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 four and a half years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

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A/N: Last story in this arc. Relics is next

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Thanks again Woonsocket for the Beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter Nine

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“You sure you want to do this?” Zoë asked her husband.

Allan nodded, “I have to.”

“The man shot you.”

“From talking to the cops and Oso, I think his anger and grief were manipulated by that Smithfield character... I just want to look him in the eye.”

“I did...”

“And?” Allan asked, knowing of his wife's uncanny ability to see into other people.

“Just a scared old man.”

“He ain't so old, less than three years older than me...”

“You're the exception,” Zoë replied as she kissed Allan.

“Where's the squirt?”

Zoë smiled, “Play date with Bridget, Becca and Jeff.”

“Fred babysitting?”

“She is,” Zoë replied. She paused a moment then continued, “What are we gonna do about her... you know, when we go home.”

“I've been thinking about that,” Allan replied.

“Never a good thing, dear.”

“Ha ha, my wife the comedian,” Allan grinned, “I was thinking of getting her a job with Blue Sun.”

“Doing what? Fred's too much like Jayne. Can't see her behind a desk.”

“Her trip to Newhall intrigued me. She took care of herself in a daunting position. I think I have something she could do and at the same time deal with some of her wanderlust.”

“What's that?”

“Blue Sun's got nearly sixty independent ships on contract hauling cargo. Some, like Monty are very trustworthy, others... not so much. That ship that carried her to Newhall was on a Blue Sun contract. That captain isn't the kind of man I want hauling for me.”

“What would she be doing?”

“Roving inspector,” Allan replied, “Sometimes overt, sometimes just traveling as a passenger.”

“Kinda dangerous ain't it?”

“Not so much. On the ships where there is suspicion, she'll get some backup. Maybe Marion, maybe someone else. On the low risk jobs, she would be fine alone. Fred can handle herself.”

“Might work...” Zoë admitted.

“I'll run it by her tonight.”

“Tonight?” Zoë asked.

“I convinced Dr. Kelly to let me out of my room for a while. There's a private dining hall here at the hospital. I've got a catered dinner coming for everyone. Closest I can come to sitting around the table on Serenity or the picnic table in Mal's back yard.”

“Sounds nice.”

“I want some time with our extended family.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Andrew Baer was led in handcuffs from his holding cell. His court appointed Solicitor was waiting for him.

“Ready for a little field trip?” the lawyer asked his orange jump suited client.

“Where?”

“Hospital.”

“Alliance trying to get me to live long enough to make trial?”

“Someone wants to speak to you.”

“Who?”

“Allan Bryant.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Allan had 'dressed up' for his meeting with Andrew Baer. Substituting hospital issued pajamas for sweatpants and a Blue Sun t-shirt.

Marion stood in the corner of the room while Oso was posted outside. A few minutes later, Allan could see a group of men approaching on the small monitor next to his bed. After being frisked by Oso, a young man in a cheap suit entered.

“Mr. Bryant. I'm Keaton Shaffer, Mr Baer's court appointed solicitor.”

“Mr. Shaffer,” Allan nodded.

“I... I'm hesitant to allow my client to speak with you. This is highly irregular.”

“This is an irregular situation,” Allan replied. “I hold no malice towards your client.”

“That is... unusual.”

“Mr. Baer will not live to make trial. His cancer will see to that. While I'm not a religious man, I'm sure his deeds will be judged in... other ways,” Allan said gravely.

Shaffer nodded, “As long as he admits to nothing, I will consent to this interview.”

“It's not an interview Mr. Shaffer,” Allan replied testily, “I am not an officer of the law or court. I am a private citizen who wants to speak with Mr. Baer. Nothing more. You may be in the room but I insist that you remain silent.”

“I protest...”

“Or you can wait in the corridor. Your choice,” Allan said firmly.

Shaffer wasn't happy but he reluctantly agreed. After a moment a pair of guards escorted a handcuffed and shackled Andrew Baer into the room. The older man hesitated when he saw Marion in the corner but the guard shoved him harshly forward.

“No need for that, Corporal,” Allan said sharply.

“Yes sir.”

“Handcuff him with his hands in front of him,” Allan ordered.

“That's not procedure sir.”

“I don't care. Mr. Baer will behave himself, I'm sure.”

“Very well,” the guard grumbled.

After Mr. Baer's hands were in front of him, Allan looked to the guards.

“Wait outside.”

“We are not to leave the prisoner.”

“Miss Vorrasi is a retired Special Forces Sargent. She can handle the prisoner.”

“I insist that we remain.”

“Get out now.” Oso rumbled from the doorway.

Not being able to disobey the orders of a captain, the two guards left reluctantly.

Andrew Baer looked at the man he had shot with a strange look on his face, “Why are you caring about me?”

“Because I think I know what you are going through.”

“What's that? Dying, loosing your whole family or doing something about what happened to em'.”

“All three,” Allan replied, “Two years ago, I was sure I was going to die after having to abandon my ship. By a miracle I survived. A few months later, I watched as the woman who would become my wife was nearly killed on the orders given by a local crime boss. I killed said crime boss personally.”

Andrew Baer stared at Allan but didn't speak.

“And if that leaves this room Mr. Shaffer, you will not enjoy the consequences,” Allan said darkly.

“You can't threaten me,” the young lawyer stated.

“No, but I can,” Marion replied.

Shaffer paled and nodded his head.

“Your, wife? I guess, told me my children aren't dead,” Baer asked.

“They aren't,” Allan replied gravely, “But they aren't the children you knew. Their minds were horribly twisted upon the orders of my predecessor and the former government administration. Audra and Andy are receiving the best psychological care that money can buy. They have made progress, but it will be a long road before they will be able to rejoin society.”

A tear ran down Andrew's face, “They... they really are alive?”

Allan nodded, “They are. I was the one who got them the help they needed. After, I might add, they tried to kill me.”

“What about the other kids in that horrible place?”

“Of the records I've been able to find, there were twenty-two so called 'students' at the Academy. There are five survivors. River Tam, who is standing outside in the corridor. She was broken out by her brother before she completed the program. Juliet Reed, who did and was sent to kill me. She is being treated in the hopes she can be released back into society as well. Your children and one other round out the five. The other is Miss Vorrasi's cousin, Michael.”

“Wu de tyen ah,” Marion whispered. Allan shot her a glance that said he'd talk to her later.

“That's what I'm talkin about!” Andrew yelled, “All them kids and no one's done nothin about it!”

Allan remained calm, “Quite a bit has been done. John Larson, the man who ran Blue Sun back then, was shot and killed by my wife. Most of the doctors, techs and others who... maimed the children… are either in jail or dead. A few slipped through the cracks but not many. One who did was your 'friend' Mr. Smith. He was the deputy director of security for the Academy...”

“What?” Andrew gasped.

“I guess he didn't tell you that part,” Allan said quietly.

“Damn right! I would’a shot him myself!”

“I know,” Allan replied sympathetically, “He manipulated you to do his dirty work. Do you know what he planned to do after he left the celebration?”

“Didn't tell me...”

“I will. He went to my hotel room, shot off the door lock, tried to murder my babysitter and,” Allan's eyes hardened, “My four month old daughter.”

“Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si!” Andrew swore, “I didn't have nothin’ to do with that. You gotta believe me!”

Allan held up his hand, even though it obviously hurt, “I believe you. You're a father, just like I am. You would kill for your children... Just like I would.”

Andrew nodded, “My children... they'll be taken care of?”

“You have my word. No matter what happens, they will be cared for.”

“Thank you.”

“What about the other boy?”

“He's getting the help he needs as well. Unfortunately there isn't much we can do. His mind was so horribly damaged...”

Andrew nodded, “So what happens now?”

“That depends. How long did your doctor give you?”

“Five months... at the outside. Not gonna be pleasant. Already hurtin more than a bit now. Not lettin’ me take meds in jail.”

“What?” Allan exclaimed.

“Fraid I'll hoard em' and try and kill m'self. Like it'll make any difference. Ain't gonna live long enough to make trial.”

“That kind of treatment is unacceptable,” Allan growled. He looked at Mr. Shaffer, “I will make sure that Mr. Baer has the best medical care possible for the duration.”

“Ain't gonna make me live longer,” Andrew said sadly.

“I know. But you will at least be comfortable. I can't abide to see anyone suffer like that. I give you my word. You will not suffer.”

“I... Thank you again.”

“I can't promise you that can make it work out, but I will do my best to ensure you get to see your children... you know, before you...”

“I understand,” Andrew said, blinking back a tear.

“I think we're done here. Godspeed Mr. Baer.”

“I'm sorry about... you know... shootin you. I was wrong. You're a good man.”

“I ain't so good and I've been shot before,” Allan replied with a grin.

Andrew nodded and Marion signaled for the guards to take the prisoner away followed by his lawyer.

As soon as he was led away, Zoë entered the room, walked up to her husband, smiled and leaned over and kissed him hard.

“What brought that on? Not that I'm complaining, mind,” Allan grinned when Zoë pulled away.

“I heard every word,” Zoë replied, tapping the comlink in her ear, “And I think I love you more now than I did this morning.”

Allan just smiled at her.

“You tired?”

“Not particularly,” Allan replied, “Why?”

“Marion, you mind givin us a little time alone... and keep everyone away for 'bout an hour or so?”

Marion nodded knowingly, “I can do that. Don't strain anything, Boss.”

“Huh?” Allan said.

“Relax, Husband. You just need some physical therapy,” Zoë smiled as she started to unbutton her shirt.

“Physical therapy, huh?”

“Yep. I'll do the physical and you enjoy the therapy.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Zoë wheeled Allan in a wheelchair down the corridor to the private dining room he had arranged for. Sara sat in her father's lap babbling happily. Allan couldn't help but smile.

“I can't get over how happy a baby she is,” Allan said as they rounded a corner.

“Me either,” Zoë agreed, “She's an even happier baby than Rebecca was, and bein’ the offspring o' Kaylee, I didn't think that was possible.”

Allan chuckled, “Think you're right there.”

They entered the dining room and found everyone waiting. Kaylee and Inara had Becca and Jeff in high chairs while the rest of their 'family' surrounded the large table.

“Bout time you three showed up,” Jayne grumbled good naturedly, “gettin’ a might hungry.”

Jayne was swatted by both his wife and sister.

“Children, behave,” Mal chuckled.

Allan chuckled as Zoë rolled him up to the table. She picked her daughter up and placed her in her own high chair.

“What's the occasion Allan?” Mal asked.

“No occasion, other than that I'm breathing,” the older man replied.

“I reckon that warrants a bit o' celebratin’,” Mal replied with a grin.

“Let's eat,” Allan said smiling.

As they ate, the conversation flowed around the table just like it always did. Almost as if nothing had changed since Allan first came on Serenity. Things had indeed changed over the last two years. The marriages, children and additional crew. A second home for everyone on Boros, the list was endless.

As the waiters served desert, Allan tapped his glass for attention.

“Can I have everyone's attention?”

After everyone had settled down, the only sounds were Sara giggling at the funny faces one year old, Becca Tam was making at her.

“I'd just like to thank you all for coming tonight,” Allan began, “And to let me make a few announcements.”

Allan looked around the table at his friends... his family. glancing at Zoë quickly, he smiled and continued.

“Thanks to Fred, Zoë and I still have Sara. Avoiding what could have been a terrible tragedy. As payback, and since I know Fred wants to stay here on Londonium for a while. I'm offering her a job with Blue Sun.”

Fred looked shocked while Jayne and River shared a grin.

“I... Allan you ain't gotta do that,” Fred replied.

“That's right. I don't have to. But I want to.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“It will involve some travel, I'm afraid. But I'll make it worth your while.”

“Travelin’ where?” Fred asked.

“All over. I want you to be a roving inspector. I've got nearly sixty ships hauling cargo for Blue Sun. That ship you rode from Deadwood to Newhall was one of them. Would you recommend that captain?”

“Hell no,” Fred replied.

Allan grinned, “That captain just lost his contract. Thank you Fred.”

“That's it?”

“Not quite, I'm not just throwing you out to the wolves. Your brother might take offense to that.”

“Damn straight!” Jayne exclaimed.

Allan chuckled, “First off, you're going to school for a bit. You've been taking college classes on the cortex, correct?”

“Yep,” Fred nodded.

“From what your Vera waved me, if you go to school full time, you can have your associates degree in a couple of months. I've already set that up. During that time, you will be drawing a salary from Blue Sun and I've secured an apartment for you near headquarters. You're also going to receive hand-to-hand combat training and a brush up on your firearms skills. All taught by special forces troops. I want you to be safe once you're in the field.”

Fred's jaw dropped, “I... I don't know what to say...”

“Yes, would be nice,” Allan grinned.

“Yes,” Fred grinned.

Applause broke out around the table.

Zoë kissed Allan on his cheek. And he smiled back at her.

XXXXXXXXXX

After another five days in the hospital, Allan was discharged into Simon's care. Allan couldn't handle the ladders into the crew bunks yet, so he and Zoë swapped with Kaylee and Simon. Their room down in the passenger dorms was better suited to Allan's convalescence.

As Serenity prepared for takeoff, Allan slowly made his way to the bridge. Dropping into the co-pilot's seat, he let out a puff of air.

“This sucks,” Allan said.

River looked over from where she was preparing the ship for flight and grinned.

“You will recover, Da-shu.”

“Did I ever tell you I can be just a bit impatient sometimes?”

“Yes.”

Mal and Zoë entered the bridge together. Zoë shook her head and grinned and Mal looked a bit miffed.

“What are you doing?” Mal asked Allan.

“Sitting.”

Mal glared at the older man.

“And I'm not going to fly. I just wanted the best view for takeoff.”

“Likely story, Dear,” Zoë grinned as she stood behind her husbands chair. Placing her hand on his shoulder.

Mal grinned, stood in his usual place to River's left and grinned himself, “Albatross, take us outta the world.”

“Aye, aye Capn',” River grinned.

Serenity lifted from the landing pad and smoothly began to climb into the darkening sky, soon lost to sight in the Londonium sunset.

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The End

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AN: This ends this arc. I've got the premise of the next one all set to go. Tentatively titled 'Relics', it will take place about six years after this story.