Firefly is the property of Joss Whedon and his new secret masters, blah blah blah. You know the drill.

Thanks to Guildsister and Apollo for beta reading. Feedback will of course be appreciated.

For those who have been waiting, I apologize for taking so long. I had a real bad case of writer's block.

For those not up on their Civil War history, the Hunley was a submarine employed by the Confederacy. As would be expected of an early submarine, the thing was a deathtrap. It was propelled by a hand-cranked screw and its armament consisted of an explosive charge on the end of pole affixed to the front of the craft. While you may think it sounds kind of stupid, it was sucessfully used in sinking the USS Housatonic. Alas, the Hunley also got caught in the explosion and went down as well.

Concerning the bits of verse, the first one is from the end of "Ol' Cowpoke" by Gary McMahon while the latter is the modified chorus of "Biscuit Blues" by Bob Nolan.

Previous works:

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After having spent what seemed like an eternity in the more God forsaken regions of the Rim, Serenity had arrived at the relative civilization of Beaumonde. Inara was particularly pleased that she would now be able to find work of her own. Since landing a few hours ago, her schedule had become booked for the week. In fact, she was just about to depart to attend a Unification Day festivity with the prefect's son.

"Okay Inara," Wash stated over the shuttle's radio. "You're clear to go in five, four, three..."

"Wash," Mal's voice interrupted, "has anyone left the boat?"

"Not yet," Wash responded. "Inara was about to go off to