Mal had been jumpy for the last half hour and it was starting to get on Zoe's nerves. "Sir, could you stop pacing? Starting to make me jumpy, and I ain't the one who's got point for this one."

"I am not nervy about this! Easy peasy, that's how we do it. Get in, get the job done, get out."

Zoe rolled her eyes and sighed. "If you say so, Sir."

He stared at her. "Is that doubt I hear, Zoe? You think I'm losing my edge? Is that it?"

"No, Sir, that's not what..."

"Yer Ol' Sarge, finally gone round the bend, eh? Well lemme tell you, Zoe, yer dead wrong. We can do this, long as we keep our wits about us."

Zoe took another deep breath, one of many she was sure she would have to before this was all done, and refrained from pointing out to Mal that the hard work was on his shoulders, not hers. "It's just that...Sir, you've never pulled off a job big as this one."

Mal stopped pacing and gave her a huge grin. "That's why I've got you by my side, Zoe. You've always had my back. This is no different, ya hear?"

She realized there was nothing left but to agree with him. "Yes, Sir. Getting your back, Sir."

Right at that moment, Jayne stuck his head through the doorway. "OK, Mal, all set! Yer on!

Mal straightened his coat. "Right, then. Let's do this thing, people."

He walked through the door first, Zoe and Jayne flanking him just behind. Down to the end, just like they'd rehearsed it.

So far, so good. Zoe and Jayne stepped back, so that he could do what needed doing.

Then it happened. The thing that had sealed the deal, with no backing out.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today..."