Still Flying - Part VI

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.

Arriving on Bellephron was a relief to Mal. So far no one but he, Inara, and Simon knew the secret behind the paintings. He was also damn curious as to what this buyer was really like. He just didn’t understand the appeal of illegal drugs or the people who bought sold them.

“We’ve been given clearance to land, Captain.” Lilah informed him as he came up to the bridge. “This place is breath-taking; and more than a little sad.” She said, cocking her head and looking out at the view of the couple dozen floating estates.

“What makes ya think it’s sad?” Mal asked.

“These people, they’re so removed from the world and all that’s in it, shutting themselves away in luxury and wealth. They’re doing everything but actually living.” She said. “And that’s sad.”

“Never really thought of it like that, but there’s an amount of truth in there.” Mal said. “How goes the progress on River’s socks?” He asked.

Lilah pulled out her project and held it up, before reaching back down into the bag and pulling out an already completed sock. “It’s coming along nicely.” She said, smiling.

“Well, once you get us landed at the exchange site you can get back to being domestic.” Mal said. “We got us a job to finish.”

“I’m getting to it,” Lilah said. “Just had to get clearance first. It’s not exactly easy to get near this area.”

“Wash used to call it the home of the rich and the paranoid.” Mal said with a chuckle.

“He wasn’t wrong.”

“Where’s Crazy?” Jayne asked. “Ain’t she coming with us?”

“Actually, no. This is a simple enough job. And the last time she took off when we weren’t exactly airborne is still fresh in my mind. And it’s just Zoe and I on this job, Jayne. We’ll be fine.”

“You sure, Mal?” Jayne pushed.