Half an hour later or so after supper Simon found Inara at the infirmary door breathing heavily.

"Inara? Where's Mal? How long have you been in labour?" Simon asked.

Inara took a deep breath and said, "Not sure. I've been uncomfortable and feeling things all day."

Simon helped Inara into the infirmary proper and then to lay down on the exam table. He then covered her with a sheet. She was wearing a loosely tied kimono, so he didn't have to worry about restrictive clothing.

Simon got on the intercom asking Mal to come to the infirmary. He showed up just as River ran past him to help her brother.

"What's up?" Mal asked walking in and almost slipped. "What's all this wet?"

"That is Inara's water which has broken," Simon said as he got the stirrups adjusted for Inara.

Jayne said nothing as he followed Mal, making faces at the wet deck. He tried to step around it to see into the infirmary.

"Babies don't belong on a hard floor," River said giving the big man a quick look before going to clear sweat off Inara's forehead.

"Mind reader," Jayne muttered and River just ignored him.

Inara held out a hand to Mal and he came forward to hold it. He watched as she grimaced in pain.

"You sure she's okay Simon?" Mal asked worriedly as Inara squeezed his hand.

"She's fine Captain," Simon answered as he grabbed a pair of forceps to add to his equipment tray.

Mal had started to drift towards the end of the exam table.

"Captain, please stay at the head of the table," Simon said. When Mal didn't respond River gently pushed him back to the head of the table.

Mal said nothing as Inara's grip on his hand got tighter again.

Simon looked under the sheet as Inara asked, "Can I push?"

"Not yet. I'll tell you," Simon said as he palpitated her abdomen to see where the baby's head was.

Zoe and Kaylee drifted to the infirmary when they noticed how quiet the ship had got. Seeing the commotion they went to the lounge.

Why is taking so long?" asked Jayne.

"Cause it is," answered Mal. "Go set with Kaylee and Zoe."

Jayne left the infirmary and sat on the other end of the couch.