Big Blue Chapter 14

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

This story takes place three years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows immediately after Out to the Blue.

A/N: Not trying to flood things here. but I'll get another pair of chapters posted tomorrow night.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Big Blue

Chapter Fourteen – Homecoming

“Good afternoon Colonel.”

“General Michaels... This is a surprise,” Replied Col Alfreda Mason to the face on the cortex screen, “What can I do for you sir?”

“I'm actually trying to contact my son... Reggie.”

“I'm afraid he's on assignment general.”

“The PM off gallivanting again?” the general said with a chuckle.

“The PM is too busy at the moment to be gallivanting as you say. Major Michaels is TDY for a few months.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. I was hoping to get together with him.”

“When he checks in, I'll be sure to pass on the message sir.” Col Mason replied. She knew that Reggie disliked being on the same planet as his father. Let alone in the same room.

“Thank you, Colonel. Good day,” the general said as he cut the wave.

“Sir?” Asked the general's aide.

“That clinches it captain. My son is on Serenity with River Tam and Allan Bryant.”

“What now sir?”

I'm not sure quite yet. I will need to think this over.”

“Very good sir.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“All yours Allan,” River said to her counterpart in the co-pilots seat.

“I got it River,” Allan replied. A small smile crossed his face. The last time he had entered atmo on Kelly, Allan had been unconscious for most of the decent.

Zoë stood behind Allan while Mal stood behind River in the pilots seat. Jayne had taken up residence in the navigators chair behind Allan.

Allan checked the entry angle and adjusted engine power to begin slowing the ship. Soon the familiar vibration could be felt through the deck plates as Serenity penetrated Kelly's atmosphere.

As the ship hit thicker air, Allan shifted the pods into atmosphere mode and turned to the heading that would lead them to the Frye farm. Soon the rich green forests and fields of Kelly came into view as Serenity dropped through the cloud layer. Last time he was here, Allan didn't have a chance to enjoy the scenery. He was too busy trying to not impact the scenery.

Slowing the ship more, Allan extended the landing gear and settled the ship behind the Frye's barn. Hardly a bump was felt as the ship touched down.

“We're here,” Allan called into the com as he began shutting down systems. He felt a squeeze on his shoulder from Zoë.

“That's my mister,” She said, a soft smile on her face.

Mal shot Zoë a quick look. Then smiled himself at the look on his first mates face. Jayne heaved himself out of his chair and swung River onto his back like a backpack. Her giggles could be heard heading as the newlyweds left the bridge.

Allan turned in his seat and straight faced, looked at Zoë, “I ain't carryin you like that.”

Zoë tried to not laugh but lost it when Mal guffawed. Shaking his head, Mal headed for the bay. With a wide grin, Allan took Zoë's arm and they headed for the bay themselves.

As soon as the ramp hit dirt, Kaylee sprinted off the ship into the arms of her parents. Simon following at a slower pace. Johnathan Frye shook Simon's hand.

“Welcome back son,”Johnathan said.

“Glad to be back sir,” Simon said nervously.

John gave the young doctor a strange look, “Something wrong Simon?”

“Nothin's wrong daddy,” Kaylee chirped, “Just Simon bein polite is all.”

“Got a bunch a new faces I see,” Beth Frye noted.

“Oh yeah momma. It's been quite the adventure last few months.”

Simon motioned to his parents and they stepped forward, “Mr and Mrs. Frye, these are my and River's parents, Gabriel and Reagan Tam.”

“Well ain't this a surprise,” Johnathan said, “I thought they was off in the core and didn't speak to y'all?”

“The situation has changed Mr. Frye,” Gabriel said.

“Call me John.”

“Gabriel.”

“Pleased to meet you Gabriel.”

“I can see where River gets her looks,” Beth said to Reagan.

“River takes more after my mother than me,” Regan smiled.

“Nonsense, take it from one mother to another.”

“Well, the rest o' you come on to the house,” John yelled, “We's can finish the introductions where it's a bit cooler.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Soon everyone had gathered in the Frye's large living room. Beth and John were surprised to find out the beautiful dark skinned young woman was Zoë's sister. Reggie and Oso were introduced as well. John was a bit suspicious of the two Alliance officers but warmed to them quickly.

“Good to see you up and about Allan,” John commented.

“Glad to be up and about, John,” Allan replied.

“Seems your name is all over the news waves lately.”

“Really? Hmm, I hadn't noticed that,” Allan replied with a straight face before chuckling.

John joined him in laughter, “So, you as rich as they say?”

“Might be... I was rich back on earth too. Didn't change much. I'd rather get my hands dirty working on machinery.”

“Man after my own heart.”

“Hear hear,” Allan said as he clinked his glass against John's.

XXXXXXXXXX

After dinner, Kaylee and Simon made the announcement about their impending parenthood. Johnathan gave Simon a very stern look across the table, while Beth positively glowed upon hearing that she was about to be a grandmother for the first time.

Soon, the men were shuffled out of the house to let the girls 'chat'.

Jayne and Oso along with John, got a big bonfire going in the back yard. Allan and Mal settled in to a couple of lawn chairs, beers in hand while Gabriel Squared off against his son in a game of horseshoes.

“Nice night,” Allan commented to Mal.

“That it is Allan.”

“Looks like we got some baby proofing to install on Serenity before long,” Allan said.

“Been thinkin along those lines m'self.”

“Inara's shuttle should be easy enough, The bay will be the big problem. Lots of sheer drops.”

“I know,” Mal replied, “Makes me almost wish for a little place we could park Serenity between runs.”

Allan smiled. He knew Mal would be receptive to his next suggestion. “I've been thinking. Not that I don't love being on Serenity mind you, but having some dirt under my feet and sky over my head would be nice from time to time.”

“I reckon so.”

“What do you think of that plot of land on Boros that Jacob has?”

“Thinkin o' settling down with my first mate?”

“Thinking of settling down with everyone.”

“Huh?”

Allan chuckled, “What I'm thinking of, is maybe buying that parcel and building a compound of sorts. Four, maybe five houses. A barn, a shop, landing pad for Serenity...”

“On Boros?”

“It's close enough to the core for a real time cortex link to Londonium yet it's not the core.”

“Has it's merits,” Mal admitted.

“Think on it Mal. I think it will be good in the long run I think. You were a rancher once, maybe get some horses... someplace we can hole up and relax. But keep the family together.”

Mal looked to be in deep thought. He looked up from his beer, “Not sayin no, Allan. But I think this needs to be brought up a'fore everyone.”

“I know. I just wanted to get your opinion on the idea.”

“I admit it's tempting. Particularly now that the Alliance has been taken down a peg or two.”

“Maybe you should run for office.”

Mal nearly choked on his beer, “Not likely!”

Allan smiled, “Just a thought.”

One you best be keepin to yourself.”

“Okay Mal.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Over the next few days, the plans for Kaylee and Simon's wedding moved quickly. As usual, Alisha took over the food planning while Regan, and Inara assisted Beth Frye with the details.

Kaylee of course asked River to be her matron of honor. Her sisters Sara and Jenny along with Inara as bridesmaids. Zoë was more than happy to sit on the sidelines this time. As was Allan.

Simon asked Mal to be his best man. The captain was taken aback by the offer. Simon explained that if not for him, both he and his sister would have been taken by the Alliance long ago. With that admission, Mal accepted. Jayne and Kaylee's brothers would round out the groom's side of the wedding party.

With the wedding a week away, most of the crew took their ease. The morning of the second day on Kelly, Allan took the ATV mule into the woods near the Frye homestead to see if he could find where he had landed all those months ago.

After about half an hour of searching, Allan found the tattered remains of his parachute and his ripped open and bloody space suit. Allan looked up through the hole in the forest canopy that he had created when he passed through the trees that fateful day.

With a sigh, Allan collected the debris and made his way back to the farm. Pulling into Serenity's bay, Zoë met him.

“Where you been?”

“Just picking up my mess,” Allan replied, indicating the tattered suit and parachute strapped to the back of the mule.

“Baby? You okay?”

“Yeah, just needed some closure,” he replied, looking at the shattered helmet, “This is all I have left of my ship.”

“You got plenty of stuff. All your gear we got off first.”

“I know. Just this is personal. If not for this suit, I wouldn't be here.”

“What are you going to do with it?”

“Strip any usable electronics and then toss the suit. I'm keeping the helmet.”

“We all need reminders,” Zoë said as she gave Allan a quick kiss.

“What's your plan for the day?” Allan asked.

“Me and Jayne are giving Alisha a shooting lesson.”

“Sounds good,” Allan replied with a smile. “I though I'd ride into town and visit Johns shop.”

“Okay sweetie, I'll see you at dinner?” Zoë asked.

“See ya then,” Allan replied before kissing Zoë.

As she walked down out of the bay, Allan noticed Zoë wiggle her hips as she walked. Chuckling, Allan went to the back of the bay and pulled the tarp off the motorcycle he had appropriated from Maxwell on Deadwood.

Firing up the antique Harley Davidson, Allan roared out of the bay and headed for the small spaceport just outside town.

Pulling up to John's small shop next to the port, Allan could see where Kaylee got her tinkering skills. All over the small yard stood various pieces of equipment. Some for spacecraft and some obviously farm and other equipment.

Hearing the roar of the approaching motorcycle, John stepped outside.

“Allan, is that what I think it is?” John asked after Allan shut off the engine.

Extending the kickstand, Allan nodded, “If you are thinking it's a pre-exodus vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle... You'd be right.”

“Wuo de ma,” John swore, “Where did you get that?”

“Deadwood. Seems a local rancher turned crime boss found it somewhere. After we helped take care of him. I kinda borrowed it.”

“Borrowed it huh?” John asked sceptically.

“Well since he was six feet under at the moment... I don't think he'll be missing it”

John looked shocked and Allan cut him off.

“We were acting inside the law. The local sheriff hired us on as extra deputies to help arrest the guy. He tried to escape and the sheriff shot him.”

“Did he deserve it?”

“He did. Son of a bitch kept young girls as slaves. That's how we came across Alisha.”

“My god...”

“Good thing the sheriff killed him before Zoë found out he had Alisha... She would have skinned him alive.”

“I've got no doubts about that,” John replied, “So... When are you and Zoë getting hitched... I saw the rock on her finger.”

“Not sure yet,” Allan replied sheepishly, “Still got some issues to deal with with back in the core, Probably we'll get married after Mal and Inara do.”

“I noticed Inara's ring too. Seems to be something in the water on Serenity...”

Allan laughed at that, “I think you're right John. How about showing me your shop?”

“Come on.”

Allan followed John inside his shop. Various pieces and parts were scattered around. Everything from washing machines to a shuttle engine were in various states of repair and overhaul. Allan smiled as he walked around.

“Like what you see?” John asked.

“Homey,” Allan chuckled, “looks like you're busy.”

“Somewhat. Haven't been many ships through for repair. That's my bread and butter. The household goods help though.”

“I know how it is. Growing up, my grandfathers farm barely broke even. If not for his military pension, it would have been tight.”

“Didn't figure you as a farm boy, Allan.”

“Oh yeah,” Allan said smiling, “Cut my teeth fixing hay balers and tractors at age seven.” John chuckled, “Kaylee was the same way. Swear that girl had a wrench in her hand stead of a rattle when she was a baby.”

Allan laughed as he walked behind a large object covered with a tarp, “What's this John?”

“Some kinda computer core best I can figure. Never seen one like it before. Fella two counties over found it in a crater in his hay field..Called me up and I dug it out. The shell had heat damage but it's intact”

Allan's eyes widened, “How long ago?”

“Bought a week after you showed up last time.”

Allan ripped the tarp off the object and his eyes opened wide.

Slightly dented and singed, like a ghost from the past, sat the computer core of Free bird.

Allan sat down on a nearby crate, his knees suddenly weak.

“You okay Allan?”

“I think so John.”

“You know what it is?

“I do.”

“Well?”

“It's the computer core to my ship,” Allan said, his voice hushed.

“The one that broke up in atmo?”

“The same.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan rode his motorcycle back to Serenity and retrieved his laptop and computer tools. Riding back to John's shop, the two men began taking apart the battered casing.

Soon, the main core sat on the workbench. Allan studied the collection of circuit boards and memory modules carefully.

“Looks to be in good shape,” John commented.

“It does. I might be able to recover data from it.”

“After that fall?”

“Yep. It's all solid state memory. As long as the chips are intact, I should be able to recover the data.”

“Where do we start?” John asked, suddenly enjoying the challenge.

“I need a twenty four volt DC power source at sixty hertz.”

“I got something like that...”

After three hours work, Allan and John settled back as Allan's laptop downloaded the data from the computer core onto a series of data sticks. As the two men relaxed, a voice was heard outside.

“John! Hey, John!”

“Back in the shop!” John yelled.

A moment later a scruffy young man entered the work area, he wore a torn t shirt and cutoff cargo shorts. He had numerous tattoos visible. John rolled his eyes.

“What do you want Bester?”

Allan suddenly tried not to smirk. He'd heard about Bester from Zoë.

“Just wonderin if you knew of any ships comin in.”

“Just one... it's out to my place.”

“Your place? Think they might need a mechanic?”

“Not likely since it's Kay's ship.”

“Serenity?” Bester squeaked.

“Yep.”

“Oh... Um, you think Mal might need another mechanic?”

“Gettin desperate Bester?”

“Just a might... That hundan I was workin for fired me the other day.”

“Might be because you ain't the mechanic you think you are Bester.”

“I ain't that bad John,” the young man protested.

“You're better, I admit... After I taught you the trade. Or were you chasing after the captains niece again?”

“Well...”

John chuckled, “You keep thinkin with the wrong head son. That's what got you tossed offa Serenity.”

Allan laughed at that.

“Who are you old man?”

Still smiling, Allan stood up to his full six feet and looked down at the shorter Bester, “Zoë told me all about you Bester.”

“Zoë?” Bester squeaked.

“The same, you know, tall, can kill you with her pinky...”

“Well, I guess I'll be moseying off now,” Bester said nervously, “If you hear of any ships comin by, let me know John.”

“Have a nice day Bester.”

As soon as the scruffy man left, John and Allan broke down into laughter.

TBC