“No,” Hank said firmly. “No way. You ain’t going.”

Zoe strapped her gun to her hip, finding it still did up, just. Grabbing her coat she headed for the ladder. “Freya’s waiting.”

“Zoe, did you hear me?”

She looked at him. “I’m going, Hank.”

“But you’re pregnant!”

“And he’s my captain.” She hurried up the ladder, Hank following literally at her heels.

“Please, Zoe.” He was pleading now.

“Hank, we have to get him back.”

“Frey’s not even sure!”

She looked at him. “Do you want to tell her that?”

“Zoe …” He put his hand on her arm. “I just checked the sensors. There’s one hell of a storm front coming through, right where you’re headed. The shuttle’s not safe, not in that.”

She didn’t shout at him, didn’t tell him where to go. Instead she kissed his lips softly. “I understand, Hank. But he’s my friend. And if Freya says he’s hurt, then I believe her.”

“But –“

“No buts. Even if I don’t go, Freya will, and so will Simon.”

“Zoe!” Freya shouted from the cargo bay.

“Coming.” She looked at Hank and touched his cheek. “It’s decided.” She dragged her coat on over the silky top, knowing it wasn’t going to meet in front, and this time not caring. She hurried towards shuttle two.

He glared after her, then stomped towards the bridge.

“She’ll be okay,” Kaylee said as he passed her.

“Is this what she did before? With Wash?” he asked, turning a pained look on the young mechanic.

“He’s the captain. If I thought I could do any good, I’d be going too.”

“But she’s pregnant.”

“Hank, Simon’s there too. You think he’s gonna let her do anything stupid?”

He closed his eyes and sighed. “It’s just –”

Kaylee put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “I know. So does she. You just gotta talk about these things when she gets back, dong mah ?”

“I do try.”

“Try harder.”

---

River darted into the shuttle behind her brother, closing the door as she did so.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Simon asked, staring at her.

“I’m goi