Out to the black Chapter 17

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. I’m just playing. No money being made.

This is my first Fan Fiction ever. Constructive reviews are shiny.

This fic takes place two years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/OC and a budding Jayne/River romance.

A/N I apologize in advance for this chapter, it’s a bit long, boring and technical. But unfortunately it’s needed as a bridge to the action that’s forthcoming. I promise more Allan/Zoë, River/Jayne and Kaylee/Simon in the next installment

Also Thanks again to My Beta Chris. Catching some of my lack of sleep induced screw ups.

Out to the black

Chapter Seventeen –Free Bird

Allan awoke early. Today was the day. Serenity was scheduled to rendezvous with Allan’s own ship, Free Bird in a few hours. Stretching, Allan felt the familiar pops from his back. “Gotta get a better mattress for this bunk,” Allan said to himself.

Grabbing his clothes for the day, Allan made his way to the shower. Using the hot water to clear his mind and loosen his muscles, he thought back on the previous night’s dinner.

To say the conversation was strained would be an understatement. The usual banter was non-existent. The sudden revelation that River and Jayne loved each other put the Captain and Simon on edge. While reluctantly accepting the situation, they were far from happy about it. Mal seemed to be boiling under the surface and kept shooting evil glances down the table to Jayne. To his credit, Jayne stayed silent for the most part during the meal. He and River sat side-by-side, keeping a comfortable distance between them, mostly for Mal’s benefit.

Simon seemed to be depressed. He mostly pushed his food around his plate only eating after Kaylee got on his case. Inara, ever the diplomat, did her best to keep things friendly. However her success was limited.

The only ones acting in anyway normal were Zoë and he, Allan thought.

After t