Mal woke up with a start as Wash wandered onto the bridge.

“A very good mornin’ to you, Mal! You sleep here last night?”

“Figure I musta. Don’t remember droppin’ off though . . ” Mal stretched and yawned, “an’ I don’t remember getting out no blanket neither . . . “, he plucked at the offending article with one hand, “you’re soundin’ a might more chipper this mornin’. We there yet?”

“Should be touchin’ down soon as I can get myself near the controls to land this thing . .” Wash gestured to the chair in which Mal was sitting and nodded encouragement. Mal glanced down, “oh, uh huh . . .” He scrambled out and stood to one side rearranging his rather creased clothing. “Figure I’ve just got time to go freshen up, right?”

“Just about. Go, go!” said Wash through gritted teeth as he fought with the controls.

***

Harriet woke feeling rather optimistic, or at least a little less jaded - even five hours sleep is better than none, she reflected. They’d be landing at Andover in a few minutes. She wouldn’t be needed as cook, but as general crewmember, to help with the off loading. Perhaps - a subconscious thought wormed its way into her conscious brain for a single horrific moment - with no other woman on the ship, she might take the opportunity to look more like one for a change.

Rejecting her usual khaki overalls, she selected an off the shoulder three-quarter length pink and slightly fluffy angora sweater which served to emphasise her narrow waist and small but shapely bosom and a pair of serviceable, low slung, grey flannel trousers. Tying her hair in a high ponytail and looking herself over with some satisfaction, she headed towards the action.

***

Ten minutes later Mal strolled back to the bridge looking somewhat refreshed and wearing a clean shirt. Wash was just bringing Serenity in to land and Jayne was leaning against the bulkhead making sarcastic comments. Simon and River followed in behind Mal.

“Right,” Mal was serious and businesslike, “We play this one straight, but no harm in g