Disclaimer: Sadly, Firefly and I have nothing to do with one another.

Authors Notes: I would like to give a shout out to a fellow Firefly Fanfic writer, Reginaroadie. If you’re familiar with his fanfic, you might remember his character Shooter from “The Serenity Gig”. He’s allowed me to use that character, so hopefully when I put my spin onto things I’ve done him justice. In addition to the inspiration I got from reading his story, he offered a lot of creative feedback to my ideas for Past, Present, & Future. And of course I can't forget to thank the best beta reader in the 'verse. Without Cozen my fics would be terribly mispelled and in all the wrong tense. Not to mention sometimes I write things that just sound really weird. He's great a making them sound normal. Now if he could only do something about making me normal... So, I just wanted to say THANKS!!!

Past, Present, & Future By KaySky Part Eight

It had been a long day for Simon Tam. He’d patched up five bullet wounds and tended to dozens of other nicks and gashes incurred by the crew and Kaylee’s family. The room he and Kaylee had slept in less than twenty-four hours ago had been instantly transformed into an infirmary.

Wash had been feeling better, but Simon still didn’t want him moving around. Zoe had cuddled up beside him as he slept. Smiles were on both their faces, but hers was extra bright. The darkness of the past that had stepped back into their lives last night was dead. She made sure of it. She made sure her future, their future, would be free of one, Adelai Niska.

Mal and Jayne were both still asleep. Simon figured it would be another few hours before they woke up. That was a good thing considering there was a shortage of beds. He had no choice but to put Mal and Jayne in the same bed once he finished fixing them up. He doesn’t expect either one of them would be too happy waking up next to the other. Simon hoped when they did wake up that they’d both be too drugged to care or at least too drugged to take it out on him.

Ryan however was still flowing with adrenaline. He was so excited about getting shot. It was a small bullet wound in his right leg. He wanted to make sure it would scar so he’d have an illustration to go along with his exciting story. His wife, Ruby, smiled as she listened to her husband’s remembrance of the morning’s events, but Simon could tell she was worried sick on the inside. He knew how she felt.

Simon stepped out of the room and into the hallway. He finally had a moment to relax. He needed a moment to relax. Seeing Kaylee’s face waiting for him in the hall was all he needed to unwind.

“Hey.” He smiled and walked towards her, immediately flinging his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him.

“Is…” Kaylee bit her bottom lip. Her eyes were filled with worry.

“Everyone is going to be fine.” Simon assured her, planting a kiss on her forehead.

“So Cap’n…”

“Mal’s going to be fine. It’s not the first time he’s been shot and I’d be surprised if it was the last. A little bit of sleep and some rest and he’ll be as good as new.” He cupped Kaylee’s chin in his hand. “Speaking of things being new, our engagement… I was just…”

Kaylee’s heart sank into her chest. She was terrified. She thought he wanted out. Her family, the crew, Niska, it was all just too much. Things were moving too fast for Simon. Her eyes began to water.

“…I was just wondering if you wanted to take a lot of time and bask in the newness of our engagement or if you’d rather be basking in the newness of our marriage.”

“Shenme?” She was confused. That was not what she had expected him to ask. What did he ask exactly?

“Marriage is in our future, but I don’t want to wait until the future. I want to make it our present.” His eyes gazed into hers. The love in his was mirrored in hers. “If it’s not too fast, I’d like to get married as soon as possible.”

Tears streamed from Kaylee’s eyes, but they were good tears. They were happy tears. He wanted this just as much as she did. She felt silly for ever thinking otherwise. “Is Saturday soon enough?” She said softly before raising her mouth to his.

* * * *

“What are we going to do with them?” Mac turned to his father.

“I think Mal is going to want a say in the matter.” Cole sat down on his favorite chair in the den. “I don’t imagine they’ll be too happy to find out their boss is dead.”

“They shouldn’t have come after Kaylee.” Mac folded his arms across his chest as he stood in front of his father. “Whatever happens, they deserve it.”

“I don’t like the fact that they came after Kaylee any more than you do, but it ain’t our place to say what they do and do not deserve.”

“Since when have you become…”

Cole stopped Mac in the midst of his sentence. “Mac, I’m an old man. I’ve wised up in my years. Things have a way of working out. Mr. Black and his men will get what they deserve. It’s just not us who should decide what they deserve.”

“I hope Mal wakes up soon.” Mac was frustrated. He wanted nothing more than to seal the fate of those men. “I can’t take those men being in this house.”

* * * *

Danielle Erin Blake was always up for a challenge. When Kaylee told her she wanted to get married in three days she didn’t panic. Three days to plan an entire wedding could be done. She’d just get some backup.

“Okay, ladies.” Danielle had Kaylee, Emma, Inara, Molly, and Ruby all sitting around the breakfast table. “We have a lot of work to do and little time to do it. The wedding gown makes the ceremony so Kaylee and I are going to New Saskatchewan for some shopping. Emma I’ve made a list of various things that need to get done.” She handed her the list.

“Wow, this is a lot.” Emma said as her eyes ran up and down the paper, skimming through the tasks.

“Delegate as you see fit.” Danielle told her.

* * * *

Simon was checking over his room full of patients as Mal woke up.

To Mal’s surprise, somebody was spooning him. “Who in the gorram hell…” He was groggy as he turned over and saw it was Jayne. “So this is hell.”

Simon nervously cleared his throat before he spoke. “There was a shortage of beds.”

Mal looked around for a minute, trying to focus in on where the voice was coming from. “Doc, next time there’s a shortage of beds, just let me die.” He pushed Jayne over, giving himself room to move around.

“I wouldn’t move.” Simon knew reasoning with Mal was useless, but he’d still do it anyway. “You don’t want to pull out your stitches.”

“How’s Kaylee?” Memories of the early morning were surfacing on Mal’s mind. “Does she know she’s safe now?”

“She knows. She’s very relieved that you all are okay.” Simon and Mal had few heartfelt moments, but he felt this one coming on. “Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?” Mal mumbled.

“I thought a proper thank you was well deserved for keeping her safe.”

“No one messes with one of my crew.” The way Mal looked at him when he said ‘crew’ made Simon feel reassured once again that he was part of that crew. “Besides, it’d be hell finding another mechanic.” Mal hated heartfelt moments. Breaking them up was always his first priority.

“Speaking of mechanics, whatever happened to Bester?” Ryan had woken from his nap and overheard the last part of their conversation.

* * * * As soon as Kaylee and Danielle arrived on New Saskatchewan they headed for Main Street to do some shopping. “This is the best little boutique in this part of the ‘verse.” Danielle said as they approached a small dress shop called, Sax. “Shall we?” She pointed towards the doorway and an eager Kaylee walked inside. “Wow, these dresses are so…” “Not these.” Danielle smiled. “I’ve got my connections.” A tall blonde woman came running towards them. “Dani!” Danielle hugged the woman. “Sandi, it’s been too long.” She pulled away from the hug and introduced Kaylee. “Sandi, I’d like you to meet Kaylee. Kaylee, I’d like you to meet my best friend since forever, Sandi.” “Hey” Kaylee said. “So you’ve known each other long?” “I was the maid’s daughter at the Blake’s estate.” Sandi was eyeing up Kaylee, trying to decide on the perfect dress to match her body type. “So I lived in her house with my mom.” “Living translates mostly into sneaking out and getting into trouble.” Danielle joked. Sandi rolled her eyes and laughed at Danielle’s remark. “I’ve got the perfect dress for you.” She took Kaylee’s hand and started pulling her towards the back of the shop. “What do you think of this?” She asked Kaylee as she held up the dress. The dress was beautiful. It was a strapless white gown, A-line style, with beaded embroidery on the bodice and train. “It’s so… Can I try it on?” Kaylee could barely contain her excitement. “Darling, that’s why you’re here!” Sandi smiled as she handed the dress to Kaylee. “The fitting room is right over there. While you’re trying that on I’ll find a perfect veil and shoes to match.” “And I’ll find the perfect garter.” Danielle added as all three girls took off in separate directions across the boutique. * * * * Upstairs in the guest room of the Frye house sat Mr. Black and his two accomplices. Sam and the Shepherd sat in the room with them, watching them. “How much longer are we going to be here?” Mr. Black directed his question towards Book. He didn’t think very much of Sam. Especially since the boy was asleep. “That’s not my decision.” No matter what the situation, Book was always calm and collected. He'd known Mal and the others had returned, and had lately learned Mal was unconscious. Book knew these men's fates would be properly decided by Mal, thus was prepared to wait for the captain's revival. “How does a Shepherd end up with a bunch of criminals?” “There are no criminals, Mr. Black. There are only people. Good people and bad people.” “And you really think you’re with the good?” “Thinking is merely part of a theory. Knowledge is fact. It is a fact that I work for the good.” “You’ve got one fucked up perception of good for a Shepherd.” Book glanced over at Sam. He was still taking his turn sleeping. He was snoring so loudly, Book doubted he’d wake up if he heard a gunshot. “Calling myself Shepherd is no different than calling yourself Mr. Black.” * * * * Kaylee and Danielle left the boutique and went their separate ways. Danielle was off to find the perfect flutes for the toasts and Kaylee was off to find a wedding gift for Simon. As Kaylee walked south along Main Street, her attention was taken by a commotion in front of a pawn shop. From what she could see, a man, whom she guessed was the owner, was throwing a younger man outside into the street. Angered, the owner was cursing up a storm in Chinese. “Gôushî bùrú, good for nothing boy!” The owner yelled. “Stay away from my little Sharla!” “Gûnkāi! I was just trying to make the bridesmaid feel a little less lonely.” “You’ll never work on this planet again!” The owner walked back inside his shop, slamming the door behind him and muttering even more insults in Chinese. The young man rebutted with a few Chinese sayings of his own before turning around and heading down the street. Kaylee couldn’t believe her eyes. “Lucas?” She said his name almost too quiet for him to hear. She was unsure. Could it be him? “Kaylee!” He called back at her. He was just as surprised as she. It had been years since he’d seen her. They exchanged a hug and a few pleasantries, but Kaylee was going to burst if she didn’t ask. “What was that about?” “What? You mean the store thing?” He said very calm and collected. “Not everyone like’s my style.” His tough guy, bad ass attitude transpired through his smile. “Can I buy you lunch?” Kaylee’s chipper voice, big hazel eyes, and shinning smile were just as he had remembered. Lucas, better known as Shooter, wasn’t the type of guy to pass on a free meal. “You can do anything you want with me.” He grinned. * * * * Six year old Sammy Jr. was old enough and smart enough to realize something was going on. Whenever the grownups acted weird it meant something. He wasn’t sure what it meant this time, but he knew his Uncle Ryan was easily manipulated. He walked into the ready-made infirmary with his chess set. To his disappointment, his Uncle Ryan wasn’t there. “Aww, man.” Sammy Jr. said disappointedly as he sat on the empty bed. “Problems, kid?” Sammy Jr. looked up and across the room. There was the mercenary Jayne. He smiled. Perhaps, he wasn’t out of luck just yet. “I thought my Uncle Ryan would want to play.” He frowned. “He ain’t here, so I’m all alone.” He let out a soft whimper. Jayne hated crying. He didn’t want the boy to cry. Reluctantly, he asked, “What game you got?” Yes. Sammy Jr. thought to himself. “Chess. Wanna play?” “Can’t say I’ve really played it. Ain’t very good at those kind of games.” “I’ll teach you.” Sammy Jr. hopped off the bed and moved over towards Jayne. “It’s simple once you know the rules.” Soon they were halfway through the game. Sammy Jr. was going easy on Jayne. He figured the more Jayne thought he was winning, the more he’d tell. “So how’d ya get hurt?” Sammy Jr. asked. “Huh?” Jayne grunted. He was trying to concentrate on his next move. “Wasn’t nuttin’.” Jayne moved his queen. “Don’t look like nothin’.” Right then and there, Sammy Jr. could have captured Jayne’s queen. He had made a fatal move, but Sammy Jr. wasn’t going to punish him for it. He deliberately moved one of his pawns so that Jayne would capture it. A devilish smile grew on Jayne’s face as Sammy Jr. made his move. The kid wasn’t so smart, Jayne thought. “Some guys messin’ with your sis.” He captured the white pawn. “Ain’t gonna be messin’ with her anymore.” “And the men in the guest room?” He made his move, setting Jayne up to capture yet another one of his pawns. “Ain’t heard what we gonna do with them yet.” Jayne was loving this game. Sammy Jr.’s pawns were becoming scarce across the board. “But they’re bad men who tried to hurt Aunt Kaylee?” He had two pawns left. He wasn’t concerned. He knew the pawns were just that, pawns. In the end, his queen would rise and conquer Jayne’s king. “Yep.” Jayne smiled as he captured yet another pawn. “Don’t worry ‘bout yer Aunt Kaylee. She ain’t never gonna be hurt long as she’s with Mal.” “Promise?” Sammy Jr. guided his last pawn into harms way. “Promise.” Jayne said as he captured the final white pawn. “Your Aunt got more people lookin’ out for her than most. Even the Doc, would give his own life to let her live. Ain’t no one who wouldn’t.” Sammy Jr. had gotten all the information he needed. The whole game he had Jayne focused on capturing his pawns. Jayne never even bothered to protect his king. He had no idea Sammy Jr.’s other pieces had it in check. He didn’t even know why the kid had said ‘check’ so many times. Now it was Sammy’s final move. “Checkmate.” He said as his queen triumphed. He bounced up off the bed smiling. “Fun game, Mr. Jayne.” * * * * Danielle had walked off Main Street. She followed a little dirt road and some grubby old signs leading her to the flea market. She browsed the few tables. Nothing there was much of anything. It wasn’t surprising. New Saskatchewan wasn’t much of a planet. It was very similar to Kaylee’s home planet actually. There wasn’t much but farming and the simple life. Sandi’s little shop seemed to be the only thing with any class on the whole prairie planet. Danielle hated the fact she could be so stuck up. She wanted to blame it on the twenty-six years living on Core planets such as Royalton and Noble, but she knew people could change. Regardless of her upbringing, she couldn't let it affect her current behavior. She stumbled across a small broken heart charm. One half of the heart had the initial ‘M’ and the other half had the initial ‘D’. On the back of each of the halves was the inscription, ‘The past, the present, the future: No matter what time, you’ll always have a piece of mine’. As cheesy as the words may have been, they touched her heart. She purchased the charm and headed back up the dirt road to Main Street. The alterations on Kaylee’s dress should be finished. Maybe while Kaylee was trying it on again she could browse Sandi’s shop for two platinum chains. * * * * Against Simon’s wishes, Mal left the ready-made infirmary and headed downstairs to the den. “Feeling better?” Cole asked as Mal came walking into the room. “I’ll feel better once the rest of Niska’s men are out of this house.” Mal sat down on the couch. “Me too,” said Mac. “What do you want to do with them?” “Not rightly sure at the moment.” Mal leaned his head against the back of the couch. He was still very groggy from the drugs. “They ain’t the only problem.” “What do you mean?” Cole was exhausted. He really didn’t want to know anything else was wrong. “Bester.” Saying the name didn’t make him feel sick like saying the name Niska, but he still didn’t care for it. “Did anyone let him out of the trunk?” Silence fell over the den. Several long minutes later, Mac was the first to speak. “Do we have to let him out?” “Son, your sister cares a great deal for that boy.” Cole didn’t think the best of the lad, but he wanted to see his daughter happy. “I don’t think he’ll stick around after all this.” Mal said to Mac. “That’s what I’m worried about.” Mac sighed. “Laney doesn’t deserve a broken heart. Bester deserves a kick in the ass.” Cole began to speak, but was interrupted by Mal. “I don’t like him no more than you, Mac, but being a big brother means having to do things you don’t agree with because it makes them happy.” “Things were a lot easier when they were little.” Mac got up from his chair and headed towards the kitchen. “When she was little I could get her some candy and all would be sweet again.” He sighed. “Now I have to let some idiot out of a trunk.” “You’re a good boy.” Cole said proudly to his son. * * * * Kaylee and Shooter found a quaint little sandwich shop not too far down Main Street. They had been at the shop for almost an hour catching up on old times. Unlike her most recent encounters, some people from the past were nice to see again. “It’s a funny thing, you saying that you videotape weddings. If you’re looking for work, I actually know someone who’s getting married.” Kaylee was all smiles. “Really? Who?” “Me.” Kaylee was beaming so bright it was a wonder Shooter didn’t need sunglasses. She loved telling anyone and everyone the news of her upcoming wedding. Shooter exclaimed. “You!!! Kaylee??? Miss Crush on Every Shirtless Guy Except for Me. You’re about to tie the knot?” She laughed and began to tell Shooter about Simon. Before their conversation was over, Kaylee had found herself someone to videograph the wedding. * * * * Translations: Shenme = what? gôushî bùrú = lower than dogshit/lowest of the low gûnkāi= fuck off!

To be continued...

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