It was a popular decision. After the near-death experience for Simon and the near-hanging experience for Hank on Newhall, Mal had brought up the possibility at the dinner table, and been nearly overwhelmed by the positive responses.

“That’d be so shiny!” Kaylee enthused.

“Caleb will like it,” River added, rocking her son.

“Get a little swimming in,” Freya considered.

“No fish,” Jayne warned.

“No fish,” Mal promised. “But Hank’s found a small planet that’s got some deserted beaches, not a living soul within fifteen hundred miles, and even if we stayed for twenty-four hours we’d hardly be late at all picking up Badger’s cargo.” He looked at his first mate. “Zoe? You up for it?”

“Sounds good, sir,” adding as she looked at Hank, “Well away from temptation.”

He shouldn’t resent it, he knew that. What with the lying, and the … well, the lying was pretty much the biggest part. And Zoe wasn’t going to let him forget it that easily. Not that he could, not if he wanted to keep his promise this time. “Only temptation will be trying to keep my hands off you,” he said, smiling at her.

She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Shiny,” Mal said, slapping his hands together and rubbing them briskly. “That’s settled, then. Hank, put us on a new heading and get us to relaxing.”

---

The planet was everything the pilot had promised, and as Serenity’s ramp lowered, the clean fresh smell of the ocean filled the cargo bay, and suddenly everyone felt a little better.

“No wandering into the forest, though,” Mal ordered, looking more relaxed than he had in a while. “Least, not on your own. We don’t know what’s out there, and it could like young mechanics for dinner.”

Kaylee grinned at him, Hope standing by her feet staring out into the bright light. “The beach is all we want, Captain. Just to relax and soak up a little of the sunshine.”

“I’ve made sure everyone’s got suncream,” Simon said, coming out of the common area. “Here’s yours.” He held out a tube.

“Don’t need that.” Mal shook his