A NEW GIRL

Wash was all smiles as he sat down in the spanking new leather pilot’s seat on the command deck of Serenity. There was the latest holographic stellar mapping display, upgraded computer system, bright, new, larger display panels, and the same old stick he was used to. Wash giggled when the new leather crinkled as he sat in it. To the right was a newer set of buttons he had not seen before. Raising his eyebrows, Wash thought of the possible danger in this mission now that the weapons and defensive shielding controls were staring him in the face. Mal requested that the targeting controls be placed on a separate console that would double as an engineering readout just in case any Alliance security decided to board. As requested, all weapons were hidden in shielded bays on the outer hull.

Wash felt Zoe’s familiar warm hand on his shoulder, “She looks like a new ship doesn’t she?”

“Yeah, it make s me think that Serenity needs a new pilot now,” teased Wash.

“Well she can have a new pilot and I’ll take the old one,” Zoe kissed his cheek, grinning.

Wash was smiling again, “Oh my goddess, thou are pleasing enough.”

Book walked into the cockpit, “WOW, everything looks so new. Did you see the new food processors they put in? We actually have real beef and chicken on board!”

Wash snapped around, “What did you say preacher?”

“Real beef and chicken,” Zoe said with amazement.

“Yes, and I was able to do some shopping on Acre…”

Kaylee walked into the small cockpit and Wash immediately blurted to her, “Kaylee, did you hear? We have real food on this trip out. Beef and chicken. Tell her preacher!”

Book was laughing as Wash spun around in his chair, “We sure do. It was stocked for us at the space station. And I was able to get some very fresh veggies; and fruit.”

“FRUIT,” Kaylee’s eyes blazed with the thought of oranges and strawberries.

“Hey did yall see what those cheeseheads did with the paint job,” Jayne said loudly as he joined the growing throng in the control room.

“We have fresh meat a