Keeping On: Part 6 - Captains and Crew

Disclaimer: Firefly, Serenity, and all related characters are copyright 2002-2005 Mutant Enemy, Inc., Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. This is a work of fanfiction. No copyright infringement is intended.

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Mal and Zoe waited patiently in the bar, amusing themselves with the game of Chinese checkers. Zoe, as always, beat Mal soundly. Apparently the man could plan heists, outwit foes, and command a majority of the Independent soldiers, but couldn’t find a good enough strategy to outwit Zoe.

“I didn’t know better, Zo, I’d say you’re a reader.” Mal said, annoyed.

“Only have one of those on board, Mal, and it ain’t me.” Zoe replied, smiling widely as she beat Mal for the third time.

“Aw hell, Mal, she whip yer pi gu again? You’re kinda useless sometimes.” Said a good-natured voice.

Mal and Zoe looked up.

Monty stood there, grinning, shaking his head at Mal’s horrific luck at checkers.

And standing there with him was a dark-haired woman, no older than Zoe, it looked like. She was medium complexioned and had very dark almond-shaped eyes. Her hair was long and wavy – almost unruly, and she couldn’t have been any taller than Kaylee. She had a vaguely amused expression and Mal noticed the gun hanging at her hip, almost hidden by a dark jacket.

Mal smiled.

“Miss Linn, I believe?” He asked, standing and giving the charming smile he liked to give when starting to negotiate business.

“Ms. Linn,” she corrected, softly but firmly. “Ms. Lilah Linn.” Her posture was straight and she was looking him in the eye. She was definitely some kind of a soldier. He thought.

“Well then, Ms. Linn, I’m Captain Malcolm Reynolds. This here with me is Zoe Washburne. She’s first mate onboard Serenity. Care to sit?” He gestured to the two empty chairs.

She sat down, and after a second’s hesitation, Monty did as well.

“Monty here tells us that you’re lookin’ for work. Pilot job, if you can get it.”