“Now I don’t plan on this bein’ a long stop,” Mal told his crew. “Just a quick stop for fuel, supplies, maybe pick up a passenger or two.”

He had his crew gathered in the cargo bay, giving last minute instructions, before every one split and spent what little port time they had. It had been almost three months since the last time they were on Persephone and Mal wasn’t particularly keen on coming back, considering the sword fight that had transpired last visit.

Kaylee beamed at the announcement of picking up new passengers. “That’s awfully swell, Cap’n, we haven’t had a new face on this boat since Simon and the Shepherd came on.”

Mal rolled his eyes. “Yeah, well I’m not interested in pickin’ up new crew, just find us some passengers and make sure they’s nondescript.”

“Aye, Cap’n,” Kaylee said sunnily and gestured a salute.

“You okay with this short stop,” he asked Inara.

“I haven’t booked any clients if that’s what you’re asking,” she said with a smirk.

“I wasn’t, but thanks for the information,” Mal said with a smile.

Inara rolled here eyes and began to retreat to her shuttle.

Mal shifted his shoulders, smugly happy with himself for his joke and then worked his way towards Jayne who appeared to be carefully studying the list of supplies they needed.

“Problem, Jayne,” Mal asked with captainy assertiveness.

“Grenades ain’t on the list,” Jayne said half in anger, half crestfallen.

“That’s ‘cause finances are a bit tight now,” Mal explained, “I’m sure you’ll find plenty of interesting ways to kill folk if the time comes….without grenades.”

Jayne nodded begrudgingly and skulked down the ramp to the docks, more than likely mumbling obscenities to himself.

Zoe was the only one in the cargo bay, a restrained expression tightening her face.

“Whatchya think Zo,” Mal asked, a little less captain and a little more confidante in his voice.

“Persephone, sir? You really sure about this,” she responded as she shifted her eyes to him. “There’s plenty of folk who don’t like us or we don’