Fic - Change of Command
Written for the Dead letter Variations:
Title: Change of Command
Fandom: Firefly/Serenity
Pairing: All canon pairings mentioned
Spoilers: For Serenity
Character writing letter: Mal
Zoe. You know I ain't one for words, so I'm gonna make this quick.
You're the captain now. Everything I had, my boat, my crew, it's yours. Jayne'll likely make a fuss, but you can take him. If you feel you gotta crack a couple'a ribs, don't hold back, Zoe, you put him right in his place. He knows you'll take him down, so don't make it personal, but Jayne‘s loyalty you have to earn (when you can’t afford to buy it).
River can help you fly straight, but hire a pilot. I know, I know, just do it. You want another body about the place, another gun in a fight. Get someone good, and take River along when you look, she'll know who to avoid, who to hire. She's an asset, mainly, but watch her. Watch her close.
You gotta take care of Kaylee now. She'll be torn up some, no doubt. Just distract her, make it easy, and make sure she doesn't let go of Simon. Speaking of Simon, don't let that boy get weak. Nag at him, don't let him relax or he'll soften, and you can't let him soften cos you're gonna need him. You're gonna need all of 'em. Don't ask how I know... not that you can what with me being dead an' all... but the crew has to stick together for what's coming. You keep 'em tight, Captain, and keep 'em safe.
And tell Inara... tell her something, hell, I don't know what. You ain't good at words neither, I know it, but you got the advantage of being a woman, and being a widow, so you tell her what she needs to hear. You two stay close. I need you to do that for me.
Keep my ship in shape, keep my crew alive, and don't let Jayne cook, ever. I'm serious about that last bit.
I don't know what happens to me now, but I go knowing you'll do just fine. Any faith I have is all in you. Stay strong, Captain, and I'll see you when it's time.
-Mal
Title: Change of Command
Fandom: Firefly/Serenity
Pairing: All canon pairings mentioned
Spoilers: For Serenity
Character writing letter: Mal
Zoe. You know I ain't one for words, so I'm gonna make this quick.
You're the captain now. Everything I had, my boat, my crew, it's yours. Jayne'll likely make a fuss, but you can take him. If you feel you gotta crack a couple'a ribs, don't hold back, Zoe, you put him right in his place. He knows you'll take him down, so don't make it personal, but Jayne‘s loyalty you have to earn (when you can’t afford to buy it).
River can help you fly straight, but hire a pilot. I know, I know, just do it. You want another body about the place, another gun in a fight. Get someone good, and take River along when you look, she'll know who to avoid, who to hire. She's an asset, mainly, but watch her. Watch her close.
You gotta take care of Kaylee now. She'll be torn up some, no doubt. Just distract her, make it easy, and make sure she doesn't let go of Simon. Speaking of Simon, don't let that boy get weak. Nag at him, don't let him relax or he'll soften, and you can't let him soften cos you're gonna need him. You're gonna need all of 'em. Don't ask how I know... not that you can what with me being dead an' all... but the crew has to stick together for what's coming. You keep 'em tight, Captain, and keep 'em safe.
And tell Inara... tell her something, hell, I don't know what. You ain't good at words neither, I know it, but you got the advantage of being a woman, and being a widow, so you tell her what she needs to hear. You two stay close. I need you to do that for me.
Keep my ship in shape, keep my crew alive, and don't let Jayne cook, ever. I'm serious about that last bit.
I don't know what happens to me now, but I go knowing you'll do just fine. Any faith I have is all in you. Stay strong, Captain, and I'll see you when it's time.
-Mal