Archangel – Chapter Thirteen

Author owns no. . .aww, you know

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The crew gathered around the table quietly. Everyone was tired, and emotional. River came up the stairs, trailed by Mal and Simon, who were bombarding her with questions.

“What were you doing, River?” Simon demanded.

“And how come it looked like you was in some kinda, well, trance, or somethin’?” Mal added, nodding.

“I was resting,” River replied calmly. “Morning Kaylee,” she smiled at her friend. Kaylee smiled slightly.

“Mornin’ River,” she replied. “Did he. . .”

“No,” River shook her head. “He did not. But I think he will. Soon,” she smiled at Kaylee encouragingly.

“How do you know that?” Simon demanded, taking his seat.

“Know what?” River asked, fixing her plate.

“That Jayne will wake, soon,” Mal supplied, and Simon nodded.

“Just a feeling,” River smiled. “He has rested long enough. He has things to do, and see to. He will awaken. Today,” she added firmly.

“Why don’t we wait until after breakfast to start in on arguing, please?” Inara interjected, glaring at Mal, and making a slight gesture toward Kaylee with her head. Mal nodded.

“Makes sense,” he smiled. “Let’s eat. We got folks in the bay we’ll have to see to once we’re finished.”

“We got enough to feed’em, providin’ they ain’t picky,” Kaylee assured him.

“‘Spect they can be picky once we get’em to Celeste,” Mal huffed. “They got to eat what we eat, here. And they oughta be thankful to get it, ‘stead o’ being back there, being et’ themselves.” Everyone around the table nodded. So far no one in the bay had voiced a complaint of any kind. Most were still in shock.

“Well, none of the injuries were life threatening,” Simon offered. “There were a few limbs that may yet be lost, I’m afraid, but most of them were just scratches. They should be fine.”

“‘Spect we can keep’em alive til Celeste,” Mal nodded. “After that, the Alliance will be responsible for’em.”

“We should press for restitution, when we arrive,” River said suddenly. “There is m