Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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This story takes place nearly five years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

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A/N: Takes place three months after the previous chapter.

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Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter Two

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“I ain't so sure,” Zoë said. Gazing at her husband over her wine glass, “All the way to Londonium for a shindig?”

“I know,” Allan replied, “But how many companies can celebrate their four hundred and thirty fifth anniversary?”

“Not many I'll admit...”

“And how many companies that old can boast having their founder attend said party?” Allan grinned.

“I concede that point. But there's one small consideration.”

“What's that?”

“Sara. Or have you forgotten our three month old daughter?”

“Haven't forgotten her. I think it will be fine to travel with our girl.”

“I can see it now. You in a tux, me in a slinky dress, Sara across my chest in a sling while we dance...”

“You know they have these people called babysitters...”

“I ain't leavin my girl with some stranger.”

“I was thinking Durin's nanny.”

“Still...”

“There's always Marion.”

“No way!” the woman in question said from her spot down the table, “Last time I changed Sara's diaper I nearly lost my lunch. You want me to babysit, I want combat pay.”

Allan and Zoë broke out into smiles. A few feet away in her crib, Sara made happy noises.

“We'll figure something out,” Allan grinned before going back to his dinner.

“And just how are we getting to Londonium?” Zoë asked, “Kaylee's got the port engine pod all torn apart for overhaul. Not to mention Mal's got two horses ready to foal in the next couple o' weeks.”

“Not taking Serenity,” Allan mumbled around a mouthful of food.

“What are we taking?”

Allan swallowed, “Two choices. First, we go down to the port and hire a ship...”

The look on Zoë's face told him she didn't like that idea.

“... Or we have River fly us to Capital City in one of the shuttles and take the Shinon Queen... first class suite.”

“What the hell is a fancy liner like that doing on Boros?”

“She's on tour. Hitting all the more prosperous border worlds like Boros, Persephone, Hera... anyway, I've booked the Presidential suite.”

Zoë glared at her husband, “Booked... you already booked it?”

“Well... yeah. Needed too. Just in case you decided to go...” Allan trailed off as Zoë's gaze bored into him. On the other side of the table, Marion tried not to snicker.

“This mean I need to wear a dress all the time?” Zoë asked.

“Not... all the time...”

Allan looked like he thought he was in real trouble. Zoë decided to stop winding him up and smiled, “They got shopping on this tub?”

The statement caught Allan off guard, “Huh?”

“Shopping... you know, stores.”

“Uh, yeah.”

“This suite got a bathtub?”

Allan smiled, “Yeah it does.”

“Guess it's settled. When do we leave?”

“Week and a half. Day after Jeff and Becca's birthday party,” Allan said as he breathed a sigh of relief.

“Sounds like a plan.”

XXXXXXXXXX

Everyone was smiling and laughing as the guests of honor smeared cake all over their faces. Rebecca Tam and Jefferson Reynolds both giggled and dug back into the cake in front of their high chairs.

Sitting in River's lap, Sara squealed happily. Allan was amazed at how happy a baby his daughter was.

With proud grins, Mal and Simon stood off to the side.

“Mama, cake!” Becca cried as she held up her chocolate covered hands.

“That's right baby, cake,” Kaylee grinned as she cast a look at her husband.

Simon smiled back. Becca had said her first words at eight months and was walking shortly after.

Not wanting to be outdone, Jefferson opened his mouth and cried out “Mama!” as Inara wiped cake from his face.

“That's right little feller,” Mal said as he picked up his son despite the mess, “That pretty lady next ta ya' is your Mama.”

“Mama!” Jeff cried again.

“No, I'm your Dada. Can you say Dada?”

“Mama!”

Everyone broke out in laughter at the expression on Mal's face.

“Can't even get any respect from my own offspring,” Mal muttered

“Relax, Mal. He'll say it eventually,” Inara said as she took her son from Mal.

“Yeah Cap,” Jayne snickered, “Can't hep it iffin' it was your genes that done stunted little Jeff's development.”

Mal glared at his gun hand.

“Well look at m' neice here. Talkin in sentences afore she's a year old.”

Mal's face turned red. Allan spoke up before there was bloodshed.

“I think what Jayne means is that with your and Inara's... smart but not genius level intelligence, Jefferson is right on track in his development. Combining Kaylee's mechanical genius with Simon's IQ and you're bound to get a a child who's a bit ahead of the curve.”

“What he said.” Jayne replied around a mouthful of birthday cake.

River rolled her eyes at her husband as she bounced Sara on her knee.

“When are you and Jayne going to start a family?” Alisha asked the psychic.

“I'm not ready yet,” River replied, “Someday though. In the meantime I can practice with Jeff, Becca and Sara.”

“You'll be a great momma, River,” Zoë said as she retrieved her daughter.

Sara fisted her hands in Zoë's hair, got a serious look on her face and began babbling.

“And you're my pretty girl,” Zoë cooed.

“Mmmm... mmmm...” Sara babbled.

Zoë kissed Sara on the top of her head.

“Mmmm... Mama!”

Everyone went silent. Allan nearly fell over.

“Did... did she just say her first word?” Allan said incredulously.

“I... I think she did husband.”

“Mama!” with more conviction this time.

“She can't... I mean... uhh... Sara's only three months old!” Allan exclaimed.

“River said her first word at two months,” Simon commented.

“I did?” the genius in question asked.

Simon chuckled, “Yes you did.”

Allan had a look of pure amazement on his face.

“Looks like Allan's genes, over rode Zoë's,” Jayne snickered.

“I can hurt you,” Zoë growled.

“And if you don't shut up, Zang-fu,” River chided, “I will.”

“Yes dear.”

“Looks like we got ourselves a genius,” Zoë said quietly.

“Looks like,” Allan agreed, wide eyed.

“Didn't daddy say, Grampa Alleyne was some kinda scientist or something?” Alisha asked her sister.

“Yeah. I think he did say something like that.”

“Sometimes it skips a generation,” Simon said quietly.

“Or two,” Allan said.

“Husband...”

“What I mean to say...” Allan gulped, “Is that you and Alisha are not stupid in the least. Alisha is brilliant in the kitchen and you, my beautiful wife, know more about infantry tactics and stealth than anyone I've ever known...”

“Good save,” Mal muttered. Beside him Reggie just nodded. Marion snickered as she helped Inara clean chocolate cake off Jeff's face.

“Just remember, I don't get in the middle of domestic squabbles. No matter what you pay me,” said a grinning Marion.

“Cake!” Becca called out. Trying to get the attention back on her.

“Right... cake, “ Allan muttered. A thousand thoughts running through his head.

“Okay baby,” Kaylee said to her daughter, “Cake.”

XXXXXXXXXX

The next morning, Allan and Marion loaded what seemed like a ton of baby supplies and luggage into shuttle two. Of course, a large case containing weapons went in as well. Allan glanced over at River in the pilots seat and began to laugh.

“What?” the young psychic replied.

“Where did you get that?” Allan asked, referring to the World War Two styled pilots helmet River wore on her head.

“Found it at the thrift shop in town,” She replied proudly, “Not authentic. Reproduction.”

“You know... It works on you.”

“Thank you.”

“River, we good to... wuo de ma!” Zoë exclaimed as she stepped aboard, Sara in her arms, “Girl, what is that on your head?”

Marion snickered at the look on Zoë's face while River just stuck out her tongue.

“Why don't we go,” Allan grinned.

River nodded, pulled the goggles down over her eyes and began the launch sequence. A moment later, the shuttle was airborne and heading for Capital City.

While River flew, Allan settled in next to Zoë and tickled Sara's chin, “I've been thinking.”

“That's never a good thing,” Zoë teased.

“Very funny dear,” Allan smiled back, “What I was thinking about was Sara and the future. I don't want to force special schools down her throat. I want her to have a normal childhood. No matter how smart she turns out. Public schools. Not private tutors.”

“Kinda early to be thinkin like that, ain't it?” Zoë asked.

“No time like the present...”

“No government sponsored academies!” River called from the cockpit.

“Just fly River!” Zoë called back.

She mumbled something that they couldn't hear.

“River has a point. If Sara needs any special tutoring, we have Simon, River and myself to help her. Don't need anyone else.”

“We'll play it by ear husband,” Zoë replied.

“Good enough.”

“Why aren't we docking directly with the Shinon Queen, Boss?” Marion asked.

“I tried. Ships too big to enter atmo but they only allow their own shuttles to dock. Security they said.”

“They have a point.” the body guard conceded.

“Just inconvenient,” Allan answered.

XXXXXXXXXX

After disembarking at the port in Capital City, River lifted off in the shuttle and made a rather showy departure. Something about the barrel roll as she climbed out. Allan just shook his head and Zoë grinned.

A porter took their luggage and loaded their larger cases onto a cart. Soon they were in front of the ticket agent.

“Names?”

“Allan and Zoë Bryant. My daughter, Sara and Marion Vorrasi, my bodyguard,” Allan said smiling.

“Tickets?”

Allan handed across the folder containing their passage. Upon seeing who Allan was, the ticket agent snapped to attention.

“Ah, Mr. Bryant. Welcome aboard the Shinon Queen.”

“Thank you,” Allan replied.

“Follow me to the shuttle if you would?”

“Lead the way.”

XXXXXXXXXX

After a short shuttle ride, the Shinon Queen came into view. Allan was impressed. A new ship, the Queen featured the latest in technology. One thousand meters from bow to stern and nearly four hundred meters from her keel to top deck, the white painted vessel gleamed in the sunlight.

The shuttle's pilot skillfully docked the craft. A moment later, the airlock opened and a ships officer waited outside.

“Mr. Bryant?”

“I am.”

“I'm George Kimple, Ships Purser.”

Allan shook his hand, “Pleased to meet you Mr. Kimple.”

“If you and your family would follow me?”

Allan, Zoë and Marion followed the officer down the corridor. Suddenly, an alarm sounded.

“Are any of you armed?” Kimple asked.

Allan grinned, “Might say that. Marion here is my bodyguard and both myself and my wife are carrying firearms.”

“I... see.”

“Is there a problem Mr. Kimple?” Allan asked, “I understand that Shinon Lines has an exemplary security reputation but I was kidnapped a few months back and I do prefer to remain armed when I can be. I'm sure you understand.”

“Let the man keep his gun Mr. Kimple,” said a new voice.

“Yes Captain,” Kimple replied.

Captain Charles Wu was a tall man of Asian decent. He towered over the shorter Kimple. He cut an impressive figure in his crisp white uniform.

“My apologies Mr. Bryant. You, your wife and your bodyguard will be allowed to retain your personal weapons.”

“Thank you Captain,” Allan nodded.

Captain Wu gazed down at the babe in Zoë's arms, “And this is your daughter?”

“Sara,” Zoë replied, eying the captain suspiciously.

“She is lovely. As are you Mrs. Bryant,” Wu smiled. “You have changed a great deal since we last met.”

Zoë looked shocked, “Shen-me?”

“During the war. I was the pilot of one of the med ships sent to evacuate the survivors of Serenity Valley.”

“Thought you looked a might familiar,” Zoë replied, her expression softening, “I never did get to thank you.”

“Please, It was the least I could do.”

Allan looked at Zoë questioningly. Her expression told him to ask later.

“I have duties to attend to but I would be honored if you would join me for dinner tonight.”

“Certainly,” Allan replied.

“Until tonight then,” Wu said as he bowed slightly and took his leave.

“If you would follow me?” Kimple said, pointing down the corridor.

XXXXXXXXXX

“Nice view,” Zoë commented as she gazed around the sitting room in their suite. While not as large as the suite they usually had on Londonium, the room was very comfortable.

Set just three decks below the bridge, the large window dominating the room looked out into space.

“That it is,” Allan replied as he set up Sara's playpen.

“Need a hand Boss?” Marion asked.

“You don't have to call me Boss here, Marion.”

“At the house is one thing. Here, I'm actually on the job.”

“Fine,” Allan chuckled. Turning, he saw Zoë holding Sara close and staring out at the black.

Pulling a wad of cash from his wallet, he turned to Marion, “Go pick yourself up something to wear tonight.”

“Boss...” Marion protested.

“My treat.”

“If you say so. Don't go wandering off without me.”

“I won't. Now scoot.”

“Scooting, Sir,” Marion grinned as she exited the suite.

Allan walked up behind Zoë and placed his hands on her shoulders, “You okay?”

“I reckon,” Zoë replied quietly.

“I know you better than that. Bad memories?”

“The Valley always brings up bad memories.”

“Do I need to kick the Captains ass?”

Zoë snorted, “More like you need to thank him. I know I need to.”

“What happened?”

“Let me put Sara down first.”

Allan nodded. Zoë stepped to the playpen, laid the sleeping Sara down and covered her with a blanket. With a sigh, Zoë turned to face Allan.

“Wu saved me.”

“He said he was the pilot who flew the med ships.”

“More than that,” Zoë said before pausing. Taking a breath she continued.

“After we were picked up, we docked with a big Alliance transport. The POW's were separated according to sex. Since I was the highest ranking woman among the Browncoats, A few guards decided that I needed to made an example of. Couple o' Purple Bellies tied me up, Ripped my clothes off and tried.... tried to rape me,” Zoë finished with no emotion in her voice.

“My god,” Allan whispered.

“Along comes this Alliance pilot. Same one who pulled me and Mal outta that hell. Wu proceeded to kick the ass o' the two qingwa cao de liumang's attacking me. He nearly got court marshaled for it too.”

“Son of a bitch,” Allan muttered, “What happened to the men who attacked you?”

“After they got out of sickbay, you mean?” Zoë snorted in amusement, “A few weeks later, they got assigned to guard Mal and a few other senior Browncoats. The hundan's had an 'accident'... of the permanent kind.”

“I'm guessing, Mal knew what happened to you?”

“He was twenty feet away, locked up in a cell. Couldn't see me but he heard me screaming.”

“I'm glad Wu was there.”

“Ain't the only one. Kinda helped knowing that despite all the go-se we went through. There were still some good people... on both sides.”

Allan kissed Zoë. Slowly he pulled away, “You are the most amazing person I have ever known.”

Before Zoë could reply, Sara's loud cry of 'mama' interrupted the tender moment.

“I think you're being paged,” Allan grinned.

“Just wait till she figures out more words, Husband.”

“I can't wait,” Allan replied. The grin still on his face.

“Neither can I,” Zoë agreed.

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TBC