The Treasure of Lei Fong Wu

Chapter Ten

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The shuttle set down into the cradle with barely a thump – not the metallic clang that was often the hallmark of Mal’s flying – and after Serenity hauled it into its nest, there was the satisfying sound of the airlock hissing as it equalized pressure. Moments later the door swung open, and for the first time in nearly a week they were home again.

“Oh, I am so glad to be back,” Kaylee said joyfully as she pulled her bag (and all the other bags she had acquired) through the lock. “I’m gonna stow my junk, then check out what they’ve done to my baby.”

“You do that,” Jayne muttered, his own bag slung over his shoulder. “Me, I’m gonna get some chow.”

“Didn’t you eat before we left?” Zoe asked, incredulously. “That was a pretty shiny buffet, back there.”

“Don’t often like to eat afore I fly in atmo,” the mercenary said. “Gives me the squeesies. ’Sides, all that rich food – it stops up my plumbin’ after a while. And that makes me cranky.”

“Even as a seasoned medical professional, I’m completely disgusted by that,” Simon said, shaking his head.

“When’s Inara due back, anyway?” Kaylee asked as she started towards her bunk.

“She should be here within the hour,” Book answered, sniffing the air. “It does indeed feel good to be back here.”

“I need a vacation from my vacation,” Wash said, yawning widely. “I’m all tired out, and now I gotta go to ruttin’ work.”

“That all depends on where we’re goin’,” Zoe pointed out. “You got a notion, Captain?”

“I do,” Mal said. “Wash, you go heat up the board. I’ll discuss it when we get settled.”

*

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*

“I’m thinkin’ some grits might be good,” Jayne was saying to Zoe as they headed for the kitchen. “Grits is just the thing to—” He stopped, and sniffed. “You smell that?” he asked suspiciously.

“I surely do,” Zoe said softly. “Smells like . . .”

“Breakfast,” agreed Jayne. “But ain’t s’posed t’be no one here to make breakfast.” He drew his revolver, which he had immediately strapped on wh