PART SEVEN

*

Where’s the street-wise Hercules

To fight the rising odds?

*

He's gotta be strong

And he's gotta be fast

And he's gotta be fresh from the fight

*

I need a hero

I’m holding out for a hero 'till the morning light

He’s gotta be sure

And it’s gotta be soon

And he’s gotta be larger than life

Larger than life

*

Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat

It’s gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet

Through the wind and the chill and the rain

And the storm and the flood

I can feel his approach

Like a fire in my blood

*

[Holding out for a Hero – Bonnie Tyler {and others}]

*

Mal sucked air through his teeth, “Okay. Thing is, we've got business here to complete and the Fife children to worry about.”

Jayne faced off, “You ain't abandonin' my woman...my wife!”

“No. But you want to be up and at 'em immediately.”

“Hell, yeah!”

“An unspecified number of Beserkers? I know you're good, but...”

Jayne's jaw set, “I. Am. *That. Good.”

“You'll be on your own. Promise we'll follow as soon as we can, but with the best part of a hundred odd kids, plus our own to worry on...”

Jayne nodded, “I know.”

Mal looked at Jayne, “'Kay. Get your stuff, say your goodbyes, take as much coin as you *genuinely need and get going. We'll have your back, soon as we can.”

*

Clarry was standing just inside Serenity with Melissa and Junior when Jayne came down, bristling with weapons, pockets laden with coin. All three of them were fighting back tears with varying degrees of success.

Jayne clasped Clarry's shoulder, “Look after the little 'uns for me.”

She nodded, “Yes Pa. Find Vera.” He mouth wobbled but her voice was pretty firm.

“Don't ruttin' worry. I will!” Jayne bent and scooped up Melissa and Junior, one in each arm, “Be good for Clarry an' Mal, 'kay. I'm gonna find Ma and bring her back.”

Melissa managed, “Ma's good at fighting!”

Jayne smiled at her, “That she is. Probably be standin' there, surrounded by dead Berserkers an' waitin' fer me!” He mentally filled in the picture by having h