Dark ‘Verse

Part 3: Ain’t Nothin’ Humorous

Mal’s eyes widened a bit. He had never thought of a second generation of Reaver’s before. But he didn’t see how it was possible since Reaver’s usually raped and killed and left no survivors. Mal brought up that point first. “It’s not that simple Captain. Reaver’s are indeed human but altered humans as you so elegantly let the universe know sometime ago. They are technically a new breed, a species if you will, of human.” “It would still create human offspring. I admit the initial idea scared me but as Book was known to say, ‘they are still men.’ “. “Yes, but aided by the appropriate agents, Reavers would soon evolve into another species. This is of course once aided by agents of the Alliance.” Mal kind of had an idea of where this was going. Only Reavers a few generations down the line could really differentiate from humans on a large level but 10 years at most, since the Reavers appeared, seemed too small a time for Reavers to procreate two or more generations. Mal, of course, was interested still. “Through experimentation, a captured Reaver raped a human woman who gave birth to the second generation of Reaver/humans. This second generation was forcefully grown through all kinds of scientific fodder which you, nor admittedly I, do not understand. Through inbreeding, a third generation was born, and after more accelerated growth, a fourth generation.” “This fourth generation of imbreds might be a tad bit dangerous. . .” said Mal a little goose bumpy. “. . .and the closest thing to other beings, aliens even, this galaxy has ever seen.” “If Wash were here. . .the doubts he’d have. . .” said Mal. “But this isn’t science-fiction Captain. This is all real and I am currently taking you there as we speak.” “This ain’t nothin’ I am too proud to tell the crew,” said Mal a little disappointed. His luck wasn’t playing out as well as he would have liked lately.

***

Inara had volunteered as current pilot for the time being since traitor Behn had been disposed of by the new guest on the ship. Inara didn’t know his name nor did she care. When she had met him at the Companion Training House awhile back, she noticed nothing peculiar or emotionally exciting about him. He was flat and determined. Only Mal, of course, stirred up emotions in him. But that had changed. The Operative, as he was known, was very sneaky but suave. And that both scared and, though she wouldn’t even admit it to herself, excited Inara. She was piloting the ship fine though she preferred a smaller shuttle. She wouldn’t be as good as Wash or even Behn in a tough situation. Then she heard a startling voice. “Hello Inara.” Inara clenched on the steering column a bit. The Operative has strolled up in such a smooth, hidden way, it startled Inara. He was really good at being sneaky when he wanted to. But now, he was being very, very apparent in his appearance. “Hello,” said Inara unsure of what to call him. “I couldn’t help but notice the captain has quite a taste for dinosaur,” said the Operative with a confused face. Wash’s dinosaurs were still all over the place. One was buried with him but a few had stayed for the pilot of the moments enjoyment. Inara totally forgot about them. When the Operative went to pick one up, she gently pushed his hand away and said they weren’t to be played with. The Operative, raising his eyebrows for a moment, stepped back. “Is there anything you need?” she asked in a less than friendly manner. This Operative had caused quite a bit of chaos for her and the Serenity crew. She wasn’t pleased with Mal’s greed and ignoring his presence for the sake of millions of credits. The Operative, who could relatively get whatever he wanted if he needed, did not realize or acknowledge his presence wasn’t welcome. “I just came to see how our trusted Companion is. I would like to meet most of the crew and become. . .what's the word. . .friends,” said the Operative. Inara remained neutral. The Operative now acknowledged the truth of the situation. . .he wasn’t wanted. “Very well then,” he continued, “I shall be in. . .well, wherever my bunk is supposed to be.” The Operative smiled and placed a hand on Inara’s shoulder for just a moment. Inara was shocked how cool and gentle it felt. She even got a moment of goose bumps. She quickly scolded herself and let the feeling go. The Operative turned around and was suddenly face to face with River. It had actually startled him though he would never show it on the outside. River just stared at him. She looked a bit nervous. . .or a bit deadly. “Why hello little girl,” said the Operative for the first time unsure of what to do in this situation. River simply looked him up and down. She then said, “Not that impressive. Huh!” the last grunt/snort being a sign of an unimpressed nature. River didn’t speak often and when she did it was obscure but this time Inara understood it completely. She even cracked a smile. Had things gone differently on Mr. Universe’s moon awhile back, these two might have been fighting. And what a mighty fight it would have been. The Operative took another glance at Inara and departed the cockpit. River took a seat at the console opposite and looked out at the stars. She didn’t say anything and Inara didn’t rupture that peace.

***

Jayne and Mal were checking their weapons in the cargo deck. They knew they were headed for Shadow. According to Mal, it was a nice place, since he had grown up there, but legends had it that it was both Alliance AND Reaver infested as of late. Mal, who had no reason to visit anymore anyways, steered clear. “Won’t it be nice to go home Mal,” asked Jayne in another of his odd sincere moments. “I dunno Jayne. It’s been awhile since I’ve set foot on my own soil,” said Mal who was busy cleaning out the gun barrel. “I just think its another Alliance rat hole if you know what I mean.” Jayne smiled a bit and began sharpening his knife. Then Inara came over the com. “Jayne, would you come to the cockpit, please,” she said in her soft voice that was never heard over the intercom. Jayne’s eyes widened a bit. Mal simply frowned with that don’t-even-think-about-it look. Jayne then frowned as well but this time in disappointment and together they went to the cockpit. When they arrived, Kaylee, Simon, and River were already there. “What’s going on ‘Nara,” asked Jayne. “Maybe you should listen to the wave yourself,” said Simon in a sad and sincere tone. Jayne didn’t like the sound of that especially from a doctor. Jayne sat in the pilot’s chair and listened to the recorded wave. When it came on the screen it was Jayne’s mom. “Hello, son. Or I hope it is you. Look, I got me in some trouble here on Dawn. Some business arrangement went all wrong. They want to speak to you. . .said you had some dough. Need it son. Please come help me.” The wave ended. Jayne was a little furious but more confused. “How the ruttin’ hell would I have coin?” said Jayne. Mal knew it was some sort of trap. The Operative, who had entered mid wave, was happy to assist Jayne at once. If it was to win his favor or to get the beast off the ship was another issue. “My vehicle has been in tow of your ship since I boarded. Camouflage technology captain,” the Operative assured Mal who was surprised to know this. “Alliance has had it in development for years. But no matter, you may use it if you like Mr. Cobb.” Jayne’s eyes brightened. He looked around at the gang and smiled a bit. “I don’t want to ask none of you to come none. Might be a mighty bit dangerous. Besides, you got some moonin’ to do them Alliance folk,” said Jayne in a happy, but surprisingly not malicious, manner. Mal couldn’t help but smile. Mal always had Kaylee from his original crew to be buddies with but recently, when it was guy time, he couldn’t help admit Jayne was becoming a fast friend. And that was something he had been waiting to say for seven years or so. Jayne even smiled to the Operative. “Thanks. . .uh. . .you.” Jayne walked off and the Operative followed, no doubt telling Jayne how to not wreck the ship. Mal turned to Kaylee and Simon who were sitting with River on one side of the cockpit. Mal, who sat closer to Inara then he usually did, couldn’t be too depressed about things at the moment. Even though it was a terrible event like Jayne’s mom getting captured and more Alliance secrets being unfolded, he suddenly got a quick rush of nostalgia. Things seemed to be alive again. . .if only for moments. “All right you four. I want you all to stay with Serenity. Our new passenger and I are going to go down to Shadow and see what new atrocities the Alliance has dreamed up,” ordered Mal. No one refuted. “We should be coming up on the planet in a day or two so, keep her clean and keep her steady. . .and don’t leave me behind.” “What about the new passenger,” said River. Mal took pause for a moment and then replied, “. . .him too.”

***

Jayne had left in the Operative’s ship and Serenity had found its way into atmo around Shadow. The sight was a tad drearier then Mal remembered. Shadow was always raining and dark but it looked like Shadow had been struck with a case of industry. The skies were evil black now and their were actual cities. The Alliance had truly been far recently. Mal and the Operative were getting ready for their mission on the planet. The Operative put on his body armor and carried his sword. Mal had felt that sword flow through his midsection. . .he remembered the pain well. It gave him the shakes when he saw it for the first time. Mal harnessed his favorite gun and packed an extra one in his boot. The Operative assured him the forces are large but together they would be sneaky. Mal liked it when he was all sneaky-like. He didn’t when the Operative was. Mal was still curious about this offspring business. If another accident happened, like on Miranda, then Reaver activity and strength could increase to a rather dangerous level. Mal wouldn’t have to worry about the Alliance because the Reavers would take care of them. But Mal wouldn’t also have to worry about living much either because they’d take everyone else out as well. When Serenity landed in an abandoned desert on Shadow, Mal, upon exiting through the cargo bay door, turned to Inara. “Take good care of her, you here.” Kaylee walked up as well and Mal gave her a smile. “Oh, and you’re in charge Kaylee!” Mal smiled and ran towards the Operative who was far ahead. Together, an unlikely couple, they walked towards God knows where.

***

Inara headed to the cockpit as Kaylee followed. Simon, who took a stop in the dining hall, looked at the acting captain with a smile. Kaylee turned and smiled back. When the two women reached the cockpit, Kaylee took a valiant posture and pointed towards the window. “Ahead Mrs. Serra! Captain’s orders.” Inara smiled and lifted the ship off the ground, out of the atmosphere, and into space. Mal had specified that they remain in space so they could monitor both ground activity and space activity. Once they reached atmo Inara agreed to stay in the cockpit while Kaylee talked to Simon. Kaylee saw Simon approaching the living quarters hallway with a frantic look. Kaylee wondered what the hell was going on. “Is everything okay Simon?” Simon looked really nervous. He looked guilty too. “I can’t find River. . .anywhere. I called her personal intercom. I don’t know where she is.” “It’s okay. . .its been like that a lot lately.” “Too often. . .I need to stop spending time,” Simon said and then stopped mid sentence. He closed his eyes realizing his second error of the day. “What, stop spending time with me. Am I distracting?” said Kaylee a little hurt but a little angry. “Well. . .yes,” he said. He closed his eyes again. Kaylee thought this had passed but Simon was back to saying stupid things. “Okay, fine. Have fun looking for your sister,” scoffed Kaylee. She turned back to the cockpit. Simon followed like a sick dog and hollered to Inara, “Have you seen River, Inara?” Then an explosion shook the ship and everything went black.

***

Jayne had adjusted the seat the way he wanted it in the Operative’s cockpit. The ship was identical in design to Jubal Early’s. It was small but it would do. It had a little refrigerator for food and drink and a weapon’s closet. So Jayne had no complaints. He wasn’t letting the stuff with his mother bother him too much. He would get her out and set some Dawn fools straight. Jayne set a course and engaged his camouflage setting. He adjusted the seat again to recline. He needed a nice nap before doing some killing. He finally drifted off to sleep five minutes later when he was startled by the feeling of light breathing on his face. Jayne didn’t open his eyes because he was frightened of the outcome of this scenario. The breath was nice and soft so it wasn’t a beast or man. But then he realized what it had to be. He opened one eye and grunted. After a few seconds he double taked and jumped a bit. The reaction startled the ship’s intruder and she moved back a pace. Jayne got up and circled his chair, putting the chair between himself and the girl. The girl laughed. “Ain’t nothin’ humorous,” said Jayne with every bit fear and annoyance. The girl was River.