“So Mal’s married, but not to Freya.”

“They didn’t meet, didn’t fall in love.” River looked sad.

Simon put his hand on her arm. “ Mei-mei , it’s just a story.”

She gazed at him. “Just a story.” She nodded slowly, then shook her head. “Stories have power. Become legends. Turn the tables on religions and overcome empires, and are remembered long after they are dead and dust.”

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and wondering whether two blood tests a day were called for, Simon tapped the notebook. “So what happens next?”

…

Freya sat down at the head of the table in the dining area, looking around at her crew and passengers. Her eyes alighted on the Preacher. “Shepherd, would you say Grace?” she asked.

He looked surprised. “I didn’t think you’d want –”

“Like I said, we ain’t had a man of God on board for a while, and I think some of this crew are in sore need of spiritual guidance.”

“Freya, why’re you looking at me like that?” Jayne grumbled.

“Was I?”

“That ain’t fair, Frey!”

“Shepherd, would you?”

“I’d be delighted.” Book smiled and dropped his head slightly, his eyes closing. With a calm voice, he thanked God for their food, and for their good fortune in finding passage. “Amen.”

“Amen.” The word echoed around the table.

“Please, dig in,” Kaylee said, piling her own plate with rice. “No-one stands on ceremony here.”

“Thanks, miss,” Mr Reynolds said, smiling at her. “It looks real shiny.”

“Kaylee. My name’s Kaylee, remember? I told you, Mr Reynolds.”

“Kaylee. And you'd better call me Mal.” He helped himself to supper.

Freya did the same, then looked at the young doctor. “Simon, how’s your sister? I saw you had a letter from her in the post we collected.”

“She’s good.” He added a few vegetables to his plate. “Bratty as ever. Worse, if that’s possible. The company’s putting on a performance of –”

…

“Wait, you’re not on Serenity?” Simon sat up, interrupting his sister‘s vocal impersonation of himself.

“No.”

“Then where