“A puppy.” Freya climbed down the stairs slowly, her eyes on the little scene below.

“I think it’s a beagle. Got him from a place where … well, let’s just say he’s probably better off with us.” Mal smiled at her. “What? What’s the problem.”

“A puppy, Mal. You were the one going on yesterday about the impracticalities of having a dog on board.”

“Well, can’t a feller change his mind?”

“Change his mind.” She looked at him. “Did you go out specially to buy a puppy?”

“No!” He looped his arm around her waist. “I was doing some other shopping, and … well, I passed by this food place and … it was kinda sitting there, all lost and lonely in a big cage, and …” He gazed into her eyes. “You’d’a done the same thing.”

“You are an idiot, Malcolm Reynolds,” she scolded him, but with no real heat. “And a big soft one at that.”

“Kinda takes one to know one,” he said, grinning at her. “’Sides, look how happy the squirt is. She’s forgotten the broken arm.”

He was right. Bethany had settled onto the floor and was stroking the little dog’s belly. He was twitching, one back leg kicking out.

Simon couldn’t believe his eyes. “You did this without consulting us?” he asked, crossing the bay towards them.

“Just got the kid a gift.” Mal raised his eyebrows. “And weren't you the one goading Bethany to ask for a puppy yesterday?”

“That was yesterday. She’d have forgotten the idea in a few days time.”

“You think?” Mal pointed to the little girl. “I kinda doubt it.”

River had sat down next to her niece. “I think he’s cute.”

“You would,” Simon said.

“I always wanted a puppy. Mother wouldn’t let me have one.” She stroked the soft fur. “Maxim,” she murmured. “I always wanted a puppy called Maxim.”

“Another thing you two’ve got in common,” Mal commented, squeezing Freya’s waist.

“And you expect us to look after a dog. On board ship.” Simon was still appalled. “With all the things he could get into.”

“I seem to recall saying that myself not twenty-four hours ago,” Mal