Author’s Note: This is an indirect sequel to “The Tall”. In that story, we find out that Wash is anxious about Zoë’s pregnancy, and Simon is scaring everyone with the risks he takes. That’s all you really need to know.

“Serenity Waits”

Out of all the funny things in the verse in the late afternoon, the preacher and the professional smuggler talked about ancient literature. Serenity was there to hear it as they entered her enclosure.

“I rather admire Virginia Woolf’s prose myself,” said Shepard Book while he and Captain Malcolm Reynolds were in the cargo bay making their way up to the mess hall. “Rhythmically, hers was quite subtle and strong.”

Unable to comprehend, Mal replied, “Were those pros strong enough to outdo the cons?”

Book took a healthy silent look at Mal and began laughing through his teeth. Mal could never catch what made that so funny. The captain was relieved, however, that Book had managed to avoid discussing spiritual subjects throughout their outing.

As they walked up the last set of stairs leading to the mess hall, Mal concluded that it was his turn to begin a new topic. “I keep catchin’ gossip on that Mei Mei Cluster. You heard any?”

“I’ve heard about their resources. The economy over there is booming beyond the experts’ predictions.”

“Sounds like now might be a good time to do business there.”

“That is a good proposal Captain; if only we had the fuel.”

Mal got a little snippy, and said, “Hey, no one’s stopping us from gettin’ fuel.”

“Come to think of it, there were noteworthy missions established in that region in space not long after the war. Many good things come from faith, Captain,” Book said with an obvious touch of pride.

“That figures,” said Mal with sarcasm. Book would take it as a compliment.

Their small errands on Persephone were completed, and they brought their groceries up to the mess hall. Mal had arranged an appointment for later that evening; he expected to land a good job out of it. The captain hoped Wash and J