Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. All characters are property of whomsoever wrote them first. No money has changed hands, this is strictly recreational.

Scene 1:

(Serenity. Bridge. River and Kim are sharing a chair and looking at the stars.)

KIM: So are they still looking for you?

RIVER: Not terribly diligently at the moment.

KIM: Maybe they’ve given up?

RIVER: No.

KIM: This crew can hide from anything, I reckon.

RIVER: (giggles) Now you sound like the captain.

KIM: That a bad thing?

RIVER: They have tools to find me. Peek a boo, can’t see you.

KIM: (pulls her close) I’ll keep you safe.

RIVER: You’ll try. It’s very sweet of you. Ultimately futile, but sweet.

KIM: I’ll still try.

RIVER: Carpe diem, tempus fugit.

KIM: Sheh me ?

RIVER: Life’s short. Make the most of it. We’ll be docking soon. (she crosses to controls) Let’s go gather some rosebuds.

KIM: Where are we going to find roses?

RIVER: You’d be surprised.

*****

Scene 2:

(Serenity. Galley. )

MAL: (to crew) Walk wary, all of you.

ZOE: Soon as we’ve made the sale we’ll let you know.

KAYLEE: There anything we can bring you back?

MAL: Word the Alliance gave up huntin’ us would suffice.

KAYLEE: I was thinking more foody like things.

MAL: Decent cup of tea?

KAYLEE: Done!

MAL: Don’t forget the mail.

RIVER: Shr ah . Kim can help me carry it.

MAL: Kim, don’t you let her get lost. No pilot, no job, dong ma ?

KIM: Yes Sir. You still dead to the ‘verse?

MAL: Wouldn’t be keeping to Serenity if I weren’t.

KIM: Should I ask around, see if anybody knows who wanted you dead?

MAL: No direct inquiries, but if you notice anybody carrying a banner says “Malcolm Reynolds is dead, hooray” you can take names for me.

JAYNE: Gonna be a long list.

RIVER: (rolls eyes) Come on Kim, I’ll let you pick the flavors. (She pulls him in her wake).

MAL: (to Jayne) Speaking of long lists, bring back the change. And no whorin’.

JAYNE: Gai s i.

MAL: Not today. Xie xie .

ZOE: Time’s wasting Si