“Excuse me, Kaylee,” Abram started. Kaylee looked up from the engine and frowned. Passengers were not supposed to come to this area of the ship. Abram saw her look and kept talking. “Forgive me. I remembered you talking at breakfast about needing to clean out the resistor before we landed, and it being a long and messy job. Was just goin’ to offer to help.” Kaylee’s face crumpled with delight.

“You know engines, Abe?”

“Was my trade once upon a time ago, but people don’t look to hirin’ an old man no more.” Kaylee looked at him with sympathy and then handed him the tool she had in her hand.

“Age don’t make no difference ta me, Granpa. I’d be glad o’ the help.” She stood back and Abram became aware that he was being tested. He went to the open panel and unscrewed it. Kaylee watched curiously over his shoulder as he worked. After a bit she joined him in the task. The job was completed in a couple of hours, half the time, “You’ve looked after a Firefly before, haven’t you?” she said when they had stopped for a break. Abram looked around the engine room, taking in the hammock and Kaylee’s own very special décor. This ship was loved.

“None as fine as this one,” he replied with genuine feeling. “How’s the coupler? One I looked after was always gettin’ jammed up.” Kaylee loved it that she could talk mechanic with someone else without them looking at her like she was spouting another language.

“It was in a bad state when I came on board an’ I always had to keep an’ eye on it, but I finally managed to replace the whole thing with a Fitzwarren turbine coupler last Christmas. Ain’t had no problems outta it since!”

“Would’ve never thought o’ that,” said Abram, very impressed, “A Fitzwarren’s an old design though, how’d you get hold of one in such good condition?”

“I know people,” Kaylee grinned. “Like I said, age don’t make no difference to me – long as it’s right for Serenity.” Abram took the compliment as it was meant and felt he had met someone very special.

“You have a gift, Kaylee,” he said no