“Freya?” Lee stood in the doorway to shuttle two.

“Just getting things ready,” Freya said, strapping down some of the boxes. “Don’t quite know what we’ll have to do when we catch up with them.”

“I’ve just examined the baby. Bethany.”

She stopped, turning slowly to look over at him. “And?”

“She’s fine.” Lee watched her relax a little.

“How fine?”

“Everything I can check for is normal. She’s a perfectly healthy little girl.”

Her face broke into a smile. “Thank God.”

“No, thank your Dr Tam. I checked the records, as you suggested. You know he’s been medicating her? Kaylee, I mean.”

The smile faded a little. “No. What kind of medication?”

“Immuno-boosters. Infection suppressants.” Lee shrugged. “He was careful, nothing that could harm the baby, but enough that he improved her chances.”

“Did Kaylee know?”

“Yes, I did.” Kaylee stood in the doorway to the shuttle, leaning on the frame.

“ Mei-mei !” Freya said, shocked. She moved past Lee to support her, bringing her inside to sit down. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I told you not to climb stairs,” Lee reproved.

Kaylee looked up at him, her face somewhat pale. “I figured who it was, asked you to check Bethany.” She smiled at Freya. “The menfolk, well, it wouldn’t occur to them. And Zoe and Inara, they’ve been talking to me, so that left you.”

“I just thought …” She stopped and sat down next to the younger woman. “I wanted to know she was okay.”

“I know.” Kaylee took her hand, squeezing gently. “And I know why you ain’t been to see us, visit a while. I'm sorry, Frey. I wish you were still waiting on the birth of your own baby, and I can only guess at how hard it’s been for you.”

“Kaylee, mei-mei , it isn’t your fault.”

“No. It ain't anyone’s.”

“Am I missing something here?” Lee asked, looking from one to the other.

“I … I had a miscarriage,” Freya said, the words catching in her throat. “A couple of months ago.”

“There was an accident,” Kaylee explained. "Wasn