CHECK MATE: Black queen moves forward..

* * * * *

Although he pretends not to notice, Mal knows Zoe is watching him, getting ready to say something. Her hesitation confirms his suspicion that she's going to point out some failing of his as soon as she gets the chance. So he keeps his eyes on his plate. Might as well make it difficult for her if she's gonna get all critical.

Around them the bright chatter of the rest of the crew reminds Mal of birdsong on a spring morning back on Shadow and for once the memory of home is a sweet one. He glances quickly from face to face, thankful for each of these extraordinary people. For all they have given him, for how they've given him purpose again ... He wants to keep them all here, just like they are now. Wants to save them from their fates.

“What time we settin' down, Wash?” he asks, interrupting the general conversation with the brisk business-like manner he often uses to conceal emotion. “Don't want Badger's buyer accusin' us of bein' late.”

“Eleven or so, Agnis time.” Wash replies, streteching lazily. “Suppose I better go get ready for that.”

“Me too!” Kaylee says, rising from the table. “Wanna check how Serenity's landin' hydraulics are workin'. Think we might be needin' some new parts for her, Cap'n...”

“Ain't no money for fripperies, Kaylee,” he tells her sternly. “You best be certain we really need any stuff you ask for.”

Gorramit! He doesn't need to look at Zoe to feel the ferocity of the look she is shooting him. But he still isn't going to make it easy for her.

A little crest-fallen, Kaylee trails out followed by Simon and River.

“You gonna help Jayne get the cargo ready for unloading?” Zoe asks Book, signalling with her eyes that she wants to be alone with Mal.

“I don't need help from no Preacher!” Jayne protests, oblivious.

“Oh, I think you do at that, son,” Book says mildly, a gentle pat on the mercenary's shoulder propelling him towards the door. “In every possible way..”

“You rushin' off somewhere too?” Mal asks Inara,