Harriet set down her carpetbag with a suppressed groan as the huge men barrelled towards her. Any one of her brothers could have given Jayne a run for his money in height and breadth and, indeed, Jonah had, about a year previously, whupped Jayne’s ass over a whore.

“Hey Jonah, hey Jake, hey Ged!” She said, forcing as much enthusiasm into her voice as she could muster, “how’s Pa?”

“He ain’t doin’ too well at present, but he’ll be awful glad to see you right enough” said Jake, “It’s good to see ya, little sis”.

Each of her brothers joined in the greeting, roughly hugging her to them as Hat tired not to breath in the overpowering odour of unwashed clothes, tobacco and old sweat. She would have been far more appreciative if they hadn’t been practically carrying her towards the kitchen as they talked.

“We stocked up on provisions” Jonah said, “so’s you can get to the cooking with no delays.” He shushed her eagerly with his hands onwards towards the stove. Harriet told herself she’d asked for this really, reached down her Ma’s old apron from the back of the kitchen door and got right to work. Without another word, but exchanging significant glances, her brothers melted contentedly from the kitchen. They knew from experience that good ol’ Hat worked better if not disturbed.

***

Mal ambled to the stove; one had searching for the coffee pot as he examined a piece of the cargo with the other.

“I ain’t saying as its illegal, Zoe, I’m just saying as it don’t look entirely legit, is all.” He held out the small square of plastic and welding, a random computer part stamped with a corporate logo.

“Yeah, I know what you mean, Sir. That Blue Sun don’t look too well defined. I’d say we’re talking counterfeiters.” She nodded.

“Well, then its best this stuff don’t stay on Serenity any longer than needs be. Go tell Jayne we’ll be moving out in around a half hour, just as soon as I’ve had a decent cup of coffee . . . Gorramit!!” Mal spat out a mouthful of the evil brew he’d just poured from