A DAY AT THE RACES 3
Monday, 26 November 2007 11:18:13

Shepherd Book entered Serenity’s cockpit, noting the usual chaotic array of dangling wires, switches, plugs, dust and… toys - usual for Serenity, of course. There was a loud snoring from the pilot’s seat. Book coughed discreetly. “Gah! Wha-? Uhh? Of course the king of the dinosaurs is a woman – the fierce and mighty Alleyneasarus – hnnh?” The Shepherd coughed again. “Actually it’s me.” Wash’s red face cooled some. “Sheesh, I thought – never mind. Hey wasn’t I, um…?” The Shepherd nodded. “Interesting that while the rest of the crew are out playing, you choose this time for… relaxation. Not over fond of the soil, are you son?” Wash looked embarrassed. “Well, y’know…” his fingers found random controls. “Someone has to stay behind and… do the… thing. The important - switch flicking – thing.” The Shepherd stared into the viewer for himself. “Does my asking make you uncomfortable? I don’t mean to pry.” And yet there is the prying – thought Wash. Out loud he heard himself say, “No, no – it’s fine. We all got a past – eh Preach’? But let’s just say I like to be useful – and I’m most useful here – The others? Well, Zoe and Mal – heroes of the Valley … I’m more Lily of the valley… or hero of the really should get round to cleaning Serenity’s windows and ooh look, dashboard lights, pretty.” He grinned depreciatively. Book was still absorbed by the viewer. “Hmm. A chip on the shoulder doesn’t have to be a cross to bare, son.” Wash raised his hands in mock surrender. “Yeah – but it’s but part of my shtick. Yknow?” “A shtick – yes. But why beat yourself with it?” Wash was taken aback: “Wow -You’re really makin’ with the deep today Shepherd. Or is that usual? – ‘And Lo, it is written that when a crew numbering seven be departed from thy sight – a Shepherd shall interrogate those left behind – and possibly throw in a little philosophication. No extra charge’.” Looking up from the viewer now, Book sighed and turned to go. Wash look apologetic and said quickly, “Oh hey – Did I mention facetious as well as chippy? That’s me. Y’don’t have to go…” “I think Serenity’s windows need a little cleaning. I’m going to fetch a bucket.” ……………………………………. Moments of rescue are often happy accidents – Simon had wondered why medical research voiced the truth of this so infrequently… there had, after all, been many classic examples of serendipity and – and – and did it really have to be Jayne Cobb choking to death right now in the middle of a marquee filled with rich patrons all looking the other way? He looked at Kaylee for an instant – she was looking at the choking gluttonous figure before them. Jayne for his part did not notice either of them, preoccupied as he was with dyin’ - and cursin the plates of food he’d already gulped down - and wonderin’ on how his un-heroic demise might be dressed up some for his mother. If he came back ghostsome he could make sure that Mal… and then even his thoughts were just choked off… He didn’t even notice the strong slim arms that encircled him – but he sure as hell felt the sudden forceful pressure on his gut. An animal sound escaped him – and so, and with bullet like rapidity – did a single dry pea. Simon Tam stepped back from the gasping mercenary. Watched him carefully as he struggled upright. For a moment – even after turning to face him, Simon could see that Jayne was struggling to focus. A moment like that – in front of Jayne Cobb, was a dangerous thing. It was down to Kaylee to bring him to his senses. “Thank the Doc’ then you [i] hwang chian [/i] – hell, he just saved your life is all! ” Jayne tilted his head. “Thanks,” he acknowledged gruffly. “That a little something they teach you at – Doc’ School?” Simon nodded, still watching carefully as Jayne’s face returned to a normal colour and his breathing eased. “Yes, the Heimlich manoeuvre.” Jayne looked unconvinced, “The what now?” - But Simon was grinning. “Heimlich. Actually it’s a funny story-” “Doubt that. Now where’s the ruttin’ pea?” Jayne was suddenly on his hands and knees – sniffing and squinting suspiciousl

the conclusion concluded!
Monday, 26 November 2007 11:21:22

The unexpected bid for freedom seemed to inspire the others – instantly there was uproar, neighing, whinnying and kicking. Two horses managed to kick doors open and charged into the enclosure, in a cloud of dust they circled each other – their eyes suddenly wild. Reynolds tried to keep a watch on his intended but the creature leapt over the enclosure gate and into the paddock. The other free stallions quickly followed – now it was indeed a race, albeit unintended, unlooked for and most assuredly unfortunate. People were running down to see what was the fuss. People became a throng – the throng became a crowd – the crowd began to turn into a mob. At that point Captain Malcolm Reynolds gave up any notion of Horsenapping and took to his heels. Bringing ANY of the damn beasts back would take a better man than he. ………………………………………………………………….. Serenity – it was often pointed out, was a name both apt and ironic. Apt because every member of the crew looked to find some sense of personal peace therein - ironic since so little peace was there to be had. The crewmembers in the loading bay, - Inara, Simon, Kaylee, Jayne, The Captain and his petulant looking associate, - were indistinguishable from their curses and accusations. Sarcasm, insult, charge, appeal and invective were being hurled with force. Most, it should be pointed out, in the director of Malcolm Reynolds and the man known as Badger. They gave no ground easy – and the metallic bay echoed and rang. Only one figure, slipping in barely noticed from the furore outside to the hurly-burly on in, was quiet. Weren’t silent though. “Flowers for the Lay-dee – Candy from a Baby…” River Tam was crooning to herself – not uncommon in the girl. The sleeves of her woollen jersey were hanging down, stretched well past her hands – and flapping in a manner all too similar to a strait jacket. This disturbed her. “Not wearing again – not fitting for a lady – lay-dee, candy from a baby.” She came from behind the assembled crew – with the usual result that they jumped as startled, saving the Captain himself. Can’t startle the man, noted River carefully as she moved in front of him and released her fisted hands. A hoard of objects, bric-a-brac in the main, fell from each sleeve and into two loose piles. She looked the Captain in the eye. “Within the parameters of an Imperial system – artificial currency has no value compared to the fair trade of skills and resources.” Reynolds looked down at the piles. “Candy from a baby,” River added. Mal considered for a moment as he folded his arms - then looked up and across at Badger. “This your idea?” Badger’s face appeared to be folding in on itself. “Don’t blame me – I might’ve joked about – and in the bother YOU stirred up - maybe she” - he was cut off by Simon, the young doctor grabbed him roughly by the lapels. Relief at River’s sudden reappearance had been replaced by concern – then anger. “What did you do to her?” he demanded. River herself was laughing. “Just a game – too easy – takings too easy.” Badger was poking Simon with a small pistol. “Back off sunshine – very touchin’ Mister, alright – but touchin’ is also dangerous when it comes to my person – y’got that? Don’t blame me if the lady has talents…” Simon clenched his jaw, eyeing the gun warily. “Exploiting her – I ought to…” but Badger was ignoring him now and smiling ingratiatingly at River. “I wouldn’t complain about easy takings, Lady. Smooth aint to be narked at.” Mal was looking amused and irritated at the same time. Of all the crew, only Inara could balance both emotions so perfectly. “Well – it’s done now – rightly or wrongly - or just plain oddly, as the case may be.” He nodded to Badger. “Mess with my crew again Badger and I’ll consider it unfriendly… Guess this loot’ll be ours now.” He didn’t move to pick anything up – that would just be plain undignified - instead a gleeful Jayne scooped up two big armfuls. Mal let him know with his eyes to keep the stuff in plain sight – and the big man moved to a work surface and began picking through

R.I.P SpaceAnJL's Computer!!!
Monday, 26 November 2007 12:07:50

Yep, my little hamster-powered box has finally fallen over and croaked. Which is horrifically bad news, because all my demented scribbling is now locked up inside it until I can get at the hard drive and transfer it. So, basically, 'Tic Tac Tao' is in a holding pattern - I'm back to notebooks. Hopefully, this won't be a long delay, and I can still get my e-mail through other terminals. But I'm feeling very cut off and twitchy, and will not be able to lurk about and poison minds with my usual aplomb. Gorram catalyzer...