PART THREE

Heaven and earth merged as one

May we be together under the full moon

Chinese sayings

*

Ride the sky one more time

ride the sky tonight

I feel a new sensation when I close my eyes

I'm dancing with the clouds

I feel a new temptation run away with my mind

chasing drops of moonlight ...

Midnight Resistance – Labyrinth

Jayne and Vera hit the steam room after getting back with their purchases, so that Jayne could ease his muscles and new crop of bruises. After the steam room, there'd been a sauna, and then Vera had borrowed some Arnica tincture from Simon's room for Jayne. That had led to a massage, but nothing more, because Jayne was fast asleep by the end, snoring like a hog. Vera quietly finished some bits on her pirate costume and then went to see if Kaylee was back with the material for the latter's wedding dress. They could make a start on it, Inara, Kaylee and herself. Maybe even Zoe might lend a hand if Sarah was being co-operative.

Kaylee and Simon were in their room when Vera knocked.

Simon picked up his bag again, “Does Jayne need my services?”

Vera shook her head, “He's sound asleep. It's mostly bruising as far as I can tell; I used some Arnica from your bigger medical kit. I hope you don't mind.” She gave it back.

“He's breathing okay?”

She chuckled, “Snoring!”

Simon walked towards the door, “I'll check on him very quietly. If he's re-cracked one of those ribs, I'll need to do something sooner rather than later. Bruising might be a problem if it's deep.”

“I know, Simon. But please try not to wake Jayne, he'll only be very grouchy. He needs to sleep off the fight at the moment.”

Simon nodded, “The barker was really pleased I'd got to his Mighty Crusher in time. The wrestler will need to rest for a while and then have a firm support bandage for some weeks. The barker

re-stated his interest in Jayne, but I put him off. There was some other big lug who volunteered on the promise of free food and a place to eat, so the barker's got a show to be getting on with and