(Notes and disclaimers with Part One)

******

Sleep didn't come much easier to the rest of Serenity's crew that night, so not very long after dawn had broken over Bountytown, they gathered in the common area for their early Christmas. After some slight awkwardness, the spirit of the season began working its own particular magic, and they were able to enjoy themselves.

The lanterns glowed brightly, and Kaylee had piped in some soft, festive music. They were all talking and laughing as the gifts got passed round. Book was presiding over the punch bowl, handing out cups of hot spiced milk, smiling paternally.

Even Jayne, a bit more bleary-eyed than any of the others, was into the spirit of things. He was handing out T-shirts--all in his size--that were garishly emblazoned with the legend: "My buddy had a good time in Bountytown, and all I got was this fei-hua shirt!"

River had put hers on immediately, right over her dress. It hung down near to her knees, but she didn't seem care, skipping around the commons in graceful little dance steps, showing it off, as her brother smiled indulgently.

Everybody was having a real good time.

Mal watched from the other side the aft hatch, trying to keep out of sight. He wasn't sure what had drawn him here after his restless night, still plagued by conflicting emotions.

Joy that it was, though, to see his crew happy and for the time being unfettered by worries, he was still feeling outmaneuvered and more than a bit pissed-off. Shepherd had pulled a fast one, no question, and his crew had rebelled in a way he'd never dreamed possible.

He'd punished them, for nothing more than wanting to snatch some happiness out of life. Damn. And here he stood, watching them pull it off, wishing he wasn't such a miserable, low-down bastard. Wishing things could be different.

But a person feeling all selfish and uncharitable had no right to be in there with them, spoiling all the fun. That wouldn't be in the spirit of the season at all.

"Mal?"

He tur