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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AN: New story arc. Set approximately 28 years after the BDM (Serenity) and eight years post my storyline, Triad. Just some fluff before the adventure starts

Cast of characters:

Parents: Malcolm Reynolds 61 Inara Serra-Reynolds 53 Allan Bryant 77 Zoë Bryant 57 Kaylee Tam 50 Simon Tam 52 Jayne Cobb 61 River Cobb 46 Kids: Jefferson (Jeff) Reynolds 25 Emma Reynolds 20 Sara Bryant 24 Rebecca Tam 25 John (Jack) Tam 21 Rachel Cobb 18 Jesse Cobb 16

Quest-Chapter One

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Allan had never thought he would see this day.

In his younger days, back on Earth, the only hope for a day like this died with his first love, Sara Leary. Then as Allan's life moved on. He then thought that he would be too busy. Exploring and settling the first worlds here in the 'Verse.

The Alliance put a stop to that. Then after he had built his own ship to follow and hopefully beat the exodus ships to the 'Verse. Allan had never envisioned being stuck in cryo for over four hundred years. And that, the first woman he had laid eyes on, would eventually become his wife and the mother of his child.

Which lead him to this particular day.

“Are you ready to go, Princess?” Allan asked, as he laid his hands on his daughters smooth shoulders. She was still staring at herself in the mirror after adjusting her makeup.

The young woman before him took a deep breath and smiled into the mirror, “I think so, Daddy.”

Allan smiled a knowing smile, “You look so beautiful.”

Sara turned and kissed her father on his slightly wrinkled cheek, “Thank you.”

A small knock came at the door. A moment later, Rebecca Tam entered the room, “Folks are ready.”

Sara took another deep breath, “Showtime.”

“That's my line,” Allan grinned.

“You ain't the one getting hitched today,” Sara grinned nervously.

“True,” Allan admitted, “But I am giving my daughter away.”

“Point,” Sara replied.

A smile fixed on his face, Allan took Sara's arm in his own, “Lets go.”

XXXXXXXXXX

It was a beautiful day on Boros. Sunny and warm with just the hint of a breeze. The altar had been set up in the center of the courtyard at Serenity Acres. A red carpet had been laid from the front steps of the Bryant home to where the young man who awaited Sara stood next to his best friend.

Jefferson Reynolds thought he was going to pass out from nerves. Beside him, his best man, Clayton Cook, Rebecca's fiancé glared at him, “Jeff, will you relax...”

“Sorry, Clay,” Jeff replied.

Clay laid a hand on his friends shoulder and grinned, “Hey, I expect you to do the same for me in two months when me and Becca get hitched.”

“Deal,” Jeff replied.

“Will you two shut up,” Jonathan 'Jack' Tam said in a stage whisper. He was acting as head usher today. Beside him, Jesse Cobb just chuckled.

Jeff glanced over to where his parents sat. Inara was dabbing at her joyful tears. Thankful for her waterproof eyeliner. Beside her, Mal sat, a picture of calm. At least to someone who didn't know him as well as his family did.

Mal turned his head slightly and grinned across the aisle to where his best friend and right hand had just sat down.

Zoë was beaming. She took her seat beside Durin Haymer, leaving room for Allan once he walked Sara down the aisle. Behind them, friends and family from all over the 'Verse had gathered. Even Richard Farnsworth, the former Alliance Prime Minister was here.

With a signal from Rebecca, the music began. First down the aisle in her role as flower girl was six year old Shiloh Schneider, the daughter of two of Allan's former bodyguards, Israel and Olivia.

Next came Michael O'Leary, Sara's nine year old cousin, looking dapper in his suit. He was the ring bearer.

Then the bridesmaids began their procession. Not wanting to leave anyone out, all the girls who had grown up as the children of Serenity were included. First was eighteen year old Rachel Cobb. The willowy young woman moved with the grace of her mother down the aisle.

Next came Jeff's sister Emma. While carrying her bouquet, she kept stealing glances at Jack. The two had officially been a couple for three years. Proving once again, the Serenity 'love boat syndrome' as Kaylee called it.

Following Emma came Bridgett. The daughter of Durin and Yolanda Haymer. Sara and Bridgett had been friends for years. A bond strengthened buy the shared ordeal of being kidnapped when they were both teenagers.

Then it was Rebecca's turn. As maid of honor, she started down between the rows of friends and family. Grinning at Clay's open jawed expression when he saw her in her bridesmaid dress.

Then it was time.

The music changed and stepping off the porch came Allan with Sara on his arm.

A sea of faces turned to look at them. Allan was beaming with pride as he and Sara slowly walked down the aisle. Any doubts Allan may have had about his soon to be son- in-law were quashed as he saw the look of pure adoration on Jefferson's face.

“Who gives this woman?” The Shepherd said after father and daughter had reached the altar.

“I do,” Allan replied. He gazed into Sara's veiled eyes and took her hand and placed it in Jeff's. Slowly, he took his seat next to Zoë .

“Dearly Beloved. We are gathered here today to celebrate a union. A very special union. A union between Sara Jane Bryant and Jefferson Salah Reynolds...”

As the Shepherd continued speaking, Allan sat solemnly, holding Zoë 's hand. His mind played over the images that led to this day. Holding Sara for the first time. Her first word at three months, Walking at six and a half. Reading at age two. Crawling around Serenity's ventilation system at age five. Rebuilding her first engine at eleven.

Then were the darker times. The fear that clutched his heart when Sara had been kidnapped. The horror of seeing her battered and broken body after the crash that had nearly killed her at at age fourteen. The hopelessness he felt as Sara lay in a coma. The joy when she had finally awoken.

Fear again when Sara had been nearly killed three times in one hectic week. Then more happy times.

Sara graduating high school at age sixteen. A masters degree in physics at ninteen. Followed by a doctorate in the same by her twenty-third birthday. Now a year later, she was marrying the son of his best friend. Truly a happy day.

Allan was broken from his trip down memory lane by Zoë squeezing his hand... hard.

“... The rings, please,” intoned the Shepherd.

Jeff turned to Clay who feigned searching for them which caused a round of chuckles to flow through the guests. The young man then produced the two wedding bands. Taking them from his friend. Jeff placed them both on the pillow held by Michael. The young man was clearly bored out of his skull and Jeff winked at him.

Taking the smaller of the two rings, Jeff placed it on Sara's hand. “With this ring, I thee wed...”

With a shaking hand, Sara picked up Jeff's ring and slid it onto his finger, “With this ring, I thee wed...”

Allan squeezed Zoë 's hand back as she sniffled. Behind him, Allan could hear Kaylee sobbing with joy. His sister-in-law, Alisha was doing the same. Even Audra Baer was sniffling. Something that did, mildly surprise Allan.

Attention drawn back to the altar, Allan smiled when Sara caught his eye for a moment.

“By the power invested in me by God. I pronounce you husband and wife... you may kiss the bride,” The Shepherd finished with a smile.

With a silly grin, Jeff lifted Sara's veil and they kissed for the first time as husband and wife. When the crowd began to applaud, Allan could see the blush start to darken Sara's toffee complexion.

Turning to face the audience, Sara and Jeff stepped down and began their walk back up the aisle, arm in arm.

XXXXXXXXXX

The reception line was a blurry mass of well wishers and friends of friends. About halfway through, Allan turned to his wife, “I don't know a quarter of these people.”

“Neither do I,” Zoë replied. “I reckon some are school friends and I know for sure, some are our girls crew.”

Allan grinned. His not so little girl was now the head of a new and very exiting research project. Project Quest. At the centerpoint of this project was a ship. A very special ship. One, that if successful might lead to a new age. And Sara Bryant... Make that Dr. Sara Bryant-Reynolds was that ships Captain and head of the project. It was her idea anyway.

As the reception line wound down, the wedding party made their way inside the huge tent set up for the reception proper.

After the usual testimonials, cutting the cake and the rest of the standard rituals. The music began as did the dancing. Zoë and Allan cut an elegant swath around the floor. Allan in his English morning dress tuxedo and Zoë in her mother of the bride gown. Jeff and Sara seemed lost in each other as they danced close in the center of the floor.

Soon it was time for the father of the bride to dance with his daughter. Taking Sara in his arms for the waltz, Allan noticed a slight grimace on Sara's face, “You okay, Princess?”

“These shoes are killing my feet,” Sara grumbled slightly. The smile never left her eyes though.

“Maybe you should take a break,” Allan said as they worked their way around the floor. “My feet are having a bit of trouble too.”

“I wouldn't want to keep my old man from his afternoon nap, now would I?” Sara teased.

“I'll have you know I am in remarkable shape for a man of my age. Why your mother said that very thing this morning after our love mak...”

“Daddy!” Sara hissed. “Too much information.”

Allan grinned, “What? I'm seventy-seven years old. The fact that I can still get it on with your mother...”

The look Sara shot him, silenced Allan. He just grinned.

The song ended and they made their way back to the head table. The formal festivities over, the various guests began to mingle. Excusing himself, Allan headed in the direction of an old friend.

Grabbing another beer from a waiter, Allan slipped through the crowd to where a small reunion was occurring. In a circle stood four women. All of them shared a certain history with Allan as they all had been born on Earth like him.

Walking up, Allan handed a beer to the oldest of the group, “Hello Sylvia.”

“Allan!” Captain Sylvia Marsh replied with a warm smile and a hug.

“Hello, Vonda. Is Gabriel still treating you well?” Allan asked the woman who upon her release from cryo, had taken a piloting job for Simon and River's parents.

“Very well,” She replied. “We were just catching up with Annie here.”

“Ah yes, the exciting life of a prosecutor.”

“Hello, Allan,” said the youngest of the group.

“Melissa. I'm so glad you could come.”

“Well Sara runs a tight ship, but since I used to help babysit her, I guess she figured I could come to her wedding.”

“Tight ship? Are you telling me you're working for my daughter?”

The thirty seven year old programmer nodded, “Started just last week. I'm in charge of Quest's computer systems.”

“Congratulations,” Allan replied.

“Sylvia,” Allan said turning to his old friend, “Where is Derrick?”

Sylvia sighed, “I think he's off trying to get some alone time with Rachel again. He's not having much luck since Jayne keeps following them around.”

“God. I thought Mal was an overprotective father with Emma. Jayne makes him look like a saint,” Allan chuckled.

“Doesn't Rachel share her mother's... gift?” Annie asked.

Allan nodded, “Rachel is stronger than River... has more control too. Thing is, Jayne isn't so worried about the boys intentions since Rachel will know it before the boy does. It's that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree with her. Girl is usually hotter to trot than Jayne was at that age. River calls it revenge for his being a man.” Allan finished with a chuckle.

“And Sara wasn't?” Vonda teased.

“Well... At least Jeff and Sara waited until they were both away at school before...” Allan trailed off.

“Well, I'm glad my cabin is nowhere near theirs on Quest. The assistant engineer has been complaining...” Jenny chuckled.

“Only because they're loud,” Clayton said as he approached. “Becca and I don't make that much noise.”

Allan chuckled and shook his head. As head of the project, Sara had brought on people she could both trust and rely on in a pinch. Having Her best friend and virtual sister, Rebecca Tam as her chief engineer along with her fiancé Clayton, made sure that Quest would be a family ship.

XXXXXXXXXX

It was early evening and the party had wound down. Sara and Jeff were in the house, getting changed and doing... other things before taking Sara's Firefly, the Sara Jane to Osiris and the same resort where their parents had honeymooned.

Allan and Mal sat side by side on the front porch of the Captain's home. Each holding a beer bottle.

“Reminds me of another night like this,” Allan said.

“What night was that?” Mal asked.

“Well, it was colder, on Londinium and we didn't have the beer,” Allan chuckled, “But I remember talking to you on Serenity's ramp about us both being fathers.”

“I remember,” Mal replied after taking a swig from his bottle, “We were wondering if we'd be good ones.”

“Yep,” Allan nodded.

“I reckon... we were.”

Allan smiled, “Still are.”

“I'll drink to that,” Mal replied, clinking his bottle against Allan's.

XXXXXXXXXX

Jeff and Sara lay in a sweaty pile of limbs and sheets, breathing heavily, “Well... that was different,” Sara panted.

“What was?” Jeff replied as he kissed her.

“Married sex. Now I realize what Mom meant all those years ago.”

“It's different?” Jeff asked, confused.

“Course, silly. Now I know you're all mine... makes it... better somehow.”

“Well, something must be different. I think I pulled something.”

“Poor baby,” Sara grinned at her husband. Husband. It was such a different word.

“You know, Husband. We should really get up and get dressed. Folks are probably waiting to see us off on our honeymoon.”

“God, you know how much you sound like your Mother when you say that?” Jeff teased.

“Say what? Husband?”

“Yep.”

“Well... it kinda fits since you are... now.”

“Still...”

“Husband.”

“Sara...”

“Husband, husband husband husband...”

Jeff quieted her with a long kiss. Sara giggled against his lips.

“Fine... I won't say it... much.”

“All I can ask,” Jeff said as he disentangled himself.

“Well, this Captain needs a shower,” Sara stated as she got up from the bed. “And you, as my pilot and first officer, may join me.”

“Pilot... You hardly ever let me fly Sara Jane. The only reason I fly Quest is because there are no flight controls at the command station,” Jeff pouted.

“Well, you can fly this Sara Jane anytime you want,” Sara giggled as she wiggled her naked hips before running for the bathroom.

The gauntlet thrown down, Jefferson chased his new wife into the shower.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Bout time you two,” Mal grumbled as the newlyweds descended the stairs.

Inara slapped her husband on the arm, “Ignore your father, Jeff,” the former companion said smiling.

“I do anyway,” Jeff grinned. He had inherited some of his father's subtle wit.

Sara smiled at her Uncle... check that. Father-in-law. A quick glance in her mothers direction made the smile fade, “Mom?”

Zoë smiled at her daughter. She was tired. It had been a long day and she didn't have the endurance she had even a year ago. The cancer had seen to that.

Zoë had been diagnosed with a comparatively easy to treat tumor. The Chemotherapy and radiation had lasted six months. She had been done with the regimen for three but after an eighteen hour day, she was exhausted.

“I'm fine, baby girl,” Zoë smiled, “Just a might bushed.”

Sara kissed her on the cheek, “Okay Momma,” Sara smiled. Looking around, she didn't see her father or Aunt Kaylee, “Where's Dad and Aunt Kaylee?”

“Down giving Sara Jane a quick once over,” Simon replied. “River is helping.”

“Where's Becca and Clay?” Jeff asked.

“I 'magine they's doin what you two were, a bit ago,” Jayne chuckled. Simon grimaced at the thought. While Becca was an adult, she wold always be his little girl.

Sara rolled her eyes at her big teddy bear of an uncle. Not that Jayne would ever admit to being at all cuddly. “Well, they better get their Pi-gu's in gear if they want us to drop em' off on Londinium on the way.”

Mal snickered, “Right outta the Malcolm Reynolds book o' Captainy respect.”

“Got that right... Dad,” Sara teased. She knew calling him dad wound Mal up. Even now that she was in fact his daughter-in-law, Sara would always be his niece. Even though it wasn't by blood. Good thing too, since she had married his son. Something about a family tree without branches flashed in Sara's mind.

Zoë chuckled at the look on Mal's face when he heard Sara call him dad., “She's got you there, Mal.” Zoë had slowly stopped calling the Captain, Sir, years ago.

Allan, Kaylee and River entered the house at that moment. Becca and Clay trailed behind.

“Sara Jane's all set for departure,” Allan stated as he entered his living room, “And your luggage is aboard.”

“Thanks, Daddy,” Sara replied with a peck on the cheek.

“Let's get you underway,” Allan replied.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Okay... who the hell defaced my ship?” Sara demanded when she and Jeff made their way to the landing pad.

Becca, Clay, Kaylee and River suppressed smiles.

Sara just glared at the words 'Just Married' painted on the hull of her beloved Firefly. There was even a string of tin cans tied to one of the aft stabilizers.

“Not to fret, Sara,” Kaylee smiled, “The can's are tied to the ground so they wont be trailin and the paint will burn off soon's you enter atmo over Londinium ta' drop off Becca and Clay.”

“And you let them do this?” Sara said in an exasperated tone, looking at her father.

“Damn right,” Allan chuckled, “Now get outta here. I need to get your Mother back to the house.”

Sara nodded and grabbed her husbands hand and stalked up the ramp. Despite her feigned anger, Allan knew his daughter was not upset with what had happened. She had done the same thing to a school friend's hover car at her wedding a year ago.

Stepping back, the couples of Serenity watched as two of their own, now made one, accompanied by Rebecca and Clayton lifted the firefly into the darkening sky. The ships VTOL engines blue fire fading in the distance as they climbed towards the black.

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TBC