Disclaimer: These characters aren’t mine, so don’t sue. I’m a poor college student. I ain’t worth your time. Long live the Browncoats!

Independence Part 2

As the sun peaked through the drapes early on Friday morning, its rays hit Mal directly in the face. After a few seconds, Mal began to moan and complain, still half-asleep. He turned his face into the pillow, hoping to hide from the sun. His sudden movement did not go unnoticed by his bed-mate, Zoë. She woke, not quite with a start, but close to it. She rolled over onto her other side and saw Mal, face into the pillow, looking like he was fighting the inevitable dawn of a new day. She smiled to herself, trying to burn this semi-peaceful, semi-funny moment into her memory before she had to wake him up.

They were in Mal’s quarters at the Independent Garrison. She was still getting used to waking up with Mal every morning. They had let each other know their true feelings a little more than a week ago. They had slept side by side in the trenches on several planets, but the waking in the same bed as each other was still strange to her. Zoë looked at the clock on the far wall. It read 0636, local time. They both had to muster their troops at 0800, so they had to start getting ready. With a devilish glint in her eye, Zoë began lightly pushing Mal towards the edge of the bed. He rolled closer and closer, seemingly unaware of what she was doing. In reality, he was awake as soon as she touched him. When he realized what she was doing, he decided to play along.

He was nearly over the edge; one last push would send him over on to the floor in an ungracious flop. As he went over, Mal showed he was awake and grabbed onto her, pulling her off the bed as well. He landed first on his back, Zoë landing on top of him. Mal groaned with the sudden impact of Zoë, but laughed anyways. Zoë was giggling as well, looking at Mal with love. She leaned down and kissed him sweetly, before getting up off the floor. She went over to her pile of clothes from the previous night, getting dressed to head back to her quarters. Mal also got up and walked over to her, encircling his arms around her waist, affectionately squeezing her and nuzzling her neck.

“What are you in such a rush for?” Mal asked, still holding her. “Because we have only an hour and fifteen minutes before muster, and I still have to get back to my room and be presentable. Your uniform is here, mine isn’t.” she said then kissed him quickly on the mouth. “Right, right. Uniforms. I knew there was a reason why we were up so early. Well, then I guess you should get goin’. You got to look presentable and all.” He kissed her once more, and let go of her. He then went over to the sink and mirror, and began putting shaving cream on his face. She finished getting dressed and smiled at him. “I’ll see you at muster, then we can go to breakfast. I have an urge for eggs.” She said as she headed for the door, turning to face him before she left. Mal turned toward her, half his face covered in shaving cream. She began to giggle again, and Mal tried to look at her like he had no clue why she was laughing. “What is so funny?” Mal said, desperately trying to keep a straight face. Zoë looked at him, and as calmly as she could muster, said, “Nothing at all, you look great…sir.” She then headed out the door towards her own room, closing the door behind her.

At breakfast, Zoë and Mal were sitting outside of a small café near the garrison, having just finished mustering their troops. Today was a light work day, not much for them to do. They were and infantry unit, but with no war to fight anymore, and command not wanting to begin training operations until the political climate cooled down, work rarely began before 0930 nor lasted after 1630. It was the calm after the storm. Zoë and Mal sat next to each other, sipping coffee and eating.

“It is a beautiful morning, isn’t it?” Mal said, looking up towards the sky, squinting in the sunlight. “That it is. Right nice day for a romantic picnic in the park,” Zoë replied, hinting towards what she wanted to do for lunch. “Zoë, do you want to have a picnic?” Mal asked, taking the hint, but trying to playfully make her ask for one. “Only if you want to, dear.” She said, with a feigned innocent look on her face. “Zoë, you could sneak up on an enemy sniper in a ballroom while wearing tap shoes, but you ain’t subtle when it comes to what you want.” Mal said, smiling at her, then kissing her. “I just wanted make it look like it was your idea, Mal. Save your ego and all.” Zoë said, beaming her smile at him. “Well, my ego has been saved. Now I was wonderin’, we have a few weeks of leave coming up, I think about a month. Would you like to come home with me for a spell, meet my momma. So I can show off what a fine woman I have found to fall in love with?” “Of course I would. But I also want to go home to see my parents. I haven’t seen them since the war began.” “We’ll go see them as well. Then you can show me off, too.” “Mal, I don’t think showing you off will impress them all that much.” She said, teasingly. “What do you mean? I am a fine, young, dependable Independent Army Captain. What more could they ask for?” “A doctor, a lawyer, someone who makes lots and lots of money, shall I go on?” “OK, so I may not be rich, but I do love you, that should count for something.” “It does, honey. It counts the most.” She turned to him and kissed him sweetly. “Oh, look at the time. We need to go and do that officer work we’re being paid to do.” “Oh, shoot. Your right, it’s almost 9:30.” Mal looked at his pocket watch. He flagged down the waiter and paid for their meals. He then escorted Zoë back to the garrison, the both of them chatting away.

FOUR WEEKS LATER

Reynolds’ Ranch, outside Bradenburg, Shadow Colony, Mantra System

Mal and Zoë decided to rent a couple of horses, instead of hiring a shuttle, to get to the ranch. It seemed like the thing to do, make the ‘verse come full circle. When Mal had enlisted, nearly seven years ago, he rode out on horseback to meet the shuttle headed to recruit training. It was the last time he saw his momma in person.

She had cried the night before, begging Mal to stay and not go off to war. He comforted her as best he could, but he was resolute in his decision. He had to fight for his Independence and for hers as well. The next morning, he rose early, hoping to slip out to the station before his momma could watch him leave. Mal hated goodbyes, and didn’t want to see his momma cry again. As he was saddling the horse, his momma walked into the barn and tapped her hand on the stall, Mal’s head snapping to the sound. When he saw it was his momma, he smiled his boyish grin. She smiled, though with a touch of sadness.

“Mal, I know that I can’t persuade you to stay here and forget about that war. You always were stubborn,” her smile became happier at the memories flooding her mind. “Even when you were little, once you had your mind made up, you were going to do what you decided to, or die trying.” She came closer, patting the horse on its snout affectionately. Mal smiled at her recounting of his youth. “I want to give you something, to remember why you are fighting,” she said as she reached into her pocket on her dress and pulled out a silver cross on a necklace. “’Cause one day, when all hope seems to be lost, you are going to forget. I just want you to have something tangible to give you hope, to give you strength when all around you have lost theirs.” She placed the cross in Mal’s hand, closing his hand around it. Her eyes welled up, but she did not let them fall. She told herself that she wouldn’t cry now, he needed her strength, not her tears. Mal couldn’t say anything. He was speechless. He expected a last minute plea for him to stay. He did not expect this, but was grateful for it. He paused his activity and gave his mother a hug, telling her how he would come home safe and with a victor’s smile. “I will come back, momma. And when I do, we’ll be free from the Alliance’s control. Live like free people should.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and went back to his preparations. His momma left him to finish up, and went back to the house.

She sat on the porch swing and waited for Mal to go riding off. She mentally made a note to send one of the hands to go retrieve the horse later that day. It wasn’t too long before Mal and his few bits of luggage were making dust trails on the way to town. He waved to her as he rode off and she waved back, tears rolling down her face. She silently prayed that she would see him again, hoping against hope that it would not be at his funeral.

As Mal and Zoë rode up to the entrance of the ranch, Mal was looking at the grounds, seeing what changes had been made in the seven years he was absent. The fence work was newer; the corral was the same as when he left. Out across the field, the cattle were grazing in the warm morning sunshine. As they neared the house, a group of ranch hands were taking a break from feeding the horses. The oldest of the group, a tall black man, was sitting on the fence, flicking a can of dip while he listened to the chatter among the other hands.

“Never have I seen such a lazy group of hands.” Mal said loudly enough for the group to hear him. The group looked up at him, and smiles came across most of their faces. The ones that didn’t smile were new to the ranch and had no clue who the new comer was. The tall black man turned around and laughed, a low but rich laugh. “I’d remember that voice anywhere. Little Malcolm Reynolds.” The black man said, getting off the fence and walking over to shake Mal’s hand. “I ain’t so little anymore, Michael. It’s great to see you again.” Mal said as he jumped off his horse and shook Michael’s hand. Michael then pulled Mal closer for a manly hug of two old friends. “It’s great to see you again, too. And all in one piece from what I can tell.” Michael said, looking Mal over, making sure all the pieces fit together. “Yep, ten fingers and toes. Michael, I want you to meet, Zoë Warren. She served with me during the war and kept me out of trouble. She also stole my heart as well, when I wasn’t lookin’.” Mal said as he offered his hand to help Zoë off her horse. She accepted, though she didn’t need his help. Like him, she lived on a ranch for some of her life. “Zoë, this is Michael Covington. He is the ranch’s top hand and day-to-day manager. Can’t find a better man than him. Has a good head for numbers and can keep the ranch from falling into disorder. He also helped raise me after my father died. Learned most everything I know about bein’ a man from him.” Michael offered his hand to Zoë, shaking it. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Covington.” Zoë said a touch of formality, for the man who helped make Mal the man he was today. “Just Michael, Ms. Warren. Any friend of Malcolm’s is a friend of mine.” “Same for you, too, Michael, and please call me Zoë.” She said smiling at Michael. “I’ll introduce you to the other hands later, Zoë. First I want you to meet the woman who made me the man you know today. Michael, do you know where she is right now?” “Mrs. Reynolds, I believe, is in the barn. One of the cows is sick and she and Doc Stern are in there figurin’ out what’s wrong.” “Thanks, Michael. Would you mind stabling the horses for us? Me an’ Zoë are gonna head over and meet them.” “No problem. It was great to meet you, Zoë.” Michael shook her hand once more before letting them go. He then turned, addressing the group of hands, “Walters, Hutchins. Go and stable these horses. Make sure we know from where they rented them so we can send them back tomorrow.” The two youngest of the assembled hands hopped off the fence to do as they were told.

Mal and Zoë walked over to the big red barn, which had had a recent repainting. Michael ran this ranch like an Army general. Everything was spit-shined and looking new at all times. The Reynolds’ were a lucky bunch to have hired him. The doors were open wide, a cool breeze flowing through, just cool enough to keep the temperature from getting too warm. Mal and Zoë walked inside and found Doc Stern and Mrs. Reynolds in one of the stalls. Doc Stern was an older gentleman, tall, his hair graying at the temples, but a full head of black hair on top. As a contrast, Mrs. Reynolds was a small woman, with brown hair and no streaks of gray. Though she was small, her eyes held a fire that more than made up for her size. At the moment, those eyes were clouded with concern for the cow; she cared for her animals like they were her own children. Mal walked up as quietly as he could, trying to surprise her. He didn’t get within ten feet before he heard her speak. “Now I know you, Malcolm Reynolds, are not trying to sneak up on your dear, old mother now are you?” Mrs. Reynolds said then turned to face him, a beaming smile on her face. “You may be dear, momma, but you will never be old.” Mal said, smiling equally bright at her. “Thank you, dear. I have missed you so much.” She stood and walked over to her son, giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “And who is this lovely young woman you brought with you?” she asked as she faced Zoë, her beaming smile still on her face. “Momma, this is Zoë Warren. We served together and she has captured my heart. How she did it with out me knowin’, I haven’t a clue. Zoë, this is Roxanna Reynolds, my mother.” Zoë and Roxanna shook hands, smiling at each other. “So you stole his heart, huh? I am so happy for you two. I was beginning to wonder if I was going to get grandchildren or not.” She looked pointedly at Mal, who was looking anywhere but in her direction. “We haven’t discussed it yet, but that’s because he keeps avoiding the issue.” Zoë looked pointedly at Mal, as well. “Whoa, now. That ain’t fair. That’s two against one.” Mal said, the look of a rabbit right before it gets sucked into a jet engine on his face. “All’s fair in love and war, honey.” Zoë replied, an innocent look on her face. She could only hold it for a second before she started laughing. Roxanna joined in as well, while Mal still looked like that rabbit. “Don’t worry, hon. I want to get married, first.” Zoë said, reassuring Mal. Mal visibly relaxed at this, causing his mother to chuckle. “Well, its good to have you home, son. Why don’t we head inside and get you situated. Doc, you gonna be here for awhile?” Roxanna asked, as she, Mal, and Zoë began walking to the house. “No, Mrs. Reynolds. She just needed an injection. She’ll be up and about in a day or two.” Doc Stern replied, as he began packing up his medical kit. “Well, since you are done, why don’t you come inside and have some tea with us?” Roxanna offered, ever the hostess. “Don’t mind if I do. I don’t have any further appointments today.” Doc finished packing his bag and followed them out of the barn.

They walked into the house, the floor boards creaking with a familiarity that brought Mal back to his childhood. It felt good to be home, no worries, and no enemy fire coming over his head. They walked into the kitchen and sat at the small breakfast table, while Roxanna began fixing tea for the four of them. Mal pulled the chair out for Zoë, and then seated himself in his normal chair. Once they were seated and the tea was served, Roxanna was the first to speak. “So, Mal, how long are you two planning on staying here?” “About a week, week and a half. We were going to head to Apollo and visit with Zoë’s folks, before our leave time was up.” “That’s nice. Too bad you have to go so soon, though. Means I can only get a few days work out of you before you head out.” Roxanna said, chuckling a bit. “Yeah, that is too bad.” Mal deadpanned. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Reynolds. I’ll make sure you get a full day’s work out of him.” Zoë said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Hey, your supposed to be on my side here.” Mal said, mock hurt on his face. “Far be it from me to contradict your mother, Mal. I want to be on her good side. I am stealing you away from her, you know.” Zoë said, a bright smile on her face. “I can never win.” Mal, said giving up. “No, you can’t. And, Zoë, darling, please call me Roxy. The Mrs. is only for strangers.” Roxanna said jovially. “Anyways. Doctor Stern, you’re new. What happened to Doctor Thomas?” Mal said steering the conversation away from himself. “Dr. Thomas died about two years ago. A horse was spooked by a rattlesnake while he was doing an annual check-up on it and the horse kicked. He was hit in the chest, his rib cage shattered. He died in the hospital two days later. I was there with him at the hospital when he passed, because his family was still two days out from here.” Doc said, his eyes filled with emotion at the thought, but the tears never came. “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a dear friend to this ranch. I remember when we had put down one of our horses, Jonah. He sat with me while I cried, and helped me to understand he went to a better place. He was a good man.” Mal said, sadness coming to his eyes. “I decided to take over his practice, out of respect for him. He helped me get into veterinary school on Persephone. In the last two years, I learned why he loved it here. All of the folks of this town are the kindest and most generous people I have ever met.” Doc said, the joy coming back into his eyes. “And we’re happy you decided to stick around. It is hard to get a good veterinarian out here on the rim.” Roxanna said, sipping her tea. “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds,” Doc said, looking at his pocket watch, “thank you. Unfortunately, I must get going. My wife is fixing dinner, and if I am not home on time, she’ll have my hide.” He grinned, as he got up to leave. “Well, thank you for coming out here to check on Tess. I’ll have the money for you on Friday. One of the hands will drop it off before sundown.” Roxanna said as she, too, got up to escort the doctor out. When she came back, Mal and Zoë had been talking quietly; she assumed it was sweet nothings, which brought a smile to her face. Her Mal finally found someone to fall for. “Well, you two must be tired from your trip. What was it, three days on a transport?” “Not really, mom. All that hard chargin’ in the army makes a three day trip in a transport feel like a luxury cruise.” Mal grinned. “That’s good. Means you can start workin’ tomorrow.” Roxanna said, a mischievous look in her eye. “Oh, mom.” Mal said, laughing through his mock complaint. “Well, speakin’ of work, what would you like me to do while we’re here, Mrs…sorry, Roxy?” Zoë asked, wanting to not take advantage of Roxanna. “You can sit on the porch and watch Mal get all sweaty and dirty, while you sip iced tea and lemonade in the shade.” Roxanna deadpanned. “That sounds like something I can do.” Zoë laughed, Mal giving her his best childish pout. “But seriously. I don’t think I’ll be able to do that all week, however much fun it will be. There must be something I can do.” Zoë said, more serious now. “Well, Zoë. There isn’t much to do besides ranch work. I have to run to town a few times in the next week, to sell some of our products. You can help with that or work with Mal and the hands. It is really up to you. I appreciate your offerin’ to help.” Roxanna said, genuinely appreciative. “It is no problem. I just hate not contributing.” “It’s settled then. Now, we need to get you two situated in your room. Hutchins brought your bags up to Mal’s old room, which has a double bed. That should be large enough for you two.” Roxanna said, clearing away the tea service and moving the cups to the sink. Mal and Zoë got up and headed for the second floor, to his room, and began to unpack.

A WEEK LATER

Mal stood at the door to the house, with his and Zoë’s luggage next to his feet. It was time for him and Zoë to go, the transport ship would be landing in an hour, and would lift of about an hour later. Zoë was in the kitchen with Roxanna, being lavished with food for the trip, and various other things. Zoë just stood in the middle of the floor, and Roxanna moved about her, flitting around the kitchen like a butterfly. Zoë grinned to herself, watching the older woman move with the energy of a two year-old. Finally, when the bag was nearing full, Zoë spoke up. “Roxy, I think we are about to run out of space in this bag. And Mal seems to be itchin’ to get to the transport. He keeps looking at his watch like it’ll blow up in his hands.” “Oh, alright. Its just it has been so long since I saw Mal, I just get crazy when he has to leave. I guess its left over mom instincts. Anyways, I think you guys should be going. Transport is liable to leave ya if you aren’t on time.” She said, crossing the floor to hug Zoë, kissing her on the cheek. She then followed Zoë out to the door, and gave Mal a hug and a kiss as well. “I’ll wave you when we get to Apollo. We should be there in about four days, provided we don’t have many stops on the way.” Mal said, picking up the luggage and leaning down to kiss his mother goodbye. “You better. And I want you to come out and see me more often. Got six years of not seeing you to make up for. Zoë, you better come back , too. You like family now and I always want to see family. And keep him from getting into too much trouble.” Roxanna said, acting like a mother hen, almost. “I,” Mal said, mock offended, “do not get into trouble.” “Yes, you do. I will Roxy. I kept him from getting into trouble in a war zone. I think I can manage it on civilian soil.” Zoë said, smiling. “Well, you two better get a move on. You’ll miss your ride. Hutchins will ride with you and bring the horses back, so don’t worry. Bye, son.” Roxanna said in an emotion filled voice. “Bye, mom. Come on, Zoë. We got a boat to catch.” Mal then turned and headed to the horses waiting outside. “Bye, Roxy.” “Bye, Zoë.”

Mal and Zoë packed their gear onto the horses, and said goodbye to the hands that came to see them off. They then mounted their horses and rode towards the landing zone. When they reached the ship, a large Grizzly Class transport, they loaded their gear into the cargo bay. Mal then paid the one of the ships crew and turned to look out at the town. He took a deep breath, smelling the air that was so familiar to him, trying to memorize the scent. He didn’t know when he’d next smell it, so he breathed deep. A few moments later, the cargo bay doors began to close, and Mal turned around and walked towards the common area for the Captain’s debrief on ship policy. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the last rays of sunlight from Shadow’s star disappear. He was going to miss it until he next set foot on Shadow. Zoë was already in the common area, waiting for him. When he got there, he was the second to last passenger to arrive. When the Captain began his practiced speech, Zoë slid her hand into his and squeezed. Just a simple gesture, but it meant so much between them. He smiled at her and turned his full attention to the Captain.