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: Just some more build up before it hits the fan.

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Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter Four

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Frederica Cobb was glad to get off the piece of go-se she had ridden from Deadwood. It was the first time she had ever traveled off world and despite the air of confidence she wore, she was just a bit frightened.

The freighter had landed near her home. A rare occurrence. Frederica had been waiting for a chance like this for months. Her Mother and Brother already knew she was leaving as soon as a ship came by that would take passengers. Vera Cobb knew that her daughter was too much like her older brother, Jayne. Frederica Cobb wasn't destined to be a rim world housewife.

Frederica glanced around the busy port. Newhall wasn't her final destination but it was in the right direction. Somewhere around here there had to be a ship heading for Londonium.

During the two week trip from Deadwood, she kept to her room except for meals. The Captain was okay if a more than a bit stingy. However, more than a few of the other crew members gave her the creeps. She slept with her door locked and a gun under her pillow.

Adjusting the straps of the pack on her back and hefting her large canvas bag, Fred set off in search of another ship.

After a few minutes of walking she found a kiosk that listed ships that were taking passengers and their destinations. Fred smiled when she saw one ship heading for Londonium. Noting down the slip number, Fred headed across the port.

She shivered as she walked. Newhall was a much colder planet than Deadwood. Fred noticed a few furtive looks from the men as she passed. Tall like her brother, Fred stood just over six feet tall, h