Since We Found Serenity (A Firefly Fanfiction)

Chapter 7: Kaylee's Secret

Kaylee Frye Tam stood in front of the tall mirror Inara had lent her for the berth she and Simon shared. The skirt hung nicely, the neckline was almost right—Kaylee tugged at the bodice till it lay flat, smoothed her hair from her face and smiled at the impeccable reflection.

Simon poked his head through the door.

"Captain says we're almost—"

He stopped at the sight of her.

Kaylee looked up at her husband, hope on her face, notwithstanding the fear in her eyes. He came to stand close to her, and she immediately reached for his hand.

"We're pulling into Hermes now. Are you ready?" He asked.

Kaylee sighed, caught the corner of her lip between her teeth, and nodded. "I'm just—"

"I know." Simon wrapped his arms around her. "Remember what we practiced?"

Kaylee nodded. "We take the beacon with us, in the stroller. The checkpoint is in the terrace garden of the museum. Once it checks in, we walk back out—oh, but Simon!" She clutched at him. "What if we get caught?"

"You won't get caught. Zoe will be there too, and Lief. Just stay with them. There's nothing to it. Just think of all the times we've done—"

"Hush!" Kaylee cut her husband off as small footsteps pounded over the grated walkway outside.

"Auntie Kay-Kay!" Lief called. "We're ready to go to the yuzeum!"

The young boy was full of anticipation for an outing full of wonderment—at least something more exciting than the limited confines of the spaceship.

Kaylee emerged from the room. Zoe awaited her, dressed in leather culottes and a frilly blouse—as feminine as she would go for a mission like this. She caught the dubious glance from Kaylee and rolled her eyes.

"I look just as fine as you do, and it's still in style," she protested. "I don't hold with being hampered by skirts in case anything happens."

Kaylee bobbed her head. "Whatever suits you," she said.

Mal emerged from the cockpit, grinning when he saw his first mate and mechanic all dressed up.

"You ladies make a mighty fine couple!" He gushed.

Zoe snorted. "That's what people are supposed to think."

Mal gestured to the door below. "We've docked. Are you ready?"

Kaylee nodded.

"As ready as we'll ever be," said Zoe.

"Let's just check in an be done with this, shall we?" Kaylee huffed.

Mal made a flourishing bow. "Your baby carriage awaits!"

Jayne trundled the vehicle out of the hold as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Globe's inside," he said, pointing to the mass of frilly blankets. A soft, steady beeping issued from the pile.

"So," Zoe mused. "The beeping will get faster as we get closer to the checkpoint?"

Mal nodded. "That's the idea; just like on Janus."

Zoe almost grabbed the handle, but Kaylee stepped forward. "Maybe I should—"

Zoe stepped back and waved a hand. "Go ahead." She held Lief's hand, and the two ladies exited onto the surface of Hermes, the perfect model of a happy family unit.

Zoe started coughing almost instantly. The dust kicked up by the low-hanging chaps and the swirling, ruffled skirts made her eyes water and her lungs burn. Kaylee calmly held a handkerchief before her face, breathing behind it like a filter.