Time passed, as time tends to in the normal ‘verse, although River had a long lecture prepared on that very subject, with a slideshow and some ten dollar words that … no. The look on the captain’s face was enough to stop her. So suffice it to say that the clocks moved on, hair grew, and the distance between the Empress of Sihnon and Serenity increased with each day, and two very different styles of life were going on.

Serenity …

“She’s doing her best,” Hank said, “but with that cargo in her hold it’s like trying to swim through treacle. Each time we pick up a little boost or brake from a passing moon, the extra mass throws my calculations off, and … well, it’s getting boring.” The pilot certainly looked tired, nursing a cup of very strong coffee at the kitchen table.

“Could always dump it,” Jayne, ever the pragmatist, suggested.

“Can’t do that.” Mal crossed his arms. “Got us a payday waiting.”

“Badger.” For a big man the ex-merc could get a lot of bile behind a single word.

“Badger,” Mal confirmed. “Although I’m beginning to think maybe we should bury him under it.”

Simon, sitting on one chair, his leg resting on another, nodded in agreement. “I’ll help.”

“Can’t,” River said, drifting past on her way to check the bridge controls. “Might need it.”

Mal looked up sharply. “What’s that, albatross?”

She didn’t answer, just patted Hank on the shoulder, saying, “Get some sleep. I’ll look after things.” With that she was gone.

“You know,” Mal said musingly, “sometimes I wonder if there’s anyone real on board this boat ‘cept me. Maybe I’m hallucinatin’ the rest of you.”

Hank put his forehead on the old wood. “If you are, can I join you?”

“Not sure.” Mal looked at Simon. “Can hallucinations hallucinate?”

The doctor shrugged. “I wouldn’t dare to give an opinion. Seeing as I’m one as well.”

“Maybe I should ask your sis.”

“She’s just having an untied day,” Jayne said, picking at his teeth with one fingernail.

“Untied. Good word.”

“She’s wo