“These men, they might seem amusing, but there ain’t nothing funny ‘bout what’ll happen, they reckon on who we got here. Mayhap they done forgotten, the Cortex going quiet an’ all, but I wouldn’t bet cashy money on it.” Mal hitches a grin, and there is the beginning of a gleam in his eye. “How do I look?”
“That was a real ugly shirt on Wash. It don’t look any better on you.” Zoe sighs. Captain has got the mood to play on him. “Maybe they’ll just laugh themselves to death.”
“Here’s hoping nobody gets dead.” A clang and a thump as they dock. Mal gives an elaborate bow. “Reckon that’s your cue, Captain Washburne.”
“Oh, I see. My ship, my fault...”
“But you got that air of command down so well.”
“Learnt all I know from you, sir. Mainly what not to do.”
-- C.C.M Ch 11 by SpaceAnJL