Archangel – Chapter Seventeen

Author owns no rights to Firefly, and no copyright infringement is intended.

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Serenity made Celeste several hours ahead of schedule, to the relief of everyone aboard. The crew was weary from caring for the refugees, and the refugees were ready to be off the ship and on solid ground once more.

A wave to the authorities had ensured that someone was on hand to receive the refugees, and Inara had corralled them at once about the restitution due to Serenity.

“I’m declaring a down day,” Mal said to the assembled crew. “We’re all give out, and Inara’s wrangled us a fine deal outta the Alliance for the refugees to boot. We got cargo to deliver here, anyway, can see to that in the morning. Meantime, we’re off. We’ll see to our maintenance, and what not, look for work day after tomorrow.”

The crew were thrilled to hear that.

“I think we can all do with some off ship time,” Inara smiled. Everyone agreed.

“Okay then,” Mal smiled. “Go, and be happy.” The crew scattered.

“I got somethin’ I need to take care of, Mal,” Jayne said quietly. Mal nodded.

“Be careful, and don’t hurt yourself,” was all Mal had to say. Jayne nodded, and headed off the ramp.

“Seems you and Jayne are getting along quite well,” Inara smiled.

“We sorta reached an understandin’,” Mal nodded. Jayne hadn’t asked that he not tell his story, but Mal felt like he owed it to the big man.

“Well, why don’t we decide what we can do, with all this ‘down time’?” Inara smiled, and took Mal by the arm.

“Sounds like a plan to me, darlin’,” Mal grinned.

River stood watching as Jayne walked away. It was obvious he knew his way about. Just as she was about to follow, Kaylee came bounding down the steps.

“Where’d Jayne go?” she asked, looking around. River pointed at the departing Jayne.

“Why didn’t he tell me he was leaving?” Kaylee demanded hotly.

“Gently, Kaylee,” River said softly. “Jayne has ghosts that must be lain to rest.”

“Ghosts?” Kaylee paled at that.

“From his past,” River