Jewels in Space

Malcolm studied the forward scanner display intently. Behind him the tense breathing of the entire crew could be heard plainly. Wash had stopped Serenity about 10 light years away from the last reported position of the object. With no suns nearby the stars shone like billions of jewels hanging in the absolute blackness of space.

“How far away was your probe when it picked up this thing,” Reynolds asked Ian who was sitting on a crate near the weapons console.

“The probe began noting gravimetric distortions from about 12 light years out. So the object has been there at least that long,” Ian answered, “We should be able to get an image from it at this distance, even though it’s ten years old.”

“Is our new telescope sensitive enough to see that far,” Zoe asked.

“Well,” Kaylee interjected, “I could make out Jayne’s pecker from across the ship, so it’s pretty darned powerful.”

Laughter roared as Jayne’s face reddened, “VERY FUNNY! I’ll give ya a closeup!”

“Whoa, whoa Jayne,” called Wash, “we believe ya. No demonstrations!”

“Everyone focus here,” Malcolm called for renewed order amid stifled giggles, “this is serious. We need to concentrate on the here and now.”

“That wadn’ funny Mal,” Jayne was clearly insulted.

“I’know, I’know,” Mal said smiling, “but we have to see what we can see with this pecker-scope….ahhh I mean telescope.”

Book, the doctor, Wash, Zoe and Kaylee erupted in laughter again and the sound of it rang through Serenity’s hull. Jayne stomped off in a huff past Inara. Ian was chuckling while Book and Simon were doubled over in laughter.

“What’s so funny,” asked Inara.

“Oooohhh,” Mal said trying to control his mirth, “Kaylee just saw a little somethin’ yesterday.”

Book renewed his laughter and sat heavily on the deck holding his sides. Wash buried his head in his hands.

“Ahh,” Inara smiled, “sophomoric humor. I get it.”

“Heyyyy,” Kaylee jokingly elbowed Inara, “it was funny. And it was about Jayne.”

Inara smiled broadly, “Well that can’t be too bad.”

M