OK Folks, It’s Jaylee. It’s a ruttin’ Jaylee Epic. Not your cuppa? Keep on walkin’.

Disclaimer: Not mine, no pay.

Thanks: To Jacqui, Josh and to Rion, my own personal BDH. You guys are the greatest.

Rating: PG-17, violence

Remarks:

Set after “Objects in Space”. Inara has departed from Serenity and the crew has been through a rough stretch. Click on my name to read the backstory. They’re all backstory.

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Leaps of Faith

Chapter Twenty

At his sister’s cry, the doctor turns to see what has so alarmed her. The opening to the alley has been blocked by a trio of street thugs. Rough and cocky, they are dressed in dirty, garish, cast off clothing and it’s obvious they aren’t a welcoming party.

Before Simon can react, two of the thugs grab his arms and wrench them up behind him as the third shifts past to slip an arm around River’s throat and muffle her mouth with his hand. Her head flings back and her eyes are wide with terror.

Simon struggles but risks dislocating his shoulders if he continues. The biggest of the gang, a greasy, heavy-set sort, sneers, “Well, well, now – lookit wha’ we got us here. Looks like a couple a fancy folk.” He smiles an ugly smile and licks his lips lewdly at River. “Whazza matter, love. ‘E too cheap ta take you sommers comfy afore he tups ya?”

“Shut your filthy mouth, you shiong-muh duh duang-ren, and let us go! She’s my sister, you piece of go se!” Simon jerks and strains against the thugs.

“Shaddup, you rich bastard.“ Greasy slugs the doctor hard in the mouth. The blow knocks Simon’s head back, splitting his lip and splattering his shirt with a bright gush of blood. River thrashes against her captor, her screams stifled by the thug behind her.

Greasy paws through Simon’s pockets, stuffing the contents into his