Shades of the Past – Chapter 6 Discussions

Joss is the man. Owns it all. I’m jealous. No really, I am.

Serenity woke as she normally did, with power levels coming back up, people stirring, and work being done. Breakfast was quiet, with light bantering left from the previous evening providing the entertainment. Mal listened to it with a half smile, wondering how long it would last.

As the meal broke up, the crew headed to their various jobs. Kaylee went to the engine room, Simon to the infirmary, and River to the bridge. Mal and Zoe walked away discussing business, leaving Jayne and Inara to clear the mess, and wash up the dishes.

Which gave Inara the chance to talk to Jayne alone, something she’d been wanting to do for days now.

“Jayne, last night’s supper was just wonderful,” she observed, starting the conversation on a light note.

“Thanks, ‘Nara,” Jayne smiled. “Hadn’t really done that in a long time. S’prised I could still make all that stuff and it be edible.” Which gave Inara as good an opening as she could have asked for.

“Where did you learn it, Jayne?” she asked casually, washing a plate in the sink.

“My mom,” Jayne replied absently, clearing the cook vessels from breakfast. “She was a great cook.”

“Was?” Inara asked, a frown on her face. Jayne looked up sharply, as if realizing he had let something slip.

“Well, last time I was home she was,” he replied lamely. “I’m sure she still is.”

“Hmm,” Inara nodded, as if she weren’t really listening, but Jayne wasn’t fooled.

“Must have been wonderful, with cooking like that,” Inara added wistfully.

“Yeah,” Jayne gave the pan in his hands his undivided attention now. “Big family, you know. Had to start cooking early,” he added with a laugh. “Make sure there was enough for all of us.”

“How big a family do you have, Jayne,” she asked, curious.

“Three brothers and four sisters,” he said, now really intent on the scrubbing of the pan he held. This was getting onto dangerous ground.

“My, that is a rather large group to have to cook for