The Christmas Run - concluded
Monday, 07 January 2008 11:31:54

“So, this the Cathouse?” Jayne Cobb dumped the flight case down and peered around with a lack of enthusiasm that was uncharacteristic. “Aint nuthin fancy, huh.” The interior of the shuttle had been opened out to provided a reception area – the connected shuttles provided rooms. It was cramped – Jayne practically had to kneel, Simon and Kaylee were stooping - and it was bare. Someone had tried to encourage a little rustic atmosphere and there was sawdust on the floor and straw but the faery lights winking colour around the walls had a static look nonetheless – they weren’t just up for Christmas. “Still…” Jayne, gathered himself. “Aint like to complain with the lights off anyhow. So…” He rubbed his hands expectantly. Simon Tam sighed deeply. “Can you – for once, for a minute – just keep your mind on the job?” “That’s exactly where it’s at Doc’”, Jayne grinned wolfishly as a young woman emerged from a hatch, “hello there sweetmeat.” The woman smiled neutrally. Kaylee, had been hanging back a little, stepped up. “Looks like we got us a patient Doc’… y’ready?” Simon put on his glasses. “Yes – absolutely. Jayne would you open the case? Thank you. Ok, now – I am NOT a gynaecologist…” Kaylee threw Cobb a warning look. “But”, he held up a medi-kit “I can do standard checks, test for pregnancy and provide a general medical.” Kaylee and Jayne were pulling packs from the flight case. “We also have antibiotics and contraceptives. I will sign a certificate of general sexual health. I am a registered Doctor.” “Just not in the core”, he added. Erren had pressed a button on the reception desk more women began to arrive, whilst behind Simon Katee-Li and Amora entered through the main door. “We will all feel reassured, I’m certain”, Erren said politely, “and so will our clients.” Jayne coughed. “And payment?” Erren nodded and a woman ducked into a hatchway, emerging moments later with first one and then another rough looking crate. Jayne growled and a low torrent of Chinese followed. Kaylee however had, quick as a squirrel, darted forward and lifted the lid on the crate – peering in. “Oh,” she said. And “Wow.” And eventually “… Shiny.” …………………… River Tam was still laughing as she skipped onto a walkway and danced into the upper balcony floor of the Serenity Loading Bay. Making her way down She noted Zoe checking the seals on the freight hatches and airlocks, she could smell the scent of the men just departed, could feel some of the thoughts and emotions – such a thing would be unwelcome, if she hadn’t become so used to it. Zoe had finished her checks. “We’re sealed and running free Sir”, she duly noted. “Pirates are floating out – Nav-com won’t fixed for some tidy time.” “Thank you Zoe.” Mal said simply, before turning to River who was now stood against one of the airlock doors. “See, River – work, play - we don't mess the two on”- She cut him off, her words rushing out. “They all say that – when you’re small – no time for play, they say that. Adults. And then you grow up and they say – only children play games. So nobody gets to play. But everyone plays. Everyone – all the time, everyone playing silly games… like the men that were here… playing Pirates. Everyone – just games.” Mal coloured. “So, you’re saying we’re all just children?” Shepherd Face caught that. “All God’s children.” River shook her head, her expression intense. “There are no children here.” …………………………. “No children at all?” Simon was tired sounding, the job though almost done had been long. Still, he felt something he hadn’t in a long time. Job satisfaction. Or he had at least – now he was just… “I’m curious”, he admitted. Erren was pouring herself a shot of something from a dark bottle. “That was always the rule.” She gulped it down. “No children – no wives, no families. When this place was still waitin’ on the green light to go, to go work.” Simon started packing test kits away – he didn’t want to interrupt. “Then – the place started – well, it grew, y’know. We were already here – or some of us – semi-legal perks of the j

update 1-7-8
Monday, 07 January 2008 13:11:47

hey, gang.. I'm just about moved in to my new apartment...what a pain.....I'm having problems with my email account...can't seem to access it....so Vanessa if you're reading this, I need the numbering on the prints..and thanks to Robert and Catherine for the orders....they're on the way...oh, and I got some new artwork I gotta scan and get posted.... see ya, Mike