"A man-whore," Mal exclaimed as his head shot up in surprise and no small amount of embarrassment. He stepped away from Inara, whose cheeks had a rosy bloom of their own from River's words. "I, we, uhm, best be heading back to Serenity and see to putting some distance twixt us and this place." Making every effort not to meet anyone's eyes, he headed for Serenity, with Inara close on his heels.
Jayne's grin grew larger until the others feared it might jump straight off his face. "Best we hurry it along; wouldn't want to miss any of the good stuff when Peacemaker decides to tell off the man-whore for cuddling up with the real whore." A loud snort at his own humor echoed after him as his long legs were already propelling him in the ship's direction.
Kaylee tried to swallow her laughter, knowing that Buffy's feelings were hurt and that a blow up was sure to come, but she couldn't get Mal's face out of her head. "Man-whore," she whispered under her breath, and then made the mistake of looking at Shepherd Book. The older man's shoulders were shaking so hard that at first she thought he was having a seizure and grabbed Simon's arm in alarm.
Book wheezed, clutching his stomach, gasping for air as tears fell down his cheeks. Laughter burst from his chest, he was unable to contain it any longer. "M-man-w-whore, Mal is a-a man-whore. Don't rightly know, w-what the Good Book has to s-say about that." He grabbed his knees as his sides ached with laughter.
Zoë tried to maintain her stoic attitude. "Shepherd, don't think that's a goodly example you're setting." Her face showed no emotions, although the corner of her lips twitched ever so slightly.
Kaylee couldn't contain herself any longer. "Zoë, even a shepherd couldn't stand up to that much temptation. He ain't no saint. No offense, Shepherd Book," she giggled.
"None taken, Kaylee. Zoë's right though, I shouldn't be taking such pleasure in Mal's hardship." Book straightened up, wiping the tears from his face. "We best head on back." They all turned to start walking toward the ship in expectant silence, unsure what they would walk into back on Serenity. The crew stepped onboard, removed their suits, stowed them away and headed towards the steps. Book brought up the rear and imparted these wise words, "Might want to step it up, no telling what a man-whore might do if'n he got all riled up." Zoë cast a long look over her shoulder and gave them all a wink before leading them up to the bridge.
Buffy didn't remember the journey back to the ship, thank goodness for the inherent sense of direction built into her Slayer DNA. Images of Mal wrapped around Inara blinded her to anything but the pain tearing at her heart. She had tried so hard not to fall for the charismatic captain, to take only what he gave willingly, knowing that too much stood between them. It didn't help. His stubborn pride, loyalty and suprising moments of tenderness had wormed their way under her defenses. She knew that he had loved Inara, but his words and actions led her to believe they were over.
It didn't matter. It couldn't matter, not now. She had to find a way to bury the hurt, hide it deep until she could pull it out and deal with it. The time wasn't now. Too much was at stake, including everyone's lives if they hoped to get back through the gauntlet, not to mention getting the truth out across the black. Buffy closed her heart, concentrating on emptying her emotions into a deep hidden place. She had to remain strong for River. River was what was important; she was the only thing Buffy had left, the only shining light in the abyss where her emotions lay buried.
Wash tried to catch his childhood friend. He couldn't seem to get the speed needed to catch up to the blonde zenith blazing far ahead of him. The hurt look on her face tore at his heart. He only hoped he could reach her before she banged the door closed, shutting out him and the rest of the world. Shared childhood confidences wouldn't get him through the door the way they would have when he was her hero.
He hated that once again he had to stand by and watch his friend get hurt without being able to stop it. Rushing aboard Serenity, the small blonde he hoped to find was nowhere in sight. He knew that Buffy would seek privacy, and headed for the shuttle. Before his foot touched the steps leading up to the catwalk, loud footsteps echoing behind him alerted Wash to River's presence.
"She's going deep, hiding the hurt, putting it in a deep hole along with all the sparkle. Buffy's not going to shine anymore and its all Mal's fault because he decided to act like a man-whore," River said more to herself than to the shocked pilot.
"What do you mean she won't shine? I know Buffy shuts down if'n she gets hurts, but ventually she comes about." Wash stared at River as if he could force her to take the words back.
More sadness than a girl her age had a right to know crossed the young girl's face. Her slender shoulders slumped as she answered him in a wistful voice, "Buffy's all quiet inside and the Slayer's awake. She's protecting Buffy. She'll only let her come out to help me."
River slipped by Wash to clump up the steps toward the shuttle. Wash watched her go, unsure whether to follow. He slowly started to climb the stairs, determined to see Buffy for himself. If they survived this trip, he was definitely going to shoot Mal. He made it to the shuttle's entrance and found River peering in the doorway. She turned back, motioning for him to be quiet, before waving him forward. He moved to stand beside her, looking inside he saw Buffy sitting on the floor with her eyes closed. Wash wasn't sure what about the blonde's stillness bothered him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that the girl he knew was gone.
"Come in, River, we have a lot to discuss and not a lot of time," Buffy said, never opening her eyes. Her voice held no emotion as she continued building up her defenses.
"Buffy," Wash said.
"Go away, Ducky, there's nothing you or anyone can do. We'll meet you on the bridge when the others return."
River went inside, closing the door in Wash's face. He stood there for several moments staring at the door. "Yep, I'm going to have to start practicin' my shooting. Wonder how impressive Mal'll be with a limp?"
The others slowly drifted back to Serenity, first Mal, then the others. They each made their way to the bridge. What they found there was nothing close to what they had expected. Mal stood feet braced apart, arms crossed over his chest and an odd look on his face. Inara shadowed him, standing to his far left with Jayne leaning in the doorway, scratching his head.
Zoë, never one to let a situation keep her imitable personality down for long, cleared her throat. "Someone want to explain what everyone's standing around like humps for?" She strode inside with all the confidence in the world and stopped short. To say that Zoë felt shocked didn't quite cover the emotions that played across her face. There stood her easy-going, normally passive husband, holding a gun on Mal. She wasn't sure what shocked her more, the gun or the hard look in Wash's eye.
"Zoë, you need to be telling your man to aim that gun somewhere else. This is my boat and ain't no one going to tell me what I can and can't do on my own bridge," Mal growled.
Before she could say a word, Wash interrupted. "May be your boat, but you will capt'n it with a limp if you leave this bridge to go after Buffy."
"No need for bloodshed, Ducky, we're here." Buffy slipped by the others, pulling River along behind her. She walked by Mal without looking in his direction as she headed for the forward windows. Her dark green eyes appeared cold and hard. "Guess we need to talk about where we go from here."
Mal uncrossed his arms, preparing to take a step forward, when the sound of a gun cocking caused him to freeze. "Zoë, tell your man to put that sidearm down afore I get riled."
"Ducky," Buffy said softly, "put it away. Mal isn't going to bother me. We've got more important stuff to discuss. I'm sure he just wants to turn round to talk at the crew."
She leveled a hard glare at Mal, letting him know that she had nothing to say to him. Wash lowered the gun, setting it down without taking his hand off the trigger. He gave Mal a grin that spoke its own warning. Sighing heavily, Mal stepped forward before turning to address his crew at large.
"Now, we know what had the Alliance is in an all-fired hurry to get River back. They buried the truth out here and thought no one would ever know. Then, along come our little albatross who unburies it. Those purple bellies ran scared across the verse chasin' our River, tryin' to get her back under lockdown. They didn't know that she tweren't lone no more; thought they could snatch our little girl the same way they snatch everything they decide they gots right to."
Jayne started fidgeting, shifting his body's weight from foot to foot, much the way a child would that needed to use the restroom. His jaw tensed, and then opened only to snap shut moments later. If the situation weren't so serious, it would be entertaining to watch, but given the circumstances and the man, a blow was sure to occur. Simon moved to stand next to the much larger man. The usual animosity wasn't apparent on the young doctor's face as he placed a calming hand on Jayne's large forearm. Jayne immediately stopped swaying.
"I think I might speak for most of us when I say that we understand how we got here for the most part. The big question is, what do you plan to do about it?"
Mal searched Simon's face before moving onto Jayne's then continuing around to the rest of his crew. Each wore the same expression - anticipation, dread, fear and anger - mixed together to reflect the horrors they found on Miranda.
"We make them eat their words," Buffy said, holding up the disc. "Right, Mal?"
He glanced over his shoulder at Buffy, sending her a grateful smile that she didn't return. Mal reluctantly turned back, knowing that he would have to sort out their misunderstanding later. "I'm planning on taking that there disc back and sending it out across the verse. Mr. Universe said you can't stop the signal, and I'm betting on that fact. Got me a right nifty plan to get us back since I'm sure the (sob) Operative'll be waitin' for us." He rocked back on his heels as he slid his fingers down his suspenders.
"Cap'n, you do remember the Reavers that we have to get through, don't ya?" Zoë spoke up, interrupting Mal's happy moment.
Buffy stepped forward, with River still at her side. "That's where River comes in, with my help. She can keep the Reavers calm while Serenity flies through."
"Think she could aim 'em at the Alliance once we're close to Mr. Universe?"
She turned to the young girl at her side, pulling her closer. Buffy placed a soft kiss at River's temple. "Yes, but you have to know that it increases the risk to us as well. Reavers don't see us as any different from the Alliance, and by that time, they'll be in a killing frenzy. River won't have any control over them. She'll be too exhausted to do anything, except defend herself. Make sure it's a move you're prepared to take, because there won't be any second chances." Her green eyes darkened until they appeared almost black. They were dull, no longer sparkling with mischief and life.
"Don't see much choice. They'll be waitin' to pick us off otherwise. Won't stand a chance of getting close to Mr. Universe. Ways I see it, we have one shot at this, and River-girl is it."
Buffy turned to Wash. "Ducky, can you wave that goofball from here, or do we need to get closer?"
"Best to be a ways in for a stronger signal. You sure bout them Reavers, Buff?" Worry marred his usually happy face.
"Yep, my bao bei can do it." She winked at River, squeezing her hand reassuringly.
"What do we need to do?" Shepherd Book stepped forward.
"Some prayers wouldn't hurt, sides that everyone 'ceptin Ducky has to sit tight. Reavers are sure to follow Serenity same as they'll attack the Alliance. Everyone will have to fight to give Mal and me enough time to send the wave. The Operative is going to try to stop us and I'd like to dance with him a few rounds. Get inside as quick as you can. Mr. Universe is sure to have the best reinforcements money can buy. Don't be heroes. Remember, the first rule of slaying."
River perked up to chirp. "Don't die."
"That's right, River." Buffy caressed her cheek, trying to help prepare the young psychic for the coming battle.
Simon walked over to his sister, with concern showing in ever step. "Mèimei, are you sure about this? You don't have to do this. We can find another way." His blue eyes searched for the scared little girl that always reached out to him for security.
"No, Simon. I have to. It's my power. I control it, no one else can. Buffy will keep me safe." She gave him one of her Madonna-like smiles.
He sighed heavily, realizing she didn't need him to protect her anymore. River wanted his love, not held back from what she felt was her responsibility. He finally understood what Buffy was trying to tell him. Simon raised his eyes to meet the wise green ones that watched him. They stared at each other for what seemed like hours before he nodded and walked back to stand beside Kaylee. She slipped her hand into his, he squeezed it, thankful for the gentle engineer's comfort.
Buffy and River sat facing each other as they had so many times before. They stared into each other's eyes, taking slow, even breathes that matched in a perfect rhythm. Their bond had only strengthened over the past year, allowing them to easily step into mind space.
"River, remember that you have the control. This is your world and no one can hurt you here. I've cleared my mind of everything, except you. If it gets too intense, reach out to me and take comfort, but don't release the power until we're through the gauntlet. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Pull the box you locked the power inside forward." River imagined the steel room with a black box at its center. Heavy chains bound the box, keeping it closed. "Concentrate on the box and slowly remove its locks without opening it." The chains slowly slipped off the box to the floor. They melted into water, before disappearing completely.
Buffy waited until she felt Wash maneuvering Serenity closer to Reaver territory to continue. "Slowly open the lid without letting anything escape. The power needs form so you can spread it over the ships. Cover the ships, and the Reavers inside will obey your command."
The lid slowly opened. River imagined a whiff of smoke rising from the box to journey out into the black. The trailing white thread grew thicker in substance the further it went. It spooled out toward the macabre ships then spread out over them into a large spider web design. Once it covered the entire armada, it fell over the gruesome ship, turning into a ghost white blanket. River gasped as the Reavers' thoughts bombarded her mind. She reached out to Buffy for strength. A cool sense of serenity encompassed her as River felt the love the Slayer held for her. It glowed within Buffy's mind, giving off a golden light that chased away the dark thoughts. A soft sigh released the stress, allowing her to get back to work. The powerful psychic concentrated on the blanket, giving it substance, pouring her thought and will into it. It nestled over the entire Armada. The verse's boogey men had no way to escape as the blanket faded into the hulls, falling on targets that froze in place.
Wash maneuvered Serenity forward, waiting for Buffy's signal. He knew that she would let him know when it was safe to go further. His eyes searched for the slightest movement, finally saw it, a slight nod. "Hang onto your seats, keep your hands and feet in, and make sure the seats are in an upright position." As he talked, Wash flipped switches and engaged levers.
Serenity moved smoothly through the black. The ghost ships hung frozen until the Firefly passed the three-quarter mark. Slowly, the Reavers fell gracefully into place behind Serenity.
Wash felt like the pied piper with a sky full of Reaver rats following his song. "Call Mr. Universe, we're within wavin' distance."
Mal stepped over and with a few quick switch flips, the strange little man's face appeared on the screen. "Mr. Universe, we need a favor. Have some words that need wavin' out across the verse. You said that you can't stop the wave and we plan to test that fact."
Mr. Universe's large brown eyes went wide along with his smile. "Bring it home to Daddy. From me here to the black, out and about, there and back. I'm here, I'm there, I'm everywhere. Can't stop the wave, Mal. Hey, that should be my motto; what do you think?"
"It's mighty fine." Mal smiled at the goofy man on the screen. "We aren't far away."
"Don't let the pretty lights scare you. They're harmless, but the ion cloud might addlepate your radar. Full thrusters ahead and you'll be on my front step in no time."
"You'll send a wave if anyone comes lookin' for us?"
Mr. Universe gave Mal a huge grin, holding up three fingers in a pledge sign. "Of course, of course, you'll know as soon as I know. Well, because you can't know any sooner, because even I'm not that fast."
Closing the communication, Mr. Universe turned his chair around to face the Operative and his men. "Am I in the bad guy club now? Do I get to have a really cool sword, too?"
The Operative's face remained impassive as he stepped forward to stab the unwitting man in the chest. He pulled the long blade out and watched as the body crumpled to the floor with a touch of sadness coloring his expression. "I'm afraid that I could only let you borrow mine for a few seconds, and now I have need of it again. I do want to thank you for your help."
Dark eyes scanned the room, taking in the extensive equipment that lined the walls. The Operative turned to his second in command. "I plan to welcome Captain Reynolds myself. See that every ship available is there as well." He started for the exit and called back over his shoulder. "Destroy it. Everything."
A fine sheen of sweat broke out on River's body as she started to tremble. Her control was slipping. She wasn't sure how much longer she could hold the Reavers' minds without losing her own. River suddenly felt Buffy's warmth encompass her.
"Let it go, bao bei. You've done enough. The rest we'll have to do on our own. Take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Now, put the power back in the box. Don't rush, take your time. Remember, you control the power; it doesn't control you."
River basked in the soothing warmth, wrapping Buffy's love around her. Centering herself, she mentally took a deep breath. She slowly started to reverse the previous motions, putting the genie back in the bottle. The lid slammed shut when the smoke faded back into its nothingness. Chains appeared to wrap themselves around the black box and locked it tight. The box, chains and steel rooms disappeared with a whiff of smoke. River stood facing Buffy in the glade where they first met.
"Very good, mèimei. It's time to wake up. You're going to feel tired, but I need you to dig deep and find the strength to fight. Simon and the others still need your help. I need your help. Mal is going to need me to help him get past the Operative."
"So, tired. Thoughts dark, horrible, full of hate. They know, Buffy. Man created them. We're the ones responsible for the constant pain and anger."
Compassion flooded Buffy's mind. The Reavers were just another victim in this senseless secret war. She has hoped they were ignorant to their fate. No such luck. "Maybe we can help them find peace, River. This, all of it - you, me, Miranda, the Power - has to be a reason for it. I think the Reavers are part of that reason. They didn't deserve what happened to them. While the Reavers and the Alliance fight, a good amount of each should go down and I'll try my best to lay the others to rest. They deserve that. Every human deserves that." The last came out on a wistful note. Buffy felt a sympathetic bond with the Reavers situation that she didn't understand. She did know that it wasn't right for them to live in pain, especially when it wasn't their fault. The Alliance could and should have taken care of this long ago. They simply didn't care that people on the outer rim were dying. Not to mention they didn't want to admit that the Reavers existed, because it might somehow lead back to them.
"Ready, mèimei?" Buffy put her hand out to River, who took it willingly.
Serenity prepared to enter the ion clouds Serenity that surrounded the Satellite Planet that Mr. Universe called home. Lights danced within the fluffy confections, turning the clouds startling shades of blues, pinks and purples. The ship shuddered, disliking the particles' welcoming embrace dancing across her hull. Wash adjusted the controls as he worked to keep the ship stable.
It broke through to the clear skies, only to face the full force of the Alliance. Combat destroyers stood at the ready with smaller shuttles flanking them. The Alliance fleet spread across the sky like hungry hawks ready to hunt the lone sparrow. Guns moved in sync, taking aim at Serenity.
The Operative stood at the center of the fleet, ready to give the order to fire. He admired his opponent's ingenuity at the Reaver disguise and the way the pilot continued straight on course, ignoring the Alliance firepower aimed at them. "Prepare to fire," he ordered. Speaking quietly to himself, he couldn't stop the sad sigh that escaped. "We should have ended this in a field of battle like gentlemen, Captain Reynolds."
No shots fired though, as the Reaver ships burst through the clouds immediately firing the first volley. The sky turned to mayhem while the Alliance stood in shocked silence. No one had ever dared challenge them this way, not since the war.
"This is an unexpected turn of events."
"Sir, what do we do?"
"Fire on the Reavers." The Operative screamed into the com to the other ships. "Everyone fire at the Reavers. Someone fire, now!"
He shook his head, knowing he had once again underestimated his opponent. The Operative stood with his feet braced, waiting to see where Mal would land. A shot crashed directly onto the bridge, barely missing him. Quickly making his way to an escape pod, the Operative set a course toward Mr. Universe's bunker.
Serenity jerked, swooped up, went left, then zoomed right dodging between the Alliance and Reaver ships. The crew hung on for dear life as Wash worked his magic. Somehow, he fit the large ship the smallest gaps imaginable, evading the enemy.
"I'm a leaf on the wind…I'm a leaf on the wind," he chanted his mantra as he flew.
"What the gorram hell is he saying?" Jayne whispered to Book.
"Not rightly sure, but whatever tis, its working. Hush. I've got some prayin' of my own to do." The shepherd bowed his head, his lips falling into prayer.
A large jerk threw the two men into each others arms. Jayne looked down at Shepherd Book, set him away from him, before he started whispering. "God is great. God is good." Book raised an eyebrow at the mercenary, whose cheeks started to turn a pale pink. "Only one I know, figured it won't hurt." Jayne shrugged, matching his prayer to Wash's rhythmic "I'm a leaf on the wind."
Mal eyed Buffy and River, searching for any sigh that they needed help. River gave him an exhausted smile, while Buffy simple nodded. An exasperated sigh escaped his lips before he could rein it in, which had Buffy's eyes flashing angry sparks at him. The spark only last a moment, replaced by an emotionless stare.
"We almost there, Wash?"
"Yep, everyone better grab hold, cuz the landing might be bumpy." Wash shot by several large metal structures, barely missing them by inches.
"What happened to the leaf?" Jayne shouted
"Not landin' on the gorram wind, you hump. That's solid steel and we're comin' in fast and hot. I'll get us down in one piece, but can't guarantee we won't feel it," Wash sassed as his fingers moved at a blinding speed across the controls.
"Jayne, you leave my mister alone. He don't tell you how to kill or blow up things. You don't start on him about how to fly. Ain't anyone in the verse can fly as good as my Wash, and we all know it." Zoë leveled a dark glare at Jayne that had him backing up.
"Tweren't telling him how to do his job, Zoë. Just needed to know if'n I needed to pray louder." Jayne reached for his gun to calm his nerves and sooth his pride.
Serenity bucked hard as she hit Mr. Universe docking bay. The front hull skidded, causing sparks to shoot out as metal ground against metal. Everyone hung on as best they could, slamming into each other, instruments and walls as Serenity came to a screeching halt.
A huge smile spread across Wash's face, threatening to split it in two. His blue eyes sparkled with equal parts pride and disbelief that he had accomplished this amazing feat. The ship continued to moan and groan as everyone slowly stood. When Wash saw that everyone was okay, he couldn't deny himself any longer. He had to do it. He was about to burst. "I told you I was a leaf on the wind," he bragged, sticking his tongue out at Jayne while his chest puffed out.
That's when it happened of course. A loud groan followed by the undeniable high squeal of metal tearing through metal filled the bridge. Heads turned in unison toward the noise. In a split second, time stopped. Serenity's crew, her family, watched in horror as an evil, ugly bar of metal sharpened to a hideous point slithered through Serenity's protective hull. It came straight at one of their own, cut into precious skin, spilling blood in their home. The horror didn't stop there. Another stepped forward, pushing the injured away, sacrificing their life for another's.
"NO!"
Everyone rushed forward to see to the fallen. Zoë knelt beside Wash. She reached out a trembling hand toward Wash's prone body. A soft moan sounded, causing everyone to stop to see which injured party emitted it.
Mal crouched closer to the small body, unsure what to do or think. His mind raced, keeping pace with his heart. He gently pulled her away from the metal spike. A curse escaped when he saw the wince of pain cross her face. Laying her on the floor carefully, Mal watched her eyes fluttered open. She took shallow breaths, fighting against the pain as she reached for his hand. Mal took her small one in his, waiting for her to speak.
Kaylee skidded to a stop, with tears streaming down her face. "Nara, you can't die. Who's gonna teach me 'bout pretty dresses and makeup and such?"
"Mèimei," Inara whispered, "you don't need all that. Simon will wise up soon and let you catch him." She coughed, growing paler as a distinct wheeze entered her breathing. Blood was filling her lungs, and by the look she exchanged with Mal, Inara knew she didn't have much time.
Buffy heard the far off sound of ships advancing. "Reavers are coming. We have to move. Zoë, take the others and go. I'll bring Wash and Mal along." Zoë bristled, ready to argue. "You can't carry him and fight at the same time; I can. Now, go! We'll be right behind you."
"You heard her, load 'em up everyone. Stay close together and shoot anything that moves, except each other." She turned back to Wash. "Baby, I'll be waiting for you. Don't make me have to have to come get you." Zoë gently kissed him.
"Don't worry, Lamby Toes," he winced, "Buffy'll take care of me. You just be careful. Those Reavers see you and they might decide to crown you queen or something." He gave her a bright, Wash smile.
The crew left the four of them alone on the bridge. Buffy picked Wash up and headed for the door. "I'll leave you alone for your goodbyes. We don't have much time." Her eyes flickered to Inara's face. "I'm sorry." She continued out the door, but hadn't gone far when she heard Inara talking.
"Mal, know it's too late…wanted you to know…love you."
"Shush now, Nara." He smiled at her, squeezing her hand gently. "I know and I love you, too."
Buffy kept walking, having heard more than she wanted, or needed, to. Wash spoke from behind her back as she carried him. "She's dying. Doesn't mean anything."
"It doesn't matter anymore, Ducky. But, you're wrong; that's when it means everything." They remained silent the rest of the journey down the steps to the cargo bay.
Inara gave Mal a sad smile. "No, you don't…nice to say." He started to protest. "Don't argue…no time…Tell her, Mal…Tell her…before too late…you deserve love…she can give you that." She coughed harshly, shaking her entire body. Her eyes fluttered shut as she gasped her last breath.
Mal placed a soft kiss on her lips. "I'll miss you, Inara." He walked away from her for the last time.