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

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A new story line to recharge my Muse. Set outside my “Allanverse.” Just to see what happens. Set about a year and a half post Serenity. Story line has the standard pairings of Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee. Also has River/Jayne. Zoë/Maxine -

A/N:

Warning: This story line from here on out will include 'gasp' fem slash (Like you didn't see it coming). It won't be graphic but I know some are offended by any depiction of homosexuality. If you don't like this kind of thing... stop reading right now.

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New Blood

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Chapter Twelve

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Zoë awoke slowly. A slow smile spread across her dark face as the memories of the previous night filled her mind. Moving slightly Zoë looked over at the woman in her bed and almost laughed.

Maxine was sprawled on her stomach, red hair fanned out across her back... and a trail of drool running down her cheek onto the pillow.

That was what Zoë thought was humorous.

Maxine shifted in her sleep and rolled on to her back. The sheet falling back and exposing her rather impressive chest. Zoë resisted the urge she felt to run her tongue...

“Nope. Gonna stop that thought right there,” She thought to herself, “Ain't gonna get nothin done today iffin we start up again.”

Zoë let out a quiet sigh.

Maxine's eyes fluttered open and she glanced around quickly for a moment. When her eyes met Zoë's, a grin appeared on the redhead's face, “Morning, Bao-bei.”

Zoë's resistance crumbled and she leaned in and kissed Maxine, “Mornin, Baby.”

Max snuggled up closer and intertwined her finger with Zoë's, “Sleep good?”

“Real good. Course you wearin me out might have something to do with it,” Zoë teased.

“I think the wearing out part was mutual,” Maxine grinned.

“Reckon you're right about that,” Zoë purred. A shudder ran through Maxine's body as she recalled all the wicked things they had done to each other the night before.

And they hadn't even touched the 'gift' Inara had given them.

“What time is it?” Maxine asked, remembering her job.

“Little after seven thirty.”

Maxine stiffened, “Oh, go-se. I should have been up nearly an hour ago. Captain's gonna be pissed...”

Zoë grinned. She did love how seriously Maxine took her job, “You seem to forget something. I am the first mate around here.”

“Mal still outranks you...”

“Don't worry. Breakfast is taken care of. You need a morning off once in a while.”

Maxine made to get out of bed, “But I didn't cook last night and...”

Zoë quieted Maxine with a kiss.

“Babbling again aren't I?”

“Yep,” Zoë chuckled, “But we better get dressed. I am a might hungry.”

It took longer than it should have for Maxine and Zoë to dress but the occasional kisses and touches slowed things down a bit.

Finally, Zoë was dressed in a paisley patterned top over tan pants. Maxine was in a pair of tight blue jeans and a red tank top. With a last kiss, she climbed the ladder, Zoë right behind her. Maxine yelped when Zoë pinched her backside.

XXXXXXXXXX

Max and Zoë stumbled into the galley, arm in arm, giggling and playing. They came up short when they realized six sets of eyes were staring at them.

“Morning you two!” Kaylee chirped from her spot at the table. Simon just smiled and nodded.

Inara wore a genuinely happy smile and even Mal had a slight grin on his face. Behind the cooking area, River beamed and Jayne wasn't even leering as he flipped pancakes.

Maxine's face went red and even Zoë's complexion darkened.

“Bout time you all got up,” Jayne grumbled, “Breakfast is almost ready.”

Maxine found her voice, “You cooked, Jayne?”

The big man straightened up, “I know how...”

Maxine giggled, “I have no doubts about your cooking skills, Jayne.”

“Well, since River knew you two weren't gonna be up...”

“We decided to make breakfast this morning,” River finished.

“Thanks River,” Max replied.

“Let's eat,” Mal ordered from his spot at the head of the table.

Zoë took her spot next to Mal, opposite Inara and Maxine slid in next to her. Kaylee and Inara shared a quick grin.

Simon did his best to remain aloof, respecting Zoë and Maxine's privacy but he still felt happy for Zoë. He also was thankful that River was keeping Jayne under control. The doctor was sure that without his sister's influence, Jayne would have said something crude by now.

Despite his misgivings about their relationship, Simon had to admit. Jayne was much more pleasant to be around.

As the food was passed around Mal took it as his job to tease a little, “Have fun last night, Zoë?”

“You mean the bar fight? Or the mind blowing sex afterwards, Sir.” Zoë shot back.

Mal sputtered while Simon and Jayne chuckled. Inara hid a smile behind her hand and Kaylee and River laughed out loud. Maxine grinned evilly.

“Hard to pick out a favorite moment,” the redhead began, “I think it was when Zoë used her tongue and...”

“Enough o' that!” the Captain whined loudly, “No details!”

“I could stand to hear a little more,” Jayne grumbled, “Ow! Riv!”

River retracted her hand from where she had pinched Jayne rather hard, “Be nice.”

“Yes, Dear.”

Simon dropped his fork at the spectacle of Jayne backing down from his Mei-mei.

Maybe Jayne and his sister being together wasn't such a bad thing after all, Simon mused.

Trying to get the conversation back on track, even though he was the one who derailed it to start with, Mal addressed Maxine.

“Max, you said your uncle wanted to help out?”

“He does, Captain.”

“Good, cause I got an idea.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“I don't like it, Sir,” Zoë stated, “Splitting our forces isn't a good idea.”

“Not my first choice either, Zoë. But you ain't a hundred percent yet. And this is just a scouting mission.”

“Then have Jayne go,” Zoë insisted.

“Jayne sticks out like a sore thumb and you know it. And he sure as hell can't walk into Badgers office. Maxine has to go.”

Zoë grumbled something under her breath.

“What about you, Mal?” Inara asked.

“With this new blonde doo and the fake mustache, a change of clothes and any o' Badger's crew spot me walkin around the docks with Shamus, won't recognize me.”

“Badger knows what River looks like you know,” Jayne commented.

“Not when we get done with her,” Maxine replied, “By the time we're done, she'll look like my little sister.”

“And I can sense any trouble before it comes our way,” River pointed out.

“I'm not comfortable with River going,” Simon mumbled, “But I'm guessing she is going weather I want her too, or not.”

“Guess it's settled then,” Mal announced, “Start getting River ready. We leave on Shamus' ship in three hours.”

With nods all around, everyone stood up from the table. Obviously upset, Zoë stomped off towards the bridge. After a moment, Maxine followed her.

Zoë dropped herself into the pilot's seat. Almost automatically, she picked up one of the toy dinosaurs from the console.

“Why are you so upset?” Maxine asked as she entered the bridge.

“Gonna be dangerous,” Zoë muttered, still glaring at the toy in her fingers.

“Are you afraid I'll steal your thunder around here? The only woman besides River who can kick ass? Is that it?” Maxine asked firmly, hands on her hips as she stared at the back of Zoë's head.

Zoë spun around in the chair, “That's crazy talk.”

“Then tell me why you're really upset then.”

“I...”

“Are you scared... for me?” Maxine asked as she knelt down in front of Zoë.

“I ain't...” Zoë's voice trailed off.

“Yes you are,” Maxine stated. Zoë just glared at her.

“You're afraid I'll get hurt or worse. We just got together and you don't want to loose me... right?”

Zoë just nodded.

“I'll be fine,” Maxine replied. I know my way around Eavesdown like the back of my hand. Besides, I'll have River right next to me. Mal and Uncle Shamus won't be far.”

Zoë took a shuddering breath, “You're right. I'm just bein stupid.”

“No, you're being human. And I fully intend to come back. We haven't tried out Inara's bag of tricks yet,” Maxine grinned.

Zoë snorted in amusement and a smile broke out on her face, “Last night was pretty good without em'.”

“Can only get better, Love,” Maxine grinned.

Zoë actually giggled. After a moment she composed herself, “Watch the Captain's back. Without me there, he's like to get shot... again.”

Maxine leaned forward and kissed Zoë. Pulling back, she whispered, “I'll bring him back safe and sound.”

“You better.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Maxine double checked her gear. She was dressed in tight black cargo pants, a matching t-shirt and topped the ensemble off with a her leather jacket. Maxine shrugged her shoulders to settle her body armor into place. It fit tight since it was a used set and had been made for a woman who's bust wasn't quite as large as Maxine's.

“Better than getting perforated,” Max muttered out loud as she strapped on her gun belt. Her backup pistol was already tucked into her right boot top. A knife on her belt and one in her left boot completed her equipment.

Satisfied with her setup, Maxine headed for Inara's shuttle.

After knocking, Inara motioned for Maxine to enter through the open door. Max's jaw dropped.

“Gorram, Girl. If I didn't know you were with Jayne and if I wasn't with Zoë. I'd be all over you in a second.”

River grinned at Maxine's statement, “I have achieved the proper look then?”

River was dressed in knee high leather boots, skintight black stretch leggings. A short charcoal camisole top that left her midriff bare and a short leather jacket.

A matching pair of gun belts crisscrossing River's hips held her polished pistols The only thing that threw off the look was the towel wrapped around her head.

“River. You look like one bad ass, lady merc. And believe me, I've met a few.”

“Slept with a few I'd imagine too,” Inara teased.

“Well...” Maxine grinned.

River did a few stretches to make sure her range of motion wasn't restricted by her clothing. Maxine tried not to groan as River brought her left leg straight up next to her head.

“Ballet?” Max asked.

“Yes,”

“I did that for a bit as a girl. Too boring for me,” Maxine grinned.

River pulled the towel off her head and Max's jaw dropped again.

“Wuo de ma, Inara. You got the color perfect.”

River's normally dark brown hair was now the same shade of red as Maxine's.

“A little makeup and River will be able to pass as your younger sister,” Inara replied.

Inara guided River to the sofa and sat her down. Maxine was motioned to sit beside her.

“A few freckles and matching eye liner should do the trick,” Inara commented as she went to work.

XXXXXXXXXX

Simon was adjusting Mal's tie, “Little tight, Doc.”

“I'll loosen it once I have it tied properly,” Simon replied, “There.”

“Much obliged,” Mal replied.

“I have to admit, Captain, you do clean up well. You could pass for a core businessman easily... until you open your mouth,” Simon finished with a grin.

“Very funny.”

Shamus walked up the ramp into Serenity carrying a duffel bag, “Well now, Malcolm. Don't ye' look the cat's pajamas.”

“Think I can pass for a rich, suo-yo duh doh dhr-dang, business man?

“Aye. That be certain.”

“Good,” Mal replied as he slipped a pistol into his shoulder holster. A second gun was already tucked into a holster at the small of his back.

“Last thing, Captain,” Simon said as he affixed a fake mustache to Mal's lip.

“Right cunnin, disguise, Lad.”

“Wait till you see the girls,” Mal stated.

Zoë and Kaylee entered the bay at that moment. Zoë smiled and Kaylee couldn't hide her glee.

“Ain't you all kinds o' shiny, Cap'n.”

“Why thank you, Kaylee.”

“Look almost as good in them duds as Simon,” The mechanic gushed, “Nara ain't gonna be able to keep her hands offa' you.”

Zoë snickered and Mal shot her a look.

The door to Inara's shuttle opened and Maxine and River emerged.

“Well, don't you ladies look dressed to kill,” Mal commented.

“Inara, who is this other redhead and what have you done with my sister?” Simon asked jokingly as the women descended the stairs.

Inara had applied a few fake freckles to River's face along with a few highlights that softened her features and made her face look more like Maxine's.

“Always wanted a baby sister,” Maxine grinned, “Can I keep her?”

“No!” Simon and Zoë chorused.

Max and River giggled.

Jayne entered the bay at that moment and stopped dead in his tracks, “Wuo de ma.”

River did a quick pirouette, “Does my Jayne like?”

Jayne swallowed thickly and nodded. River giggled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

Mal and Simon rolled their eyes.

Inara had sidled up next to Mal, “You will be careful. I expect to tear this suit off you in the throes of passion. Not to help Simon remove a bullet.”

“Yes ma'am,” Mal nodded grinning.

“Here, baby girl,” Jayne said as he reached over to a nearby crate, picking up River's birthday gift. Her Katana.

River slipped her shoulders through the harness, settling the weapon across her back. She smiled up at the big man.

“That reminds me,” Shamus began, “Maxie, girl. I brought ye' gear ye' left wi' me for safekeepin.”

Maxine smiled and knelt next to the large duffel on the deck. Zoë knelt down beside her, “What's in the bag?”

“This and that,” Max replied as she undid the zipper, “More clothes and of course Bessie.”

“Bessie?” Zoë asked.

“My shotgun.”

Zoë rolled her eyes, “You're getting to be as bad as Jayne... namin guns.”

Maxine withdrew a mean looking short barreled, pistol grip semi-automatic twelve gauge shotgun. “Give me a hand.”

Maxine handed Zoë a harness and holster for the weapon that held it across her back. Similarly to how River's sword was carried. Zoë helped Maxine slip it on. Several preloaded magazines of shells clipped to the harness and Max smoothly holstered the weapon over her shoulder.

“Now I don't feel quite so naked,” Max grinned.

Zoë leaned in and kissed her, “I kinda like you naked.”

“Later, Bao-bei. Work before pleasure,” Maxine replied huskily.

Mal chuckled, “Best we get this circus on the road.”

“Right, Sir,” Zoë replied, switching back into her first mate persona.

“Boat's yours, Zoë. You don't hear from us in six hours, come runnin.”

“Understood, Sir.”

“Lead the way, Shamus.”

“Aye, Malcolm,” the shorter man replied.

River kissed Jayne once more and headed down the ramp. Inara blew a kiss to Mal as he walked away.

“You be careful,” Zoë admonished.

“I will, Love,” Maxine replied before turning and walking after the others.

Inara stepped up next to Zoë. As did Jayne on the other side. Inara noticed the nearly identical looks of worry on the mercenary and first mate's faces, “Now you know how I feel whenever you all go out on a job.”

Zoë nodded, “Reckon you're right, Nara.”

“They'll be fine. River can take care of all o' them,” Jayne stated. The confidence of his words not quite matching his tone of voice and the look on his face.

Zoë squared her shoulders and turned to face the rest of the crew, “Just in case... Doc, get the Infirmary ready. Kaylee, I want to be ready to lift at a moment's notice. Jayne, make sure we're all set on weapons. Inara, I want you to fly Serenity if we have to go... lets get to work.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Mal followed Shamus up the ramp into his small ship, suppressing a shudder. The first and last time he had set foot on one these the old Thunder class Alliance drop ships was when he and Zoë had been taken as POW's after Serenity Valley.

“It's just a machine, Captain,” River said as she stood next to Mal on the ramp.

“I know that, Tross'. Just... some bad memories is all.”

“Like me when I have to go into the infirmary.”

“Reckon so,” Mal replied.

Shamus walked over, “You ever fly one o' these, River, darlin?”

A smile came across the young woman's face as she saw what Shamus planned in his mind, “I haven't.”

“Come, Lass. I'll be givin ye' a lesson then. Maxine, close 'er up if ye' please.”

“Yes, Uncle,” Max replied as she hit the button to close the ramp.

As the ramp banged shut, Mal couldn't suppress the shudder that went through his frame.

“Come on, Cap. Let's head for the bridge,” Maxine said comfortingly.

Mal forced a grin, “Probably for the best.”

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TBC