Booted footsteps sounded on the grated steel deck.

“That was quick.”

“Yeah, Zoe,” Malcolm Reynolds told his first officer as they exited the piloting section of the ship. It also headed up communications, “It was. Practically snatched it up, I’d say. But at this low a score, he’d be a stupid not to.”

“Low score all around it seems, even for our new contact,” Zoe Warren told him, “So the plan is as we laid out then. He offered a little more in the end, not much, but a little more…” she said hopefully…

The two were a study in contrasts. The captain had a tall sturdy frame, a light complexion, and an ordinarily handsome face crowned with fine brown flyaway hair. Zoe’s skin was much darker, her frame feminine and strong, her face exotically beautiful set with large dark eyes. They had a depth of history that their friendship was built on. Nothing suggestive, only a war that they happened to be on the losing side of.

“Honest work for honest pay,” The captain said, “And it’s still not enough to fill Serenity for the trip, fuel costs money, as much as I wish it were otherwise.” Mal paused, “And we already had this discussion, didn’t we?”

“And I reckon we’ll have it a few more times before you leave, captain,” Zoe said without flinching, “Your plan needs work. I’d go so far to say that it…”

“It what?” Mal asked suddenly, “It sucks?” he feigned a little hurt in his voice, but Zoe knew him too good to even register it.

Her dark arms crossed her chest, “You could say that, sir,” but it might as well as been her saying that very same thing.

“We’ve had worst,” He stood with her, stretching his suspenders with his thumbs, “All I’m doing is substituting a little more lonesomeness for a little fuel. Kaylee and Wash think that the shuttle can do it. They said so last night when we talked…”

“Think is a might far from will, captain. Kaylee and my husband don’t have the responsibility of looking after you,” She folded her arms, “Nor the experience to do so…”

“Carried me on your back the whole war did you?”