The More Things Change... (Part 1)
Dec. 21st, 2005 09:56 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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firefly_fanficTitle: The More Things Change... (Part 1)
Author: out_of_range04
Characters: Mal/River eventually, and others.
Spoilers/Timeline: Post-Serenity, so beware.
Summary: Old enemies are the best.
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: This is my first Firefly fic and my third fic ever. Feedback is the good stuff.
They had been planetside for almost four days, and Mal was itching to get his boat back into the black. In the weeks after Miranda, he had no intention of ever setting foot on another core planet ‘cept maybe at gunpoint and even then he’d put up a good fight. Maybe for the right job. But for now, he’d sent Zoe and Jayne down to Eavesdown Docks to sniff out some work. Mal hoped that Jayne wasn’t dumb enough to pull anything stupid - they couldn’t afford to be causing no trouble, not until they were off the Alliance’s radar. He knew keepin’ Jayne in line gave Zoe distraction enough to keep going. Least for now.
He hoped whatever work they got took ‘em out to the Rim for a while. Long enough to see straight again. It weren’t starting over or rebuilding. He couldn’t see that way. Not the way Shepherd would’ve counseled him to see it. He knew like any object in space they all just had to keep on going. All these years after Serenity Valley, and Mal hadn’t forgotten. He’d never even ask it of his crew. But they were still his crew, and they still had to eat. Ain’t nothing changed that.
Mal walked the length of Serenity several times, feeling his way along the corridors and listening to her hum. As far as he knew, he was the only one on board ‘sides Inara, but she’d taken to staying on her shuttle for the most part. Wherever their job did take them, Mal was sure Inara’d be lookin’ to get back to the training house. Since Miranda, she’d been wishy-washy about staying on board. She’d wanted him to say something ‘bout Miranda, ‘bout them maybe - he couldn’t tell. Either way, he didn’t want no one trying to heal his wounds. Mal had battle scars enough, no need to go opening ‘em up just to see if’n they still bleed. He couldn’t quite figure what Inara wanted from him. He’d missed her when she was gone sure enough - she’d helped them out of a jam more ‘n once. And Mal could admit it had been more than that, but whatever was between them weren’t strong enough for what needed to be done. He was captain first and foremost. And until his second had her head sewn on straight again, he couldn’t afford to have her foggin’ things up.
Mal worried least about Kaylee and the Doc. Seemed quite clear to him that they’d found a way right quick to move past Miranda. Simon found more reasons to be in the engine room curled up with Kaylee in her hammock. And Kaylee was becoming a quick study in the infirmary, seeing the insides of bodies like the intricacies of her precious engines. There was no doubt in his mind that the Doc was crew now, but he worried if Kaylee mightn’t be left hanging should Simon think River needed protectin’. He’d watch somewhat anxiously as they’d left to go walk the docks, hand in hand, with River shadowing them.
It was with River that most of his worry sat these days. What she’d seen and done were enough to level any one with a healthy mind, let alone someone with one as damaged as hers. She’d shown that she was mighty valuable to his crew and he believed that if ‘n they all just steered clear of the Alliance they’d be safe enough. It seemed too soon to tell if the Alliance would still be looking to get their hands on her. Mal stood perched on the catwalk above the cargo hold and considered whether or not Serenity was strong enough to hold River. It hadn’t been the first time he’d pondered on that.
“Nothing holds me. Not any more.”
The hair on the back of Mal’s neck stood up suddenly and he felt the cold air move behind his back.
“Don’t go sneakin’ up on people, River,” Mal said. “I don’t need you scarin’ my crew, dong ma? It’s hard enough keep Jayne from squealin’ like a girl just knowing you’re tougher ‘n he is.”
River nodded in response. And Mal stared at her intently with his arms crossed.
“Didn’t know you were on board. What about the others?”
“Not coming back, Captain. Never coming back.”
“I know,” Mal said, unsurprised to be follow her meaning.
*****
A sudden jolt sent Mal upright in his bunk. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but was Serenity lifting off? He heard tapping coming down the corridor and he sped up the ladder to see what was going on. When he got to the top he was met by Inara.
“Mal, what’s going on? Why are we taking off?” She asked incredulously.
“That’s a good question. With whoever’s driving this boat prays is a very good answer.” Mal stalked off quickly toward the bridge and Inara followed. His stomach dropped a little, as he realized that none of the others had followed. They still hadn’t come back. And Serenity takin’ off might complicate that some.
“What do you think you’re doin’ with my gorram boat?” Mal demanded. River sat calmly in the pilot’s chair, taking Serenity out of atmo.
“Have to go. Can’t let them get too far ahead.”
For a moment, Mal’s focus faded on to Wash’s dinosaurs. He wasn’t sure if he could forcibly take River from the helm. He was relieved by the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs to the bridge.
“What’s going on, sir?” Zoe asked as she entered, followed by Jayne.
“No, ruttin’ way she’s driving us outta here,” Jayne ranted.
“When did you get back?” Mal questioned his second.
“Just closing up as the ship took off. Knocked us off our feet a bit. Otherwise we’d’ve been up here sooner.”
“I know the feeling,” Mal sighed. “Simon and Kaylee?”
“Not on board, sir.”
“River, we have to go back.” Mal turned toward the girl. He’d hoped they were past ‘sodes like this.
“Not what you think, Captain. Simon and Kaylee left before us.” Mal followed the direction of River’s hand, which pointed to coordinates in the Georgia system.
“Ezra?” Mal questioned. “They’re going to Ezra?” A knowing look passed over Mal’s face. “Niska,” he said in a low voice.
River nodded, her focus never deterred from piloting Serenity. Mal didn’t have to question how she knew. He only worried if they’d get there in time.
*****
“Some of his goons musta picked ‘em up on the docks. We’ve been higher profile these days than we’re accustomed to,” Zoe speculated.
“Quite,” Mal sighed with defeat. “I just can’t figure what Niska’s up to. If he’s using ‘em as bait or if he ain’t got something else in mind.”
“Probably just looking to settle the score, sir.”
“Well, I say we just-“ Jayne started forcefully.
“Jayne, you’re mouth is talking again...”
Their discussion was interrupted as a wave came through to Serenity. They were within range of the Skyplex, Mal knew it must be Niska.
“Malcolm Reynolds. How wonderful that we should meet again. I believe that I have acquired some of your...” His voice trailed off as he chuckled to himself. “Oh, yes, your crew. How paternal. I am somewhat...less fatherly.” Kaylee and Simon appeared on the Cortex screen, bound and unconscious.
“Is there something you were wanting?” Mal spat out, trying to contain his anger.
“Imagine my surprise when I learned that Serenity might be carrying a commodity more precious than anything else I’ve ever had my hands on.” Niska smiled wickedly at Mal.
“Oh, yeah? And what mightn’t that be?” Mal responded, deflecting his growing rage.
“Oh, Malcolm, don’t try to play games with me. I have not time for such frivolity. The weapon, Captain. The one you stole from the Alliance,” Niska replied.
“Funny, not quite rememberin’ it that way,” Mal responded.
“Don’t worry Captain Reynolds, I just want to borrow her for a little bit. It’s simple, we will make the exchange on Ezra at the location I’ve specified. I’ll return your crew members as well as give you some insurance” - Niska gestured at what Mal assumed was his right-hand man - “for use of the girl. Otherwise, I may just need to better acquaint myself with your crew members.” And with that the transmission abruptly ended.
“I’m not likin’ this.” Mal slammed his hand against Serenity.
“Sir, we can work this opportunity to get Simon and Kaylee back. We’ve got the upper hand, we’ve got River,” Zoe responded trying to mollify the captain’s anger.
“River, you up to this?” Mal asked hesitantly.
“‘Course, Captain.” River responded as she took Serenity into a descent. “I’m always ready.”
Author: out_of_range04
Characters: Mal/River eventually, and others.
Spoilers/Timeline: Post-Serenity, so beware.
Summary: Old enemies are the best.
Rating: PG-13
Author's Note: This is my first Firefly fic and my third fic ever. Feedback is the good stuff.
They had been planetside for almost four days, and Mal was itching to get his boat back into the black. In the weeks after Miranda, he had no intention of ever setting foot on another core planet ‘cept maybe at gunpoint and even then he’d put up a good fight. Maybe for the right job. But for now, he’d sent Zoe and Jayne down to Eavesdown Docks to sniff out some work. Mal hoped that Jayne wasn’t dumb enough to pull anything stupid - they couldn’t afford to be causing no trouble, not until they were off the Alliance’s radar. He knew keepin’ Jayne in line gave Zoe distraction enough to keep going. Least for now.
He hoped whatever work they got took ‘em out to the Rim for a while. Long enough to see straight again. It weren’t starting over or rebuilding. He couldn’t see that way. Not the way Shepherd would’ve counseled him to see it. He knew like any object in space they all just had to keep on going. All these years after Serenity Valley, and Mal hadn’t forgotten. He’d never even ask it of his crew. But they were still his crew, and they still had to eat. Ain’t nothing changed that.
Mal walked the length of Serenity several times, feeling his way along the corridors and listening to her hum. As far as he knew, he was the only one on board ‘sides Inara, but she’d taken to staying on her shuttle for the most part. Wherever their job did take them, Mal was sure Inara’d be lookin’ to get back to the training house. Since Miranda, she’d been wishy-washy about staying on board. She’d wanted him to say something ‘bout Miranda, ‘bout them maybe - he couldn’t tell. Either way, he didn’t want no one trying to heal his wounds. Mal had battle scars enough, no need to go opening ‘em up just to see if’n they still bleed. He couldn’t quite figure what Inara wanted from him. He’d missed her when she was gone sure enough - she’d helped them out of a jam more ‘n once. And Mal could admit it had been more than that, but whatever was between them weren’t strong enough for what needed to be done. He was captain first and foremost. And until his second had her head sewn on straight again, he couldn’t afford to have her foggin’ things up.
Mal worried least about Kaylee and the Doc. Seemed quite clear to him that they’d found a way right quick to move past Miranda. Simon found more reasons to be in the engine room curled up with Kaylee in her hammock. And Kaylee was becoming a quick study in the infirmary, seeing the insides of bodies like the intricacies of her precious engines. There was no doubt in his mind that the Doc was crew now, but he worried if Kaylee mightn’t be left hanging should Simon think River needed protectin’. He’d watch somewhat anxiously as they’d left to go walk the docks, hand in hand, with River shadowing them.
It was with River that most of his worry sat these days. What she’d seen and done were enough to level any one with a healthy mind, let alone someone with one as damaged as hers. She’d shown that she was mighty valuable to his crew and he believed that if ‘n they all just steered clear of the Alliance they’d be safe enough. It seemed too soon to tell if the Alliance would still be looking to get their hands on her. Mal stood perched on the catwalk above the cargo hold and considered whether or not Serenity was strong enough to hold River. It hadn’t been the first time he’d pondered on that.
“Nothing holds me. Not any more.”
The hair on the back of Mal’s neck stood up suddenly and he felt the cold air move behind his back.
“Don’t go sneakin’ up on people, River,” Mal said. “I don’t need you scarin’ my crew, dong ma? It’s hard enough keep Jayne from squealin’ like a girl just knowing you’re tougher ‘n he is.”
River nodded in response. And Mal stared at her intently with his arms crossed.
“Didn’t know you were on board. What about the others?”
“Not coming back, Captain. Never coming back.”
“I know,” Mal said, unsurprised to be follow her meaning.
*****
A sudden jolt sent Mal upright in his bunk. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but was Serenity lifting off? He heard tapping coming down the corridor and he sped up the ladder to see what was going on. When he got to the top he was met by Inara.
“Mal, what’s going on? Why are we taking off?” She asked incredulously.
“That’s a good question. With whoever’s driving this boat prays is a very good answer.” Mal stalked off quickly toward the bridge and Inara followed. His stomach dropped a little, as he realized that none of the others had followed. They still hadn’t come back. And Serenity takin’ off might complicate that some.
“What do you think you’re doin’ with my gorram boat?” Mal demanded. River sat calmly in the pilot’s chair, taking Serenity out of atmo.
“Have to go. Can’t let them get too far ahead.”
For a moment, Mal’s focus faded on to Wash’s dinosaurs. He wasn’t sure if he could forcibly take River from the helm. He was relieved by the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs to the bridge.
“What’s going on, sir?” Zoe asked as she entered, followed by Jayne.
“No, ruttin’ way she’s driving us outta here,” Jayne ranted.
“When did you get back?” Mal questioned his second.
“Just closing up as the ship took off. Knocked us off our feet a bit. Otherwise we’d’ve been up here sooner.”
“I know the feeling,” Mal sighed. “Simon and Kaylee?”
“Not on board, sir.”
“River, we have to go back.” Mal turned toward the girl. He’d hoped they were past ‘sodes like this.
“Not what you think, Captain. Simon and Kaylee left before us.” Mal followed the direction of River’s hand, which pointed to coordinates in the Georgia system.
“Ezra?” Mal questioned. “They’re going to Ezra?” A knowing look passed over Mal’s face. “Niska,” he said in a low voice.
River nodded, her focus never deterred from piloting Serenity. Mal didn’t have to question how she knew. He only worried if they’d get there in time.
*****
“Some of his goons musta picked ‘em up on the docks. We’ve been higher profile these days than we’re accustomed to,” Zoe speculated.
“Quite,” Mal sighed with defeat. “I just can’t figure what Niska’s up to. If he’s using ‘em as bait or if he ain’t got something else in mind.”
“Probably just looking to settle the score, sir.”
“Well, I say we just-“ Jayne started forcefully.
“Jayne, you’re mouth is talking again...”
Their discussion was interrupted as a wave came through to Serenity. They were within range of the Skyplex, Mal knew it must be Niska.
“Malcolm Reynolds. How wonderful that we should meet again. I believe that I have acquired some of your...” His voice trailed off as he chuckled to himself. “Oh, yes, your crew. How paternal. I am somewhat...less fatherly.” Kaylee and Simon appeared on the Cortex screen, bound and unconscious.
“Is there something you were wanting?” Mal spat out, trying to contain his anger.
“Imagine my surprise when I learned that Serenity might be carrying a commodity more precious than anything else I’ve ever had my hands on.” Niska smiled wickedly at Mal.
“Oh, yeah? And what mightn’t that be?” Mal responded, deflecting his growing rage.
“Oh, Malcolm, don’t try to play games with me. I have not time for such frivolity. The weapon, Captain. The one you stole from the Alliance,” Niska replied.
“Funny, not quite rememberin’ it that way,” Mal responded.
“Don’t worry Captain Reynolds, I just want to borrow her for a little bit. It’s simple, we will make the exchange on Ezra at the location I’ve specified. I’ll return your crew members as well as give you some insurance” - Niska gestured at what Mal assumed was his right-hand man - “for use of the girl. Otherwise, I may just need to better acquaint myself with your crew members.” And with that the transmission abruptly ended.
“I’m not likin’ this.” Mal slammed his hand against Serenity.
“Sir, we can work this opportunity to get Simon and Kaylee back. We’ve got the upper hand, we’ve got River,” Zoe responded trying to mollify the captain’s anger.
“River, you up to this?” Mal asked hesitantly.
“‘Course, Captain.” River responded as she took Serenity into a descent. “I’m always ready.”
(no subject)
Date: 2005-12-22 02:54 pm (UTC)