Archangel Chapter Twenty Seven

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

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Mal and Zoe followed Monty into the building that served as a headquarters for the ‘army’. Zoe was limping slightly, and holding herself stiffly erect. Her ribs still hurt.

“Monty,” Mal asked as they walked. “What is all this?”

“What’s it look like?” Monty smiled over his shoulder. “It’s our chance to make things right.”

“Make things right?” Mal asked. “How’s that?”

“Alliance is busy with all this reaver business,” Monty told him. “Now’s our chance. Won’t come again, I’m thinkin’. It’s now, or never.”

“Monty, the war’s over,” Mal said quietly. “We lost.”

“That war’s over,” Monty nodded. “This one ain’t started yet. This time, we’ll be a real rebel army. No gorram high command, giving senseless orders and gettin’ good men and women killed for nothin’. This time, we’re callin’ the shots.”

“Who is ‘we’?” Mal demanded. “I mean, it’s right obvious that you’re in charge, or at least somewhat high up the chain.”

“Got someone I want you to meet,” Monty smiled. “Been a right help to us, in fact. Come one into my office.” Monty led the two into a large room, filled with maps, and reports. Another man was standing in the office, looking out the window. When he turned, Mal bit off a curse, and Zoe’s hand dropped to her carbine.

“Hello, Malcolm Reynolds,” the Operative said, smiling.

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River suddenly stood bolt stiff, eyes glassy. Jayne looked at her closely.

“River, sweetie, are you okay?” Kaylee asked.

“Captain Daddy’s. . .angry. No, hurt. No. . .” River frowned in frustration. “He has been surprised by something, and his emotions are aflutter. Zoe is angry, more than anything, but both are shocked.”

“Where are they?” Jayne asked, standing.

“Inside,” River pointed to the building. “Monty is there, and. . . .” She turned to Jayne, eyes wide. “The Operative.”

“Stay here,” Jayne ordered, and broke into a run before anyone could say