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BRIGLAD

Into the Blue -- Chapter 2
Friday, July 4, 2008

Jayne and River finally get their double date with Allan and Zoe but trouble crops up of the blue handed variety.


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Into the Blue Chapter 2

Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. I’m just playing. No money being made.

This fic takes place just over two years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/OC and Jayne/River.

A/N: Okay, here we go folks. The next installment of my “Allanverse”. This story takes place three months after my previous story, Out to the black.

Thanks again Chris for the beta…

Into the Blue

Chapter Two – Dinner and Dancing

“How’s the lip Inara?” Allan asked the former Companion as they approached Serenity.

“Sore but I’ll manage,” She replied.

“Better see Simon when we get on board.”

“I will Allan, you worry worse than Mal,” She said with a smile.

“I’m more worried about how pissed he’s gonna be at me because you got hurt.”

“I’ll handle Mal. You did fine, Atherton didn’t know what hit him.”

As the pair climbed Serenity’s ramp, Mal and Zoë were waiting in the bay, both looking a bit concerned.

“Where the hell have you two been? Supposed to be back almost an hour ago,” Mal demanded.

“Sorry Mal, got a little hung up. Bumped into an old acquaintance of Inara’s,” Allan replied.

“Who?” Mal asked.

“Atherton Wing,” Inara replied.

“What!” Mal exclaimed.

“He saw us at the restaurant. Atherton came up behind Allan, called me a whore and before Allan could stop him he hit me,” Inara said in a steady voice.

“Huh choo-shang tza-jiao duh tzang-huo!” Mal swore Fury in his eyes, “Is he dead and did he hurt you?”

“He’s not dead Mal. Feds have him,” Allan said, “And Inara’s fine, might have a bit of a swollen lip in a couple of hours though.”

Mal’s face was red with anger, “What the hell do you mean Feds?”

“Mal calm down,” Inara said soothingly, “Atherton assaulted me in a public place. Someone else called the Fed’s. Allan subdued him and I held him at gunpoint until they arrived. I made sure the officers didn’t see Allan. I swore out a complaint against Atherton. He won’t be bothering me or anyone else for quite some time.”

“Won’t he just make bail?” Zoë asked, speaking for the first time.

“Not for twenty four hours,” Inara replied, “Anyone striking a Companion will be held at least one day before bail is even set.”

Still angry, Mal replied, “You’re not a Companion no more. Besides in twenty four hours, he’s gonna make bail and come lookin for you.”

A smile crossed Inara’s face, “He won’t make bail.”

“Come again?” Mal asked, “He’s got more n’ enough money to make bail.”

“Not after the Guild is through with him. His accounts will be crashed within twelve hours. Since he has a black mark in the registry, any assault against the Companion, active or retired, who placed the black mark is a very serious crime. Atherton is facing at least five years on the Penal Moon.”

A smile crossed Mal’s face, the thoughts of what a dandy like Wing would go through in a place like that. If he even survived the whole sentence. It wasn’t as satisfying as putting a bullet through Wing himself. But Mal could live with it.

“Let’s go have Simon look at that lip Bao-bei,” Mal said as he led Inara in the direction of the infirmary.

Allan was grinning himself until he saw the expression on Zoë’s face. Looking into the eyes of the woman he loved, Allan suddenly felt he was in trouble.

“Um, Zoë?” He asked.

“Yes.”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Maybe.”

“Can you maybe give me a clue as to what I did?”

“Inara… restaurant,” Zoë replied, face neutral.

“I was hungry…”

“So.”

“And it was Simon’s turn to make lunch…”

“And…”

“And… you knew we were going shopping,” Allan paused, “You’re acting a bit on the jealous side here Zoë.”

“No I’m not.”

“Yes you are,” Allan said firmly, “Would you be reacting like this if I had bought lunch for Kaylee or River?”

“I…” Zoë paused, dropping her eyes and looking at the deck, “No,” She said, quietly.

Allan sighed. Shaking his head he spoke again, “I will admit, Inara is a stunningly beautiful woman…”

Zoë glared at Allan.

Allan, reached out and pulled a slightly resisting Zoë into his arms, “But she is nothing in comparison to my beautiful, sexy, Amazon warrior. I love you Zoë,” Allan said, finishing his statement with as passionate a kiss as he could manage. He felt a slight shudder run through Zoë’s body as he held her in his arms.

Breaking the kiss, Allan said with a small smile, “Besides, if I were to stray, you could kick my ass all over the ship… Not to mention what Mal would do to me”

“Damn straight,” Zoë replied with almost a giggle. Giving Allan a quick kiss.

“We good?” Allan asked.

Zoë nodded, “We’re good”

“Let’s see if Simon left anything remotely edible in the kitchen. I never did quite get to eat,” Allan said as he took Zoë’s hand and led her up the stairs.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Gorramit, how the hell you supposed to tie this thing,” Jayne grumbled fingers fumbling with his tie.

“Don’t ask me,” Allan said, “These are the weirdest tie’s I’ve ever seen.”

Allan and Jayne were standing in front of the small mirror in Allan’s bunk, getting ready for their double dates. Zoë and River were getting ready in Inara’s shuttle.

Allan suddenly had a burst of inspiration. Allan stuck his head out of the door and yelled, “Simon!”

“What ya callin the doc for?”

“If anyone knows how to tie one of these damn things it’s Simon,” Allan replied.

“Is there a problem Allan…” Simon said, cutting himself off while trying not to laugh at the vision of Serenity’s mercenary and co-pilot trying to help each other tie their neckties.

Snickering, Simon walked up to Allan and quickly tied the older mans tie. Turning to Jayne, Simon ignored the big man’s glare and tied his tie as well, “There now don’t you two make a fine pair.”

Grumbling, Jayne stormed past Simon into the common area. Muttering something about pansy ass core bred doctors.

Allan chuckled, “Jayne must really love your sister to get all dressed up like this.”

“That’s what worries me,” the young doctor replied.

“I thought you and Jayne had buried the hatchet already… metaphorically speaking that is.”

“We have… sort of. I mean he’s has been so good to River. I haven’t seen her this happy… well ever. Not even before she went to the Academy.”

“Then be happy for her Simon, Let her be her own person.”

“I know. It’s just hard sometimes.”

“If it wasn’t hard Simon, you wouldn’t be her brother.”

Simon smiled at that, “Guess you’re right about that. I trust you and Zoë will keep them out of trouble?”

“Of course, no worries doc.”

XXXXXXXX

Allan and Jayne waited in the bay. Mal had lowered the Mule from its stowed position. Surprisingly not making any snide comments about the two men’s attire.

“I gotta say Jayne, you don’t look half bad,” Mal said sincerely, “Iffin I didn’t know it was you, I’d never recognized you.”

“Thanks Mal,” Jayne said quietly.

“So, where you planning on takin the girls tonight Allan?” Mal asked.

“Did some looking on the cortex. Found a supper club uptown, decent food and a big dance floor. We have reservations for eight.”

“Ya know Zoë ain’t much for dancin,” Mal pointed out.

“Neither am I, especially with my ankle still acting up,” Allan said, tapping the mentioned body part with his cane, “But I think we can manage a few slow dances. Besides the dancing is mostly for River and Jayne. By the way Jayne, I noticed back at Kaylee’s folks place you’re not a bad dancer.”

“My Ma’ made me learn, I didn’t see much use in it till I met River…”

“Ahem… You boys ready to be knocked over?” Inara said from where she stood on the catwalk outside her shuttle, a large smile on her face. “May I present Miss Tam and Ms. Washburn.”

“Wow,” Allan said quietly.

“Ai ya,” Jayne stammered.

Even Mal’s eyes were bugging out as watched his Pilot and First Mate descend the stairs.

First down was River, dressed in a black cocktail dress that hugged her top and flared at the waist. The ruffled hem cut at an angle. Her hair was pinned up and she had actually used some makeup. Although it was hard to tell what River had used other than lipstick.

Zoë was just behind River in a cream colored low cut dress that hugged her every curve. It’s hem just above the knees while the sides were slit up both sides her hips. Earrings dangled from her lobes. Allan had never seen Zoë wear any jewelry before.

River walked up to Jayne and smiled, taking both of Jayne’s hands in her own, “Does my Jayne like?”

“Uh, yeah Riv. I likes it a lot,” the big man said.

“How about you Baby? Like what you see?” Zoë said, almost purring.

“How’s this for an answer,” Allan said as he pulled Zoë close and kissed her.

“Ahem, Captain still standing here,” Mal said, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably at it, “Don’t you kids have reservations of something?”

“Uh, right Mal, better be going,” Allan said.

Inara had loaned the two women shawls to help ward off the autumn chill. While Kaylee had put blankets in the Mule to keep the cold at bay since the vehicle had no heater.

Jayne helped River into the back seat while Allan, did the same for Zoë in the front. Allan slid behind the controls as soon as Jayne was seated next to River. With a quick wave to Mal and Inara, the two couples pulled out of the bay in the Mule heading for the restaurant.

“Be back by midnight!” Mal yelled as they left.

“Be back when we damn well feel like it Sir!” Zoë called back just before they got out of earshot.

XXXXXXXXXX

“You know… You would think that after four hundred years. Humanity would have solved the problem of finding a parking spot,” Allan grumbled as he parked the Mule three blocks and around the corner from the club down a nearly deserted side street.

“It’s only a few blocks Allan,” River commented as Jayne helped her from her seat in the back.

“Sorry, trying to make the evening perfect.”

“It’s already perfect,” River replied. I’m going out to dinner with the man I love and two of my best friends.”

“I’ll second that Mei-mei,” Zoë said, looping her arm through Allan’s.

“We gonna stop all this jawin and get goin? I’m in need of some grub,” Jayne said, impatience in his voice.

River smacked Jayne on the arm while he feigned that it hurt. Laughing the quartet walked down the street.

Upon entering the supper club, Allan approached the hostess, “I believe you have reservations for me,” Allan said politely.

“Your name Sir?” The young blonde woman asked.

“Bryant,” Allan replied.

“Ah, yes Mr. Bryant, A party of four. As requested your table is near the dance floor. The table will be ready in about ten minutes. If you would like you can wait in the Bar.”

“That would be fine. Thank you,” Allan replied politely.

Ten minutes later, the two couples were seated at their table and orders taken. The food was excellent, although Jayne did complain about the small portion size. The conversation flowed back and forth easily. All were having a wonderful time.

At nine, the house band started. They began playing a mix of what sounded like Jazz to Allan. Once the music started, River grabbed Jayne’s hand and nearly dragged him to the dance floor.

Laughing at her enthusiasm, Allan stood and offered his hand to Zoë, ”Care to join me for a turn around the floor Ms. Washburn?”

“Certainly Mr. Bryant,” Zoë said. Arm in arm the couple made their way to the crowded dance floor.

Several songs later, Allan and Zoë were dancing close to a slow Jazz tune when Zoë noticed stiffness in Allan’s steps.

“You okay Baby?” She asked.

“Ankle’s bugging me a bit,” Allan admitted, “I’ll be fine though.”

“Nope, you’re gonna sit down and take a break. I don’t need you aggravating your ankle on my account,” Zoë said quietly, “Besides, I want you a hundred percent for later tonight,” she finished seductively.

“Well then,” Allan said, “I best be sitting down then.”

Allan and Zoë made their way back to the table and sat down. Shortly thereafter a waiter brought champaign for the couple. Allan ordered two more glasses before the waiter left as he could see River and Jayne approaching.

River giggled at Jayne as he eyed the beverage questioningly. After a quick taste, he commented that it wasn’t as bad as he thought it was but kinda weak.

After the drinks, Jayne and River returned to the dance floor. Allan and Zoë sat in silence, holding hands while they watched the dancers on the floor.

Allan’s eyes began to wander about the club. Noting the strange dress most people wore. He was glad that on Serenity he could wear what he wanted. Dressing up was okay for a special occasion but everyday wasn’t for him.

As his eyes wandered, he spotted an older couple sitting several tables over. They seemed to be paying considerable attention to River and Jayne. Something about their features looked familiar.

“Zoë?”

“Yeah Baby?” She replied.

“My two o’clock, five tables over… the older couple,” Allan said quietly.

Zoë quickly looked in that direction, “What about em’?” she said, a tinge of caution in her voice.

“They seem to be paying quite a bit of attention to River and Jayne,” Allan remarked.

“Think you’re right Baby.”

“I think I’ll just wander over, see what I can find.”

Zoë shot Allan a look that said, are you nuts?

Allan smiled at her expression and said, “Be right back.”

Allan rose and leaning on his cane slowly made his way in the direction of the older couple. As he approached Allan could hear part of the conversation.

“… I know that young woman looks like River. But the odds of actually bumping into our daughter in a place like this are astronomical Reagan,” the man said.

“Gabriel, I should know what my own daughter looks like, even if we haven’t seen her since she was fourteen. Bedside’s that girl dancing looks like River in the capture she sent in her letter, “the woman replied.

Allan felt a lump in his throat… he didn’t just hear what he thought he heard. Besides he thought, River would be able to tell if her own parents were in the same room with her. And what letter? A thought struck Allan. River had several drinks tonight. That combined with her being distracted by Jayne and she just might not be able to read that well.

Allan approached closer then dropped his cane, clattering to the floor next to the man he was approaching. The man jumped at the sound.

“I’m terribly sorry,” Allan said, politely, “I didn’t mean to startle you. This cane is more of a hindrance than a help it seems,” Allan finished smiling.

“That’s quite alright sir,” The man replied with relief. He seemed jumpy to Allan.

“You look vaguely familiar, have we met before?” Allan asked.

“I… I don’t believe so,” the man replied, obviously nervous.

“How terribly impolite of me. My name is Bryant, Allan Bryant,” he said, holding out his hand.

Reluctantly the man shook the offered hand, “Gabriel Tam,” was the reply, “This is my wife Reagan.”

“Mrs. Tam,” Allan nodded with a smile, “Please excuse my interruption of your dinner. Have a pleasant evening,” Allan said as he turned and limped away.

Zoë looked questioningly at him as Allan sat back down at their table, “Well?”

“We need to get River out of here now,” Allan said quietly, “Those two are River and Simon’s parents.”

“What?” Zoë’s eyes widened.

“Yep, introduced themselves as Gabriel and Reagan Tam.”

“Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze!” Zoë swore quietly.

“Whatever you just said, I agree,” Allan replied, “River’s reading is probably suppressed from the alcohol she’s had tonight,” Allan continued.

“Probably right, “ Zoë agreed, “I’ll get them out the back and then take the long way back to the Mule.”

“You got a gun, Zoë?”

“Of course.”

“And where prey tell did you hide it in that dress?” Allan said smiling.

“You’ll find out later,” Zoë said with a small smile.

“I look forward to that,” Allan said with a quick kiss, “Looks like they’re leaving, I’ll follow em’ for a bit then meet you at the Mule.

“Be careful baby,” Zoë said as she got up to intercept Jayne and River.

“You too, Honey”

Zoë quickly disappeared into the crowd on the dance floor while Allan discreetly followed the Tam’s out the door and into the street.

Allan walked slowly behind the couple as they made their way down the street and turned the corner. “Damn,” Allan swore under his breath, they were heading right for the Mule.

As Allan followed the Tam’s, two men in dark suits stepped out of an Alley directly in front of the couple. Allan could see that both men wore blue gloves.

“Shit,” Allan swore under his breath. Surreptitiously, Allan dropped his cane. While he bent over to retrieve it, he also removed the small pistol in the ankle holster Allan wore. Moving the pistol to his pocket, he continued his way toward the Blue handed men and the Tam’s.

XXXXXXX

Zoë, River and Jayne had exited through the kitchen into a back alley. Quietly they made their way back to the Mule. Now that she knew there was something going on, River was concentrating with her mind. Suddenly she stopped.

“Allan is apprehensive… My parent’s are frightened…” River trailed off. Suddenly her eyes shot wide with fear. “Two by two, hands of blue…”

“Tzao gao!” Jayne swore, “Don’t worry Riv, them hundan’s ain’t getting ya…”

“Not after me,” River said, fear in her voice, “After my parents.”

Jayne pulled his pistol from where he’d hidden it at the small of his back while Zoë and River reached under their dresses and pulled their own guns.

“Where are they River?” Zoë asked.

“End of this alley, near the Mule,” River replied, head cocked to one side as if listening to something only she could hear. Which in this case was the truth.

XXXXXXXXX

Allan continued to walk towards the Tam’s and the Blue Hands. Not sure what was happening. Were the Tam’s there to find River and turn her in or was it something else.

“You are coming with us Tam,” one of the Blue hands said as Allan walked by. A quick glance at River’s parent’s faces told Allan everything he needed to know. The Tam’s were terrified.

“We…we are not going anywhere.” Gabriel Tam stammered out.

The Blue Hands paid no attention to Allan as he limped by, leaning on his cane. They did not perceive the older man with a limp and cane to be a threat.

“Do not resist us Mr. and Mrs. Tam. You are much more use to us alive. We are curious as to why you have traveled to Persephone from Osirus, the other Blue hand said.

“We’re on vacation,” Gabriel forced out.

“I do not think so,” the other Blue Hand said calmly, “I think you came here to meet with your children.”

“You… you are mistaken,” Gabriel stuttered.

Reagan Tam had noticed that Allan had stopped walking and was standing behind the two Blue Hands. Their attention was on Gabriel. Reagan made eye contact with Allan and began to open her mouth.

Allan brought his finger to his lips in a shushing motion and drew his gun…

“Now tell me Tam,” the first Blue Hand spoke, voice firm, “Where is your daughter?”

“Right here.” River hissed from the alley as she pulled the trigger twice on her pistol…

Both Blue hands hit the ground, dead from perfect headshots…

Zoë moved forward and quickly moved the Tam’s out of the way. Jayne and Allan quickly dragged the two bodies into the Alley. River remained in the shadows.

Zoë’s eyes swept the deserted street. It seemed that their luck was holding for the moment. “We need to move, those shots will draw attention.” Zoë said in her first mate’s voice.

Jayne and Allan had dumped the bodies in a nearby dumpster. Allan spotted an old bucket filled with rainwater and splashed it on the sidewalk to try to wash away most of the blood.

River still stood in the shadows. Looking at her parents holding each other standing next to Zoë.

“You okay Riv?” Jayne asked quietly.

She just nodded.

Allan had moved down the street and retrieved the Mule. Pulling up Allan looked at Zoë, “We taking them with us Zoë?”

“Probably for the best,” Zoë agreed, “Mr. And Mrs. Tam, you need to come with us. We won’t hurt you,” Zoë finished with as confidant a smile as she could manage.

“Who… who are you people?” Gabriel asked.

“They’re friends Daddy,” River said quietly as she emerged from the shadows.

“River?” Reagan gasped, “where, how?”

“Time for explanations later, Feds approach,” River said quickly.

Zoë and Jayne hustled Gabriel and Reagan into the Mule’s back seat. Jayne sat next to them, scowling, River in his lap. Zoë was again in the front next to Allan. Allan pulled away at a slow pace, trying to blend into the background. A speeding vehicle would immediately be seen as a potential suspect for the gunshots. Rather than three well dressed couples out for a night on the town.

After ten minutes, Allan had relaxed. They were almost back at the ship. Reagan and Gabriel sat in the back staring in shock at the young woman their daughter had become. River sat quietly, doing her best to ignore her parent’s racing thoughts. She burrowed herself into Jayne’s lap.

“River, honey?” Reagan said, “Where are we going? Where’s your brother?”

Still a bit in shock, Gabriel added his own question, “Who shot those men?”

“I did Daddy,” River replied, “And Simon is where we are going.”

Eyes wide with shock at the revelation that his daughter had just killed two men in cold blood in front of him. Gabriel was finally able to ask, “Where is that?”

“Serenity,” Zoë replied from the front seat.

TBC

COMMENTS

Friday, July 4, 2008 10:59 AM

JOLY


“Now tell me Tam,” the first Blue Hand spoke, voice firm, “Where is your daughter?”


“Right here.” River hissed from the alley as she pulled the trigger twice on her pistol…


Best line ever. Ready for more.

Joanna

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 5:43 PM

KK


OOh, excellent, excellent, excellent!!!!! Sorry, I now I'm behind, but I had to say it. Now, onto the next one!! :)


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