Big Blue Chapter 21

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: This is the last chapter in this arc. Don't worry, the Allanverse continues in 'Heritage' and I also plan some one shots as well.

Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

Big Blue

Chapter Twenty – Endings

All in all, it wasn't one of Allan's best days. The look Zoë was giving him as a young intern stitched up the cut over Allan's left eye reminded him of the fact.

“Just dinner and drinks?” Zoë said. Her visage stoic.

“That was the plan...” Allan trailed off.

“Here it is, the night before the captain's wedding and you take him out and get into a bar fight.” It wasn't a question. It was a pure statement.

“How was I supposed to know the place was going to get shaken down by the local Tong for protection money?” Allan asked.

“All done,” said the young doctor, “Just keep it clean and do try to avoid any more beer mugs.”

“Thanks doc,” Allan replied as the man excused himself. A slight grin visible on the doctors face.

“You sure you didn't let the captain plan this?” Zoë asked her husband.

“I may be genius but I'm not perfect,” Allan said, a slight grin on his face.

Zoë tried to keep a straight face but a chuckle escaped, “Wouldn't a been this crew if somethin hadn't a happened.”

“My point exactly.”

“Mr Bryant?” asked a middle aged Alliance Marshal from just outside the curtained off area..

“Yes?” Allan replied.

“I'm Captain Rollins, Federal Marshals.”

“Captain,” Allan nodded.

“If I could, I'd like to get a statement from you about tonight's... disturbance.”

“Pull up a seat Captain.”

“I gotta hear this,” Zoë said as she sat down as well.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan had searched high an low to find a place to take the boys out for Mal's bachelor party. Someplace, Gabriel would be able to fit into as well as Jayne. No easy task in Capital City on Osiris.

Finally, a pub located near the blackout zone but still in a fairly decent neighborhood caught his eye. The offered good food and booze and had semi private booths in the rear.

Perfect.

It was early evening when the group of men arrived. Everyone was there. Oso was on leave. Reggie was there as well. His artificial arm had been installed but he was still learning how to use it. Mostly he could move it about and pick up a beer mug. Which for tonight was all he needed it to do.

Mal, and Jayne were just happy to be going out. Even if it was to a fancy place in Capital City. Simon and his father Gabriel blended in rather well. While on Osiris, Simon had been dressing better. Mostly because he had access to the rest of his wardrobe at the Tam Estate. Tonight he and his father dressed down a bit to blend in with the more middle class patrons of the bar and grille. The man who stood out the most was Inara's Uncle.

Salah Serra was a tall man. Carrying himself with the regal bearing of a man used to wealth, he stuck out like a sore thumb with the group.

Despite his privileged upbringing, Salah and Mal clicked. Their mutual love for horses was the catalyst. Salah had huge stables on Shinon and was an avid horseman. He also liked Mal for his straight forward attitude. Salah was so very tired of the 'airs' many of the elite put on. This included his own sister, Inara's mother.

Salah Serra knew of the hidden fire in his niece and her need for adventure. He thought Mal was the perfect match for her. No matter what his sister thought.

As the evening wore on, friendships were forged between Salah, Mal, Gabriel and Allan.

Salah had significant holdings in Blue Sun. Prior to Allan's takeover, it hadn't been enough for a seat on the board but now, perhaps he had enough. Allan told the Salah that he would welcome his presence on the board.

Oso and Jayne matched each other, drink for drink. Allan had a couple of beers along with Simon and Gabriel. Salah was a scotch man and Reggie abstained due to the meds he was still on. Mal was on his fifth beer when three young tough looking asian men walked into the place like they owned it.

“Go-se,” Reggie whispered.

Allan looked to where Reggie was staring, “Gang?” Allan asked.

“Worse... Tong.”

Allan swore. He'd seen on the cortex how the Tong's ran organized crime on the core worlds. He also remembered the Tongs from Earth as well.

“What do you think?” Allan asked.

“It's Friday night... might just be here to pick up the protection money. Maybe shake down some the patrons as well.

Oso and Jayne were four sheets to the wind and Mal had a pretty serious buzz going. Allan looked at Simon.

“Simon, if something happens, get your dad and Mal on the floor, Zoë, Inara and your mom would kill me if something happened. Salah...”

“Don't worry about me Allan. I can take care of myself.”

Okay, we'll play it cool for the moment.”

The three men looked smug as the bar owner handed over a sack of cash to the men. One of the men glanced around the bar and spotted the group of well dressed men in the corner. He nudged one of his companions. The trio began walking towards them, the other patrons giving them a wide berth.

Allan slipped his colt from it's holster at the small of his back to his right hand. Even drunk, Jayne noticed the threat. A smile crossing his face.

“My kinda party after all,” Jayne slurred. Oso snickered and drained his beer, keeping the mug in his grip.

“Good evening gentlemen,” The leader of the trio said.

“Evenin... buy you fellas a drink?” Mal said, a sloppy grin on his face.

“No thank you,” came the polite reply, “I see that you are not from around here.”

“Nope,” Allan said.

“Too bad.”

“Why is that?” Reggie asked, nonplussed.

“Because that means you have to pay the tribute.”

“Jien tah-duh gway,” Mal swore.

“That was the wrong thing to say,” The leader said as he pulled out a butterfly knife and opened it with a flourish.

Expecting the obviously rich men to cower in fear, the three Tong members instead found themselves facing down guns held by Allan, Oso, Jayne, Mal and Reggie.

“Now what was this about tribute?” Allan asked.

Off to the side, a fourth Tong member who had entered separately from his cohorts, picked up a beer mug from a table and hurled it at Allan, striking him over his left eye. Allan cried out and reeled back, involuntarily firing his pistol into the ceiling.

All hell broke loose.

Oso hurled the mug in his hand at the man who had thrown one at Allan, hitting him square in the face and taking him out of the fight. Mal tried to stand but was thrown bodily under the table by Jayne. Simon pushed his father under cover as well.

Reggie swung at the closest Tong with his new arm, the man's jaw shattering from the impact of the blow. The titanium and carbon fiber frame under the artificial skin adding mass while high strength linear motors powered the punch. Allan regained his feet and ducked as another Tong tried to high kick him. He shot him in the foot.

The last remaining Tong decided discretion was the better part of valor and made a break for the door... running into the Feds entering after hearing the two gunshots.

“... and you know the rest, Captain.” Allan finished.

“Well... I'm not quite sure what to do here. A civilian carrying a firearm and using it like you did...”

“Technically, I'm not a civilian. I'm still a Deputy Sheriff on Deadwood.”

“That's true dear,” Zoë smiled, “And Oso is a Fed Captain.”

“And Reggie was forced to retire for medical reasons from the same unit as Oso,” Allan added.

The Captain sighed and rubbed his face, “I suppose that would cover the firearms.”

“Those three... no, four men were in the process of committing a crime.”

“Very well,” The Captain said, “My report will state that several off duty law enforcement officials stopped a robbery. No charges will be filed against you and your friends.”

“Good, I wouldn't want to have to call the Prime Minister to sort this all out,” Allan said with a smile.

The Fed Captain looked like he was going to faint at Allan's comment.

XXXXXXXXXX

Sporting a weave over his left eye, Allan helped Mal tie his necktie.

“Gorramit... it's to tight.”

“Hang on Mal, once it's straight I'll loosen it... there.”

Allan smiled at his friend. Osiris fashion for weddings followed a blend of Western and Asian practices. The men dressed in the English 'morning dress' style and the bride had the option of red or white for her dress.

Inara had compromised. Choosing a western style, white wedding dress while her attendants wore red asian influenced dresses.

Jayne was more uncomfortable than Mal was in his suit while Simon looked like he wore a suit like this every day.

“Y'all got the rings... right?”

Allan patted a pocket in his waistcoat, “Right here Mal... relax.”

“How are you gentlemen doing?” Salah asked as he entered.

“Nervous as hell,” Mal muttered.

“Relax my boy. I can say with certainty that Inara is in a similar state.”

“Time is getting close,” Gabriel said as he stuck his head in the door, “The guests have mostly all arrived.”

“Guests?” Mal squeaked.

“It seems half the guild is here... and the other half are mostly wearing brown.”

“Huh?”

XXXXXXXXXX

“Ready 'Nara?” Zoë asked.

“I think so,” She smiled in reply.

“Looks like half the guild is out there,” Zoë commented.

“I'm surprised that anyone showed up,” Inara replied.

“No matter what you are now, you're still one o' them 'Nara.”

“Thank you Zoë.”

“Ready to get this shindig on the road “Nara?” Kaylee chirped.

Inara looked at her friends. Saw the love and hope in their eyes, “Lets go.”

Inara's Uncle Salah gave her a kiss on the cheek, “You are so beautiful Inara.”

“Thank you Da-shu.”

“It's time.” Reagan said from the doorway.

Mal was sweating slightly in the warm Osiris sunshine. The ceremony was being held outside in the garden behind the Tam estate. In deference to Mal's avoidance of religion, a local judge would officiate. The only Shepherd Mal would have wanted to officiate at his wedding would have been Book.

Mal looked over the crowd. On the bride's side it was a sea of companions of both sexes as well as a few of what Mal thought might have been some of Inara's former clients. He shuddered at that thought.

On his side of the aisle, there were fewer guests, but more personal to him. Alisha sat with Reggie, A healed up Durin Haymer sat next to a nearly glowing Yo/saff/bridg. Monty and his crew were in town and came to see the couple off. Col. Mason and her husband were also in attendance.

Mal saw a large man with a red sash take a set in the rear. Mal smiled as he realized Lord Harrow had traveled from Persephone for the occasion.

“Wuo de ma,” Mal muttered as he saw Jayne, in his job as usher, nearly drag a small weaselly man to his seat. The bowler hat gave him away. “Badger,” Mal whispered.

Soon it was time, Mal stood nervously as the wedding march began. First down the aisle came Jayne and River, followed by Simon and Kaylee. Allan and Zoë were next. Allan taking his place at Mal's side.

“You okay?” Allan whispered.

“Reckon so,” Mal answered.

The music changed and suddenly Inara was there. Mal's knees grew weak as he looked upon her for the first time in her wedding dress.

Inara had decided on an empire waisted gown that would help hide the baby bulge at her waist. Kaylee's dress was of similar style. The dress was pure white with ivory embroidery and a deep V neckline. A flowered tiara was in Inara's dark curls, her bouquet done up with matching flowers.

Inara's smile could be seen through her veil as Salah walked his niece down the aisle.

Mal had a silly grin on his face as Salah anded his niece to him. With a smile, the judge cleared his throat, “We are gathered here today...”

“... and by the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Mal and Inara's lips met for the first time and husband and wife. Kaylee and River were fighting back tears of joy. Even Zoë looked a bit misty.

After what seemed like forever, Mal and Inara broke for air, accompanied by the sounds of applause. After a moment, they headed back down the aisle towards the large tent set up on the rear lawn.

After a bit of shuffling, the receiving line was set up and the guests began to parade by the new couple and the rest of the bridal party.

“Durin!” Allan exclaimed as his friend shook his hand, “How are you feeling?”

“Better then new Allan,” the man smiled, “Zoë you are as lovely as ever.”

“Thank you,” Zoë replied.

“Hey Zoë,” Yolanda said in greeting.

“Yolanda,” Zoë nodded. She still didn't trust that woman. Probably never would.

“Captain Reynolds,” Durin said as he shook Mal's hand.

“Mr. Haymer,” Mal replied. Inara eyed Yolanda but surprisingly saw nothing but happiness in her expression.

“Congratulations Inara,” Yolanda said with sincerity, “Mal's a good man.”

“Thank you.”

“How far along?” Yolanda asked with genuine curiosity.

“Almost six months.”

Yolanda smiled, “Good for you. I guess I'll be joining the club myself.”

“Shumma?”

“Durin and I are expecting.”

Inara was shocked. Durin had a smile on his face, “I'm going to be a father,” he said proudly.

“Never a thunk it huh?” Yolanda said in her best rim drawl.

“Could say that,” Mal agreed.

XXXXXXXXXX

The reception lasted long into the evening. A little after nine, A limousine whisked Mal and Inara off to a suite at the nicest hotel in Capital City. This was Gabriel and Reagan's wedding gift to the couple.

Allan and Zoë's gift to the couple was financial in nature. Allan gave Mal and Inara Blue Sun stock. Enough that they wold be financially secure for the rest of their lives. Discreetly, Allan had also gifted stocks to the rest of the crew, including Alisha.

Allan now had more money than he could spend in several lifetimes. He did what he could to make sure his friends... his family would be taken care of. No matter what happened in the future.

Serenity's overhaul was progressing well but it would still be at least three weeks before the ship was ready to fly again.

Osiris' equatorial area had several island chains that were quite similar to the Bahama's on Earth. Allan rented five villas at a posh seaside resort for two weeks, handed each of the other couples a bank card preloaded with fifty thousand credits and told them to have fun.

He and Zoë didn't leave their villa except for meals and some swimming for the first three days.

By the fourth day, Kaylee dragged the rest of the women off for a day of shopping, leaving the men to fend for themselves.

After some consultations with Simon, he and Allan decided to introduce Mal and Jayne to the sport of golf.

Reggie had played before but his artificial arm prevented him from playing. Instead he indulged in a bit of deep sea fishing.

“Should a went fishin with Reggie,” Mal grumbled as he searched through the underbrush for his ball. This was the fourth time today and they weren't even to the back nine yet.

“Over here Mal,” Jayne called. He had found the captain's ball.

Allan an Simon chuckled from where they leaned against the two golf carts. Simon was instructing Mal while Allan was teaching the game to Jayne.

Mal took his drop and swung again, managing to keep his head down and duffing the ball another sixty yards or so.

“Getting better Mal,” Allan said just before driving his ball a clean one hundred and eighty yards.

“Yeah Cap,” Jayne said, “Ain't all that hard.”

Simon shook his head. Who knew that Jayne Cobb would be a natural. While his swing wasn't precise, it had power. Jayne, was quite good for someone who had never played golf before.

“Simon I can figure playin this game,” Mal grumbled, “But Allan?”

“It's cliché that doctors play golf, Mal. But I did quite a bit of business dealing on golf courses in my day.”

“I haven't played in years,” Simon said, “It was at least a year before I started trying to get River out of the academy, last time I played.”

“Ugh,” Allan muttered, “And you're still kicking my ass. Been about a year and a half since I played, relatively speaking.”

“River's better than I am,” Simon teased.

“Remind me to never play golf with her then.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Several nights later, Mal and Allan were sitting on the deck of the Villa that the captain and Inara were occupying. Zoë and Inara were inside getting drinks.

“Allan?”

“Yeah Mal?”

“Were you serious about settin up a homestead somewhere?”

“I was,” Allan replied, “I do like that spot on Boros that Jacob let us use last time we were there.”

“Me too,” Mal agreed.

“Me too what, bao-bei?” Inara asked her husband.

“Settin up some kinda homestead for all o' us. Now we got some little one's on the way.”

“What about Serenity Sir?” Zoë asked.

“We'll still fly her. But I reckon not all the time.”

“You think this is a good time to put down roots Sir?”

“I think it is, Zoë. We're all free, no warrants, got friends in high places in the government, kids on the way and maybe more down the line. Alliance seems to be changin for the better nowadays...” Mal trailed off.

“It's almost like a dream,” Inara said wistfully.

“If it is, I don't wanna wake up,” Mal said, raising his glass.

“Hear, here, “ Allan replied, touching Mal's glass with his own.

“What's the plan?” Mal asked Allan.

“I figure, build five houses, a shop for Kaylee, pad for the ship. Maybe a barn, get some horses...”

“Where, baby?” Zoë asked.

“Boros, that parcel Jacob has.”

“That is a lovely spot,” Inara commented.

“I like it too,” Zoë agreed, “What about the others?”

“We'll ask em' in the morning.

“You honestly think they'll say no?” Allan asked.

“Nope,” Mal replied with a smile.

They didn't.

The End

AN/2:

And thus ends this arc of the Allanverse. Not to worry, My other storyline, 'Heritage' will be continuing as well as several one shots and short arcs filling in the gaps between Big Blue and Heritage.

Thanks to all my readers for their support and to Chris my Beta Reader for helping me keep all of this semi legible.