008 ✫ Video

[useofaswhat]

[One of these announcements. He hasn't ordered anyone around via electronics in a couple of months, Natasha excluded (and it's not like she listens anyway), and it feels good for Mal to be back in the saddle. It makes the whole Barge thing a little easier to get a grip on.]

Firefly-class Serenity, come in if you read. This is your captain speaking direct from a giant eyesore hellboat. Frequency's open and I ain't going anywhere. How're y'all getting along?

River. You around there, girl? Seems your brother needs a little looking-after.

Comments

[useofaswhat]

Gorram, it's good to hear your voice. So she's holdin' up fine, huh?

Ain't touched a drop since Tuesday. It don't sound possible if I explain it, there's a reason I'm talking like I took a wallop to the head. That's 'cause it's real, Zoë. But believe me, I'm gonna be back in a minute.

[holdthisground]

[She waits patiently for it to make sense - the Captain usually does if you give him long enough, she's found - expression unchanging.]

Yes, we're doing fine. Kaylee's still throwing half a fit about that generator clip, but it's nothing we can't handle.

As long as we both understand that you're not making any sense, sir.

[useofaswhat]

[Sorry, Zoë, but you might be waiting for a little while.] Generator's still running, so it's got some life in it yet. She'll have to make do till we get paid 'less we find a wreck to pick clean soon.

That part we're clear on. Long story short, I'm doing a man a favor 'fore I cash in one in turn. The details ain't gonna make it any clearer.

Shouldn't be gone but a few minutes.

[holdthisground]

[It's alright, she's used to that, too.]

She knows that, sir. She just likes to make sure we don't forget about things, and this is how she does it.

I don't... [No, she doesn't really need to understand, even if she'd like to. That doesn't mean she can't come at it from a different angle, though.]

And if you are?

[useofaswhat]

We don't forget these things, she don't give us a chance. [Complaining and all, he still manages to sound plenty fond.]

We're sittin' pretty over here, doubt I will be. But if I'm late, don't you wait 'round for me. Get everyone else on board, get the goods to the rendezvous point, and make sure Jayne doesn't do anything stupid. Well, too stupid.

With me or without me there, we miss the drop time and we miss the payout. Get paid, refuel, an' wait for my wave.

[And here he pauses.]

You, uh, heard from Inara?

[holdthisground]

Sir, I know how to get paid - not sure the man or woman's been born yet that can keep Jayne from doing something stupid if he's set his heart on it, but I'll do my best.

I'm just... [Just nothing. She visibly resets herself, especially when talk turns to Inara, and shakes her head seriously.]

No, sir. She'll come back around when she's ready and not a moment before.

[useofaswhat]

I know you do, 's why you're in charge right now. And you will be if Hell gets a frost and I don't get back in time, but don't start biting your nails yet.

So you wager we ain't going to see her again.

[holdthisground]

Good, because I've been working on this manicure all morning.

[Flat,dry, her usual fare. Then somehow more serious still:]

That's not what I said.