Inferno – Chapter Two

You know I don’t own this, just playing.

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“Companion, this is shuttle two, preparing for docking.”

“Okay, River,” Zoe called back. “We’re ready for you. Soon as you dock, we’re set to go.”

The shuttle eased into it’s port, the clang of the docking lever ringing through the ship. No sooner had the maneuver completed than the door burst open, River hurrying to the bridge.

In less than five minutes, Private Companion was on her way. Satisfied that all was well, Zoe waved Mal.

“We’re on our way, sir,” she told him.

“Be careful, Zo’,” he cautioned. “Whatever I can dig up from here, I’ll wave to you.”

“We’ll be fine, sir,” Zoe replied calmly. “I’m more worried about leaving Inara bare in Serenity, to be honest.”

“I’ve seen to that,” Mal nodded. “Harwell had three men on his payroll, men he’s known for over twenty years, who have some space time. One with some time in the deep black. And if there’s any trouble, Inara knows I’m only a wave away.”

“Still.”

“It has to be this way, Zoe,” Mal told her quietly. “You need Jayne and River, and Goldie. Greggs is a good man in a pinch, too. Simon may be needed if anyone’s injured, and there’s no way we could stop Kaylee from going. So this is how it is.”

“Well, we’re headed that way,” Zoe nodded.

“Good-bye, Baba,” River called from her chair. “See you soon.” Mal’s face softened at that, and Zoe would have sworn, if she didn’t know him better, that his eyes wet just a little.

“You be careful, ni zi,” he called to her. “Tell Jayne if anything happens to you, I’ll skin him alive.” River giggled.

“He does a very good job watching over me,” she called playfully.

“I know he does,” Mal nodded. “You watch yourselves. All of you. Be safe.”

“See you on the back leg, sir,” Zoe smiled, and cut the connection. She turned to River.

“You’re sure about the fuel thing, right?” River nodded.

“I am. It will be close, but not dangerously so. We’ll watch it, and I’ll recalculate every twelve hours.”

“Good enough. Jayn