Histories

“Wash stay here,” Mal pointed forcefully, “Zoe come with me!”

Together they sprinted down the corridor and through the kitchen. Right before engineering Mal jumped onto the stairs leading to the infirmary. Zoe was right behind and Kaylee stuck her head out of the engine room, “Hey what’s going on?”

Mal pulled up short at the bottom of the stairs. There was Simon, standing, staring at an elderly man sitting on the couch outside medlab. Zoe nearly ran over Mal while looking at the tall man. He was wearing a simple gray hat, gray wool suit and had a cane. Of all the fantastical things Mal had seen in the past few weeks, this man was the most odd. The old man turned to them and smiled.

Simon turned his head to Mal and Zoe, “Captain Raynolds, Zoe, this is Peter.”

The old man stood and Mal noticed he was much taller than normal. With a smile and a very proper English accent the old man said, “Captain Reynolds, it is a pleasure and a relief to meet you.”

Mal did not take the extended hand, “Who…who are you? What are you doing on my boat?”

River and Ian now walked in the room from the opposite side. Ian was stunned while River was smiling. She walked right up the old and took his hand in hers.

“Boat,” Peter said in confusion, then looked down to River and shook his head, “Ohh, yes the ship. I do apologize captain for such a dramatic intrusion, but events now necessitate such theatrics. I chose a form and name I thought would be suitable for you. River has helped me greatly over the short time we have been together.”

“Helped you with what,” Simon asked haltingly, “Have you been in contact with her?”

Book now joined the confused crowd. Peter tipped his hat to the preacher and bowed. The old man then spotted Ian and smiled broadly, “Yes Simon, I have been in contact with your sister for some days now. She was the perfect medium for communication.”

Malcolm was irritated that someone came aboard his ship without an invitation. The Captain stepped forward, “Look here Peter, this is all fine a