“So what was your first time, Mal?” Hank asked, wiping his plate around with a piece of bread.

Serenity’s captain sat back, his mouth twitching. “Why should I let you in on that, I wonder?”

“Come on,” the pilot said. “We’ve all told the tale. Me and Risa, Jayne and … what was her name?”

“Dorinda.”

“Yeah, that was it. Nice name.” He smiled at the big man, but only got a glare in return. It had been like this for the past five days since they left the Keyser Skyplex, and although he knew why, he wasn't about to tell anyone else. He turned back to Mal. “So it’s not fair. Even Zoe confessed. Now it’s your turn.”

Mal chuckled. “Well, I have to say, it’s a sorry story.”

“We’re all ears.”

“Rustlers.”

“What?”

“Cattle rustlers. We’d been having trouble with them, and not just us, but neighbouring ranches too, so me and a friend of mine, Pete Mahoney, decided to do something about it.”

“And you got shot?”

“Heroically.”

“How old were you?”

“All of fifteen.” The chuckle became a laugh. “Damn, but it hurt.”

“I’ll bet.”

“What did your Ma say?” Kaylee asked, her eyes wide and bright.

“I seem to recall some harsh words being bandied about, least until she called the local doc.”

“And which one of your many scars is thanks to that little escapade?” Simon put in.

“That, I’m afraid to say, is something you’re never gonna find out.”

“Spoilsport,” Hank said goodnaturedly, eating the last of his bread.

Mal felt Freya’s eyes on him, and he turned his head enough to be able to look at her. There was a smile on her lips, and yet again he cursed her abilities.

What’s it worth not to tell them rustlers weren’t involved? he heard in his mind, a definite laugh amongst the words.

We had rustlers at that time!

Yes, but you got shot in the ass by your friend Pete when you were out duck hunting. And I think everyone should know that.

Don’t you dare. He saw the smile widen and her mouth open, so he said quickly to Simon, “And how’s our latest pa