Chapter 4

Mal paced the bridge behind Wash, irritating the other man.

“How soon-”

“If you ask me when we’ll be there again, I will turn this ship around!” Wash yelled, manipulating the controls. “You’re bugging the crap out of me. Why don’t you find something else to do?”

“Do I need to remind you who’s captain of this ship?”

“No, sir, sir!” Wash stood and gave a mock salute. “Do I have to remind you who flies this ship? We won’t get to Markham any faster with you breathing in my ear," here he paused, giving Mal a cheeky grin, "sexy as it is.”

Mal almost argued, then broke into a grin.

“Something you should tell Zoe?”

Wash laughed and sat back down.

“It wouldn’t matter. She’d just tell me to save the good stuff for the schedule.”

Mal sat in the co-pilot seat.

“She’s really got you on a baby-makin’ schedule?”

Wash blew out his breath loudly.

“Ye Gods, yes! She got together with Simon and came up with her ‘optimal fertility times’. Down to the gorram hour.”

Mal grinned at his pilot.

“All that sexin’… Must be terrible.”

Wash shook his head.

“Not that I’m interested in discussing your second’s sex life, mostly ‘cause she might kill me… But… It’s not the… love-making… It’s my lack of-”

“Ability?” Mal threw in, trying to lighten the mood.

Wash gave him a cocky look.

“You can ask her yourself about my ‘ability’.”

Mal grimaced.

“Thanks, but no.”

Wash's face became serious.

“Anyway, it’s the niggling doubt.”

Mal thought he understood.

“You ain’t sure you’re doing the right thing.”

Wash looked uncertain.

“I’m semi sure. Almost.”

“You tell Zoe that?”

Wash looked at Mal blankly.

“I guess not,” Mal said.

Wash continued, “Why are we having this conversation?”

“Who else would you have it with? Not Zoe, apparently. Jayne? Simon? Kaylee?” He paused. Maybe Xiaofan… But she’s been keeping to herself lately.”

Wash grinned again.

“I heard a rumor about the good doctor number two.”

“A rumor? On Serenity? Shoc