“Mallory.”

The blonde woman sighed heavily. She’d heard the old ATV trundle up, and had been waiting outside her front door. She was surprised to see it carrying two men and three women, a not altogether agreeable feeling. “Jayne. I didn't think you were coming back.”

“Told you I’d get someone to see to your pump.” He climbed from his seat on the side of the vehicle, standing up and seeming to half-fill the sky.

She nodded at the man behind the controls. “Then I’m grateful.”

Hank chuckled. “Not saying I couldn’t do it, but it’d take a damn sight longer’n if I could listen to the machinery.”

Mallory’s brow furrowed. “I ... don’t understand.”

“He’s talking ‘bout me,” Kaylee said brightly, jumping down and tugging a huge sack after her. “I'm Kaylee, by the way.”

“And I'm River.” The young woman, little more than a girl it seemed, leaped after, assisting her with the bag. “I’m here to help.”

“Hinder, more like.” Kaylee grinned and leaned out of the way of the pinching fingers.

The dark Amazon was slower, more stately in her progress to the ground, but the look on her face was indulgent at their antics. “My name’s Zoe,” she said. “And this is Hank, my husband.”

Mallory felt her knees want to curtsey a little, but she refused to give in. “This all your crew?” she asked Jayne.

The big man had the grace to drop his head as if his boots were suddenly very interesting. “They’re crew, yeah, but not mine. I’m ...”

“Public relations,” River piped up.

Mallory had to smile, just a swift lift of her lips. “Is that so?”

“It’s what the captain calls him.”

Jayne coughed. “Anyways, Kaylee’ll fix your pump, with or without Riv’s help, and Zoe’ll keep watch.”

“There’s nobody to watch out for, Jayne,” Mallory insisted.

“’Cept folks as shoot others in the back.”

She glared at him, then pointed sharply towards a track. “Down there,” she said. “About a hundred yards. Can’t miss it.” She turned and walked quickly back into the house.

“Jayne, is there something w