BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL

BRIGLAD

Big Blue -- Chapter 16
Friday, October 3, 2008

Zoe and Allan announce their wedding date and General Michaels plots


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 2362    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

Big Blue Chapter 16

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:

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Big Blue

Chapter Sixteen – Plot's and Plans

“Hey Mal... you got a minute?” Allan asked as he entered the bridge. Serenity was three days out of Kelly, bound for Osiris. It was time to bring the Tam's home.

“Take a seat Allan. What's on your mind?”

“I need to ask a favor,” Allan said as he slid into the co-pilots seat.

“Seems you're paying for the charter and since you've saved the ship and crew a few times... I guess I can grant you one or two favors,” Mal replied, a slight smile on his face.

“I want you to marry Zoë and I.”

“What?”

“Here on Serenity. Before we make landfall on Osiris.”

“I guess that falls under my captainy duties. I figured you would want a big shindig or the like.”

“After the last two weddings, I'm all shindig'd out,” Allan chuckled, “We don't need a big party. Just our family... everyone here on the ship.”

“What does Zoë think?”

“I think it's a great idea,” Zoë said entering.

Mal smiled, “Then I reckon I'd be honored.”

“Thanks Mal,” Allan said.

“One more thing sir?” Zoë asked.

“What is it Zoë?”

“You need to pull double duty... I want you to give me away too.”

“I wouldn't have it any other way.”

XXXXXXXXXX

River loved sitting on the bridge late at night. With everyone asleep, she could clear her mind. At the end of a busy day. All the pent up emotions and thoughts crowded her brain. Late at night the quiet time was very welcome. A side effect of River's treatment by the academy was a reduced need for sleep. She could go days without sleep if necessary. Before her relationship with Jayne, nightmares would keep her awake at night unless Simon medicated her. Jayne chased away the bad dreams. Now, River was able to be well rested on five to six hours a night.

River smiled as she felt her father approach the bridge. “Hi daddy.”

“Hi princess,” Gabriel smiled as he entered the bridge.

“You can use the cortex in the co-pilots seat,” River smiled at her father.

Gabriel was taken aback for a moment. He was still getting used to his daughters abilities. “Thank you dear,” he replied.

River grinned at her father, “And Jayne is treating me well. We are very happy.”

“River? Are you...”

“I'm trying not to read you daddy... you are just thinking rather loud tonight.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be... Not your fault.”

“Yes it is.”

River shot her father the boob look she usually reserved for Simon, “We've had this conversation before dad.”

“I still can't help but feel guilty about what happened.”

“All happens for a reason... Not our place to question it.”

Gabriel smiled at his daughter, “When did you become so smart?”

“When I was conceived,” River giggled.

“There's the bratty little girl I remember.”

“Always here... just hidden for a while,” River replied, “It's just after noon in Capital City, aunt Clair should be in her office.”

Gabriel smiled and turned back to the cortex. Punching in the address for his sister in law's office, he waited for the system to synchronize.

“Clair Marcotte,” the dark haired woman answered, not looking at the screen.

“Busy as usual, Clair?” Gabriel chuckled.

“Gabe! Oh my god.”

“How are things on Osiris?”

“Busy... Since I've been running your company and my practice at the same time.”

“Sorry about that. All is well?”

“Yes, but... where have you been. The warrant's were rescinded over two months ago.”

“Out on the rim. Attending a pair of weddings.”

“Weddings?”

Gabriel glanced off screen for a moment and then a face Clair thought she would never see again came into view.

“Hi aunt Clair,” River smiled.

“River? Is that you child?”

“It is... however no longer a child. Married woman now,” River said, holding up her hand so Clair could see her wedding band.

“My god River... you look so grown up.”

“Of course I do. I was fourteen the last time you saw me. I'll be twenty one in three months and five days.”

“I'm assuming the wedding your father was talking about was yours. What about the second?”

“Simon's,” Gabriel replied.

“Is he with you as well?”

“He is. And still practicing medicine... just as a ships doctor.”

“How long has he been married?”

“Eight whole days,” River giggled, “And going to be a daddy himself in seven months.”

“My god.” Clair exclaimed, “You have been busy. Gabe? Where's Reagan?”

“Asleep. It's about one AM ships time right now. I'll have her wave you in the morning. Should be evening there by then.”

“Thank you Gabe. You'll be happy to know the staff has kept the house up in your absence.”

“Good, they will all be getting bonuses, as soon as we get back.”

“When will you be back?”

“We are seven days, fifteen hours and forty eight minutes out, aunt Clair.”

The woman looked a bit shocked at the answer.

“River is the pilot on the ship we are on,” Gabriel explained.

“I imagine you have many stories to tell.”

“We do. Clair. I must be getting to bed, I'll have Reagan and Simon wave you when they can.”

“Thank you Gabe... It's so good to have this all behind us.”

“It is Clair... it is.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Zoë knocked on the door to Inara's shuttle.

“Cheeng jeen,” came her voice.

Zoë stepped nervously inside. Inara looked up from the book she was reading.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” Inara said warmly.

“Inara, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it Zoë?”

“I want you to be my maid of honor.” Zoë said, her back straight.

Inara smiled, “Mal mentioned you and Allan wanted to be married here on the ship.”

“We do... I got no family, other than Alisha and Allan has none o'course...” Zoë trailed off nervously.

“Why me? I would think that Alisha would be your first choice.”

“Uh, well... she was, but she suggested you,” Zoë replied, looking at her boots

An impish grin came across Inara's face, “So I'm your second choice...”

“Kind of...”

Inara giggled and pulled Zoë into a hug, “No worries Zoë. I don't mind. Now, what dress are you going to wear?”

XXXXXXXXXX

Alliance Intelligence headquarters – Londonium

“Good afternoon General Michaels.

“Mr. Prime Minister. What occasions the wave?”

“I am interested in what you think of these latest attacks on Mr. Bryant.”

“Most disturbing sir. The perpetrators behind this must be either former or current Blue Sun operatives.”

“I see. No possibility that it might be someone in your house?”

“I doubt it sir. Anyone with the clearance or knowledge to mount an operation like this, is now in custody and facing trial.”

“Except for yourself,” The Prime Minister pushed.

“Sir, I resent that comment. I would never stoop to such treachery. I sincerely hope that you do not think that I have had anything to do with this?”

“I do not, general. Just thinking out loud as they say.”

“I assure you, the Justice Ministry has our full cooperation in this matter.”

“I'm sure general. I won't take up any more of your time.”

“Good day Mr. Prime Minister.”

“Good day general.”

As the general cut the the wave he turned to his aide, “That man is getting too big for his britches.”

“I agree, sir but his popularity is at an all time high. Eliminating him would be more trouble than it is worth. With the special elections pending and less than half of parliament still in power. The Prime Minister is the only thing holding the government together at the moment.”

“You're right captain. I don't have the support of the fleet or the army. A coup would fail. And bring the Browncoats running.”

“What next sir?”

The general rubbed his face, “I'm not sure captain.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Prime Ministers office – Londonium

“He's lying.”

“About what miss Reed?”

“To far away to read specifics. Can only feel the falsehood,” The young woman replied.

“Thank you, miss Reed,” The Prime Minister replied, “How are you feeling?”

“More like myself, sir.”

“The treatments are helping?”

“They are sir.”

“Good, good. Soon, I hope that those restraints will no longer be necessary.”

“So do I sir,” the young woman looked as if she was going to cry.

“Hush, child. What has happened to you is not your fault. If anything it is mine. Or at least, the governments.

“Thank you for saying that sir.”

“Your welcome,” The Prime Minister nodded.

Two security men escorted the handcuffed young woman from the office. The Prime minister's face showed genuine pity for the girl.

“Where did we go wrong to do something like that?” The Prime Minister asked his assistant.

“With power comes responsibility sir... Your predecessor forgot that.”

“To forcibly take an intelligent girl like her, or River Tam, and turn them into weapons... I fear that perhaps the Browncoats were right all those years ago. I feel like the worst kind of hypocrite using her for this.”

“She is getting better. At least the scientists from the Academy are cooperating in her deprogramming.”

“To avoid a death sentence... Well at least some good may come from this if we can heal that girl.”

“What of the twins captured on Deadwood?”

“They get the same treatment as miss Reed. Whatever it takes I want those kids back with their families as soon as it is safe to do so.”

“Very good sir.”

“That's all for now... Wait... put surveillance on General Michaels. If he sneezes, I want to know what color it was.”

“Yes sir.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“What you doing Allan?” Alisha asked as she entered the galley.

“Just going over all my old journal entries,” he replied from his seat at the big table. Eyes scanning the laptop screen before him.

“Good memories?”

“Some... some other's not so much.”

“What do you feel like for dinner tonight?”

“Whatever you're making.”

“You sound pretty down for someone about to marry my sister.”

Allan smiled a bit, “Not down about that. Just getting a bit melancholy in my old age.”

“You're only as old as you feel you know,” Alisha replied.

“Well Zoë has a tendency to make me feel like a teenager.”

“I bet,” Alisha giggled, “I remember once when she was about sixteen. She snuck a boy onto the ship. Daddy whipped her behind good for that. Damn near put the boy out the airlock to boot. Took her a years worth of allowance to pay the captain back for the fuel they needed to bring the boy back home.”

“You remember that?” Zoë said as she entered the galley.

“I was seven but I still remember like it was yesterday.”

“What other stories do you have Alisha?” Allan asked.

“Well there was this time...”

“Bi zui,” Zoë snarled, “Don't need to be tellin all my secrets there sissy.”

“Okay, okay sis,” Alisha grumped, “I'll just tell Allen about em' later. Gotta let him know what's he's getting.”

“I can hurt you, you know,” Zoë said, a slight smile curling her lips.

“Nahhh, I got my own fed trained bodyguard,” Alisha giggled.

“And I didn't see said bodyguard, sneakin outta your bunk this mornin either...”

“What do you want for dinner, sis?” Alisha asked, trying to change the subject.

Allan and Zoë laughed.

XXXXXXXXXX

Alliance Intelligence headquarters – Londonium

General Michaels gathered his notes and placed them in his briefcase. Locking the door to his office he nodded to his secretary and headed for the lift. As soon as he reached the lobby, the general purchased a newspaper from a vending machine near the main entrance. While perusing the front page, he noticed a pair of men who seemed out of place.

The men would have been overlooked by most people but Anderson Michaels had been a spy most of his adult life. He could spot surveillance half a quadrant away. A grim smile on his face. The general exited the building and walked to his waiting ground car. As a ranking officer and acting head of intelligence, he rated his own car and driver.

The general's driver, a young Sargent named Yu, opened the door for his boss.

“Good evening sir,” Yu said as he stood at attention.

“Sargent,” Michaels replied as he entered the car.

Yu entered the drivers seat and turned to the general, “Home sir?”

“Paulina's... I feel like dining out this evening.”

“Very good sir,” Yu replied as he pulled the car out into the heavy traffic of New London.

The general smiled as he spotted a nondescript ground car begin to follow his. The vehicle following just screamed Justice Ministry to the generals practiced eye.

Lets see how tight my tail is, the general thought. Quickly he scribbled a note and handed it to Sgt. Yu.

We have a tail. Head for the restaurant's back door.

Yu nodded and changed lanes. Taking a roundabout course to the restaurant. Soon, they lost the ground car following in the heavy traffic. Unknown to the general, his car was also being followed by a skiff flying above the buildings. The tracking device attached to the generals car transmitting a clear signal.

Pulling into the alley behind Paulina's, Sgt. Yu shut down the car and opened the general's door.

“Pull back around front. Wait for me there. I'll be about an hour.” the general said as he retrieved a small case from the rear seat.

“Yes sir,” Yu replied.

As the car pulled away, Michaels pulled his sidearm. Slowly he made his way down the alley towards the street. Setting the case behind a dumpster, he waited in the shadows. Sure enough, a few moments later two men in cheap suits strode down the alley.

Michaels stepped from behind the dumpster and fired twice. The two men slumped to the ground. The general's laser making no noise as he shot. Quickly, he dragged the two men behind the dumpster.

Opening his case, General Michaels, quickly removed the civilian clothing within. Changing quickly, the general stuffed his uniform into the case and casually walked out of the alleyway. Two blocks away, he threw the case and it's contents into another dumpster.

Yu wouldn't start looking for him for at least an hour. With luck, the general would be off planet by then. Hailing a taxi, he told the driver to take him to the spaceport. Arriving at the port he first went to a locker in the passenger area of the port. Opening it with his thumb print, the general removed his emergency escape supplies. In a large duffel was clothing, ten thousand credits in cash as well as a similar amount in platinum. Several pistols and forged identification cards. With a grim smile. Michaels walked out of the passenger terminal and headed for the freight docks. He would book passage on a freighter. They would look for him on a liner. The tramp freighters promised a measure of anonymity.

Slowly walking through the bustling port, Michaels spotted a likely candidate. An old Skylark freighter that was departing that evening bound for Osiris and then Boros. Michaels spotted a large bearded man standing at the foot of the ships ramp, directing the offload of cargo.

“I'm looking for the captain.”

“That would be me,” the big man replied, “What can I do you for?”

“I'm looking for passage to Osiris.”

“Well, we're goin that way. Just yerself?”

“Just me... and my luggage of course.”

“Fare's a hundred platinum.”

“Fair enough. I'll take it.”

“Good enough mister...”

“O'Leary, Andy O'Leary.”

“Welcome aboard the Walrus Mr. O'Leary. I'm Monty Reynolds.”

“I'm happy to meet you captain Reynolds.”

“Grab yer gear and head on in. We're leavin an about an hour. My fist mate will set you up.”

“Thanks again captain.”

TBC

COMMENTS

Sunday, October 5, 2008 9:43 PM

JANE0904


So the plot thickens! I like that Mal is going to marry Allan and Zoe - it seems appropriate! But General Michaels seems like more than a loose cannon ...


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