar. As soon as the Major lifted off, Zoë stepped from the shadows and closed the bay door. A small smile on her own face.

The End

That's it folks.... The end of Into The Blue. Not to worry though. I have more adventures planned for the crew of the good ship Serenity.