Archangel – Chapter Thirty-Three

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

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Jayne led Mal and River to Thomas’ office, the three walking in silence through the hallways. Mal glanced around as they went, impressed despite himself. As they passed a large training hall, he noticed that the arch over the entrance was inscribed in a strange language.

“In ira prognatus , in muneris conjuratus,” River murmured as she followed his gaze. “‘In anger born, in service sworn’,” she translated, and Mal nodded. They reached the end of the hall, and Jayne knocked lightly on the door.

“Enter,” they heard Thomas say, and Jayne opened the door.

The office was Spartan in it’s furnishings, though there were three chairs sitting before the desk.

“Please, sit,” Thomas waved to the chairs from behind his desk. They did so, and Thomas leaned back a bit.

“I know you have many questions, Captain,” he began. “But leave them until I have explained, and then I’ll answer those you still have. Acceptable?”

“Yes, sir,” Mal said politely, and River smirked at him. It was odd to see Mal intimidated.

“Very well,” Thomas nodded. “First of all, I’m sure that you’re aware of the order, by now, considering that Michael has been with you, and that his accomplishments were recorded for all posterity.” Jayne flushed at that, but Mal and River nodded.

“Do not be concerned, Michael,” Thomas said softly, eyeing his former pupil’s discomfort. “You have done us proud. Derrial would be pleased.” Jayne’s head lifted at that.

“Thank you, sir,” he said quietly.

“As to the trouble around us,” Thomas continued. “We have been aware of the reaver threat for some time. Your work in exposing their origin was the final answer to the questions we have asked for almost two decades. At first,” he grimaced, “we were concerned that it was a natural progression. Thankfully this was not the case.”

“I’m sure that the Doctor, and his sister,” he smiled at River, “and likely the report