The Teaser Pony

By Mikelesq

Concept: The crew of Serenity provides passage for horse with an unusual talent, and a woman from Simon’s past.

Rating: R

Feedback: Please. E-mail Mikelesq@aol.com

Spoilers: For all episodes, including the three unaired episodes. Do NOT read if you’re remaining spoiler free until the DVDs. Takes place approximately three weeks after “Objects in Space,” and presumes that “OiS” was the final episode chronologically.

Legal disclaimers: "Firefly” characters and situations are owned by Joss Whedon and the producers of the show. The story is entirely fiction. Distribute if you like.

Part I

“I’m back!” Kaylee shouted, walking up the ramp to Serenity’s cargo bay. “I got some parts, plus some other stuff the local trading post said we can get a good price for as we get closer to the Core. Folks out here ain’t got much to spend on...oh, shiny!”

Kaylee ran to the edge of the makeshift steel pen that Book and Jayne were securing with rope. The horse inside the enclosure took a tentative step toward Kaylee as she approached.

“Ain’t he something,” Kaylee said, propping the box she carried under one arm, and petting the horse under the chin with her now free hand.

“Two-hundred-plus profit makes ol’ Barney as pretty as a geisha in my book,” Jayne replied.

“He certainly has an even temperament,” Book observed.

“He’s just a sweet boy,” Kaylee said. “Ain’t ya, Barney? I’ll bet the lady horses’ll be pleased as all when they get to meet this fella.”

“Well, meeting’s what he’s for,” Jayne said. “Course, his gong jing won’t get the chance to close the deal.”

“What?” Kaylee asked.

“Mal says he’s a teaser pony,” Jayne replied.

“A teaser pony,” Kaylee repeated. “What’s that?”

“You heard of testing the waters?” Jayne asked. “Well, this feller tests the damper regions of fillies who are fixin’ to get their play. You see, horses ain’t like people.”

“That’s usually a correct statement,” Book interjected.

“See, the preac