To Quote Inara

Chapter 3

Alexandria Leads sat quietly on a cushion atop a big box looking toward the portal opening of shuttle 2. She sat, legs crossed at the ankles, her patience wearing a little thin waiting for Malcolm Reynolds to return. They had docked with a Firefly transport vessel eight minutes earlier and the captain had requested that she stay aboard the shuttle until he cleared with the other crew that there was another body aboard……a warm body.

“ This may be what we need.” the young woman thought to herself as the time passed and still Mal had not returned for her.

Truth be known Mal was in the cargo bay talking to the only other crew member onboard Serenity at the time.

“ Another tourist….!!? Mal haven’t you learned your lessen? We’re in the fix we’re in now cuz of you bringing unscrupulous folk aboard!” Jayne was saying.

“ Unscrupulous?” Mal Reynolds was running the word through his mind. How would Jayne Cobb know a word like that? Anyway, Jayne was referring to Simon and River of course……and the biggest crew member of Serenity might have a point but Malcolm Reynolds wasn’t about to admit it…..or admit to anything as far as Jayne was concerned.

Mal looked at the big guy, “ Jayne…… hasn’t Simon saved your ass more n’ once!!?”

The intensity in the big man’s eyes dulled a bit, “ Well…I….!”

“ You know he has!” Mal paused, “ Everybody has a story Jayne……do I need to quote you about yours? Now just stay easy. Besides I own her one.”

A GIRL? Jayne’s eyes opened wider then lowered to the floor. Mal knew he had the upper hand in the argument then. True enough he hadn’t heard Alex’s complete story of yet. But he would be getting down to brass buttons soon enough. It was a good thing that Simon and River were off ship for the time though. They were back with Inara at the companion guild having worked out an arrangement where the guild members could get a dedicated amount of un-costly medical attention while River could have some simple test done in the medical offices of the compound. Beneficial to both parties to be the plan. They would be gone a week.

Also for the record, Mal‘s war accomplice and the ship’s holy man were gone. , Zoe had accompanied Book to Persephone. The preacher and Mal’s first mate were to organize a cache of supplies for the ship and maybe pick up a simple job or two from Badger. They would be picked up by Serenity as soon as the others finished getting the ship parts on HARVEST.

There was a buzzing sound and a light blinked on the cargo bays consol panel. Mal flipped the switch.

“ Capt…..got the parts! On our way home now. Any trouble getting the circuits?” Kaylee’s voice was crisp and clear.

“ Negative wo gu niang ( my girl) all is well.” He reported back.

The captain’s eyes lifted up to the open way leading to shuttle 2.

“Time to get some answers.” He whispered.

End part 3

To Quote Inara

Chapter 4

Mal Reynolds strolled into the reception compartment of shuttle 2 and eased himself into a seated position opposite Alexandria.

“ Ok Alex…..you’re in.” The captain focused to see her reaction.

The newcomer was a mite happy but it wasn’t until that moment that she realized that her presents aboard this spacecraft hadn’t been an automatic thing…..,that being here had been something to be bounced around and debated about by the crew.

ACCEPTANCE!

Someone couldn’t just dance aboard this boat and automatically become a part of her……..it was something that had to be voted on by the crew ( which wasn’t the complete truth, but) she’d passed….!

The thought dawned on her, “Malcolm Reynolds”! The captain had spoken out on her behalf and was the only reason she were there. She leaped up and hugged the man.

“ Oh thank you Ray!” With her arms pulled back and her wrist still on his shoulders, “ I mean Mal!” She smiled into his face.

“ You’re welcome. But I need some answers.” The captain said.

Alex sat back for his quiz-itation.

“ You didn’t just stubble and find us did you?”

“ No…..Well yeah I sorta did.” She told the owner of Serenity. “ I was looking for some pirates, or well…..I mean someone to help me, us out. I’m kinda in a jam here.”

Malcolm began to wonder about the can of harvest worms he’d just opened. Alex noticed his uneasiness.

“ No! It’s not like that!” She intervened, “ It’s my brother. He’s in jail and I need to spring him out.”

Holy fen fei (manure). This was getting to be more that Mal bargained for. “Gorram it Jayne!” That thought did pass through his head.

“ He’s locked up in *Betsville Holding* ( minimum prison facility on Harvest) ………and it probably wouldn’t be too tuff to get him out!” The Girl spoke matter-of factly.

“ Well ain’t that just……”

Just then…….

“ MAL! Kaylee’s back at the ramp. Your assistance is required in the cargo hold!” Jayne’s voice came through the speaker com loud and domineering.

Mal smiled to himself “assistance required” ? Jayne’s repertoire was certainly expanding. Must be reading some of Simons books…….nope likely just trying to impress Alexandria. He thought.

“ Come, time to meet the rest of the crew.” He spoke to the girl.

End block 2