Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. I’m just playing. No money being made. The situations come from my own twisted mind as do my original characters.

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This story takes place about a year after the conclusion of Heritage.

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AN: Sorry for the delay folks. My computer got hit with a trojan this week and by the time I got it straightened out, my muse took a few days of vacation.

Still unbeta'd as Woonsocket is buried at work. Soon as she is unearthed, my chapters will have a bit more polish to them.

Cast of characters:

Parents: Malcolm Reynolds 53 Inara Serra-Reynolds 45 Allan Bryant 69 Zoë Bryant 49 Kaylee Tam 42 Simon Tam 44 Jayne Cobb 53 River Cobb 37 Kids: Jefferson (Jeff) Reynolds 17 Emma Reynolds 12 Sara Bryant 16 Rebecca Tam 17 John (Jack) Tam 13 Rachel Cobb 10 Jesse Cobb 8

Triad-Chapter Four

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Allan awoke first. Zoë had stumbled into the house a little after midnight and had collapsed into bed next to him. The end of a trying and very long day. Almost fifty, she didn't have the endurance to stay awake for days on end like she did when she was younger.

Not that she would admit that...

Leaving his wife to sleep a bit more, Allan padded quietly to the bathroom and then downstairs to start making breakfast. He paused as he usually did to check on Sara. She was sprawled out on top of the covers dressed in sweats and a tank top, Sam, the family German Shepherd curled up next to her.

The dog picked up his ears and cocked his head at Allan. With a snap of his master's fingers, Sam slid off the bed and followed him downstairs.

While Sam did his morning business outside, Allan started cooking. Absently, he turned on the big corview screen in the living room. Selecting the Boros news service, the retired engineer went back to cooking.

Allan dropped his mixing spoon when he heard the lead story.

“... Yesterday, in New Edmonton, a tragedy was thwarted thanks to the quick thinking and sure shooting of a pair of teenagers. A shooting rampage at the New Edmonton Mall during the Christmas shopping rush that killed seven and wounded sixteen was cut short when three of the gunmen were shot and killed by Sara Bryant and Jefferson Reynolds. Miss Bryant is the daughter of New Edmonton's Police chief and Retired Blue Sun CEO, Allan Bryant.

“Jefferson Reynolds is the son of Captain Malcolm Reynolds, the well known former transport captain who, with his crew, released the Miranda wave.”

“One of the gunmen is in custody and the investigation is continuing. Also in New Edmonton, yesterday. The office of Armored Transport Specialties was robbed. Six employees were killed in the robbery...”

Allan swore quietly as he muted the volume. Damn reporters. They had to go and mention the kids names...

Allan was still staring a hole in the counter top when Zoë slid up next to him, “What is it, Ai-ren?”

“Just watched the news, Yesterday is the lead story...”

“Imagine it would be...”

“Gets worse... damn reporters mentioned Sara and Jeff by name.”

“What!” Zoë exclaimed.

“My reaction too.”

“Gorramit, if someone in my office leaked the kids names, I'll string em' up!”

“Easy, Baby,” Allan replied. “I don't think it was any of your officers or any of Jacob's deputies. They wouldn't have said anything.”

“You're right,” Zoë admitted, “Probably a witness or something.”

“You think there might be a problem?” Allan asked.

“Me and Jayne think we got a Triad behind all this. Fed's think so too.”

“Fuck,” Allan said quietly.

“They ain't gonna be happy about two kids shootin up three o' their men.”

Allan squeezed the bridge of his nose. He could feel a migraine coming on, “Do we keep her home?”

“Girl's got to go to school,” Zoë replied.

“Sara could have graduated last year,” Allan said, a little pride in his voice.

“She'll be safe on campus. Just that, either you or me will run her back and forth.”

“Same for Jeff,” Allan agreed.

“I'll run them to school in the morning...”

“And either Mal or I will pick them up,” Allan finished.

“Morning,” Sara yawned as she walked into the kitchen.

“Mornin, Baby,” Zoë said as she hugged her daughter, “How are you feeling?”

“Okay, I guess,” Sara replied, “No nightmares. Course that drink, Dad gave me last night knocked me out.”

Zoë raised an eyebrow, “Drink?”

“Mal's idea,” Allan replied quickly, “Brought Jeff and a bottle over after dinner. She just had the one...”

“A drink...”

“A double shot of whiskey. It was either that or Simon with a smoother...”

Zoë smiled slightly, “Relax husband. I would have done the same thing.”

Sara giggled.

Allan smiled for a moment and then looked Sara in the eye, “There is a problem, however.”

“What's that, Dad?”

“Someone leaked your and Jeff's names to the press. It's all over the cortex.”

Sara looked down and grumbled.

“Gets worse, Baby girl,” Zoë said, “Looks like we got a Triad organization in the area. They... they might be a little put out by what you did yesterday.”

Sara nodded gravely, “What's the plan?”

“I'll run you and Jeff... Becca too... to school. And then, either your Father or Mal will pick you up.”

“Okay,” Sara replied.

“That's it? No argument?” Allan asked.

“Nope.”

Allan and Zoë shared a look.

“Mom, Dad,” Sara said, “I've been in one shootout. I don't want to be in another one.”

Allan and Zoë shared a look and smiled slightly. Their daughter was growing up.

XXXXXXXXXX

Zoë dropped Sara, Jeff and Becca off in front of school. The kids gathered their books, backpacks and in Sara and Becca's case, their musical instruments and walked into the school. Once inside, they headed for their lockers which were all near each other.

It was a senior privilege. While Becca and Jeff were seventeen and Sara sixteen, All three were seniors. As such, they were able to pick out the largest lockers located on the same hallway.

Sara's was just big enough to slide her guitar case inside. Likewise, a few feet away, Becca could fit her Saxophone into her own. The halls were fairly quiet at this time of the day, as the majority of students had not arrived yet.

Jeff walked over from his locker and gave Sara a quick peck on the cheek, “Set for the day?”

“Think so, Ai-ren,” Sara smiled back. “Sorry about last night.”

“What happened last night?” Becca asked.

“We... had a long talk,” Jeff replied.

Becca crossed her arms and grinned, “Yeah... right.”

“Becca!” Jeff and Sara chorused.

“Fine... I know when I'm not wanted,” She sniffed theatrically.

Jeff grinned and pulled the shorter girl into a friendly headlock, “What was that Mei-mei?”

“Jus' cause you're three hours older...” Becca whined as Jeff released her.

Sara just giggled at the two of them. Sara and Becca acted like sisters, Jeff and Becca had always considered themselves virtual siblings . After spending their whole lives together, the three of them could almost tell what the other was thinking.

“You two okay with what happened yesterday?” Becca asked.

“Shiny,” Jeff replied.

“I'm okay,” Sara said, not quite as convincing as her boyfriend.

“Good morning, you three,” Said a new voice. It was Dr. Garland, the principal.

“Morning, Dr. Garland,” Becca replied, cheery as ever.

“Good morning, Rebecca... Jefferson, Sara? May I have a word?”

The two teens shared a look and nodded. Dr. Garland drew them aside, “First off, are you two all right? I can have the schools councilor speak with you if you feel the need to talk about yesterday.”

“We're shiny, Dr. Garland,” Jeff replied, “Mom's been real helpful with me.”

“I... imagine so, considering her former occupation.” That statement made Jeff's face darken. He knew of the woman's distaste for the whole Companion lifestyle.

Realizing she had misspoke, Dr. Garland turned to Sara, “And you?”

“Had a long talk with my Dad,” the girl replied, “I'm good.”

“I'm not sure that you know this, but two of the... people involved yesterday were former students here.”

“We didn't know that,” Jeff admitted.

“As such, there may be some... friction.”

“We can take care of ourselves,” Sara stated.

“I know that, Sara. What I meant to say is. As long as you do not start anything... not that I expect you to. If something were to... flare up, shall we say. You will not face disciplinary actions, should something happen that is not your fault.”

“Thank you, Dr. Garland,” Jeff replied.

“Also, Misty Jacobs. She is a freshman here, was wounded,” Dr Garland said. She then looked directly at Jeff. “And Yasmine Harshman's mother was one of the one's killed.”

“Oh my god...” Sara whispered. Jeff's face clouded. Yasmine had been his girlfriend before Sara. They were still friends and the Harshman's were good people. Jeff put his arm around Sara.

“That's all I have,” Dr. Garland said, “But if you need anything, my door is always open.”

“Thank you,” Jeff replied as the woman turned and headed towards her office.

Becca came over, “What was that all about?”

“She wanted to know if we needed anything,” Sara replied.

“And that two of the bad guys from yesterday, went to school here.”

“Oh...” Becca said.

“And, Misty Jacobs was wounded,” Jeff stated

Becca's eyes widened. She was in the school orchestra with Misty, “Oh, no...”

“And Yasmine's mom was one of the people killed,” Sara said, her voice flat.

Becca sniffed back a tear. Yasmine could be a stuck up pofu sometimes but she was okay. They had a few classes together and Becca and her had hung out a little bit, back when Yasmine and Jeff had been dating.

“Poor, Yasmine,” Becca sniffled.

Any other conversation was drowned out by the start of the day bell. The three teens separated, each heading for their respective homerooms.

XXXXXXXXXX

“What happened?” The older man asked.

The younger man before him bowed deeply, “Please forgive me, Shan-chu. The robbery was executed with precision. The distraction was the problem.”

“Explain...”

“Of the four brothers we assigned to the task, three were killed and one captured by the police.”

“Who killed them?”

“Two teenagers. The daughter of the Police Chief and the son of a retired, transport captain.”

“I see.”

“The youth who was captured. What will be his fate?”

“That depends on him,” the older man replied. “If he holds his tongue, then we will assist him with his legal expenses. If he speaks... kill him.”

“It will be done.”

“As for the interlopers... we have a few of our younger brothers still attending the school, do we not?”

“Yes, Shan-chu.”

“Inform them that I would like to see their slain brothers avenged.”

“It will be done.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Zoë looked up form the mountain of paperwork in front of her when the com unit on her desk buzzed, “Yes, Becky?”

“City Manager to see you, Zoë.”

“Go-se,” Zoë swore quietly, “Send him in.”

A moment later, the door to Zoë's office opened and in walked the City Manager. He was dressed impeccably as usual and reminded Zoë of Simon when he had first come aboard Serenity.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Huang?”

Ru Huang tried to keep his face civil, “What can you tell me about the debacle, yesterday?”

“What do you mean, debacle?”

“Seven dead, fifteen wounded at the mall, another six dead in a robbery...”

“And you're blaming me,” Zoë replied.

“You are the Police Chief. Who am I supposed to blame?”

“Try looking in a mirror,” Zoë snarled.

“What? How dare you....”

“In the last year you been on the job, you've been fighting me on everything I need to keep things like yesterday from happening. Cut the hours, cut officers, fuel for the patrol vehicles... every gorram line in the budget. All the while the crime rate's been goin up. How the hell can I fight crime in this city with one arm tied behind my back!”

“Perhaps if you were more qualified for your job, things wouldn't have gotten to this level.”

Zoë was fuming, “Just what are you insinuating?”

“It amazes me how a former petty criminal, terrorist, traitor and renegade could end up the Police Chief.”

“What did you call me...”

“You heard me Chief. It makes me wonder if the criminals in this city weren't helping your... retirement fund,” Huang smiled.

Zoë was beyond angry. The only reason Huang was still breathing was because of her family. Instead, she stared the little man in the eye, “Are you accusing me of taking bribes?”

“You seem to have a rather extravagant lifestyle...”

Zoë laughed at him, “You do realize who my husband is...”

“He has money, I take it?”

“My Husband was the CEO of Blue Sun. He has more money than God's Banker. Allan could afford to buy his own gorram planet iffin' he wanted too. The notion that I'd take a bribe is laughable.”

“That just makes you a gold digger then,” Huang continued to smile.

“Get out!”

“No.”

Huang felt a hand come down on his shoulder, “Lady told you to leave,” said Jayne Cobb in a menacing tone of voice.

“Get your hand off me,” snarled Huang.

“I will in a minute,” Jayne replied, his own voice dripping menace, “But first you ought to know, that look Zoë's givin you? Last Time I saw that look in her eye, fella ended up dead. Best you remember that.”

Huang looked at Zoë and realized her hand was resting on the but of her pistol. He got the point.

“This isn't the end of this, Chief.,” he snarled.

“It will be... for you, anyway. Iffin' you don't skedaddle,” Jayne said with a slight smile on his face.

“The council will hear about this,” Huang said before storming out of the office.

“Hundan,” Zoë whispered as she tried to reign in her temper.

“Sure you don't want me to shoot im'?” Jayne asked, a slight grin on his face.

“Ain't worth the bullet, Jayne,” Zoë replied before dropping back into her chair. Jayne sat down opposite her.

“Gonna be okay?”

Zoë took a deep breath, “Reckon so. I better call the council chairman. I got too much on my plate to be dealing with that qingwa cao de liumang.”

“Might be for the best. Man wants to play games, He best be realizin you got a lot o' friends in this town. Not to mention a fine rep all over the 'Verse.”

“Tried to insinuate I was taking bribes.”

Jayne snorted, “You gotta be kiddin. Does that feng-le shagua know that Allan bought your little girl a brand new spaceship for her birthday? Bribes... ha.”

Zoë snickered, “Boggles the mind, don't it?”

“Gorram core boy. Even Simon had more on the ball than that idiot when he first came on the boat.”

“Makes me wonder, why he took this job,” Zoë mused, “Runnin a city this size closer to the core is gotta pay more than New Edmonton can.”

“Right on that account,” Jayne replied.

Zoë looked off into space for a moment, then she looked back at Jayne, “How are things going on the shooting?”

“Feds want to set us a task force. You, me, Lucy, Jacob and the a few of the Fed's working the armored case.”

“Sound like a plan. If you got time, I have a side job for you.”

“What's that?

“Dig into Huang's past. Something don't add up about him.”

“Didn't he have a full background check?”

“Yeah, but we know people who don't travel in his kinds circles.”

“Might take some coin...”

“Pay for it myself. If you need any hacking done... Tell River she can play a bit too.”

“Ain't no one can beat my missus when it comes to computers, leastwhile, not since Mister U passed on.”

“I know," Zoe smiled, “Work on it when you have time, Jayne. Right now I need to call a councilman.”

“You got it, Zoë,” Jayne replied as he got to his feet. After the big man left, she placed a call to Stephen Salinas, the chairman of the city council.

“Huang wants to play politics... I can play politics,” Zoë mumbled as she waited for the call to connect.

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TBC