River’s Run –Part 2

“We need a mechanic,” said Wash to his wife as they inspected the outside of Serenity II at the shipyard on Ariel. It was the morning after their conversation with Simon and they decided to get out and get their new purchase ready for flight and business.

“We’ll put the word out,” Zoe said as she looked in disappointment at obvious signs of rust she hadn’t noticed when they had bought the old Firefly the day before. “She also needs a good cleaning.”

“Time for that later,” said a voice and Zoe’s face changed from a scowl to a broad grin as Wash and she turned in somewhat mild, but not total, disbelief.

“Sir,” Zoe said with barely suppressed joy.

“Captain Washburne, I’m looking for a berth,” said Mal with a hint of mirth. “I got lots of experience and don’t mind taking orders.”

“Who do you think you’re kidding?” said Wash with a snort. “Say, Zoe, lets give him a trial run, see how long it takes before he pulls a mutiny and takes over your command. I bet it’s only a day.”

“I’d say an hour,” Jayne added as he joined them from the cargo bay. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?”

“Got the itch again,” Mal confessed. “Being around Alliance types made my skin crawl.”

“What’d Inara say to all this?” Zoe asked and Mal looked down and away and Zoe knew she didn’t know yet. “So, when you plan on telling her?”

“She’s due on Shadow in a few days. Hoping to have some things resolved before then. If it takes longer, might have to tell a few fibs.”

“What things “resolved”?” Wash asked in worry.

“River,” Mal said and then he started looking over the ship as Wash gave Zoe a look that said “what the hell are we doing” and she shot him her “shut up for now’ look.

“Sir, the ship is yours. Your money paid for it,” Zoe stated and Jayne let out a groan and Wash wished he hadn’t gotten up this morning.

“Thanks, Zoe. I know I promised you your own ship and this is your ship. But…”

“Here is comes,” said Wash with a groan.

“Gorramnit,” Jayne grumbled.

Zoe shot them both evil looks. “