This takes place one year after the last episode of firefly. The BDM hasn’t happened. Wash is still alive and River seems to be getting better. Sheppard Book had already left for Haven. The Tams fugitive status seems to be nearly forgotten, the Alliance has nearly given up hope on recapturing them. Sorry I didn’t mention that in the last one.

*************************** “This is the common room.” River said politely. “And in there is the kitchen, but we won’t go in there yet.” “Why?” he asked. “There will be a fight, Inara will get angry, and Mal will say something stupid. And so the process will continue another five times until finally they talk civilly. Then the Capt’n will cure because he spills tea on himself.” she giggled.

Brandon forced a smile back, wondering what in the world this girl was on about. He was unaware of Simon lingering in the shadows, watching him intently. River however was very aware, but she ignored her boob of a brother.

“Mal, these passengers could be dangerous.” said Inara softly. “Who knows who they are or what they want.” Mal rolled his eyes. “’Nara, River has check them out. Who knows you could even find some hoar business.” Inara glared at him. “No ‘hoar business’ for crew or passengers.” she growled storming off. Mal sighed and lent back in his chair, sipping the substance that Inara called Tea. He though thought it just tasted like hot water. He closed his eyes and smiled contently. “She likes me.” he said out loud. “How do you figure that?” Mal startled and the chair lent further backwards, he lost his balance and fell back hitting the floor with an almighty thud, spilling his tea all over himself. “Ai ya tien ah... Jayne!” “Sorry Capt’n” he said circling around him. Ignoring Mal’s request to help him up. Mal struggled to his feet, his shirt soaked. “This was my favourite shirt.” “I thought that was your only shirt?” grumbled Jayne preoccupied, rummaging through the wooden box of food. “No eating that till dinner Jayne, unless you’re cookin’ it” “But Mal” he whined. “No buts Jayne” yelled Mal storming of to his bunk to change his shirt.

“Captain?” Mal spun around and found Brandon and River standing at the door. “Well hello, River taking you on a tour?” he said slightly troubled. “Spill your tea?” he asked “Ahh yes…” he said smiling and retreated out the door. “You gonna help me cook moon brain?” growled Jayne. River rolled her eyes “No silly, Brandon is” “You a cook lil man?” Brandon nodded. “Yes, I owned a restaurant in Greenleaf, I was chief there.” Jayne smiled. “Well you wanna cook then?” Brandon smiled “I guess I could help you.” “Good.” said Jayne, throwing down the tea towel in his hand. “Never was good a cooking.” He marched out of the room. River grinned again. “Neither was I, but I can help”

“Where is that gorramn Doc?” Jayne yelled loudly. “He’s in the infirmary.” yelled an unfamiliar voice. One of the new passengers came into the view. “I’m Doug by the way.” he said holding out his hand. Jayne made a face at him. “That’s nice” and stormed of to the Infirmary.

“Doc I have a problem.” “Please tell me River to the knife to you again” “Ha ha very funny” “What do you want?” “I don’t like her talking to that new guy, it’s not safe. She could blurt anything out. He could even hurt her” Simon raised an eyebrow “Hurt her?.. You are remembering her little stunt with the knife Jayne” Jayne sighed. “This was pointless” “No… I see where you coming from, I particularly don’t like it either. But why are you so concerned?” “I’m .. I’m not cornered, I just don’t want her to leak anything out about of smuggling is all”

There weren’t enough seats for the whole crew and passengers to sit at the one table. So Zoë and Wash decided to eat in their bunks, as did Jayne. Wash gave his wife an extra plate and winked at River. “You’ll need it honey”

Mal was told every passengers name, but was sure that he would forget them in the next five minutes. “Complements to the Cook” he smiled politely at Brandon. There were a few more mumbles across the table until; a man along the names of Tom spoke up. “So do you always take on passengers?” “On occasion, if your asking if we are used to them, then I’ll say no. Some of me crew aren’t exactly welcoming to new comers. You’ve probably already met the big man called Jayne.” Doug nodded. “Not the most pleasant” Simon nearly choked, trying to suppress a laugh. Mal gave him the ‘look’ and he shut up.

River had positioned herself neatly between Brandon and Kaylee. And was more then amused at Jayne’s absence. She knew why he went, and she was loving every moment of it. Inara sat as far away from Mal as possible, not making eye contact. though Doug made eye contact with her. She smiled politely and looked away. “No servicing passengers” she thought and then a quick “Dream on”

The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence. Then Simon and Kaylee were ordered to wash up, and the passengers retreated to their quarters with full bellies.

>>>

“Zoe?” Wash said quietly, when they were in their bunk. Zoe’s eyes opened tiredly. “Yes honey?” “Have you felt different lately?” Zoë sat up. “What do you mean?” “Do you feel nauseated in the morning?” Zoë nodded. “A little.” Wash caught his breathe. “River was right” “What are you talking about?” said Zoë raising her voice. “Maybe you should see the doc In the morning”