Serenity landed gracefully on the Eavesdown docks.

Meanwhile, Captain Reynolds strode purposefully towards the cargo bay door. Most of the crew had already gathered, and Inara's shuttle had already made its departure.

"Jayne, Zoe, with me. Kaylee, passengers. Simon watch your sister an' the ship. No ruttin' til we're back. I want your eyes *open*."

At that, the corners of Zoe's mouth twitched, Jayne leered, Kaylee giggled and Simon went rigid.

Ignoring their reactions, Mal went on. "Tell River not to leave the ship."

The com crackled immediately with River's voice coming out of the speaker, "She understands... and comprehends."

"That's downright creepifyin, Albatross." Mal muttered, knowing full well she'd be listening in.

The com turned on again and the sound of River's laughter filled the cargo bay.

Jayne fidgeted nervously. "'Can we get goin', Mal? Y'know, 'fore she laughs us all to death?"

Zoe was sporting a full grin by this time. "C'mon, Jayne. Don't tell me you're scared of a ninety pound girl. Or are you?"

Mal climbed into the Mule. "Alright, 'nough chatter. Don't anyone enjoy themselves too much, now, not til we're done."

"I won't." Simon said seriously as Zoe and Jayne joined Mal on the Mule.

Kaylee just gave a wry smile as she went to get her umbrella and favorite chair.

********

River sat in the cockpit for over an hour, poring over star charts. The feeling of an imminent "shindig", the kind that involved guns, was only getting stronger, and she wanted to know in advance where she'd be going.

Once she was done, she sat back. A presence she hadn't felt in a year hit her like like a bolt of lightning, and she immediately sat up straight again.

"Impossible... Illogical. Academy reports are never wrong."

But there it was. The familiar brainwaves rolled over her mind, caressing parts of her she didn't know existed. She made her decision and flew down to the cargo bay.

Bounding past Kaylee (Who called out, "River, wait!), and out into to street, she stop