Big Blue Chapter 1

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. I’m just playing. No money being made. - - This story takes place almost three years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/OC and Jayne/River. Follows immediately after Out to the Blue. - - A/N: Thanks again Chris for the Beta. - - Big Blue - - Chapter One – Beginnings - -

The day broke cold and rainy on Belepheron. The entire crew thought it appropriate due to the cargo they would be carrying to Shinon.

The body of Mistress Sheydra.

When Inara asked Mal if Serenity could transport Sheydra back home for the funeral, he didn't even hesitate in his agreement.

Durin Haymer was deemed stable enough to move from Serenity's infirmary to a hastily prepared room in his home.

The gun battle had been short and bloody. Every one of the gunmen and Blue Hands involved had been killed in the battle. Four Alliance security personnel had been killed and three wounded. One party guest had been severely wounded and a score had minor injuries from flying debris.

An Alliance medical team efficiently moved Durin Haymer from the small med bay on Serenity to the house while a small honor guard carried the flag draped casket containing the body of the slain Companion up the ramp into Serenity's cargo bay.

The crew stood in their usual pairings. A crying Inara on Mal's arm while Kaylee sniffled on Simon's arm. River and Jayne along with Allan and Zoë stood on the other side of the small procession as it entered the ship. River standing in front of Jayne, his arms protectively around her waist. Allan and Zoë, hand in hand. Alisha stood next to her sister.

Mal had originally balked at the thought that the honor guard would be accompanying them to Shinon but after some persuading by Inara, and a request from the head of the Guild herself, Mal agreed.

The five man detail would maintain the vigil around the clock in shifts. The detail consisted of a young Lieutenant, two sargents and two corporals. The men would take four hour shifts for the entire six day trip. Allan set them up with quarters in the passenger dorms.

Just after ten am local, River lifted Serenity from the landing pad on Durin Haymer's estate and made for the black.

XXXXXXXXXX

After Serenity was on course, Allan took the first underway watch. As he sat in the pilot's seat, Zoë joined him on the bridge. Hoping for a little quiet time together away from the crew. As usual, they were interrupted.

The beeping of the incoming wave signal assured that.

Groaning as Zoë slid off Allan's lap, the pilot stabbed at the answer button.

“Serenity,” Allan said testily.

“Good Morning Allan,” Said the face on the screen.

“Richard,” Allan replied to the Prime Minister.

“Have you thought over my offer?”

“We have,” Allan replied, glancing at Zoë.

The Prime Minister looked a bit nervous as he answered, “And?”

“I will accept the chair of the trustee committee,” Allan replied.

The Prime Minister looked greatly relived, “Thank you Allan. That is a great burden lifted from my shoulders.”

“We discussed things and we feel it is for the greater good,” Allan said into the pickup.

The Prime Minister nodded, “The greater good is why I called this morning Allan.”

“Why do I get the feeling that things are falling apart,” Zoë replied.

A concerned expression appeared on the Prime Ministers face, “You are not far from the truth Ms. Washburn.”

“What's happening?” Allan asked.

“Within hours of the arrests last night, both on Belepheron and here on Londonium, there have been several assassinations of key manager's at Blue Sun as well as several high level administrators here in government.”

“Sounds like some kind of contingency plan,” Allan said.

“I agree,” Richard replied, “Many of these people would have been key witnesses once this goes to trial. I have ordered security around many of the more prominent people we feel may be in danger but we cannot be everywhere.”

“Where do I fit in?” Allan asked.

“You sir, are my wild card. I do hate to impose but since we spoke last, I feel I need you here on Londonium as soon as possible.”

Allan looked a bit angry, “Not my first choice sir.”

“I know Allan. Right now Blue Sun is a ship without a captain. About to run onto the rocks. With you at the helm, perhaps the situation can be stabilized.”

“I'm not sure there's anything...”

“Allan, please,” The Prime minister cut off, “There are things I cannot trust to speak over the wave.”

“I get it,” Allan replied.

“It shouldn't take more than a week or so...”

Allan looked at the navigation display, “We can be in shuttle range in six hours.”

“I'll wave with the landing coordinates then,” replied the Prime Minister, “You are of course invited Ms. Washburn.”

“We'll let you know in six hours sir,” Zoë replied tersely.

“Very well, talk to you in six hours,” Richard said as he cut the wave.

“Y'all thinkin o' jumpin ship?” Mal asked from the door.

“Heard that, Sir?” Zoë asked.

“Yep.”

“Sorry Mal, I didn't mean to make plans without letting you know...” Allan trailed off as Mal held up his hand.

“It needs doin Allan,” Mal replied, “If this makes the 'verse safer for me and mine, I'm all for it.”

“Thanks Mal,” Allan replied.

“You two better go get packed, I'll take the watch.”

“I ain't goin Sir,” Zoë said surprising the two men.

“Huh?”

“Baby?”

“I ain't goin,” Zoë reiterated, “Sheydra saved my life, I... I owe it to her and Inara to be there. Sides, gotta cut the apron strings on my man here sometime,” she finished with a small grin.

“You sure Baby?” Allan asked.

“As long as you promise to come back and you don't have another woman on your arm... I'm sure,” Zoë replied, “Like the Captain said, It needs doin.”

With a knowing smile, Mal looked at the couple, “You two get to your bunk and get Allan packed... and do whatever else you need to do before you start defilin my bridge afore my eyes.”

“Aye-aye Captain,” Allan and Zoë chorused in unison.

XXXXXXXXXX

As soon as Serenity was in range, Allan split off from the ship in shuttle two. He and Zoë had spent most of the time between the call from the Prime Minister and departure in their bunk saying goodbye. Even Alisha noticed that Allan was walking funny as he made his way to the shuttle.

After another long kiss from Zoë and a hug from Kaylee, Alisha and River, Allan Closed the hatch and departed the only home he'd known the last ten months.

This was the first time he'd been on his own since since that eventful day eight months ago when he used his own ship to draw off the missiles that were about to destroy Serenity.

After spending four hundred years in cryo sleep and having the dumb luck to be rescued from an eternity of being frozen in space by the crew of Serenity. Allan counted himself lucky to just be alive. Meeting and falling in love with the ships terse and reserved first mate was beyond Allan's hope's and dreams. He had long ago consigned himself to a lifetime of bachelorhood. His life's ambition and yes, even obsession. Was finding a way for mankind to escape a dying Earth and make their way to the stars as a way to survive.

Allan had been successful. The company he had founded out of his Grandfathers barn back on earth had grown to become the largest conglomerate on Earth. Named Blue Sun, the company had survived and even thrived during the one hundred year journey to the new star system twenty light years from earth.

Due to political issues, Allan was prevented from traveling with the exodus in cryo to the new system. Not taking no for an answer, Allan had built his own ship to beat the massive exodus ships to the system. Fate however intervened in the form of a small meteor that had ruptured his ships fuel tank. Instead of his planned slightly less than one hundred year trip, it took just over four hundred.

Allan shook his head to clear his thoughts, “Gotta stop this dwelling on the past and my dumb luck,” he said out loud, “And talking to myself.”

Allan settled back in the shuttle's pilot seat and took a bite from the sandwich he had brought with him as a snack. Six hours alone in a ship as small as Serenity's shuttle two was going to be boring as hell. Allan was glad he had brought his Laptop computer and guitar. Need something to do to pass the time.

After four hours, Allan was plenty busy. This close to the core, the ship traffic was heavy. So heavy that he had changed course several times to avoid traffic conflicts.

Allan was amazed at the myriad of ships plying the spacelanes. Freighters of all sizes and shapes, gleaming liners and sleek small military vessels. When Allan saw his first Alliance cruiser, he was surprised. A flying city, his engineer's eye appreciated the majesty of the huge ship. As a warship, Allan thought it was a waste of metal. With a large enough laser, you could slice off the huge towers. Also the ship had no maneuverability. The next Military vessel Allan saw looked like a warship, Sleek and bristling with weapons, the Destroyer looked like it meant business.

It did too. Allan suddenly found himself being tracked by the destroyer and two fighters came alongside the small shuttle.

A face popped up on the cortex screen in front of Allan, “Identify yourself and your destination,” said the obviously bored officer.

“I'm Allan Bryant, inbound to the Parliamentary landing pad, New London.”

The officers expression changed, “Please transmit your clearance Mr. Bryant.”

Allan tapped a code given him by the Prime Minister into the keyboard.

A moment later the Officer smiled and spoke in a much friendlier tone of voice, “Welcome to Londonium Sir, the two fighters flanking you will escort you to the pad. You may contact them on intership three. Call signs Raptor one and two.”

“Thank you,” Allan replied. Switching to the proper frequency, Allan called the two fighters, “Raptor lead, this is Serenity Shuttle two.”

“Go ahead sir.”

“If you boys can keep up, the beer's on me tonight,” Allan laughed as he quickly maneuvered the small shuttle in a wide roll over the top and around the leaders sleek ship and shot off at full throttle in the direction of Londonium.

XXXXXXXXXX

The two fighters had kept up with the small shuttle... Barely. As the trio of ships entered atmo and the heavy traffic of Londonium, Allan had to fly straight and level. Breaking through the overcast, Allan's breath caught in his throat. Laid out before him was the City of New London. After having only seen Eavesdown on Persephone and other smaller cities, Allan wasn't prepared for the vista before him.

The Downtown area was a huge cluster of Skyscrapers, most over two thousand feet in height. Elevated roadways and monorail lines snaked around the buildings. The sky was filled with all manner of small craft. Further away from the downtown area, the buildings were smaller but no less impressive. Suburbs were visible for miles in every direction. The urban landscape broken up by large parks. Flying lower, Allan suddenly began to laugh. Alongside the river that ran through the center of the city was an exact copy of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the original London on Earth. This was where traffic control was directing him.

Flaring the shuttle to a gentle landing on the pad, Allan shut down the small ship and collected his luggage.

Stepping out into the cool air, Allan was met by a group of officials dressed in suits.

Allan's attire was in sharp contrast as he was dressed in Jeans, polo shirt, sneakers and topped off by his old A2 Leather flight jacket and VMA-214 ball cap.

A short pudgy man of about forty stepped forward with an outstretched hand, “Mr Bryant?”

“I am,” Allan replied, shaking the man's hand.

“Welcome to Londonium, My Name is Basil Valley. I am the Deputy Minister for Protocol. I take it this is your first visit to our fair planet?”

“It is Mr. Valley,” Allan replied, looking around.

“The Prime Minister is unfortunately indisposed for an hour or so. I would be honored if you would allow me to escort you to his offices. You may wait there.”

“Thank you Mr. Valley. I would like a moment to speak to my two escorts for a moment however.”

“Certainly.”

Allan walked the short distance to where the two fighters were parked. Ground crews were refueling the sleek ships while the two pilots took a break and stretched.

Upon seeing Allan approach, the two men came to attention.

“At ease gentlemen,” Allan said smiling.

“That was some inspired flying sir,” spoke the senior of the two men.

“Thank you...”

“Commander Montgomery Sir,” the older of the two replied, and this is Lt. Jg. Oliver Kelly.”

Allan extended his hand to the two officers, “You two fly quite well yourselves,” Allan chuckled, “Gave me a good run for my money. Speaking of which,” Allan paused as he pulled out a one hundred credit note and handed it to the Commander, “This should cover the beer.”

“Sir, I cannot...”

“Don't worry about it Commander. My Grandfather was a fighter pilot. I know it will go into the squadron benevolent fund.”

“Thank you sir.”

XXXXXXXXXX

After being led into the main building, Allan found himself in the waiting area outside the Prime Ministers office. Due to the close proximity to the Christmas holiday, the offices were fairly quiet as most members of Parliament were away for the Yuletide break.

Sitting in a very comfortable armchair, a secretary offered Allan his choice of beverages while he waited. Allan settled on a cup of tea. Ten minutes later he was ushered into the Prime ministers office.

To say the room was opulent would be an understatement. Despite the opulence the office had an aura of comfortableness. Dark wood paneling, heavy drapes in front of the huge windows and well stocked bookshelves dominated the room. Off to one side sat a small conference table. In front of the windows sat a huge oak desk. Behind the desk stood the Prime Minister.

“Allan, Welcome.”

“Thank you Richard.”

I apologize for the delay, Things are happening quickly I'm afraid.”

“That's quite all right,” Allan replied, “but I am curious as to what necessitated my presence.”

“You are direct aren't you?”

“No time for bullshit Richard.”

“Quite... I have some frightening news. I'm sorry to admit but there is a problem in dealing with Blue Sun's troubleshooters. The so called Blue Hands.”

“I've met a few, shot a few as well.”

The Prime Minister shot Allan a look, “You're kidding me?”

“I hadn't been on Serenity more than a few weeks when two Blue Hands forced their way onto the ship. Shot Captain Reynolds, Drugged Inara and Kaylee. Attempted to apprehend River. Dislocating her shoulder in the process. Simon was rendered unconscious by a device they carried. Zoë and I killed them.”

“I see...”

“Since there was no active warrant for the Tam's in force at that time, the two... agents were in violation of the law. We as members of a ships crew, defended ourselves.”

“You are correct Allan,” replied Richard, “However the crisis we face right now is worse. These... men answer only to the CEO. Since he is dead, they are operating without control. Best we can tell, there are seven teams still at large. Evidence so far points to the Blue Hands being responsible for the assassinations.”

“Can't anyone issue a recall from Blue Sun?”

“Apparently only the CEO can. The computer in his office has resisted the best computer technicians in the Alliance. The CEO's computer isn't part of the Blue Sun mainframe. This computer seems to be very old. The techs believe that it dates back to the exodus.”

“Interesting,” Allan replied, “I take it the method to contact the Agents is through this computer?”

“Yes. Only the CEO and his assistant were able to access the system.”

“Where's this assistant?”

“He was the first one assassinated.”

“Oh.”

“What I am hoping is that you may be familiar with this computer. Perhaps give the techs a hand?”

“Where's the computer?”

XXXXXXXXXX

An hour later, Allan found himself in a small alcove off the office of the CEO located on the top floor of the Blue Sun headquarters building, downtown.”

Knocking on the door there, a gray suited technician admitted Allan to a small room. In the center of the room sat a simple black cube. This cube was about a meter and a half square. A few lights could be seen blinking through several smoked plastic windows near the top of the device. Allan smiled when he saw it.

Several techs were trying to brute force their way into the armored case of the computer. In the office proper several more tried to hack access through the terminal on the CEO's desk.

Silently walking up to the cube, Allan ran his fingers along a small seam and pressed a small spot.

With a hiss, the entire top of the cube opened.

“How did you do that?” the lead tech asked.

“Simple,” Allan replied, “I designed it, I can open it.”

“You... designed it?”

“Yep, about four hundred years ago. State of the art back then.”

“How?”

“Long story,” Allan replied as he pulled his laptop out of it's case and set it on the edge of the mainframe's housing.

Pulling a cable from his case, Allan connected it between his laptop and the larger computer. A moment later a log on screen popped up on the laptop.

A grin on his face, Allan entered his personal login and password. A moment later the computer accepted the command and went into it's diagnostic mode. Every computer bigger than a home desktop made by Blue Sun back on Earth had a back door built in that Allan could access. Even though there was the temptation to use the back door for nefarious deeds, Allan had enough integrity to have never used it outside of Blue Sun itself.

“Don't touch anything,” Allan ordered as he walked the twenty feet to the CEO's desk.

Shooing a tech out of the chair, Allan began to type furiously on the keyboard. A moment later his laptop beeped and began to download information from the mainframe. While state of the art four hundred years ago, the larger computer was an order of magnitude behind Allan's laptop. He always kept the best toys for himself.

Quickly creating a universal log on for the techs, Allan moved back into the computer room and retrieved his laptop. Typing a few commands into the small computer, Allan encrypted the data he had recovered and then shut the device off.

Turning to the tech, Allan gave him his orders.

“Clone the data before you try to decrypt anything. You should be able to connect to it with a standard fiber optic cable like the one I used.”

“Yes... yes sir.”

“Good, now where's the closest pub?”

TBC