Part IX

Half a dozen times over the next couple of days River stopped outside Matty’s door, almost knocking, but stopping with her hand raised. She knew he was talking to Dr Nazir, but that was all. It was hard not to look, to peek, but what they were saying was private, no matter how much it might impact on Jayne. At least they hadn’t fought any more, and although he’d not joined them for any meals, the atmosphere on board was a lot better.

Now all she had to deal with was an increasingly edgy Jayne. And her own mood swings. And Simon wanting to stick needles in her. And Freya insisting she sit in on Bethie’s lessons. And … She sighed heavily. Maybe not a good time to be pregnant.

It was full night when Serenity touched down on Jangyin, outside the town, just a few hours different to the ship‘s chronometer.

“If you’d all like to reset your watches,” Hank called over the com, “it’s 8.30 in the pm, local time. Looks like you’ll be getting a coupla extra hours in bed tomorrow. I, for one, will be taking advantage of said sleep-in, so this is your pilot, signing off.”

There was a click and the com went silent, and River smiled slightly as she stood in the cargo bay, the doors open, breathing in the fresh cool air as she ran her hands over her flat belly.

“Gonna have to put something in that man’s coffee,” Mal complained, standing next to her, his thumbs hitched into his pants.

“I think Zoe will remonstrate with him.”

“I conjure that ain‘t too much of a threat. Think he’d enjoy it more‘n was seemly.” He smiled down at her. “If you’re planning on staying up, make sure we’re locked tight ‘fore you turn in.”

“Will do, captain.”

She heard him climb the stairs, then tuned, just for a moment, to his thoughts.

Wonder if she’s naked? Just waiting for me. No. Prob’ly not. Jesse’s last feed. Though it’s something that with the change of times she don’t wake us in the middle of the night. Still, might be enough for a quick tumble. He smiled mentally. Can be