“Please, that man doesn’t know what he wants.” Kaylee finally stopped recording. ”Ain’t right, you leavin’.”

“Kaylee,” Inara smiled, ”I’ll miss you too, mei-mei.”

“Ain’t me, what’s this gonna do to the Cap’n?”

Inara turned, “Will you tell him I’m ready, please?”

He was sitting in the dark at the dining table. “Cap’n?”

He nodded permission, but didn’t turn.

“If you’re gonna talk to ‘Nara…”

“Kaylee,” he said, voice thick, “don’t.”

“She’s ready,” Kaylee said and slipped the capture next to him on the table. He stared at it and took another swig of his drink.

Proof of wasted time.