Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon. I only play with them because I love them.

THE WEDJAT EYE: PT 3

“Hey, Cap'n!” Kaylee's cheery salutation made him crack his temple against the side of the engine.

“Wang da ban!” he muttered, pressing down on the developing bump. He stayed where he lay, under the turbine, with the ship's manual open at his side. If he didn't encourage her, perhaps she'd go away. Being alone with Kaylee just now made him agitated. He hoped the feeling would pass because he missed the easy affection they shared. But for the time being he didn't want to let her look into his eyes.

Kaylee crouched down beside him. “What'ya doin'?” she asked amiably, then a little sternly, “You ain't touched nothin', have you? 'Cos the engine's her heart, you know. Without that, you ain't got nothin'.”

“I ain't broken anythin', if that's what you're implying,” he replied grumpily. “Thought it was about time I learnt how to take care of Serenity.”

Silence. Then a small voice asking “Isn't that what I'm for? To take care of her?” Then, as she started putting two and two together, “Oh no! Is something wrong? Have I let her break down again?”

“No, no. It ain't nothin' like that. Just don't want to always have to be relyin' on you to keep my own boat flyin' is all.” He regretted the words almost the instant they passed his lips. Should have put it better.

There was a catch in Kaylee's voice as she mumbled “Are you mad at me? Have I done somethin'? You ain't thinkin' of gettin' rid of me are you?” When she was upset, she found it had to stop babbling. “Don't fire me. Please. I love Serenity. I love everyone here... Is it money? You don't have to pay me. I'll work for nothin'.....”

Reluctantly Mal slid out from his hiding place and stood up. Kaylee's lashes were wet with tears she was fighting to hold back. She shot him a pleading look but he averted his eyes quickly. He wanted to comfort her, but he didn't want her looking into his soul.

Gazing down at his boots, he fold