Fic: Abandon Ship (Mal/Wash/Serenity)

[xfirefly9x]

Title: Abandon Ship
Fandom: Firefly
Characters: Mal/Wash
Prompt: #012 Abandon & #059 Fire & Still flying
Word Count: 452
Rating: T+
Summary: "Abandon ship! We're going down in flames!" Wash's voice crackled through the static of the comm system.
Notes: Written for firefly_15_fics, coclaim100 and death_merchant. 15/8/08.
Beta: alvericff.

"Abandon ship! We're going down in flames!" Wash's voice crackled through the static of the comm system. Not an ounce of his usual humorous self was evident, but rather his serious side. Wash being serious meant it was time to be concerned.

Mal, rather than heeding his advice, ran for the bridge taking the steps from the hall two at a time. He grabbed the now unused comm and turned to Wash. "How're we going? We're not really goin' down this time, right? You'd better hope we're not."

Glancing up momentarily, Wash shook his head grimly. "Can't tell you that, Cap. This crashing thing is pretty definite in my mind."

"How's about out of your mind?"

"Same deal. We're gonna crash this time, no doubt about it."

Mal frowned and turned to the comm device. Talking into it, he relayed Wash's announcement. "It appears our time in the sky is up," he began, "so we're takin' her down. Could get a bit rough, there'll likely be some crashin' and then flames. You don't want to burn up and die, I suggest you get to a shuttle quick fast. Same arrangement as last time."

He turned the comm off, only to find Wash staring at him in horror. "You're planning on staying?" he exclaimed. "But the planet's just there! We're gonna crash!"

"It's my ship," Mal reasons, "and she's my life. She goes down, so do I."

"But, Mal! You don't have to die. Come with us."

"Thought you didn't much like me. Save me and I'll come 'tween you and Zoe again, with our luck."

Wash glared at him. "That may be true, but not for the reasons you may think. I don't want you dead anyhow, so why don't we sneak onto a shuttle before we crash and die horribly."

"Oh? There's another reason?"

Wash glanced at the screen beside him. It won't be long now. A look through the front window confirms it. He can see the planet coming up fast as Serenity shakes under the pressure.

"Fine!" he said. "I like you. Zoe likes you. Hell, all the crew likes you." He paused. "Well, expect maybe Jayne. But that's beside the point. We gotta get to a shuttle. Now!"

Without waiting for Mal to answer, Wash grabbed his arms and tugged him towards the door. Mal pulled away easily.

"Mal."

Mal stared out the front at the ever enlarging planet. He turned to look around Serenity for one last time. Patting her affectionately, he whispered, 'goodbye', and joined Wash by the doorway.

"Let's go," he said.

Ten or so minutes later, from a shuttle, they watched Serenity take her final dive onto the planet below.

Tears filled Mal's eyes.