Big Blue Chapter 19

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

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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.

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A/N: Getting close to the conclusion folks, Still more to come though.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

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Big Blue

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Chapter Nineteen – Endings?

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It had been a long time since the Tam family had sat around this particular dinner table.

Gabriel had taken his seat at the head, Reagan to his left. At the opposite end sat Mal. The rest of the group arrayed around the oaken surface. Simon smiled at his sister across from him. River tried not to giggle. It had been a long time coming.

“What are your plans now Simon?” His Aunt Clair asked him.

Simon paused mid bite, suddenly unsure, “I'm not sure,” He finally replied.

“Don't you want to reclaim your medical career?”

Kaylee looked at her husband, this was the one thing she feared, Simon wanting to go back to his old life. Simon looked at her and saw the fear there. In the back of his mind he did want to be a practicing physician again. However first and foremost was his commitment to Kaylee.

“Uh...” Simon began.

“I think I have an idea,” Allan spoke up.

“What is that Allan?” Gabriel asked.

“I still have quite a bit to do, getting Blue Sun running the way I want it. Particularly the medical division. I can't trust anyone there since it helped run the academy project. While I have medical training, I'm not an physician. Simon's the only doctor I trust. Besides, He's practically my personal physician, I'm not about to let him get away.”

You offering him a Job Allan?” Mal asked.

“Part time. I think all of us on the ship agree, Simon's full time job is the ships doctor.”

The fear left Kaylee's face, Simon even cracked a small smile. Mal nodded.

“Nice save,” Zoë whispered in her husband's ear.

Seemingly satisfied, Clair turned to her niece, “What about you River?”

“Already have a job,” She said simply, casting a look to her husband and then Mal.

As the conversation turned to less stressful subjects, the smiles grew around the table. As desert was served, Allan spoke up again, “Clair?” he asked.

“Yes?”

“What do you require for a retainer?”

“Shen-me?”

“I find myself in need of an attorney. While nothing is pressing, having a lawyer I can trust is... comforting.”

“I...I...”

“No need to reply now, Just keep it in mind.”

River shot Allan a quick grin.

Outside, invisible in the darkening twilight, the family didn't know they were being observed. Hidden in a tree at the edge of the property, Anderson Michaels peered through the electronic spotting scope in his hands. The enhanced image of Allan Bryant and River Tam clear to him through the dining room windows.

Looking at the small data pad the former general carried, he consulted the plans he had of the Tam estate. The windows in the dining room while not truly bullet or laser proof, still precluded a shot. He would wait. Leaving a small camera in his place, Michaels, climbed down from the tree.

He would return at first light. If Bryant or River showed their faces outside... they would die.

XXXXXXXXXX

As the evening drew to a close, the couples slowly made their way to their assigned bedrooms. Kaylee giggled at Simon as she sat on his bed.

“So Dr. Tam. You ever bring a girl to bed in this room?”

Simon sputtered a moment before replying, “I.. no... well not until now.”

“Good, now get yerself outta them duds... gotta christen this bed proper like...”

- - - - - - - -

I dunno baby doll,” Jayne said, “Seems a might... frilly fer me.”

“It is just a bed zang-fu,” River replied.

“But all them trimmins...”

“I'll make you forget all about the 'trimmins'.”

“I like that idea.”

- - - - - - - - -

“Now this is comfy,” Mal said as he slipped under the covers next to Inara

“Maybe we should get one like it for my shuttle bao-bei?” Inara asked.

“Think we should?” Mal said pondering, “S'pose we can afford one now that Allan's payin us all this coin.”

“A good investment, particularly in a few months when I start getting bigger.”

“I'll ask Gabriel in the mornin where he got the mattress.”

- - - - - - - - - -

“Reggie, will you get you pi-gu over here?” Alisha said, an exasperating tone in her voice.

“Alisha... maybe this isn't a good idea.”

“What ain't a good idea? You sleeping in this bed with me or is it that everyone knows you're doing it?”

“I just don't want to hurt you, bao-bei.” There he'd said it.

Alisha's face softened, “You ain't gonna hurt me... not like we've never slept together before...”

“I know... It's just, this assignment will be over soon. And then I'll be off doing I don't know what somewhere away from you. I... I don't want to break your heart if I get sent away on assignment. I... I love you Alisha. But I'm not sure how to make this work.”

Alisha threw off the covers and almost jumped into Reggie's arms, “I love you too carrot top. Ain't nothing or anyone gonna change that. I've waited my whole life for someone like you. I've been through hell and back, found the sister I never thought I'd see again, found a real family and now I've found you. I ain't about to let you go.”

“But...”

“No buts. If the Alliance sends you somewhere, I can follow. I ain't tied to Serenity like Zoë is. Wherever you are will be fine with me.”

“Serenity's been a family for me too... Something I've never had before,” Reggie admitted.

“You know you don't have to keep working for the Alliance.”

“What would I do?”

“Talk to Allan... I'm sure my brother-in-law can find something for you to do.”

- - - - - - - - -

“It's so good to be home,” Regan said as she brushed out her hair before bed.

“I know dear,” Gabriel replied as he entered from the bathroom, dressed in his pajamas.

“And having the children home. Did you see how happy Martha was when she saw River?”

“I know. Oh, don't forget to remind me... The entire staff will be getting bonuses for their work during this... crisis.”

They have done very well. Did you see Charles face when I offered to help cook tonight? I thought he was going to faint,” Regan chuckled.

Gabriel chuckled as well, “I know. I told the gardener that I wanted to help with the yard work. He looked at me like I had two heads.”

“I think living on Deadwood was good for us dear.”

“It was. My perspective has been changed forever.”

“I know they won't be staying long... but having River and Simon here in the house. It's like we're a real family again.

Gabriel kissed his wife, “We always were one. We just forgot for a while.”

- - - - - - - - -

“I could get used to this,” Zoë purred as she sat in the huge bathtub in her and Allan's room.

“What was that baby?” Allan said as he stuck his head in the bathroom door.

“I said you better get yer pi-gu in this tub before I have to kick it across the room.”

With a grin, Allan slipped into the sudsy water, “Your wish is my command hon.”

“That's more like it,” Zoë said as she snuggled against her husband.

“We need to rig up a tub on Serenity.”

“Don't think the captain would go for that, dear,” Zoë commented.

“Never know...”

“If you can convince him... I'll give you back rubs for a week.”

“And if I can't?”

“You give me foot rubs for a week.”

“Deal.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Dawn on Osiris broke early. Yawning at the bright light seeping past the curtains, Allan rolled over and draped his arm across Zoë's back. Snuggling in closer, he tried to go back to sleep.

“Mornin baby,” Zoë said quietly as she rolled to face her husband.

“Mmph,” Allan mumbled.

Zoë giggled, “C'mon sleepyhead, burnin daylight.”

“Let it burn,” Allan mumbled as he snuggled his face closer to Zoë's chest.

“No way... That ain't gonna work husband.”

“Worth a try,” Allan grinned.

“If you behave yourself and get up, you can join me in the shower.”

“With an offer like that, how can I refuse?”

With a playful swat on Zoë's backside, Allan chased his wife into the bathroom.

After a long shower, the newlyweds made their way downstairs, the glow on their faces more post coital than post shower.

Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, James, the Tam's butler informed them that breakfast was being served on the patio. Following the man out the french doors, the couple found everyone else gathered around the large table.

“About time you two showed up,” Mal chuckled.

“Yeah sissy, took you long enough,” Alisha said with a smile.

“Just cause you're my sister don't mean I can't hurt you ya know,” Zoë replied with a grin.

River and Kaylee giggled at the exchange while Jayne and Simon just grinned. It seemed that all the couples got lucky last night.

As the group began to eat, James approached, “Major Michaels? There is a wave for you. You can take it in the kitchen.”

“Thank you,” Reggie replied. Standing up, he gave Alisha a quick peck on the cheek before following the butler. River and Kaylee giggled while Zoë shot her sister a smile.

“What?” Alisha asked.

“You and the Fed,” Zoë teased.

“And what's wrong with Reggie?”

“Nothin mei-mei,”

“Reggie an me had a long talk last night.”

“And?” Kaylee asked.

“Said he loved me.”

Kaylee let out a happy squeal. River patted her friends shoulder. Kaylee, Inara, Reagan and Zoë just smiled.

“Gorram love boat... That's what Serenity's turned into,” Mal muttered.

“Good thing Fred didn't come on this trip, Way she was moonin over Oso...” Allan chuckled.

The big man did his best to avoid the stare Jayne shot his way. River cuffed her husband on the arm.

- - - - - - - - - -

Reggie answered the wave, “Major Michaels.”

“Reggie... Where's Mr. Bryant and River Tam?” Col. Alfreda Mason said without preamble.

“Outside on the patio, having breakfast. What's the matter Boss?”

“We found out who's behind all this. He slipped the tail we had on him on Londonium. We think he's on Osiris.”

“Who?”

“Your father.”

“Wu de tyen ah!” Reggie exclaimed.

“I'm sorry...”

“Not as sorry as he's gonna be,” Reggie replied as he drew his gun. He began running for the patio, knocking a maid over in the process.

Reggie burst through the doors, “Everyone get under cover! Inside now!”

“What?” Allan exclaimed. As he turned his head to look at Reggie, Allan felt heat on the side of his face. A laser beam passed through the space his head had occupied just a moment before.

The powerful beam. A pulse really, struck Reggie's right arm just below the shoulder. So much energy was contained in the blast, the thermal shock blew the young major's arm completely off.

Time seemed to stop for a moment as Reggie crumpled to the ground. Alisha screamed.

Jayne and River were the first to move. Shoving her parents under cover, the young psychic leaped over the table and knocked Allan to the tile just as another intense emerald beam nearly vaporized the chair Allan had been sitting in. Jayne pulled Inara, Kaylee and Alisha to the ground. Mal, Zoë and Simon took cover on their own, Simon crawling to Reggie's side. Together he and Mal began to drag the major clear.

Oso threw himself over Allan as his gun came out, eyes searching for the shooter. River crawled to where the charred remains of Reggie's arm lay. Calmly she removed the pistol from the severed limb's fingers. Her eyes scanned the tree line at the edge of the property, nearly three hundred yards away.

“There,” River said, “The large oak next to the blue spruce. Too far for a pistol.”

“All the long arms are on Serenity,” Zoë said. Feeling quite naked without a gun.

“Any idea who it is?” Allan asked River from his position behind Oso.

“Reggie's father.”

“Say what?”

“He's the one behind the attacks. Worked with the Blue hands. I can feel him from here now. His thoughts were guarded before. Now he is angry at missing. Wants da-shu and I dead.”

“When I get done cuttin on him, he's gonna wish he were dead,” Jayne snarled.

“No,” River said, “He's Mine.”

With that, River stood up, her head cocked to one side.

“Girl, get your ass on the ground!” Jayne yelled at his wife. Reagan and Gabriel also pleaded with their daughter to get down

River smiled and took a step sideways as a laser pulse struck the small statue behind where she had been standing, blowing it to pieces. River read the weapon's specs from the generals mind and knew that it needed three seconds to recharge after each shot. In that three seconds, River was out of sight in the shrubbery.

“Damn,” General Michaels swore to himself, “Thought I had her.”

Carefully, the general scanned the patio area through the laser rifles scope. His targets were obscured by the shrubbery surrounding the patio.

The general, despite being an excellent shot, was not a trained sniper. A real sniper would have known that once the shot is taken. His position is compromised. Michaels should have moved as soon as he took the first shot and missed. So intent at looking through the scope, he didn't see River emerge from behind a small tree, twenty feet to his right.

Aiming carefully, River fired her borrowed pistol. The bullet struck the rifle in the general's hands, knocking it from his grasp. In his haste to try and grab the weapon, Anderson Michaels fell from his perch in the tree, landing with a thump, fifteen feet below.

He let out a scream as the bones in his right forearm shattered. General Michaels blood went cold a moment later. Standing over him was River Tam, A gun in her hand.

“Hello Miss Tam, we meet at last.”

“No longer Miss Tam. Now Mrs. Cobb.”

Confusion showed on the generals face, despite the pain from his arm.

“You have been a naughty boy General Michaels. You need to be punished.”

“You're just going to shoot me then?” Michaels hissed through his pain.

“Since I don't have my sword... yes. Oh, by the way. The man you shot? That was your son... Reggie.”

Michaels eyes went wide. Despite his failings he, in his own twisted way, loved his son, even though Reggie hated him. The thought that he had killed Reggie was the last thing to go through his mind before the bullet fired from River's gun did.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Allan, I need help with Reggie!” Simon yelled.

Allan crawled to where Mal and the doctor had dragged the major. Blood was everywhere, despite the heat from the laser, Reggie was bleeding out from the severed vessels in his upper arm. As the two men tried to stop the bleeding, Allan thought he heard someone say that it was all clear and Fed's and an ambulance were on the way.

“Simon, his pulses are getting weak,” Allan said quickly.

“I know, get his feet up... Trendelinberg.”

“On it,” Allan replied. Quickly, Allan propped Reggie's feet up on an overturned chair. Even though it had just been a few minutes, it seemed like time was crawling. Suddenly, River was at their side, Simon's medical bag and trauma supplies in her hands.

Simon smiled at his sister and turned. “Allan, start an IV please.”

The engineer nodded. His paramedic training from so long ago rushing to the forefront of his mind. River prepped the bag of solution while Allan looked for a usable vein. Feeling all over Reggie's arm Allan finally went for the vein inside of the elbow. A quick flash of blood in the chamber let him know he had a good site. River handed Allan the IV tubing and he connected it to the catheter. Adjusting the clamp to allow full flow, Alan turned to River.

“Squeeze the bag,” he ordered.

Simon went after the bleeders with his laser cauterizer. Working quickly, the flow of blood slowed. Taking scissors from Simon's bag, Allan cut away Reggie's shirt. The young man had flash burns all along the side of his chest from the laser, Allan poured another bag of IV solution over the burns and then bandaged the area.

Throughout it all, Alisha sat on the hard tile, sobbing silently, Zoë and Kaylee holding her in their arms.

A few minutes later, an ambulance landed on the pad next to serenity, flanked by two small Alliance gunships. A small squad of federal officers ran to the patio, Followed by Paramedics from the Ambulance.

Simon began barking orders to the ambulance crew. Reggie was moved to a stretcher, his severed arm collected and hustled to the small ship. Oso Ordered the Fed's to keep an eye on the rest of the crew while he joined Simon and Allan in the ambulance. In a blast of exhaust, the small craft was airborne and headed for Capital City General. The same hospital that Simon used to work at.

Suddenly the Tam estate was quiet except for Alisha's nearly silent sobs.

Mal looked around and realized the federal officers were looking to him for direction.

“Hundan who did this is dead. Body's under a tree bout three hundred yards that away,” Mal pointed.

The Sargent in charge nodded. Snapping his fingers, two officers ran in the direction of the body.

Mal turned to River, “Tross, get the rest o' the womenfolk into 'Nara's shuttle, head for the hospital, Me and Jayne will be along directly.”

Zoë nearly had to carry her sister to Serenity. With the assistance of two officer's for security, shuttle one was airborne with River behind the controls, headed for the hospital.

“Is is over?” Gabriel asked Mal as they watched the shuttle climb into the morning sky.

“God I hope so. I truly do.”

TBC