Freya stared into the empty shuttle, devoid of everything that had been Inara. Except the scent of incense.

“Odd, isn’t it?” Zoe said behind her.

“Mmn.”

“It’s going to seem strange for a while, ‘til we get used to it again.”

“When she left before, how did … how did everyone cope?” Freya asked, looking over her shoulder at her friend.

“Mal was grumpy, Kaylee was upset, Jayne was abusive –“

“So pretty much like now.”

Zoe smiled. “It ain't like she’s dead. And we’ll be back in a few weeks.”

“I know.” Freya sighed. “You know, this is the longest I’ve ever been in one place in my entire adult life.”

“You thinking of going somewhere?”

“No, it’s just –“

“I mean, you’re married. That probably makes a difference.”

Freya laughed. “Could have something to do with it.” They left the shuttle doorway and headed towards the galley. “I don’t see me moving on any time soon unless Mal does. And I don’t see him moving on at all.”

“Would you want him to?”

“No,” Freya admitted. “I love this boat. So I tend to see us getting old and grey on board.”

“And are we in your vision?” Zoe asked, her lips lifted.

“Oh, sure. You and your eight kids.”

“Only eight?”

“You got Hank fixed.”

“Ouch.”

They laughed together.

“So how’s it going?” Freya asked as they stepped into the dining area. “Morning sickness still an issue?”

Zoe sighed. “You know, it must be being out here in the black. No natural light. Only my body doesn’t seem to know when it’s morning, and I throw up all sorts of other times.”

Freya nodded. “I know what you mean. I had the same problem.”

“Did anything Simon gave you work?”

“Honestly? No. I just had to put up with it.”

“Yet you want to go through it again.”

Freya grinned. “For what you get at the end? Hell, yes.”

Zoe stroked her belly. “Kinda interested to see what he’s gonna turn out like. Me or Wash.”

Freya’s smile froze. “Wash?”

Zoe went pale. “I didn’t … I didn’t really say that, did I?”

“Actually, yes you