Sorry for the delay folks, got caught up with the holidays, and even now, I should be running off to work, but I just can't stay away. Read, enjoy, and as always, feedback feeds the starving author!

The nature of this fic deals with situations that may be disturbing to some readers. Sensitive readers may want to proceed with caution. Rated more of a PG-16ish.

“But see, here’s the hitch.” Kaylee gasped at the familiar voice. “From where I’m standin’, I’m in a mighty fine place to blow the top of your head clean off.”

The two men jumped and turned away from their hostages for just a moment, to find a rather large gun pointed in their direction. And the man holding it certainly didn’t look too happy.

“Mal!” Jayne was both relieved and fearful. “How’d you know to find us here?”

“’Nother time and place Jayne. I will say though, that you owe River somethin’ mighty fine after this little adventure.” Mal’s glare was cold as he stared down Bill and Robert. “You all right down there little Kaylee?”

“Right and shiny Cap’n.” Kaylee was beginning to lose consciousness. Now that she was no longer alone, her adrenaline was receding and she was finding it difficult to keep her eyes open.

“So here’s the plan.” Mal turned his attention back to Kaylee’s captors. “I’m thinkin’ you start walkin’ away from here, so I can take my crew and be getting home.”

“Hey!” Robert immediately was belligerent. “We’ve been haulin’ that girl along for more ‘en a day, and you think we’re just gonna let her go?”

“Or,” Mal continued, “I could just shoot ya.”

“Now, now, there’s no need to go shooting anyone.” Guinevere stepped in to pacify them, but her renewed presence just angered Jayne.

“Don’t know about that, I’m thinkin’ that shooting you sounds like a mighty fine idea.” The more Jayne thought about how easily he had been played, the angrier he became.

Guinevere didn’t even have the grace to look ashamed. “There was work to be done Jayne, you’d have done the same in my position.”