Diana says, “A Drive Coupler for a Firefly. It’s an ’03, right? Hmmm. I’m sure I have the design specs for one of those…” She spends a few minutes pushing buttons on the rather large box she’s carrying, rummages around inside, and suddenly lifts out a brand new Drive Coupler, then holds it out for inspection. “Can we consider this partial payment for my passage?”

Kaylee takes the immaculate part, cradling it like a baby – She looks it over, tears in her eyes, “ Bao bay… (Sweetheart…) ” Then she looks up at Diana and says, “You ARE a magician. I think the Captain may just decide you’ve paid for the whole trip!”

As they step inside, the mule thunders out with Zoë, Badger and Jayne on board, scattering people on the Dock, on its way to Badger’s warehouse.

Kaylee shows Diana and her Coupler to Mal, who immediately accepts both. “Well, now we have food and the part we need to get this boat working, all we need is fuel. Kaylee, get that Coupler installed as fast as you can.”

“As for fuel, let’s try the direct approach. Simon, can you put on somethin’ that will blend in a little better, and go talk that fuel truck into filling us up? I don’t think the Feds or anybody else will pick you out of the crowd as fast as they would the rest of us… Inara, we may need you to distract that driver. I don’t want him studyin’ on the ship or thinkin’ too hard.”

Mal has no idea how to pay, but that’s a problem for later.

The crew on the mule has no trouble getting to the food warehouse, but as they open the door, a single Alliance soldier approaches. “What are you people doing here? I have orders not to allow anyone in that building unless they have written permission from the Base Commandant.”

Badger begins; “But this is my warehouse, I have every right -”

The soldier is having none of it. “My orders are clear. Absolutely no one enters without papers.”

Zoë nods slightly to Jayne, then says to the soldier; “Well, of course. That’s as it should be. Just let us get parked inside, and we’ll straighte