The shuttle docked, and immediately the door opened. Mal stepped out, with Simon helping Jayne through. The big man had rallied somewhat on the trip back, mainly due to being forcibly fed water with some glucose dissolved into it.

“You’re badly dehydrated,” Simon explained. “That’s why you threw up.” He shook his head. “And you should have come to me as soon as you started to feel ill.”

“Kinda came on me sudden,” Jayne said, leaning back on the bulkhead. “Just ached a bit, then … wham.”

“And what if there’d been shooting?” Mal asked, more than a little exasperated. “I needed to know, Jayne. What if we’d been on a job that went wrong, and you were needed? I doubt you could even hold a gun right now, let alone fire it.”

“I ain't that bad.”

“Keep drinking,” Simon ordered. “Or I’ll put you on a drip when we get back.”

Jayne grimaced and took another mouthful, swallowing it painfully. “Anyway,” he added to Mal, “this job ain't exactly ever gone right, has it?”

“Well we’re gonna make it right,” Mal said. “Taking it back.”

“Still think we shoulda burned it,” the ex-mercenary muttered, but only really to himself.

River was waiting. “Jayne.”

“Moonbrain.”

“You gonna keep him in line?” Mal asked. “Tell him he ain't allowed to do that again?”

“I shall remonstrate with him,” the young woman promised.

“But you’re going to the infirmary first,” Simon ordered.

“Hang on there,” Mal put in, holding out a restraining arm. He’d noticed movement in the cargo bay. Stepping to the railing, he looked over. “We got company?” he called to Zoe, who was watching Kaylee take a man and woman through towards the lower quarters.

“Yes, sir. Young couple.”

“Good. Get them settled in. We’ll be taking off as soon as we can.”

“Did we get paid?”

“Sort of.” Mal dropped the pack over the edge, Zoe catching it automatically. “I’ll explain later.”

She stared at the bag, as if it was about to burst into flames. “ Tzao gao .”

“Couldn’t have put it better myself. Make s