Chapter 5

“Not married!” Marco repeated. “Not married, never were.” “Then why did you say you were?” Marco looked puzzlingly at Maggie. Mal realized that he had pushed Maggie too far and gotten himself and Jayne in a world of trouble. Maggie looked at Jayne then at Marco “You found us in bed Marco, what else could I do?” “So he forced himself on you and then made you lie to me, because if not the only other explanation will get you shunned.” Jayne looked at Maggie as she struggled with what to say “No Marco he didn’t force me.” With that she turned back to Sadie and finished getting ready to head home. “Let’s get back to my people and what I need to do to get them back.” Mal snarled at Marco. “Still want that land Maggie, you marry me and no one will ever know what you did.” He said to Maggie’s back. “Never going to happen Marco.” “Just give him the gorram land.” Mal stormed up to her. “No! Give him your ship!” Maggie yelled, feeling like her world was about to crumble around her. “Not even an option!” Mal yelled back shaking with anger at her suggestion. “We seem to be at a stalemate here. Surly we can work out some kind of compromise?” Book said walking over to the captain. “Not going to give this man my ship Preacher. So not sure what we have to work with here.” He followed Marco back toward the jail. Jayne walked over to where Maggie was getting ready to leave. “Sorry about that, Captain don’t see straight when it comes to Lil’ Kaylee. How much trouble you in?” “Well I can never go to church here again and no one will be allowed to talk to me.” She sagged with the realization of how utterly isolated and alone she will be. “No good reason to stay then is there?” Jayne said quietly putting his hand on her arm. “Not going to give my home away Jayne. It’s the only security I have.” “You are just as stubborn as the Captain. Make a trade.” Maggie looked at Jayne and realized he was right, nothing to keep her here anymore. Driving over to where Mal and Marco were staring at each other. “What are you offering for my land?” “The women.” “Not good enough. You offered me six thousand last time. I want two thousand in cash, four thousand in credit at your store and the women.” “Sound like a lot to me, not sure the land is worth that much. Might want to just keep them.” “The women are no bargaining chip with me. Captain wants them, not me. Besides with the markup you charge it’s still less then your last offer.” “Sounds like a good deal to me Marco. You should take it before she changes her mind. Every one gets what they want and Maggie can leave this crappy town with us. Easy peasy.” Mal is so antsy he can hardly stand still. “Not so fast Mal, I want half of Serenity.” “Say what?” He whipped around to face Maggie. “If you want me to give up my house and home I want some security, I want half of Serenity. I don’t want you to toss me off at the first planet.” “I might not wait till the first planet. Said you could travel with us what’s the problem?” “It’s a compromise Captain, might be the best way to get Kaylee and Inara back.” Shepard Book said as he walked up between the captain and Maggie. Captain glared at the Shepard “My word is good.” “Oh yes, I’ve just witnessed that as you tried to have Jayne sign my land away. That’s the deal boys. Mal you get your crew back and four thousand credit at the store, Marco you get the land without having to marry me and I get a new home and two thousand cash. Take it or leave it. I have to get home and take care of my animals.” Maggie drove off “Come out to the house with your answers.”