Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Maxine and the rest of my OC's. they're 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 -

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.

A/N: Sorry for the delay... Dang real world keeps getting in the way of the 'Verse.

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New Blood

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Chapter Twenty One

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The Captain stepped onto the bridge to the sounds of giggles. Giggles that stopped as soon as he cleared his throat.

“Yes, Captain?” River said as she swiveled in her chair to face him.

“Gettin to be entirely too many women on this boat,” Mal muttered. River just grinned and another round of giggles escaped from Xue and Jessica from the other side of the bridge.

“I'm giving lessons,” River said after a moment.

Mal crossed his arms, “What kind?”

“I am teaching Jess how to operate the sensors and instructing Xue in the finer points of operating a Firefly.”

“Operatin... you mean, flyin lessons...”

“That's what I said,” River smirked.

Mal sputtered a couple of times. Then he looked at the puppy dog eyes being sent his way from Xue...

“Fine!” Mal exclaimed, “But they crash the ship, it's your fault, Albatross.”

“Yes, Sir,” River saluted causing Mal to sputter again. Another round of giggles sounded from the girls.

“Problems, Sir?” Zoë asked as she entered the bridge.

“No... no problems. Just layin down a couple a ground rules, is all.”

“No crashing the ship,” Jessica chirped.

“And if we do, it's River's fault,” Xue finished.

Mal threw up his hands and stomped off the bridge. Zoë contained her own mirth until Mal was out of ear shot. As soon as he had gone, A wide smile split the First Mate's face, “Flyin lessons, huh?”

“Xue is already better than Inara... or Mal...” River grinned.

Zoë nodded, “And 'Nara's a bit better than me flyin Serenity,” Zoë replied, “You training a replacement, River?”

“Extra hand,” The young woman replied, “Xue has the gift.... like her father.”

Zoë's face fell for just a moment as that statement hit home. Once again, she felt the remorse of not having a child with Wash.

Jessica couldn't read the exact thoughts but felt Zoë's emotional flip. River did though.

“Look at it this way. You get to be a parent without all the bad stuff... like changing diapers,” River grinned.

Despite herself, Zoë snorted in amusement, “Reckon you're right.”

“Eww,” Xue remarked from her perch in the co-pilots seat.

“How long till Persephone, Mei-mei?” Zoë asked, changing the subject.

“Three hours, seventeen minutes...”

“... Forty eight seconds,” Jessica finished.

Zoë shot a look at the budding reader.

“No reading it from my head,” River grinned.

Xue rolled her eyes, “Tell me about it... It's very disconcerting, sitting here while they have a conversation without words.”

“Count yourself lucky, Sweetie,” Zoë replied.

“Are we going shopping when we get to Persephone?” Xue asked.

Zoë nodded, “Thanks to this last job and River's hacking, we can spring for some new clothes for you and some more for Jess.”

“Hacking?” Xue asked.

“When we rescued you from the agents. River was able to use the computer on their ship to break into the Academy's database,” Zoë replied.

River smiled and nodded, “I unfroze my brother's accounts and then cleaned them out. Surgeons do get paid a great deal of money.”

“Simon is sharing that money with the whole ship,” Zoë said, “It will keep us flyin without having to work much. Keeps you girls safer till this whole thing blows over.”

“Okay,” Xue smiled.

XXXXXXXXXX

River let Xue take over the actual flying as soon as Serenity finished the high speed part of her reentry. River then would take back over when the ship approached Eavesdown docks.

With her customary smoothness, River settled the old Firefly into her assigned berth. As soon as the ship was secured, the crew gathered in the bay.

“I don't wanna be here any longer than I have to,” Mal began, “Jayne. You and River make sure we're all set for fuel and water. Then go an get whatever we need in the way o' ammo and such.”

The big man nodded and River snapped a sloppy salute. Mal was going to have to speak to her about that.

“Doc?” Mal continued, “You and Kaylee head off to stock up on parts and med supplies. Kaylee, I know you been wantin to spend some more coin on the ship. Within reason, get what you need.”

“Xie-xie, Cap'n” the mechanic beamed.

“Zoë, take Max and the girls with you to get us stocked up on food and the like. Max, stock up that cryo unit. Least a months worth o' fresh food. Then once it's ordered, you can take Xue and Jess shoppin for what they need.”

“Understood, Sir,” Zoë acknowledged.

“I need to pick up a few educational things for the girls,” Simon added.

Mal nodded, “Get what you think you need,” The Captain replied.

Mal pulled out a wad of bills and then began doling out funds for the shopping.

“This is all there is... stretch it as best you can,” Mal ordered.

“What are you an Inara doing?” Zoë asked.

“Sir Warrick put us on to a few new contacts. Straight haulage jobs to the rim. With Badger outta the way. Some of the others have been more willin to contract out on their own. We'll wait till at least one o' you is back before goin ourselves.”

“Sounds good, Sir.”

“Any questions?” If not, lets get goin.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“Do you think they might be here?” Josiah asked his traveling companion as they collected their luggage.

“It is a strong possibility,” Damien replied, “I still have some contacts and from what I have been able to gather, Serenity will be arriving sometime within the next day or so.”

“Hope you're right,” Josiah replied, “Feel like I'm walkin with a big target on my back.”

“Indeed. I received word that several journalists that also published reports about the information you received have gone missing. Either by going into hiding or by nefarious means is unknown at this time.”

Josiah grunted as he walked beside the former Operative. Both noted the open hostility towards the many Fed's patrolling the crowds. The tensions, at least here on Persephone were high.

“Everyone's wound up tight,” Josiah commented.

“There have been riots on Valentine and Gonghe. Protests on Ariel and Osiris.”

“It's a start,” the older man replied, “Bout time the core found out how the real 'Verse works.”

“I agree. For too long have the citizenry been complacent and allowed the government to ride roughshod over them. I am ashamed to admit, I did quite a bit of that... riding.”

“You're helpin in what ways you can now,” Josiah smiled slightly.

“I hope it will be enough.”

XXXXXXXXXX

River and Jayne were the first to return to the ship. As soon as they returned, Mal and Inara set off in search of the new contact recommended by Lord Harrow.

As soon as the Inara and the Captain left. River, uncharacteristically pulled out Kaylee's lawn chair and plopped herself down at the top of the ramp.

“Baby girl... what are you doin?” Jayne asked as he stood behind her.

“People watching.”

“Why?”

“It's fun. I did it all the time as a girl. Now that I wiped myself from the wanted list. I can watch people all I want without worrying about Feds.”

Jayne grumbled slightly.

“Besides, I have my bear to protect me.”

“I ain't no gorram bear,” he growled.

“The Mercenary doth protest too much,” River smiled. The smile that made Jayne weak in the knees. Even after nearly a year, he still couldn't believe River had chosen him.

River must have picked up that thought because she looked longingly at him, “Always my Jayne. Even when you didn't realize it.”

Jayne tried to be the gruff bad ass but River could turn him to putty with a look. It was unsettling sometimes.

“Teaching Jessica has also helped my own control,” River said out of the blue, “I can block out the noise better. Two weeks ago I couldn't have done this.”

“That's good then,” Jayne replied as he pulled up a crate next to his Ai-ren.

River suddenly stiffened, “Get my blade.”

“Huh?”

“Sword... hurry, devil approaches...”

XXXXXXXXXX

“Is that it?” Josiah asked as they walked towards a certain old battered Firefly.

“It is,” The former Operative replied.

As the two men got closer, they saw that the cargo bay door was open. Pausing at the foot, Josiah called out, “Hello?”

His voice echoed back at him.

Taking a deep breath, Damien stepped onto the ramp and began walking into the ship. With a shrug, Josiah began to follow.

Just as he stepped onto the deck, Damien stopped suddenly as a sword swung and stopped millimeters from his throat. Wide eyed, Josiah stopped as well.

“Hello, River,” Damien said. Not moving an iota.

“Give me one reason...” said a tiny voice.

“I am trying to atone... I want to help...”

The blade moved slightly, drawing blood. Slowly River stepped into Damien's view. Her sword, still against his throat. The young woman tilted her head, “You are sincere in your quest for redemption... Still doesn't mean that I shouldn't kill you... or that the Captain won't.”

Josiah, took half a step forward and began to open his mouth to speak but froze when he heard the action of a weapon cycle. Behind some crates stepped out a large man holding a Callahan auto-lock pointed at his chest.

“Don't shoot him, Jayne. Captain would be very upset if you shot his uncle,” River said, still staring at the Operative. Jayne's aim didn't waver but his face showed confusion.

The distinctive whine and click of two more weapons came from behind the two men.

“River, Jayne... what's goin on?” Zoë asked.

“We have guests. One will be welcome... the other not so much.”

“Guests...” Zoë said as she walked past the men and turned to look at their faces. Suddenly the First Mate's own face exploded into fury, “You!”

River moved out of the way as Zoë pounced, knocking the former Operative to the deck, her hands around his throat, “Huh choo-shang tza-jiao duh tzang-huo! You rutting killed him!” Zoë roared. Damien did not resist as the amazon began to choke the life from him.

He knew that he would most likely not live through this encounter.

River picked up that thought.

“Jayne!” River cried, “Get Zoë off him before she kills him! Maxine, watch the other one!” River ordered.

Max shifted her aim to the tall man with the gray hair while Jayne grabbed Zoë's arm.

“Let me go, Jayne!” Zoë growled.

In a burst of insight, Jayne shook his head, “No one wants to kill him more'n you or me I reckon, but might be best we find out what he has to say afore you kill him.”

Zoë loosened her grip slightly, Allowing Damien to take a ragged breath. The First Mate glared at the Mercenary.

Jayne grinned, “We can always kill him after...”

Maxine looked behind her at the two frightened teenagers still holding their purchases, “Girls... go to your rooms and put away your stuff. Don't come out until one of us fetches you.”

With simultaneous nods, Xue and Jessica bolted up the ramp and headed for the passenger dorms. Pistol still out, Maxine motioned to the tall gray haired man, “Have a seat...”

Josiah nodded and sat on a crate.

Through sheer willpower, Zoë disentangled her hands from around the Operative's neck. As soon as Zoë leaned back, Damien rubbed his throat, “Thank you,” he gasped.

“Don't be thankin me as of yet,” Zoë snapped, “Still might kill you.”

“And you have every right to do so. I injured all of you grievously,” the dark skinned man coughed.

“Reckon that's the Captain's call... for the moment,” Zoë replied, “Who's he?” she asked, pointing to Josiah.

“Josiah Reynolds,” the man replied. Still looking at the gun being pointed at him by the attractive redhead.

Damien slid smoothly to his feet, Jayne kept Vera pointed at him, “I wish no ill to anyone on Serenity, Mr. Cobb.”

“There's plenty on Serenity wishes ill ta' you though,” Jayne growled.

“I know.”

“So what's he here for?” Jayne asked, glancing at Josiah.

“Is Malcolm Reynolds Captain of this ship?” Josiah asked.

“He is,” Zoë replied.

“Malcolm Reynolds from Shadow. Veteran of Serenity Valley?”

“Yes,” Zoë growled.

“He's my nephew.”

“Captain ain't got any living kin,” Zoë snapped, “Alliance blew em' all to hell on Shadow.”

“Not all,” Josiah replied, “I left before the war. Moved to the core.”

“Probably became a Purple Belly, too.”

“I was undercover. Feeding information to the Independents.”

Zoë was skeptical, “Got any way to prove it?”

“Truth,” River interjected.

Zoë glanced at the psychic, “You sure, Mei-mei?”

“I am,” she replied with conviction.

“All of it?”

“All. And I can see the resemblance as well.”

Zoë had to agree with that. Josiah looked like a Reynolds. Tall, blue eyed and the shape of his nose was similar. If his hair had been brown rather than gray, This man could pose as Mal's older brother.

Zoë slumped her shoulders, “Put your gun away, Ai-ren,” Zoë said. Maxine gave her a look that said 'Are you sure?' and Zoë nodded.

“What about th' Operative?” Jayne asked.

“Handcuffs. Then strap him to one of the crash chairs in the galley lounge. And watch him. Mr. Reynolds... we need to have a little chat. As soon as your nephew gets back,” Zoë ordered.

“I look forward to it,” Josiah answered.

XXXXXXXXXX

“What do you think happened?” Xue asked Jess.

“I don't know. I haven't been on board much longer than you and I've never seen everyone so tense,” Jessica replied.

“Did you... sense anything from them?”

“The one River had her sword to felt very dark. But with light poking through. I'm not good at getting whole thoughts yet...”

Xue patted her friends shoulder, “Don't worry. You'll get it.”

“Hope so. Sometimes it's like the actual images and thoughts are right there and then.... poof. They're gone.”

“I just feel machines... It's like I know how they work, how to make them work their best. That's how I got away from the Blue hands the first time. I just... thought about how the lock on my room worked and then hit some buttons on the keypad and the door opened.”

“That's pretty handy,” Jessica replied with a smile.

“It's even stronger when River lets me fly. It's like... I become Serenity.”

“Kaylee says something like that. She can tell when Serenity is hurtin.”

“Lots of special people on this ship,” Xue smiled.

“Yep. But enough of that... let's give the Captain a heart attack with our new outfits...” Jessica giggled.

“Lets,” Xue grinned.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mal and Inara strolled up the ramp into Serenity's bay and looked around. There was no one in sight.

“Who in the gorram hell left the bay door open with no one in the bay?” Mal thundered.

Kaylee's head popped up from behind a crate, “Hey, Cap'n.”

Mal relaxed slightly, “Where is everyone?”

“In the galley... we got... guests...”

Mal became suspicious, “What kind of guests, Lil' Kaylee?”

“One you'd like to shoot, I reckon,” Kaylee began, her cheerfulness fading quickly.

“And the other?”

“Says he's your uncle... I didn't know you had any kin, Cap'n?”

Mal's face twisted into a 'what the hell' expression, “Last I knew I didn't.”

“Mal?” Inara asked.

“Stay here with Kaylee. I'll call in a minute,” Mal ordered as he began taking the stairs two at a time.

Storming through the hatch into the galley, Mal slid to a stop. At the table sat a man he hadn't seen in nearly twenty years.

If that wasn't enough shock for one day, the Captain glanced to his right and spied the last man he ever expected to be on his boat.

Mal's gun cleared it's holster as if he conjured it into his hand. Before he could pull the trigger, River stepped into the line of fire, “Don't... not yet anyway,” she whispered.

Mal blinked, looked around and then cleared his throat, “Somebody best be explainin why that, ee da tuo da bien is on my boat...”

“It's a long story, Captain. And if you would release me, I can explain everything to you,” the former operative said in his usual calm voice.

“Why ain't he fulla holes?” Mal demanded.

“Cause I nearly strangled him, Sir,” Zoë replied, “River knows the gist of things but she figured that we'd be best hearin things from the devils own mouth.”

Mal nodded and turned his attention back to the man who looked like his uncle, “Ain't you dead?”

Josiah moved to his feet and took a couple of steps towards his nephew, “It's amazing how much you look like your father, Mal.”

The Captain shook his head, “They said you ran off to the core. Then got killed as a sympathizer...”

Josiah shook his head, “Nope. Hid in plain sight. Worked as a reporter. Then I sent what information I could back to the Independents. Even used my real name. Purple Bellies never caught on... till two weeks ago.”

“Two weeks?”

“The information I released to the media,” River added.

“I wrote the story. Got fired for it and then I had to run. Damien over there found me. Told me some other things that will chill your blood. Sure did mine. You need to let him speak, Malcolm.”

Mal shook his head. The voice was right, the face was right, “Uncle Joe?” Mal whispered.

Josiah stepped forward and pulled his nephew into a hug. After a moment, Mal returned it.

“I... I can't believe it...” Mal whispered.

“Believe it Malcolm... believe it...”

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TBC