The Wayborn Skyplex looked like it had been built out of the remains of a dozen or more spaceships, all different, but all brilliantly lit with advertising selling its wares into deep space. One of the first commercial skyplexes, it was designed around a central core, where the cargo was held until picked up, and had several levels of shops, entertainments, even a whorehouse. It was also bustling with people, all types, ages and sexes, some dealing, some buying, and some looking to get rich without having to work for it.

Freya was following Simon, Ethan on her hip, Kaylee next to her, picking their way through the crowds.

“Sure is busy,” Kaylee said.

“Sure is.”

“And the smell of all that food … kinda makes me hungry.” The young mechanic sniffed the air, taking in the aroma of all the different food stalls.

“Best you wait ‘til we get back to Serenity,” Freya warned. “You have no idea what’s in it.”

“Hell, I don’t care about that!” Kaylee laughed. “Long as it tastes nice.”

“Philistine,” Freya said good naturedly.

“Who?” Kaylee asked, but her friend didn’t answer.

Instead Freya watched as a young boy cannoned into Simon ahead of them, then ran by them both – or tried to. She grabbed him by the arm and swung him around to face her. Handing Ethan to Kaylee, she glared at the boy and held out her hand. He tried to look innocent, but then to Kaylee’s amazement produced a small wad of currency and placed it in Freya’s hand. He tried to move, but she still held him fast. She moved her hand closer under his nose until he reluctantly, and with very bad grace, produced another bundle of cash and handed it over. Freya gave a small nod and released him, and he scuttled off into the safety of the crowd.

“Did you just roll him?” Kaylee asked in wonder.

“Serves him right for pinching so badly,” Freya said with a smile, pushing the larger wad inside her shirt. She took Ethan back from her friend, whose mouth was still open, then called, “Hey, Simon.”

“What?” The young doctor stop