The conversation flowed around the dinner table, exchanges breaking off from the main group, odd words and half-arguments drawing attention before the discussion slipped smoothly on. Fiddler snuffled for titbits around the edge, while Maoli lay across Ethan’s lap, accepting tiny, delicate mouthfuls as her due. Only the children were quiet, concentrating on eating as much as possible, Bethie in particular shovelling as hard as her spoon would allow, her new braids swinging around her ears.

At the top of the table:

River, Mal and Jez …

“I don’t know why he does it.”

“All kids go through a phase like that, xiao nu .”

“I didn’t.”

“I did. I seem to recall a time back on Shadow when my Ma couldn’t turn around but I had something stuck up my nose.”

“But why?”

“Just ‘cause it seemed to fit.”

“And they say I’m crazy?”

“I know what Mal means, though. Personally I used to try and eat things. Earth, twigs, bugs … just to see what they tasted like. And you can stop looking at me like that, River.”

“And to think I used to like you …”

Half-way down:

Kaylee, Marcel, Simon and Hank…

“So just let the filter sit for another half hour and you’ll be up and plaguing the ‘verse again.”

“Plaguing? You make it sound like I'm some kind of bacteria.”

“If’n you are, I’m thinking there’s no cure for you.”

“Doc, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t think I’m gonna steal your wife away from you after all.”

“Your loss is definitely my gain.”

“Aw, honey …”

“Do you have to do that at the dinner table?”

“You think that’s bad? Some of the stuff I happen to catch sight of when I’m heading up for my shift, it’s enough to make you go blind. And a pilot needs his eyes, too.”

“I’ll tell Zoe on you, Hank.”

“Aw, Kaylee …”

At the heel:

Jayne, Laura and Ida …

“The guy didn’t know what he had.”

“And you didn’t think to tell him?”

“Nah. Got me a good gun for half the price.”

“And what’s this one’s name?”

“Not sure. Maybe I’ll call it