Before the lynching begins, let me just say that I make no apologies for this chapter. It is what it is. But be forwarned, there are some non-child like situations.

Sixth in the series. Enjoy

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“I still don’t like it.” Jayne said from the door to the bridge. They were all watching Brian’s ship slowly make its way over to the Alliance patrol boat. It was almost halfway there, but the trip seemed to be taking forever.

“Jayne, you might want to see to that mouth of yours.” Mal said. He was standing just to the right of the co-pilot’s seat, Inara wrapped in his arms. It was a rare moment of affection between the two of them, especially in front of the crew, but they both felt the others need for comfort, and didn’t care what anyone else thought for the time being.

“I’m just saying, Mal. Why we gotta take on another stray?”

This prompted a smack from Kaylee, who had just untangled herself from Simon in order to hit him. “Be nice, Jayne. She’s a friend of River’s and…” They all turned to look in River’s direction, who was standing just on top of the stairs.

Jayne decided a change of subject might save him from getting hit again. “And how do we know that this is going to work out? That Boba guy could just shoot us outa the sky soon as turn over another crazy to us.”

“And what exactly would you have us do Jayne?” Zoe said, hands on the back of Wash’s chair. They had already tried powering up the engines, but it had only resulted in another warning in the form of a missile lock. It was obvious that any attempts would just get everyone killed.

Jayne harrumphed.

They continued to watch on in silence until Brian’s ship was almost three-quarters of the way there. Suddenly, River took off, bumping past Jayne on the way out. Simon started to take after her, but a word form Inara stopped him. Leaving her to her grief, he encased Kaylee and turned back to stare out the window.

Another moment passed, and suddenly Mal heard what sounded like the bay doors bein