Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

-

This story takes place four and a half years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

-

A/N: Last story in this arc. Relics is next

-

Thanks again Woonsocket for the Beta.

-

The Bash

-

Chapter Nine

-

“You sure you want to do this?” Zoë asked her husband.

Allan nodded, “I have to.”

“The man shot you.”

“From talking to the cops and Oso, I think his anger and grief were manipulated by that Smithfield character... I just want to look him in the eye.”

“I did...”

“And?” Allan asked, knowing of his wife's uncanny ability to see into other people.

“Just a scared old man.”

“He ain't so old, less than three years older than me...”

“You're the exception,” Zoë replied as she kissed Allan.

“Where's the squirt?”

Zoë smiled, “Play date with Bridget, Becca and Jeff.”

“Fred babysitting?”

“She is,” Zoë replied. She paused a moment then continued, “What are we gonna do about her... you know, when we go home.”

“I've been thinking about that,” Allan replied.

“Never a good thing, dear.”

“Ha ha, my wife the comedian,” Allan grinned, “I was thinking of getting her a job with Blue Sun.”

“Doing what? Fred's too much like Jayne. Can't see her behind a desk.”

“Her trip to Newhall intrigued me. She took care of herself in a daunting position. I think I have something she could do and at the same time deal with some of her wanderlust.”

“What's that?”

“Blue Sun's got nearly sixty independent ships on contract hauling cargo. Some, like Monty are very trustworthy, others... not so much. That ship that carried her to Newhall was on a Blue Sun contract. That captain isn't the kind of man I want hauling for me.”

“What would she be doing?”

“Roving inspector,” Allan replied, “Sometimes overt, sometimes just traveling as a passenger.”