“We’re losing.”

“Yeah, but that makes us more dangerous.”

“Can we take ‘em?”

“Of course we can.”

“You don’t sound too convinced.”

“Just one more push …”

“Our usual tactics?”

“Worked before.”

“Then let’s get this over with.”

The huddle broke up and Freya tossed the large silver ball from one hand to the other.

“I think they’ve been discussin’ us,” Jayne said out of the corner of his mouth.

“You think?” Mal shot him a glare.

“Can’t we just surrender now?” Hank panted, his hands on his knees. “I just want to go someplace and die quietly.”

“Didn’t think you did anything quietly,” the big man said. “S’why River and me moved into the shuttle.”

“I thought you moved into the shuttle ‘cause River didn’t want to live with all the women you’ve bedded over the years,” Mal pointed out.

“That too.”

Freya coughed significantly. “If you boys have finished …”

“You were the ones huddlin’!” Jayne was indignant.

“And now we’re not.” She smiled, making the men’s blood run collectively cold. “Ready.”

Simon, sitting on the sidelines with Kaylee, all the children around their feet watching the game avidly, looked at his wife. “Are you sure you don’t want to play?”

Kaylee shook her head. “I‘m enjoying bein‘ a spectator. ‘Sides, they don’t need me.”

“No?” Simon laughed as Zoe knocked Mal down, taking the ball from his hands even as he fell, tossing it accurately through the improvised hoop.

“Nope. Seems they can take on all the men, no problem.” She smiled at him. “ You could play. Maybe even it up a little.”

“I'm not much better than useless, you know that. And Jayne would take far too much pleasure out of telling me what to do.”

Kaylee grinned and squeezed his hand.

“Hey, old man,” Jayne called, seeing Mal struggle to his feet once more. “We too much for you?”

“I ain't old!”

“Well, I was figuring now you’re middle-aged –“

“You’re older’n me!”

“Only in years,” River said, smiling sweetly.

“Hey!” Jayne protested, turning on her.