Jayne, Derria and Zoe are seated around the table. Mal is standing at the counter in the kitchen opening a can of something. Jayne has been telling a story.

Jayne: …and that’s how I knew they was a fake, and ratted us out.

Zoe: Even with the camouflage?

Jayne…I guess I just used my mercenary skills, and it all was clear.

Derria: Did they smell?

Jayne: What’s that matter?

Derria: Pheromones, they play a huge part in the brain deciding on which instincts to follow, how you think Reavers know where you are when they aint seen where you been.

Mal has been listening and raises his eyebrows in interest when Jayne looks over at Mal at Derria’s comment. Zoe continues the conversation as Inara enters the kitchen. It is definitely awkward.

Zoe: So what happened to the pay off?

Inara walks in and straight to the cupboard, seeing Mal in the room she gives him the cold shoulder. Taking out a cup she turns to stand next to him and slams the cup down to make a cup of tea. She is thudding her movements.

Mal: So this is how its gonna be?

There is no answer.

Mal cont: Zoe, you think this is how its gonna be?

Zoe: Yup.

Mal: Nara…

Inara: I do not have anything other than business to discuss with you, seeing we do not have any other kind of relationship other than professional otherwise I am sure I would have been informed if not consulted before your last job.

With this she snatches the can out of Mal’s hands finishes opening it for him and storms out the kitchen.

Zoe: How it’s gonna be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Serenity is planet bound, and Simon and Kaylee have been out and about. Hand in hand the return to Serenity’s Cargo bay. Mal is waiting.

Mal: Aphrodite’s evil spawn.

Kaylee: Capt’n.

Simon: We uh managed to stumble across some work if you’re interested?

Kaylee: Simon no….

Mal: Always interested in work, not so keen on making another enemy amongst the women folk on the crew however.

Kaylee: (To Simon) It won’t work, don’t even explain please…

Simon: Yes