Chapter 12

“I’ve never been bound before,” said Kaylee, sitting on the bench with her knees drawn up under her chin.

“Yeah, it’s not like Mal to let things get so bad,” said Wash, pacing a little.

“You think he’s okay?” asked Kaylee.

“Mal’s always okay,” said Wash, coming over and sitting next to Kaylee. “And Zoe too, probably. Jayne has an uncanny ability to survive.”

“Do you think Simon and River got away?” asked Kaylee.

“I’m not all that good with evaluating plans,” admitted Wash.

Their cell door burst open, and a guard came in.

“Can I help you?” asked Wash with an innocent raising of the eyebrows.

“The charges have been dropped,” said the guard, coming forward and unlocking their handcuffs.

“Well, that was all to be expected, since we didn’t know what they were,” said Wash calmly.

“We can go now?” asked Kaylee.

“Yes, and your crewmate is waiting for you,” said the guard.

“I knew Cap’n would get us out!” exclaimed Kaylee with a little jump of joy.

“You’re Captain’s under arrest if we find him,” informed the guard. “Best get to your ship.”

“Right,” said Wash.

“But who?” asked Kaylee, as they walked out of the cell towards the lobby. “Oh, Shepherd!”

Book came forward, relief and concern mingling on his face. “We have to go quickly.”

“Well, yeah,” said Kaylee.

Wash didn’t say anything, just looked surprised. They left the station hastily, and then Kaylee turned to Book.

“Is everything okay?” she demanded. “What happened?”

“How did you get us out?” asked Wash.

“We need to leave before they examine the paperwork too closely,” said Book. “The Captain is on his way to the ship as we speak.”

“And Simon and River?” asked Kaylee.

“They should be fine,” said Book.

“What on earth went wrong?” wondered Wash. “I thought for sure you’d run with the Tams,” he added.

“Do you know how long it took me to find a suitable ship?” answered Book.

Kaylee grinned. “You sure are a good man, Shepherd.”

~*~*~*~*~

“I can see Serenity,” said Zoe as they