Chapter 7 Maggie came back to the ship after she turned Sadie and the wagon over to Miss Callie. Inara and Mal waited on the ramp, Kaylee was getting a list of things from Simon and River. “Lets go spend some of our credits” Mal stated looking around at half his crew “Where’s Zoë?” “Here sir.” Zoë said running down from the bridge “Shuttle’s on it way back. Be here in a few minutes.” “Well guess we can wait a few more minutes.” Mal said as he walked back towards the common room. “Aw Captain, can’t they just meet as there” Kaylee whined a little, she is in the mood to shop and the Captain had given them all a share of 4,000 credit. “Come on Kaylee you can wait just a little while.” Maggie laughed as she took her arm “Besides can’t afford to have you picked up again.” Just as they settled in to the common room they felt the shuttle dock. Everyone ran up to see what the guys have brought back. The door opened and Jayne came out holding a gun even bigger then Vera. “God Mal you’re not going to believe what we found there.” Jayne exploded with the biggest smile on his face. Wash pushed past him and said “He was like a little kid at Christmas. I’ve never seen him like this. Every box made him more giddy.” “I was not giddy. These are just the best damn guns ever made, a little out of date, but that’s OK. Don’t have to worry about them silly chips and they use standard ammo.” Book came out laughing “He was a little giddy” he said as Jayne ran past him to get another crate. Book walked up to Maggie and handed her a small wooden box “Jayne said this was important to you.” Maggie smiled up at him “Yes it has family papers and other stuff. Did you have to break the floor in?” “No, Jayne was able to figure it out, quite the little setup.” Book answered and walked with Maggie back down to the commons. “You know how to open that box?” “I’m not sure” she turned the box over in her hands “Did you two figure it out?” “Yes, but we didn’t open it.” Maggie handed him the box “Would you please?” Book twisted and turned the box until the top opened and then handed it back to her “I’m going to go help Jayne with his new toys.” *** “Got everything out of the shuttle – lets go shopping.” Mal said as he grabbed Kaylee’s hand “Every one get 200 credit. The rest goes for food and parts. Kaylee no spending your money on more parts for the ship.” Maggie put her box down on the table and watched Jayne’s face when he found out he was going to get part of the payoff. “Shiny! Not gonna need any more guns for awhile, might stock up on some ammo thou.” Jayne said looking at all the new guns. “Jayne, same thing for you – no spending your cut on ammo.” Mal looked at Jayne as they headed towards the cargo hold “There enough in the ship fund for that.” The group marched into the store and up to Marco, Mal asked “How we going to do this?” “You got 4000 credit, just place everything in the wagon and I’ll let you know when you hit your limit.” Marco answered as he walked over to Maggie “When you gonna be out of that house?” he asked stepping close, he forced her to stumble back. “told you, I’ll need a few days to clear out the animals and sort thru the house stuff.” Maggie answered and sighed as Jayne came up behind her for support and glared at Marco. “Fine, you got two days.” Marco glanced at Jayne and left. “You O.K.?” Jayne asked as he took Maggie’s arm. “I’m fine, but thanks for the support. Lets go spend some of the Captain’s money.” Maggie said “What are you looking for?” “Liquor and clothes. How about you?” “They got a sewing machine I want and lots of fabric. You find some fabric and I can make just about anything.” Maggie smiled up at Jayne. “Shiny, more coin for Liquor.” Jayne replied and started looking at the bottles along the wall…………….. *** “So everyone get everything they needed?” The Captain asked surveying all the goods that filled the cargo hold. Every one had a large pile of goods around them “Wash we ready to head out?” “Still have to fuel up. Where we going?” Wash asked while he fondled the silky red fabric they got. “We are heading out to Maggie’s house so we can strip it of anything we can sell and then get the hell off this rock. We got enough fuel for that? Everyone needs to clear their stuff out, as we got lots more cargo coming in.” Mal replied as he grabbed a box of books and took off towards his bunk. Not waiting for Wash’s response. “Captain!” Maggie shouted “Where am I to stay?” “Oh yeah, got a couple of small room off the passenger dorm that we can set up for ya. Looks like you’re going to need lots of space.” checking out all the stuff she had piled around her “What's with all the fabric?” “Well, figured I can make clothes to sell later. It will keep me busy, bring in some credit and keep me out of your way.” Maggie smiled at Mal. “Good thinking.” Mal looked at her with a new appreciation then headed up to his bunk yelling “Wash how long till we land?” “Ten – fifteen minutes.” Wash answered down to Mal.