Forty hours later, Serenity was that much closer to Persephone, and Becca had been prying into almost everyone’s affairs.

She’d spent pretty much all of the first day in the engine room, asking questions about Serenity, about the accelerator core, passing tools as needed.

“You know a bit more’n I’d’a thought about engines,” Kaylee declared, impressed.

“I’ve had to. Moving around like I do, sometimes it’s the only thing between me and the great black out there. Besides, some of the engineers I've been around have been cute, too.” She laughed. “If I hadn’t learned to talk about catalyzers and pin locks, I wouldn’t’ve had nearly as good a time.”

“Know what you mean.” Kaylee wiped her hands on a cloth at her waist, remembering her first time on board, and silently thanking Bester. Without him, she not only prob’ly be dirtside still, but she wouldn’t have Simon, Bethie and Hope. “Although I ain't an engineer. Just a mechanic.”

“I don’t think there’s anything just about you.” Becca grinned. “Anyone who can keep a Firefly in the air should have the title to go with it.”

“I don’t mind,” the young woman said, feeling the blush warming her cheeks. “And I love this boat. Have since the moment I set my eyes on her.”

“I can see why.” Becca looked around at the old metal, paint covering some parts, rust others, unable to keep a trace of condescension out of her voice.

Kaylee bridled a little. “Oh, I know she maybe ain't the newest thing around, but she’s home.”

Becca smiled. “Home to a lot of people. That big guy … Jayne, is it?”

“That’s him.”

“How come the name?”

Kaylee shrugged. “Wouldn’t know. Don’t even think about that now. He’s just Jayne.”

“I suppose it was his parents’ idea of a joke.”

“Nope. His parents … well, I met his Ma. She was a real nice lady, and I don’t think she was gonna do that to a son of hers.”

“But then why –“

“I don’t know!” Kaylee sounded a little exasperated. “Look, Becca, we’re just folks. We don’t care what happened befo