“What’s this?” Simon asked, entering the dining area, Jayne, Inara and Jethro following, all attracted by the smell of cooking.

“Food,” Kaylee said. “Gotta eat. Keep our strength up.” She picked up a dish of pasta. “Inara.”

The other woman looked at her, an understanding passing between them, and the ex-Companion nodded. “Of course,” she said, taking the plate.

“Momma?” Bethany tugged at Kaylee’s leg.

“Yes, honey?”

“Want to help.”

Kaylee looked at her daughter, then reached down and swung her up into her arms. “I know you do, baby.” She sniffed.

“Don’t cry,” the little girl said, putting a small hand on her mother‘s cheek.

Kaylee looked into the concerned face, with Simon’s eyes and her own mouth. She managed a smile. “I’m okay, sweetie,” she said. “Just a little tired.”

“Bed time,” Bethany said. “Story.”

Kaylee swallowed. “Soon, sweetie.”

Simon crossed to them. “Honey, come sit at the table,” he said softly, holding out his arms for his daughter.

“’Kay, daddy.” Bethany hugged him tightly, letting him carry her to the high chair and settle her in before going back to his wife.

“We’ll find her, won’t we?” Kaylee whispered.

“Mal won’t stop until he does.”

“I’m scared, Simon.”

He looked at her and she saw her own fears reflected in his eyes. “Me too.”

“We’d better eat,” Jayne said, sitting down in his old place. “Don’t wanna let good food go to waste.”

Simon turned, about to say something about certain things never changing, but stopped. There was an awareness about the big man, an understanding that was new. Different. “Jayne’s right,” he said at last. “We need to eat.” He sat down next to his daughter.

Zoe stepped down into the galley, surprised at the almost homely scene in front of her. “Kaylee?” she asked.

“Just making sure everyone’s fed,” the mechanic said. “Got a plate here for Hank, and one for the Cap too.”

“Hank will be grateful, but I doubt Mal will eat.” Zoe glanced towards the bridge. “He hasn’t moved since we go