Survival Guide Chapter 3

A Jayne Kaylee Story

By Belasera

NC-17, kiddies

A vague disclaimer is nobody’s friend: All recognizable characters, etc. belong not to me, but to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox, and no money is being made here. The story, however, is mine.

Archiving: Sure, just tell me where it is so I can send my baby care packages with funny hats.

This is my very first attempt at fan-fiction, and will be a multi chapter story. It is already outlined, but I would appreciate any and all feedback, positive and negative, to help me flesh out the story as well as my meager capabilities allow. This is brought to you without beta, folks.

Real quick-like for you, Werzbowski!

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Amid the richness of Inara’s shuttle the three women waited. Inara in the cockpit watched the reaver ship outside with a calm face belying the anxiety she felt inside. Kaylee lay on her bed, seemingly unable to move. River paced between them, finally going to lie down on her side next to Kaylee. She took Kaylee’s hand in her own and was rewarded with a weak smile of gratitude. River looked hard at her, her mouth moving silently as if seeking to form the right words. She sighed in frustration and squeezed the hand in hers before finally saying,

“He’s a good swimmer.”

Inara stood suddenly from her seat.

“We’re moving.”

Kaylee jumped from the bed even as Wash’s voice crackled over the comm...

“They’re back. All clear.”

His relief was palpable, and made Kaylee want to cheer as she ran to the door. As she moved to open it, she felt Inara’s hand on her arm.

“Kaylee…you don’t know…it might be bad.”

But Kaylee knew it wouldn’t be.

“He’s back Inara.”

And she ran into the cargo bay. Behind her River looked to Inara and repeated.

“It might be bad.”

Inara just nodded.

In the cargo bay, Jayne was being laid on a stretcher. He was literally covered in blood, and the sight brought a gasp of panic to Kaylee’s lips.

“Wuo de ma!”

Mal watched her as she ran down the stairs, a