Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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This story takes place four and a half years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

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A/N: Starting out slow. Please bear with me.

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Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter Three

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Dinner at the Captain's table on a liner as prestigious as the Shinon Queen was indeed a high honor.

Allan and Zoë entered the main first class dining room arm in arm. Allan in an expensive navy blue suit and Zoë wearing a black, sequined cocktail dress. A steward led the couple to the raised balcony where Captain Wu waited.

“Mr. And Mrs. Bryant, I'm so glad you could join me this evening,” the Captain smiled.

“The pleasure is ours Captain,” Allan replied, matching Wu's smile. Zoë did her best to not look like a fish out of water.

Wu led them to the large table where three other couples waited. Allan pulled out Zoë's chair and then sat beside her.

The Captain took his seat at the head of the table and began the introductions, “Mr. And Mrs. Bryant, I's like to introduce you to your fellow guests,” Wu began, “To your left is Professor and Mrs. Winslow. Next to them is, Lord and Lady Hastings. To your right is Mr. and Mrs. Andreyiev.”

Allan nodded in greeting as a waiter placed glasses of champagne in front of he and Zoë. Allan smiled as his wife eyed the beverage warily. Zoë decided that she would speak as little as possible if she could help it. Allan sensed Zoë's unease.

“Mr. Bryant?” Lady Hastings asked, “What is it that you do?”

“That depends on the day,” Allan chuckled, “Businessman, engineer, pilot or my newest job... father.”

“Really.” Mr. Andreyiev said, “That's a job?”

“More like... a labor of love I must say,” Allan replied.

“How old is your child?” Lady Hastings asked.

“Sara is three and a half months,” Zoë said, speakin