WYTCHCROFT'S BLOG
The Christmas Run pt 3
Wednesday, January 2, 2008 1:07 PM
Malcolm Reynolds was eyeing the uniformed men and the frozen figures of his crew, those in the loading bay leastways. Figures that River musta sensed something – he thought – here’s hoping that tricksy miss got the women stashed somewhere. But where was Zoe and the damn Shepherd?
Sergeant Louis met his gaze. “I do surely hope you aint thinking of making a play – Captain… I’ve seen that look before – mostly on men soon to be very dead.”
Keeping up his callow Captain Duncan persona, Mal nodded. “Don’t doubt it Sir… I can surely tell that you boys are all hardened men of action. Been on some tough runs no doubt.”
“Gorram right.” Louis hefted his piece, the way another might heft a belly. Reynolds began to move, looking distracted – but slowly, very slowly coming between the Sergeant and Jayne.
“Yes Sir,” Reynolds continued. “Some fierce action – I mean, just look at them splendid outfits – I mean uniforms – gun battles made a mess of something I’m sure your mother was proud to see in you in.”
Louis coloured. “Leave my mother out of this Captain.”
Reynolds nodded. “No offence meant Sergeant. I got nothing but respect for what I see. Take that bullet hole there…” The Captain pointed to Louis’ side where there was indeed a hole and a faded burn mark. “That must’ve been a close call.”
Louis agreed cautiously. “I’ve had my share.”
Mal inclined his head. “Absolutely – a shot there, that’s a nasty thing, a lotta parts a man values, kidneys, liver, spleen, internals.”
Kaylee was beginning to look a shade of green – but Reynolds spoke up to Simon. “Hey Doctor - That look like an exit wound to you?”
Disconcerted, Simon Tam came over and gave the Sergeant a once over. Nonplussed, Louis waved him away with his gun. Simon looked across to Mal. “Actually Captain, it does.”
Mal raised his hands “And they say that dead men tell no tales.”
Without warning he kicked up and out at the Sergeant – who stepped backwards avoiding the blow… and blundered straight into Jayne. Cobb’s powerful arms seized the struggling man – held him tight. The other purpled figures raised their rifles but seemed unsure how to respond. Reynolds reached forward and swiped the gun from Louis’ struggling fingers.
“Now the rest of you boys might wanna calm down a smidgeon – less you want your ‘Sergeant’ here damaged.” The other men froze. Reynolds regarded Louis – who avoided his gaze, still wriggling in Jayne’s grasp. Mal shook his head. “’Sergeant’… somehow – I doubt that… fact I doubt you fellas truck with the Alliance at all. Y’doubt that Jayne?”
Cobb snorted. “Bout Alliance as my Aunt Fanny.”
“You got an Aunt Fanny?”
“Got an Aunt with a fanny.” Jayne said straight-faced.
………………………………….
Solomon Face came across Zoe in an access corridor near the flight deck. She was holding a sullen and subdued looking young man in a battered Alliance uniform. Zoe of course looked a great deal less than flapped. The Shepherd smiled. “So you got one too? Seem to be all the rage this Xmas.”
“Seems so.” Zoe agreed. “And yours would be?”
“Oh, I’ll unwrap it later.”
Zoe’s prisoner mumbled something in Chinese.
Face looked serious again. “Y’know I don’t think- ”
“They’re Alliance? They’re not.”
Face stroked his neat beard. “Uh huh. So – what’s next?”
Zoe considered. “Think I’ll throw this tadpole back in the pond.”
The ‘tadpole’ blanched.
“And the Captain?” asked the Shepherd.
Zoe raised an eyebrow. “He’ll be enjoying himself I should imagine.”
…………………………………….
He’s enjoying this, thought Kaylee as she watched Mal chide the assembled ‘Alliance’ men – him and Jayne both. She looked over at Simon – he just looked… impatient.
“So now you’re all truly educated in regards to your horrible amateur status and the ridiculous ease with which the tables were truly turned – I’m thinking it’s time to deal. This, Boys, is known in the trade – amongst professionals that is, as a stand off.
I’m thinking your ship may be armed…”
Louis opened his mouth - but Mal cut him off. “No way to know for certain – if I ask – well, you’ll
COMMENTS: 1