Kaylee’s smile could easily have lit a sun it was so big and bright. Even besotted with packages, and beginning to melt a bit in the afternoon heat, she was more than excited. She and Inara had had a wonderful day at the market, finding quite a few delectable things that they could afford, even with their limited coin, and tonight they would feast. Plus, she’d found a particularly special treat for her and Simon and she couldn’t wait to share it with him.

Having sped ahead of Inara, Kaylee hit the ramp and bounced into the cargo bay. Jayne greeted her first, his requisite scowl settled onto his features. Giving him her famous smile, she easily handed over some of her goods as she chided him, “C’mon, Jayne. It’s a beautiful day. What’re you so grumpy ‘bout?”

Grunting in her direction, he did not answer her, but simply moved towards the galley to stow the food, bellowing, “Mal! Kaylee an’ ‘Nara’s back!” on his way out.

Frowning at him for only a second, Kaylee hugged her special package to her chest and headed for the infirmary, guessing that’s where Simon would be. Seeing the room empty and dark, she smiled even more wickedly, thinking that he had indeed kept his promise and was waiting for her in their bunk. Giddy, she headed to the room, and opened the screen, her face falling as hard as a weight when she realized it too was empty.

Turning, she called out, “Simon?” There was no answer. She knew he wasn’t in the cargo bay nor the infirmary or his bunk. Heading up the stairs towards the galley, she called again, “Simon? Where’re you hidin’? I got a treat for us.”

As soon as she ascended the stairs and entered the dining room she felt her heart fall to the floor. Jayne was doing his best to look busy, having been joined by Zoe as they put away the supplies. Mal was standing at the head of the table, a severe look on his face and his arms over his chest.

Doing her best to stymie her growing fear,