Into the Blue Chapter 21

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: Getting closer folks

Thanks again Chris for the Beta. - - Into the Blue - - Chapter Twenty One – Shindig - -

“Ready Zoë?” Allan asked his fiancé.

“I am,” she replied.

Taking Zoë's arm, Allan began walking toward the growing line of guests arriving for the Christmas Gala. There were nearly three hundred names on the guest list this evening. Most were Blue Sun middle managers and other high ranking employees. A few were wealthy stock holders without seats on the board as well as a few Alliance military officers.

The targets for the night's arrests were the eight senior members of the board, three Vice Presidents five senior managers, one Alliance General and of course the enigmatic CEO.

Blue Sun's CEO was a very reclusive man. Most images of him were out of focus. Even the official images taken for the company seemed to show a different man in each capture.

No one knew his age but he appeared to be in his late sixties. A full head of white hair and a perpetual suntan. Even his name was nondescript, John Larson.

Allan and Zoë took their place in line. Most of the party goers were arriving by dedicated hover shuttle's from the mainland. Only a few of guests were arriving by private spaceship or shuttlecraft due to the limited landing area on the estate grounds.

As the guests arrived at the entrance to the ballroom, an usher loudly announced the their names. To maintain cover, Allan had taken Zoë's last name for the night.

“Mr. And Mrs. Wilson Charles!” called out the usher.

Allan and Zoë stepped up to the usher. Allan handed the man his invitation.

“Captain and Mrs. Allan Washburn!” the usher said loudly as he touched a small button behind the podium where he stood.

The button deactivated the gun scan system. The usher wasn't a household employee of Durin's. He was a Sargent attached to the Prime Minister's security detail, working under cover. There were several other Federal officers posing as staff. Mostly waiters. One was even a member of the quintet playing classical Christmas music in the corner. She was in charge of the teams heavy weapons.

Zoë and Allan stepped into the ballroom, nodding to a few polite hellos from fellow guests.

Casually, the couple made their way to the buffet table.

“Captain huh?” Zoë teased in a quiet voice, “Get a promotion I didn't hear about?”

“Well I do have ship's master credentials now...”

“Jus teasin Baby,” Zoë replied, “Lets go check on Alisha, she's probably a might nervous.”

“Good Idea.”

Allan and Zoë took their place in the food line, The servers efficiently filled their plates as they made their way down the line. Near the end of the long table, standing behind a huge steamship round of beef was Alisha, dressed in her chef's whites and tall hat.

“I'll take a piece a little on the well done side,” Allan, asked his future sister in law when he came to her station.

“An excellent choice sir,” Alisha replied. In a lower voice she continued, “Mr Carbine is under the table along with Mr. Laser.”

“Good to know,” Allan replied smiling. Zoë just winked at her sister.

Plate's in hand, Allan and Zoë made their way to a corner table where they could see all the entrances to the room.

“Might as well eat,” Allan said, “Quite a few guests aren't here yet.”

“I know,” Zoë replied, “Besides, I'm not going to miss out on my sisters cooking.”

Allan's eyes roamed the room. At the moment, there were about eighty guests sitting at tables or wandering about.

“Dr. and Mrs. Simon Frye!” called the usher.

“Real subtle on the alias' dear,” Zoë commented.

“Simples better then complex Baby,” Allan replied. “Besides only Simon and I are using alias'.

As if in comment to Allan's statement, the Usher called out another name.

“Captain and Mrs. Malcolm Reynolds!”

“Gang's all here,” Allan said quietly.

A waiter approached Allan and Zoë, “Champagne?” the man asked.

“No thank you,” Allan replied.

“It's a little flat for my tastes anyway,” replied the waiter, “Major Michaels at your service Mr. Bryant,” he finished in a quiet voice.

“Head of detail?” Allan asked.

“Yes sir. The Blue Sun CEO just landed. The airspace around the estate is shut down. Anyone tries to get in or out without authorization will not enjoy their evening.”

“Are your men set on the plan?” Zoë asked the officer.

“Yes ma'am,” he replied, “As soon as all guests are here and seated, my undercover's will station themselves near the primary targets.”

“Good Major... and thanks for the tip on the Champagne,” Allan replied.

The fake waiter moved away as Allan absently touched the hidden com link in his left ear.

“Com check.” Allan called.

“Loud and clear Allan,” replied Simon.

“I'm good Allan,” Came Kaylee's voice.

“Me an Riv's got ya loud and clear Gramps,” said Jayne's voice.

“Inara an me too,” Mal replied.

“Head of detail is the red headed waiter three tables to my left,” Allan said over the com, “Major Michaels.”

“Got him,” Mal replied.

“I see him as...” River's voice was cut off by static.

“Damn,” Allan muttered, “Jammer.”

“Not good,” Zoë said quietly.

“Allan, can ya hear me?” Came Kaylee's scratchy voice.

“Go Kaylee.”

“I got the ECM up and runnin but it's havin trouble punchin through.”

“We're good for the moment Kaylee... Any other com traffic?”

“None yet.”

“Keep a lookout everyone,” came Mal's scratchy voice.

“Allan... Captain, I cannot feel anyone's mind,” came River's slightly frightened voice.

“Jayne, get next to River,” Mal ordered.

“On m' way Mal.”

“Shit,” Allan muttered as he activated the dampening field jammer with the remote in his pocket, “We may be blown.”

XXXXXXXXXX

The CEO entered the foyer with a smile on his face. As was the company custom, he was to be the last to arrive at the Gala and would be escorted by the hosts. In this case Durin and Yolanda Haymer.

Having never married, The CEO needed a woman with him for events like this. On his arm this night was a Registered Companion. Sheydra Normally was an instructor at the Companion training house. The CEO was an old client of hers and only took tonights booking as a favor since the Companion scheduled to accompany the CEO had fallen ill suddenly from appendicitis. The CEO and Sheydra moved to Durin and Yolanda's side.

“Are you ready sir?” Durin asked the older man.

“Of course Durin,” The CEO replied. “I do however wish to mingle a bit before the formalities begin this evening.”

“Of course”

The two couples approached the Usher. The man nodded and stepped from behind his podium after disabling the gun scan, Durin and Yolanda were both armed this evening.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” the Usher began, “May I present your hosts for the evening Mr. And Mrs. Durin Haymer. May I also present Mr. John Larson and escort!”

The room broke into applause as the two couples descended the three steps into the ballroom.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Sir, Radar reports a shuttle approaching the Haymer estate from the spaceport,” the technician reported to his superior.

“Warn them off,” the Captain in charge ordered, “If they get within three kilometers of the estate, shoot them down.”

“Yes sir.”

The sleek Blue Sun manufactured interplanetary shuttle hugged the wave tops as it approached the Haymer estate. The Blue Handed men inside confident in their mission.

“We are being scanned by Radar,” said the Blue Hand piloting the sleek ship.

“It matters not, there are no defenses to deal with,” replied his partner.

“They are not answering our hail's sir.” Said the radar technician.

“Splash them.”

“Yes sir,” the tech replied as he pushed a button on the console before him.

Moment's later, two missiles erupted from a launcher on the shoreline. Reaching the shuttle in seconds... The fireball only lit up the night sky for a moment.

XXXXXXXXXX

“River, how you doing?” Allan called over the static filled com.

“The damper seems to be working. I can sense some thoughts now but it is like the com's... much static.”

“Better than nothing Albatross,” Mal replied over the earpiece.

“I agree Captain,” River replied.

Distracted by the rapidly developing situation, Allan had missed the introduction of the CEO.

Looking around the crowd, Allan couldn't spot Durin amid the throngs of party goers.

“Mal, you see Durin anywhere?”

“I lost im' after the boss got introduced,” Mal replied.

“I think we've been made Mal,” Allan replied, “The jamming and mental damper clinches it.”

“I reckon you're right Allan. Me an Inara'll look for Durin, You and Zoë start working the perimeter. Jayne, Stay with River no matter what. Doc, you and Kaylee stay in the background.”

Everyone acknowledged the orders and began to move. Allan and Zoë began walking side by side, Zoë had her right hand at the small of Allan's back. A perfect location to reach her man's pistol.

Maneuvering around a small group of chatting guests, Allan didn't see the CEO and Sheydra step up behind him.

“Hello Allan, It's been a long time... four hundred years to be precise.”

Allan spun around quickly, “Son of a bitch.”

Allan found himself staring at the much older, but unmistakable face of John Lassiter. In the man's hand was a small laser pistol, Pointed at Allan's heart.

XXXXXXXXXX

River, standing behind a large potted plant, suddenly stiffened. Her eyes snapping open with fright.

“Baby girl?” what's wrong?” Jayne whispered.

“Two by two, hands of blue,” she whispered, voice unsteady with dread.

“Go-se!” Jayne swore, “Where they at Riv?”

“Patio, two teams, heavy weapons.”

“You gonna be okay girl?”

“Yes Jayne, she will be fine. She needs to face her fears.”

“Let's get em.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Mal and Inara carefully made their way around the periphery of the room. Mal spotted the Fed Major masquerading as a waiter. Catching the man's attention, Mal snapped his fingers. The man nodded slightly and then touched the com in his ear.

“Codeword Shindig! Execute, Execute, Execute!”

Behind the Major, a busboy, suddenly pulled a pistol and aimed it at the Major's head. Before the busboy could fire, a silent laser beam pierced the imposter's chest. Letting out a small cry, the man fell to the ground.

Turing quickly, expecting another shot. Major Michaels was relived to find Alisha standing behind him with a laser pistol in her hand.

Nodding to the Major, she turned her attention back to the serving table to retrieve the carbine clamped under the table. Another faux waiter dragged the body of the busboy out of sight behind the serving area. Confident that his back was covered, the Major returned his attention to his primary target, An Alliance general attending the party.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Nice to see you too John,” Allan snarled at his old nemesis, “Let me guess, they kept you on ice a bit longer than a hundred years.”

“Something like that Allan,” John Lassiter replied, “Actually they let me out just after arrival. As soon as Londonium was ready for habitation, I went back into cryo.”

Next to Lassiter, Sheydra, was frightened. She expected the evening to consist of a nice dinner and dancing. Not gun play. She cautiously took a step back.

“It seems obvious they thawed you out again,” Allan replied icily, his eyes locked with Lassiter's. Allan could feel Zoë slowly removing his colt pistol from the holster at the small of his back.

“Quite so Allan. I emerged nearly twenty years ago. I thought it fitting to take over the company you founded. Blue Sun has been quite profitable over the last few years.”

“I have no doubt,” Allan replied, “The wages of sin can be quite large. I always thought you were an Asshole John but I never thought you would stoop to torturing little girls and Genocide.”

“If you are referring to River Tam and Miranda, I consider myself more of a savior than a torturer.”

A Savior? You let your minions kill thirty million people and create thirty thousand Reavers. I never imagined even you capable of committing worse crimes than even Hitler.”

Tiring of the conversation the CEO snarled, “Oh, I am capable of a great many things Allan. Like killing your lovely companion here,”

Lassiter shifted his aim from Allan to Zoë and began to squeeze the trigger of his laser. Before either of them could react, Sheydra screamed and tried to push Lassiter's hand away. In her haste, the Companion, tripped over her gown and fell directly in front of the scarlet beam.

Sheydra was dead before she hit the floor.

At that moment, the patio doors exploded in a wave of glass and wood splinters. Screams filled the room as guests dropped to the floor, some bleeding from the flying debris. Emerging from the smoke, four men wearing dark suits and blue gloves stepped into the ballroom. Each carrying weapons.

“No one move!” yelled the leader, “Simon Tam, River Tam, Allan Bryant, you are bound by Law! Step forward now!”

Lassiter distracted by the explosion, shifted his attention for a moment. A moment Allan needed as his right fist met the CEO's jaw. Staggering back, Lassiter tried to bring his laser to bear again. Lassiter's head exploded from the hollow point round fired by Zoë

The security personnel Summoned by the Major's order burst through the doors. Recognizing the new threat, the Blue hands calmly began to pick off the responding officers. The Major and his other undercover agent's drew their weapons and began to fire as well. The Blue Hands shrugged off multiple hits as they fired. Their body armor more than a match for the weapons used by the Feds.

Three more servers proved to be Blue Sun men as well. Firing on the Feds from behind. The Major took a round in his shoulder. Alisha dropped the shooter with a quick burst from the carbine she carried. Mal dropped the remaining two gunmen.

Suddenly, the four Blue Hands fell to the floor like marionettes with their strings cut. Each sporting a bullet hole in the skull, courtesy of River and Jayne.

As quickly as it had begun, the chaos was over. Sheydra lay dead on the floor beside John Lassiter. Several guests had been shot in the firefight along with many of the responding officers.

In the sudden silence, An agonized cry came from Yolanda. Caught in the crossfire, Durin had been shot in the chest.

“Simon!” Allan yelled, “Durin's down!”

Simon sprinted to Haymer's side. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. His lips moving but unable to form words.

Simon ripped his suit coat off before placing his hand over the wound in Durin's chest. “I need to get him to Serenity's infirmary!” Simon ordered.

In seconds, four Fed non-coms picked up Durin and carefully carried the injured man from the room, heading for the lower docking bay where Serenity was berthed. Simon in the lead.

More officers were arriving by the minute and began singling out the the Blue Sun employee's and board members for arrest. The General tried to bluff his way out of arrest but failed in his attempt.

Mal and Inara picked their way through the crowd to where Allan and Zoë stood. Inara suddenly cried out.

“Sheydra!” Inara screamed, falling to her knees next to the lifeless body of her friend. Tears running down Inara's face.

“What happened?” Mal asked sadly. He had met Sheydra once when Serenity had picked up Inara's belongings from the training house, just after Miranda.

“She saved my life Sir,” Zoë said quietly, “Fell in front of the shot meant for me.”

“Who did it?” Inara asked, her voice choked with emotion.

Zoë knelt down next to Inara and put her arm around her friend, “It was him,” Zoë said, indicating the body of John Lassiter, “I got him.”

“Thank you Zoë.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Leaving the rest of the cleanup to the Feds, The entire crew and a patched up Major Michaels, adjourned to the common area on Serenity to wait while Simon attempted to save Durin Haymer's life. Simon, being assisted by an Alliance Doctor and Nurse sent from the local garrison.

Yolanda sat on a crate in the corner of the room, a blank look on her face. A single tear visible on her cheek.

Quietly, Mal knelt in front of his former wife, “You really love him don't ya?”

“What do you care Mal?” Yolanda/Saffron sniffled.

“He's a good man. Like ya told me once. I think Durin brings out the real you. Not the connivin minx that tried to cheat me and steal my boat.”

“I do love him... You're right Mal, he brings out the real me.

“How come you're back with Durin in the first place?” Mal asked. He hadn't been able to ask her before now, “Last I knew Inara left ya in a dumpster for the Feds.”

“Don't remind me. Durin... well since he still loved me, he got me out of jail. Arranged for some... treatment, I guess. For my... stealing problem.”

“Stealin problem? I think I got the same affliction.”

Mal was rewarded with a slight chuckle followed by a sob.

“Don't you fret. He's got the best Doc in the 'verse workin on him. If anyone can pull Durin through, it's Simon.

“I know... thanks Mal.”

XXXXXXXXXX

“Thank you for saving my life tonight Alisha,” said Major Michaels, “Twice I might add.”

“You're welcome Major,” Alisha replied.

“I'd like to repay you if I could...”

“Dinner... the Belepheron Palace. Pick me up here at the estate tomorrow night at 6:30. I know the executive chef.”

“I... um, of course,” The Major stuttered, caught off guard, “I best be off. I have a mountain of paperwork to attend to.”

“By the way,” Alisha asked the officer as he turned to leave, “What's your first name?”

“Reggie.”

“See ya' tomorrow night Reggie.”

“Good night Alisha.”

Zoë moved next to her sister as the young officer left the room, “What are you doin Sissy?”

“Making a dinner date.”

“You know he's Purple Belly.”

“So?”

“He's a Purple Belly.”

“And your point is?”

“He's a... well he is kinda cute.”

“He is. And I did save his life a couple of times tonight,” Alisha smiled.

“Well, if he tries anything, I'll kick his pi-gu.”

“Spoken like a true big sister.”

XXXXXXXXXX

It was nearly three am when Simon emerged from the infirmary. His face drawn with fatigue. Kaylee, and Inara had dozed off on the sofa and Jayne snored softly from the recliner, River asleep in his lap.

Allan and Zoë, still awake sat on the stairs. Yolanda jumped to her feet, disturbing a dozing Mal who was leaning against the bulkhead.

“Simon?” Allan asked.

“The surgery went well,” he began, “We have been able to repair most of the damage. Provided there are no complications, Durin should make a full recovery.”

Yolanda gave Simon a quick hug, “Can I see him?”

“In a few minutes,” Simon replied, “Dr. Yu is finishing things up.”

“Thank you Simon.”

“Where's Alisha?” Mal asked.

“She went to make coffee Sir,” Zoë replied.

“Not sure if I want coffee or bed right now.” Mal said stifling a yawn.

Upon hearing a noise coming from the cargo bay, Allan, Mal and Zoë pulled their guns and made their way to the door. As they peered out, they found a squad of Fed soldiers led by a young Lieutenant standing in the middle of the deck.

Not lowering his gun, Mal addressed the young officer, “Can I help you son?”

“Captain Reynolds I presume?”

“I am,”

“Lt. Parker sir, “The young man saluted, “I have orders from the Prime Minister to provide security for your ship while you and your crew rest sir.”

Mal lowered his gun, “Well ain't that a kick in the head.”

“Sir?” the officer inquired.

“We'll be fine in here Lieutenant,” Mal began, “But you and yer men can set up a perimeter outside. We'll close the ramp and lock up. One of the three of us here will tell you when you are relived,” Mal finished indicating Zoë and Allan.

“Very good sir,” Parker replied, snapping another salute before leading his squad off Serenity.

“Well don't that beat all,” Mal muttered.

Mal closed the ramp and then told Alisha to belay the coffee. Everyone was heading for bed and a few hours sleep.

Allan and Zoë tiredly climbed into their bunk, undressing quickly, they were asleep in moments.

TBC

AN-2: Not quite done yet people. I have a few loose ends to tie up before this arc ends. Not to worry. Allan and the rest of the Crew of Serenity will return.