The airlock door opened, and half a dozen soldiers piled through, their officer following. As Mal watched the Feds take up position around them, he could feel Kaylee trembling a little at his side. He put his arm around her briefly, giving her the support she needed. “Just hormones, xiao mei-mei ,” he murmured, and was gratified to see her nod.

The officer pulled his jacket into place and eyed each one of them, although his glance skimmed over Kaylee. “I’m Commander Ubermann,” he said finally, slapping his hands together behind his back. “According to the ship’s registry, the owner of this vessel is Alexander Ivan Rostov, resident of Osiris. Which of you is this gentleman?”

Dillon stepped forward. “None of us, actually,” he admitted. “But my name’s Dillon Malfrey. This ship belongs to a friend of mine, Alex Rostov. He loaned her to us so we could visit Hera.” He smiled a little. “Of course, I doubt he thought we’d break down, but I have to say I’m glad that you stopped to help us.”

“I’m sure you are.“ Ubermann raised on eyebrow very slightly. “But I’m sure you understand if I don’t just take your word for it, Mr Malfrey. Do you have any proof of this loan?”

“I didn’t know I had to have.”

“So you have nothing to show that you haven’t, in fact, stolen this vessel? Perhaps even killed the crew and the owner.”

Kaylee bristled, but Mal touched her hand and she subsided.

Dillon didn’t appear to have noticed. “Do you really think a man in my position would do that? And if you need references, I have a number of high-ranking friends in the Persephone legislature who would be more than willing to vouch for me.” There was an edge to his voice - barely detectable, but there, nevertheless, even though it was hardly more than the hint of a threat.

“Really.” Ubermann shook his head slightly. “And just why were you going to Hera?”

Breed spoke up. “We’re going to see the Serenity Monument.”

Ubermann smiled. “Where the Independents were finally put down,” he said. “Any