Mal sat in an easy chair across from Lady Vera and her companion, who he thought was named Joon-mei. Jayne's brother, Mattie, was pouring tea for everyone, while Mr. Cobb was rubbing gun oil onto the shotgun. His movements were almost identical to Jayne's, even though Jayne didn't look a'tall like his pa. There was no mistaking he was Jayne's father. Mal figured Jayne probably took after his grandaddy in his size.

“So uh, you're a lady, huh? How's that working out for you?” Mal asked awkwardly.

Lady Vera gave him a wry smile. “Very good. I'm accustomed to it, being that I was born into nobility.”

“Right. 'A course you was... You got any kids?” He asked hesitantly.

Strangely, her face pales. “Yes. I had two sons.”

“Had?”

“Yes. My youngest son was killed at the Battle of Serenity during the war,” she said quietly.

Mal nodded. “I'm sorry to hear that”

She nodded. Another uncomfortable silenced ensued. Mal couldn't stand it any longer. “I'm sorry, but I gotta know,” Mal leaned forward. “Why the hell are you here? I mean, if you was here for the doc and his sis, you'd a brought more than that... scary looking little girl there. And even if you did free Jayne's parents out of the goodness of your heart years ago, you don't seem like the type to venture out here to the border planets, just for a cup a' tea.”

Joon-mei gave Mal a glare. Mattie said nothing but looked almost as offended as his father did. Mal figured it didn't sit well with them that he wasn't showing the fine lady the proper respect. Well, he never was one to make friends, so it was no never mind to him. Oddly enough, Lady Vera chuckled.

“Captain Reynolds, you are quite a man. Are you married? If not I would be interested in making an arrangement for Joon-mei. She is in need of a proper husband,” she motioned to the shocked young woman.

“My Lady!”

“What?! No!”

“So you aren't married. Does fifty-thousand credits sound good? For a dowry, I mean.”

“Yes! I mean, no! I mean...” Mal rubbed his eyes. How did he get hi