Chapter 6

Mal appeared surprised as he exited the shuttle to the almost distant buzz of violins and the trill of flute, followed quickly by Kaylee’s bright laugh. He took a couple steps forward, and his mouth twisted as the thought crossed his mind that he recognized that piece.

“Gorramit, they’ve gone and made us all civilized,” commented Jayne disgustedly.

Zoe merely made a noise that sounded more satisfactory than not, and walked down the steps into the cargo bay.

No one in the kitchen looked up as the other crew members came in, but whether it was intentional ignoring or distraction was not obvious. Jayne was never one to stand around, and marched past it all with a grunt to sit down and watch Kaylee set up the pieces for another game of checkers, though Book had apparently gone to take some rest.

At the same time, Mal spoke: “Ahem? The job, folks?”

“Oh, right,” said Wash, looking up from where he had Simon’s encyclopedia in several pieces on the kitchen table. “So sorry, Captain, for entertaining ourselves instead of waiting patiently until your newest order came in.”

“We got ourselves a pickup,” said Mal, ignoring that. “The cargo’s waiting, and there’s a landing platform—bit oddly shaped, but I trust your skills.”

“Back to work then,” said Wash. “Party’s over, folks.” He rose with a little sigh and headed for the door.

“Didn’t say that,” said Mal, almost protesting but not quite.

“How big a cargo, Cap’n?” asked Kaylee, putting away the board despite Mal’s words.

“Big,” said Mal. “In fact, we’ll need to clear up some leftover business so as not to have the goods mix. Doc, your cryo box will need to find a new home.”

“I see,” said Simon, attempting to reassemble his encyclopedia, a slightly overwhelmed hopelessness on his face.

“Why didn’t y’ sell it on Boros?” asked Kaylee, stepping in out of pity to tidy up Wash’s leavings and hand the new and improved encyclopedia to Simon.

“Ah—” began Simon, and then words failed him. There were a few good reasons—no time, too su