Disclaimer: These characters belong to Joss Whedon but they've taken up residence in my head.

In “Objects In Space” I thought I noticed a flicker of pain and envy in Zoe's eyes when Mal told Kaylee he had no problem with her not killing anyone. It started me thinking about they way Mal's women think about each other and him.....

NOT GOOD ENOUGH.

Kaylee.

Inara's shuttle sure does smell pretty. Flowers and spices and somethin' warm and welcomin' I ain't never smelt nowhere else. And everythin' in here feels so good. She got silks and satins and velvets all over the place. It's like bein' on a central planet. Opulent. Luxurious. Don't get me wrong. I like my bunk just as much. More maybe. But mine's a mechanic's home. I've got a few girlish things like that ballgown the Cap'n bought me, but you can still tell you're on Serenity. Goin' into Inara's shuttle is like enterin' a fairytale castle.

And look at Inara. Ain't she just like a fairytale princess? So beautiful, with her dark hair and eyes and her milky skin. She moves like an angel. Poised, graceful and liquid. She's so classy. A Registered Companion, no less. Got all that schoolin' in how to please and how to make a person feel good. No wonder the Cap'n's in love with her. What man wouldn't be? She's perfect.

Hey! That's my reflection in the mirror above Inara's bed. Don't often see my own self. Not much call for preenin' in my line of work. My hair's working loose from the band I used to tie it back so's it wouldn't get caught up in Serenity's engine. I got engine oil and grime on my face and overalls. Look a bit like a scruffy boy.

My Daddy used to say I ought to have been born a boy. I was always tinkering about, taking things apart, tryin' to put 'em back together again. Always wanted to be a mechanic. Joining the Cap'n's crew was the best decision of my life. They're good people and he's a good captain. Always looking out for us, taking care of us. Oh for sure he likes to pretend to be a mean old man, but it ain't so. He's a real nice