The Promise part3 : Connection

As Serenity found herself entering “proximity space” near Dellitar the ship had already been receiving wave warnings from the planet. Seems the planet was listed as “off limits” to any unauthorized space craft and entering it’s space or landing on it’s surface was strictly forbidden. The restrictions, of course, included ships such as Serenity, a transport. One of the things listed in the warning was that the planet still produced toxic gases. For the public safety, luxury ships and even business vessels were only accepted by invitation, which were never given.

“ So what are we supposed to do doctor!!?” Mal always addressed Simon when dealing with the doctor’s sister. It was almost as if he considered the girl mentally challenged.

“ The planet is a danger zone and considered off limits. I don’t know about you but I like breathing air that doesn’t contain any deadly bacteria, disease, plague or anything else harmful to my body. What’s our plan of action?”

Simon looked over to his sister. River had been brought up to the bridge as soon as Serenity had received it’s first warnings from the planet below.

“ It’s a cover.” The girl spoke up. “A cover to scare folk off.” She paused,” Landing anywhere on the planet is totally safe. I’m sure it is.” She finished.

“Well I’m not!” Mal applied,” I’ve got more than myself to think about here. The safety of my ship and crew!”

“She’s well aware of that captain.” Simon spoke.

“ Is she? I’d be willing to bet…..”

Just then Serenity’s captain was interrupted by the alert of a new broadcast wave.

“SERENITY THIS IS PLANET SECURITY, YOU’VE BEEN ORDERED TO SET A NEW COURSE AND IT SEEMS OUR REQUEST HAS NOT BEEN FOLLOWED. YOU ARE HERE-BY ORDER TO STATE YOUR PROBLEM OR MEANS OF BUISNESS AND HALT FOR ONBOARD INSPECTION!”

Mal looked over at the brother and sister. He bent forward and engaged the com button.

“ Security this is Malcolm Reynolds captain of Serenity. We are experiencing mechanical difficulties and are loosing power. Request landing instructions to make repairs.”

“NEGATIVE SERENITY STOP ALL ENGINES AND PREPARE FOR TOW TO PLANET SURFACE. SECURITY OUT.”

“ Well there we have it.“ Mal said to the others on the bridge, “Good or bad we are up to our necks in (mule shit- Chinese) now. Kaylee head down to the engine room and prep Serenity for our little onboard escort.”

“What captain? “ the ship’s mechanic asked.

“ The old catalyzer, reinstall it. Serenity will again be taking advantage of her brilliant ability of deception. We still have the part don’t we?”

“ Hell no cap, I threw that away a long time ago!” The pretty girl said. Mal’s heart stopped in his chest.

Kaylee smiled,” Just jokin with ya, yeah we still have the part. Ain‘t tossed it yet.”

Malcolm Reynolds looked at his ace mechanic.

“Remind me to flog you when this is all over with.” He said

Then everyone was off to their duty.

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In a short period of time Serenity was boarded and found to have a burned out catalyzer. She was guided down to the planet port dock by law enforcement and a wave was sent out to the planets supply office some distance away for a new engine part.

“ It’ll be a couple of days before the part arrives captain.” The leading officer informed him.” I suggest you and your crew sit tight and enjoy the luxuries of our comfortable compound .” He scanned the compound. “You know past those boundaries it gets very dangerous.” He said pointing to the structure walls.

“ Affirmative.“ Mal smiled. The security commander turned and exited the compound. Kaylee and Zoe then walked up to the captain.

“ So what’s the plan?” They asked

“ The plan is to sit this thing out. Get our new catalyzer cause , you can never have enough of those, right Kaylee,” he said looking at the little mechanic,“…..and be on our merry.” He paused. “Then when we’re in deep space blow Simon and River out the exit chamber.”

Kaylee’s mouth fell open.

“I’m only jokin,” He looked at her,” Who would I have to tend to you after I’ve flogged your ruttin ass?” They headed back for Serenity.

They met up with Jayne at the loading ramp then Mal, with a look of concern on his face questioned.

“Where’ve you been?”

“ To see the sights. Not that there’s much to see at a place like this.” He answered.

“ Well who’s been watching River?”

“I don’t know. She need to be watched? Where’s she gonna go?” He looked around, “ Simon’s here anyway, somewhere.”

They found Simon in the med lab.

“Where’s your sister?’

He looked at them.

“ With you?”

Just then Zoe came flying into the room.

“ Captain shuttle 2 is gone!”

End Part3