“He did what?” Hil Dwyer stared at Mal, her mouth open, then burst into uncontrolled laughter. Harry and Pickett joined in, only Monty managing to control himself.

Mal stood waiting, his arms crossed, letting them get it out of their systems. He hadn’t told them before – just collected the girls and gone back to the ship – and right now he wished he hadn’t told them at all, but they might have some ideas.

“You always did say you wanted a big family,” Harry managed to gasp out.

“Yeah, but not all in one go!” Pickett wheezed.

“And without the fun of making ‘em!” Hil had her hands on her knees, trying to get air into her lungs. “Oh, God, Mal … what are you gonna do?”

“At the moment, I don’t have a notion. I was kinda hoping you might.”

Harry sobered a little. “Well, I’d take ‘em on like a shot, only I’ve got no place to put them. Kinda life I lead, I can’t exactly have little ones taggin’ around holding onto my skirts.”

“I doubt the missus would approve if I brought home six girls,” Pickett agreed.

“And don’t look at me,” Hil added. “I can just about manage to get myself and my crew work, let alone take on anyone else.”

“I know the feeling,” Mal said. “I’m scraping from job to job sometimes.”

“It doesn’t get any easier,” she said, her laughter of a few moments ago all but gone.

“Look, if you need cash –“ Pickett began.

“Ain't asking for charity,” Mal said quickly.

“Then maybe we do a collection. Amongst his friends. I mean, if, like you say, he’s left them with nothing.”

“He had money,” Hil said unexpectedly.

“You were in touch?”

“Off and on. He asked me to marry him once.”

“Was he drunk?"

“No. Sober as a judge. I wasn't, though.”

“What did you say?” Harry asked.

“Told you, I was drunk. I said no.”

Mal was surprised. “Would you have said yes otherwise?”

“Not sure.” Hil’s face took on an unexpected aspect. “Prob’ly have ended up killing him anyway, so better I didn’t.”

There was a moment’s silence, then Harry said, “So if there wa