Bedlam: Part 3

By Kaynara

***

Mal leaned back in his seat, pleased to see his baby leaving atmo, ascending into the darkness. Man might like the feel of good, artifical earth beneath his boots every so often, but this, the black, was his only true home. He turned to his co-pilot, who’d just saved all their asses by showing up at that warehouse. He opened his mouth, prepared to lecture.

“Mal, you’re shot!” Simon’s hands went to the side of Mal’s leg, peeling apart the shredded fabric of his pants. “Are you just immune to it now? Do you not even feel the bullets?”

“Why’s your big brother feelin’ me up?” Mal asked River, who smiled. He liked when she got his jokes. It felt…progressive.

“Alright, lil albatross. Looks like you’re off the hook for now—don’t you go leavin’ the ship without permission an’ savin’ us all again, though.” Mal stood, wincing as the adrenaline faded and his leg started to throb. “Comin’, Doc. Let’s see what top three percent can do with a weave.”

***

“This is very kind of you.” Cora sipped Inara’s tea from one of her china cups. “I do appreciate the hospitality—and the ride.”

“Please. It’s not every day I meet another registered companion…especially out here.” Inara looked away for a second, as though recalling something long absent. She touched Cora’s hand. “I don’t miss the Guild House very often, but I do miss the company of the women.”

“But I’m not a companion anymore, Inara. I told you, I gave it up.”

“You retired from a job. It’s still a part of who you are.” She smiled but it was sad, wistful. “A part that never completely fades.”

“And yet you’re here…you stay with them, on this ship,” Cora said.

“Serenity has become home.” Inara sipped her tea. “It’s…complicated.”

“There are always complications. But thanks to you, my journey home will be considerably simpler,” Cora said, neatly changing the subject. “Of all the people on Persephone, I must be very lucky to have found you.”

“We’re delighted to have you.”

“And the boy? Where has