No money changing hands, no intention to cause trouble. Not mine.

*****

The crew sat comfortably around the fire after supper. It was odd, but somehow comforting to see Serenity’s mess chairs and tables sitting out in the open air. They dragged the chairs up to the fire once the evening grew cool and dinner was over. Zoe asked to be allowed to stay out with everyone else, and Simon had said she could stay a little while. Gowan stayed, too. It was the first time the crew had all been together since the evening they left Persephone. It had been a long, frightening three days and everyone was grateful for the company.

“It’s not the most beautiful spot I ever saw, but it’s servin’ us well,” Mal commented.

“Probably not what the Alliance had in mind, when they built it, but I kinda like the idea of the Alliance providin’ us with a hidey hole and a place to catch our breath -- for a change.”

“It’s been good. Simon says I c’n probably get back on Serenity tomorrow. I know we’re planning to stay here a little while ‘n I thought I’d take the chance to get my girl all pretty,” Kaylee said.

“That’s a good plan. Start by making a pass over the shuttles, Kaylee. This having Serenity out of commission makes me awful uneasy and I’d like to know we could run at least a little way if we have to. But there sure don’t seem to be anybody on this moon – or at least on this side of it,” Mal said.

“Mebbe so, but I ain’t plannin’ to give up watchin’,” Jayne commented.

“Me neither,” Mal said. “You want first watch or second tonight?”

“Don’t matter to me – but if I’m taking second I’m goin’ to bed,” Jayne said.

“Go on then. I think walkin’ around slow-like for a while tonight might leave me less crippled-up, and I gotta get back on them mares tomorrow,” Mal groaned and sighed through his nose.

“Mal, how did you learn to ride like that?” Inara asked quietly.

“Like how? Ridin’s ridin’.” Mal said brusquely, prepared to take offense.

“You ride exceptionally well and I think you know it. I was just curious