Inferno – Chapter Twenty-four

I own no rights here, and claim none, righting only for enjoyment.

--------------------

The business of doing business went on, despite the upheaval around the family of Reynolds’ Shipping. Inara and her ‘crew’ pulled out later that evening, making a run to Astra that had already been delayed a day due to the impending return of Private Companion.

Mal hadn’t wanted her to go, but business was business. He called Jayne aside shortly afterward.

“Jayne, you did good,” he told the big man, smiling. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“I just did what had to be done, Mal,” Jayne shrugged. “Best I could.”

“And that’s the way it always is, Jayne,” Mal said simply. “That’s all you can ever do. Best you can. I spoke to Simon,” he went on. “Zoe won’t be able to fly for a while. Maybe a month or more. I was thinking that you, River, Liam and Goldie might take the next run to Astra on Companion. If you’re up to it,” he added.

“Sure,” Jayne shrugged. “When does it leave?”

“Not for two days,” Mal assured him. “Inara and Serenity have been moving almost non-stop while you been away, so we ain’t that far behind. I. . .I hate to ask you to, Jayne, but we need to get caught up, and I haven’t. . .”

“It’s okay, Mal,” Jayne grinned. “I know how it is. Now, anyway,” he added ruefully. “But I want to take River and the nizi into town. I don’t want us to have to be aboard ship, at least tonight.”

“I don’t blame you for that,” Mal grinned. “And, while you’re gone, I’ll have Kaylee make sure that Companion is fit to fly. She’ll whine, I imagine, but that’s what I pay her for,” he chuckled.

“To whine?” Jayne laughed. “And I thought that was Simon’s job.”

“Take. . .you know what? I’ll take you three into town in my ground car if you want. Might be a little cold for the mule.”

“To be honest, if there was someplace closer, I wouldn’t go,” Jayne admitted. “I don’t fancy that long trip, myself.”

“Then take a shuttle,” Mal said at once. “You can land near the office, like you did when