Chapter 14

"Captain, we need you on the bridge," Zoe's voice sounded though the ship wide com.

"On my why, what's the problem?" Mal called into an outdated handset as sprinted up the cargo bay stairs towards the crew quarters and bridge.

"Got two unidentified and armed freighters rapidly closing on our six. Think they may be pirate boats."

"Why can't things never-" Mal began and interrupted himself as he entered the bridge. He continued thoughtfully, "Well, maybe this is a good sign Zo, get our bad luck out of the way before we start a job for a change. Albatross, can we outrun them?"

"Out of the fire and into the frying pan," River responded.

"Um… is that a yes?" Mal asked.

"Captain we are being hailed… twice…" Zoe said uncertainly from the communications console.

"Shenme?" Mal asked.

"The pirates behind us are ordering us to shut down our engines. A luxury liner in front of us is asking if we need assistance," Zoe explained.

"Can we make it to that big fancy boat in time?" Mal asked River.

"I'm going to need Kaylee in the engine room," River said calmly.

"Kaylee I need you in the engine room gettin' us ready to go full burn right now!" Mal's voice sounded through the infirmary intercom.

Kaylee sighed as she pulled out of Simon's embrace. "Couldn't just let us have our moment could they?" she pouted and threatend, "an' if this ain't no fer no better reason than to test our new parts, someone's climate control's gonna be on the fritz."

"Here, let me help you," Simon offered as he followed her out of the infirmary.

"You're a sweetie, but you should stay in here," Kaylee said as she pointed to his sling, "You have to get better."

Simon shrugged the sling off and said, "The sling is not necessary, I can use my arm," as he moved it around to demonstrate.

"Simon I don't have time to argue, just stay out of the way. Don't want you gettin' hurt none," Kaylee said, offering a truce and allowing him to tag along.

They reached the engine room and Kaylee immediately went