Title: Wash, as a measure.

Post BDM

My first and maybe only fanfic, we'll see.

Comments: Go for it ! good or bad ======================================================================================================================================

A cabin, nestled in the mountains. Surrounded by tall pines that swayed in a gentle breeze. James Bernard, a man in his late 40's, stared blindly into the cortex. He had just got a wave from the captain of the Legacy who he had contracted to for a freight job. It seems he couldn't make the pickup, but had made arrangements for another ship take his place. Said the captain was someone he trusted.

Referred to him simply as "Mal". Why did he think that name rang a bell, seemed it important, should he know it he wondered.

<>

A wave from the Legacy had roused Mal out his bunk early the day before, it's captain had a job needed doing and his ship had got busted up. Mal and Jacob knew each other from the wars years. It was somebody he trusted or trust as much as he would allow himself outside his crew and a few other browncoats. The man had a job he couldn't make good on, but he also had pride and a reputation to look after and he wasn't about to let down his customer. If he couldn't do the job, then he needed to find someone he trusted to do it for him. He had called Mal.

Mal had been on his way to yet another pickup of questionable goods when Jacob informed him that this was a legit cargo run, and his customer paid top fare, even feed his crew if he liked ya. When mal said he could do it Jacob sent over instructions on the pickup.

<>

36 hours later they were approaching a medium sized moon, somewhat off the beaten path. As he entered the cockpit he could see River at the controls. "Evening Capt'n" Zoe was in the copilots seat. "Don't like it Sir." Without so much as a sideways glance "Could be a trap"

"Good Evening Lil Albatross" . . . "Now Zoe, you know Jacob wouldn't sell us out" "Yes Sir, all I'm saying is this James fella has some mighty fancy instructions on where And how we land"

The instructions Jacob had sent over included specific vectors and approach angles along with directions that said that the Firefly was to land at a particular set of coordinates (no shuttles). Had even given the direction Serenity was to be facing when it touched down. It wasn’t something Mal liked to do. It would put Serenity and it's crew at a disadvantage if something went wrong. ……….Something always goes wrong....

Mal found himself not thinking about that now, but rather that Zoe had spoken out at all. Everyone including him had given her plenty of room over the last several months an account of Wash's death. This was new, this was Zoe being the firstmate that she was. She was healing... he hoped.

River broke his train of thought. "Looks like you need a better than average pilot to get in there"......."it'll be a tight fit" "but you can get us in there, right?" Mal asked River without so much a blink "I'm not Wash, but I can get us down" Mal took a quick sideways glance at Zoe. She never flinched. River was the only member of Serenity to ever say his name outloud. She always did in a matter-of-factly way. Zoe never said anything, but Mal thought if it had been anyone else, she might have torn their head off. Zoe simply got up and left the cockpit. Mal could see she was far from healed.

Mal hit the comm button"Look alive people, we'll be landing shortly. Y'all now the drill. Kaylee we good ?" "Shiny Capt'n" was the reply

As River descended to the backside of the moon, they could see it was mostly mountains with thick forests clinging to steep rock faces. Not somewhere you would want to live, so Mal thought. It was then Zoe returned to the cockpit, fully armed, carbine strapped to her thigh. Looking every bit the soldier she was. Mal had taken the copilots seat and was looking through the directions to the pickup point and was about to ask River something when she cut him off. "Got it!" "And what about..." "Yep, just around the next valley" "Show off" he murmured River just smiled.

As Serenity banked turning into the next valley, Mal could see a small ledge about 2/3rds up the mountain. At the bottom of valley below the ledge was the remains of an old freighter. It looked like it had been there many years, a rusted, burned out shell. He couldn't even tell what model it had been. Mal looked over his shoulder at Zoe, gave her a nod. She promptly turned and headed for the cargo bay checking her carbine as she went. "Jayne met Zoe in the cargo bay and bring Vera" Mal yelled at the comm, then added "But No Grenades !" Landing area was too small for grenades. River the perfect picture of calm and control brought the firefly in just as the directions had instructed. Mal got a little nervy when they lost sight of the ground, the snow blowing up from the engines creating a white out condition. When the snow cleared Serenity was facing the valley just as James Bernard had instructed them to.

River looked over at Mal who was sorta sitting on the edge of his seat "What ?..." "Nothing .... Ya did Good ! " the color slowing returning to his face. "Ya did real good"

James Bernard approached Serenity and it's crew. Not a big man, 6' maybe, 200 lbs. Short red hair with a well trimmed beard. He had a swagger that seemed a little out of place. He wasn't core, alliance, but then he didn't seem to fit the rim worlds either. Inara thought him handsome. River caught her eye and giggled. Which earned River a half hearted scowling look.

"River" Mal snapped "your supposed to be reading the stranger not Inara" She wrinkled her nose at the capt'n and starred at the stranger for a moment. "A pilot like Wash .. But Different , old school" Mal just looked at her, confused " he's nice, I like him" and with that River walked down the ramp to be the first to greet the stranger before anyone could say otherwise.

As James approached the firefly a young woman walked up to him " Hi, my name is River" with a smile. "Howdy, my name is James Bernard" in reply with a warm smile "did you land this bird" River nodded "I'm impressed, nice piece of flying" River's smile grew wider as she then turned around and introduced the Captn "And this is Capt'n Reynolds" James stuck his hand out and gave Mal a warm handshake "Good Evening Captain" Mal introduced the rest of the crew. With all the pleasantries out of the way Mal wanted to get down to business. "Mr Bernard, just what is this job I'm here for ?" Still a little suspicious. Zoe remained still, her hand on the carbine, scanning the brush line looking for trouble. James noticed this , looked her in the eye and matter of factly said "I'm the only soul on this mountain, but if you happen to spot a cougar let me know" Looking back at the Mal "Is your name Mal ?" "What if it is" "Jacob told me I would be dealing with a gent be the name of Mal" "Yes sir, thata be me" "then let's drop the titles shall we" turning towards a gap in the tree line "Mal , you and your crew follow me inside and I'll show you what you will be hauling. It's Produce !" "the sun's going down and the temps are dropping fast. We aren't going to be able to load the cargo tonight" Mal looked up and did notice it was indeed getting dark. "I don't see any farms, Sir" Zoe pointed out.

Stopping for a moment James turned around and looked directly at the mechanic " Kaylee isn't it ?" "Do you think it's possible to rig your cargo bay to regulate temperature to say 40F for the duration of the trip ?" Kaylee looked at the Mal before answering and then said " Well ya I guess, but it means that most of Serenity will be cold including some of the crews bunks" Before Mal could say anything, James looked at him and said "Lower temps during transit means better product to market, means a better price at market, means I gain a reputation for a quality product. You do that and you can keep the difference. Win ,Win deal" He turned and headed further into the trees. And with that the crew of Serenity followed James into the tree's.

<>

In the woods they found a very cozy log cabin with a porch. Built up tight against a shear rock face of the mountain. Once they got up close Mal had noticed it may have looked rustic but it was solidly built by someone who knew what they were doing. A real craftsman. The interior was like the outside, solid, cozy, well built. He also noticed it was bigger on the inside to. Zoe also noticed as did most of the crew. James saw this and just smiled. River broke the silence "the cabin is built in front of an old mining tunnel" James gave River a narrow gaze for a second or two. "She's a reader" Mal said "Sees things, lets me know if everything is on the up'n'up" James just smiled again "River my dear, read away. But I doubt if you'll find anything of interest" and went to the cooler to bring out some food for his guests. He was at the counter preparing some plates when Mal gave River a nod.

Without any warning River started..... "James Bernard, born Nov 3, 2258. new Halifax a commercial pilot lic, works with computer hardware, likes to race motorcycles and build ancient flying machines"…. "Married , 2 daughters , 2 grandchildren" Zoe had been looking at James, noticed his smile disappeared, some deep hurt in his eyes. Everyone had been caught off guard by River's suddenness. Kaylee was thinking something was wrong, hell if James had been born in 2258 that would make him 400 plus years old. They all were shooting glances back and forth between River and James. River sensed the confusion...

"One weekend he was riding his motorcycle on a favorite stretch of highway" River was starting to feel the memories as if she were there. "Came around a blind corner up in the mountains, only doing about 80..... MY GOD NO !" River fell back against the sofa, eyes wide "little girl on the highway ..... Chasing something" River's arms were out in front of her working invisible controls "CAN'T STOP.... NO WHERE TO GO! ... Hole in guard rail......I hurdle through the opening....... I check my mirrors........ girls safe....... all goes black....." There is a stunned silence in the room. River looks up at James " You Died " "Apparently so" was all James said as he went back to preparing the food.

Mal looking confused was wondering what to say next, when Inara spoke up ".. Mr. Bernard.." "Please , just call me James" "James, How is it that you are here if you died 400 years ago? " "Good question, I don't really know....." River answered for him "He woke up 8 years ago, someone had pulled him out of a cyro chamber"... " He has no idea how he got there" "Thank you River" James then looking at Mal, smiling again "She's good !" "That she is" Mal quipped.

The next couple of hours were spent sitting around the dinner table eating, discussing the job, payment etc. Most of the crew had been quiet, Zoe hadn't said a word since leaving Serenity. River was walking around looking at the models of ancient flying machines from earth-that-was that hung from the rafters of the cabin.

Mal looked over his shoulder "What are you doing Li'l Albatross" River with a very serious tone in her voice "If I'm to continue to be the pilot of Serenity, I must learn my craft, sharpen my knowledge, skills. Learn from the past, history" "And which of these aircraft does River find the most interesting ?" James asked "That one" River points to a helicopter "Why that one" "It fly’s like a humming bird, and it's the most difficult to pilot"... "Can you take me up in yours ?" A little startled "You have one of those ? " Mal asks "I built a replica" ... "it's in my hanger, but it's not airworthy right now"

Mal decides it time to change the subject "James we really appreciate the hospitality n'all, but I would like to see the goods. Maybe give my mechanic n'idea as to what's needed that needs cooling ?" James nods "I'll just clear up these dishes" Inara already a step ahead of him "I'll look after that while you show the Captn around" With that James leads most of the crew through to the back of the cabin. Along the way he points to a number of rooms, all cozy and warm looking with big comfy beds. "you and your crew are welcome to spend the night here if so wish, beds are comfortable" Kaylee's eyes twinkle as she gives Simon a nudge "A real bed hmmmmmm" Mal just groans. Zoe brings up the rear, still silent, still wary.

As they exit the cabin into a tunnel, there is the sensation of warm , moist air on there faces. Some 100' later the tunnel expands into a large room and low ceiling with arched door ways that connect to more rooms. All brightly lit exposing the robotic machines that fill all the spaces. "Hydroponics !" Simons says "Hydro what, what's that ?" kaylee asks "It's a means of growing crops where there is no soil" James explains "River was correct in that I work with computers and hardware, I designed and built all this to grow crops. The water and nutrients needed are pumped up from valley floor. All the energy required to run the machines comes from Geo-thermal generators deep within the mountain. This is an old mine from a few hundred years ago".... As an after thought he adds " I only found it when I crashed a freighter I had stolen........." Mal looked out and could see, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and a handful of other crops all being attended by robotics.

James leads the group thru a side doorway into a larger storage room that houses about 200 large crates of produce, all ready for shipment. The room is also cold, just above freezing. With everyone looking a might cold Mal asks " Just how are we going to get all this to Serenity, I mean I'm sure we can take it" James points to a 8 wheeled monster of a transport around back. Both Mal and Zoe recognize it as military, from the war. "My robots will load it up over night, then it's matter of fitting in your hold come morning" They all head back to the cabin to sit by the fire and warm up.

<>

Mal accepts James offer of rooms for the night, thinking it would be a nice break for his crew. Everyone's sitting around the fireplace relaxing, joking, telling stories. River is still studying the models that hang from the rafters. "James are you a Wash ?" she blurts out. Everyone is stunned, except James "No River. I'm might think myself good, but I'm not that good" Mal catches Zoe's eyes, and for a split second there's a look of hurt, pain, and anger. Then with a hard look at James "Would you mind explaining your last comment mister" James is suddenly aware all eyes are on him, angry eyes. He stands up looking about and he remembers what Kaylee called her ship ....Serenity.... It's then he realizes who these people are and whispers one word "Miranda"

Mal stands up to face James "I ain't hearing ya talk" James stares Mal right in the eye. "Malcom Reynolds" Looking around "Zoe… Zoe Washburn...... It is an honor" and nods. Zoe does not return gesture. Continuing he looks around at the rest, naming them one by one.

He goes on.... "In certain circles the crew, your crew Captn and your ship, are somewhat famous for there actions regarding Miranda. The alliance has done there best to try to hide the truth but as Mister Universe would say "Can't hide the signal" I am a pilot, and in that circle the name Wash has significance. Your flight to Mister Universe to broadcast your signal was captured from ground stations. Those captures are famous in and amongst pilot circles."

Zoe now standing showing no emotion at all "How So!" James Continues "Flight schools show clips of an 03 Firefly coming out of an ION cloud being chased by a fleet of Reever ships. One capture in particular follows the Firefly through out it's entire descent to the station" Pausing he looks around at River "What does the flight manual on a 03 Firefly say about flat spins"

River reads a passage of manual from memory "The aircraft should not be descended in atmosphere outside the published flight envelope in this manual. The failure of one engine while doing so will result in the aircraft entering into a flat spin. An unrecoverable condition resulting in the destruction of the vehicle"

"The kind that every professional pilot knows he can't get out of but will fight all the way to impact." adds James

"What has got to with anything" barked Mal James looks at Zoe "Your Husband did the impossible" Looking back at Mal "Any other pilot would not have been able to save that ship, Serenity and it's crew along with the message of Miranda would have died that day"

It took a few moments for the words, the truth, to sink in and then Zoe stepped forward "Show me the capture" "Are you sure you want to do that ?" Mal asked, then after a look at Zoe "Show us the capture"

James pulled out a large back lit cortex from behind a panel and set it up. After hooking up a player took a position to the side of Serenity's crew with the remote. No body spoke.

Zoe "Show Us" She watches the capture, unmoving, a blank stare at the cortex. James looks over concerned, maybe feeling a little guilty for even mentioning the capture. Then he notices that Zoe is slowing twirling a necklace made up of leather strands between her fingers. Taking a look around at the others it's plain as day that this is bringing back some vivid memories for the crew. None of them good. Kaylee..... can't even watch.

Mal moves forward to turn off the capture in an effort to protect his people. Zoe instantly stops him with a raised hand, her eyes not once wavering from the screen. Within a few minutes it is finished. James turns off the device off.

A long silence follows, no one wanting to move. They do this for Zoe, wanting to see what she'll do, not certain how she will react. Zoe not looking away from the black screen, with a softer, hushed voice. "Explain to me how my Husbands name is of significance ?" James looks at Zoe and for the first time sees something different in her eyes. There is hurt, pain, but there is also fierce pride.

"On earth-that-was" James begins "When a pilot failed at flight school, it was said he washed out, but that term isn't used anymore".. Zoe was now looking right at James , he continued " After Miranda, young pilots at the flight schools having seen this capture started referring to "Wash" as an ideal, a standard by which to be measured. To be considered a "Wash" means you would have to be a pretty damm good pilot, and as of yet I've met no one who meets that standard."

A moment passes, then Zoe to everyone's shock holds out her hand to give James a handshake and thanks him. After doing so, turns to Mal and informs him she will sleep in her own bunk and says good night. Zoe turns, and heads out the door to go to Serenity.

Zoe walks out into the black of night. Stares at the stars as she makes her way to Serenity.

"I am proud of you Husband... you did good"