The cargo hold was filled with the noise of hard work, determination, and Mal ever Arguing with Jayne.

“I am telling you, we do not need that!” Mal was almost yelling at Jayne, referring to the gun that blew his boot apart.

“Aw, c’mon Mal. It was lonely. She needed somewhere to go!” Mal gave Jayne a skeptical look.

“Let me see it,” Mal ordered Jayne. Jayne Reluctantly handed the gun over to Mal. Mal looked over it, held it, and gave it back to Jayne. “Why does it have three triggers?” Jayne smiled.

“Well, y’see, “he explained. “This ere fire the main gun. This actives a handy grapple hook thing, and thishere is the grenade launcher.” Jayne hugged the gun, and gave a look to his captain that that was screaming ‘Duh..’ Mal reluctantly agreed and let Jayne on his way (after banning him from laughing like that ever again...). As River watched them zoom off into the distance, she knew the boy would appear again. She was ready this time. There was a gun in her back pocket.

She didn’t have to wait long. She felt the familiar disturbance of air behind her on the catwalk. She looked up and saw him standing there, still trying to get the candy open. She smiled.

“I do believe that that is the first time I have seen you smile in my presence,” he awed sarcastically. “Then again, I think it is the first time I have seen you smile...” Then river pulled the gun. He froze.

“Now, answer my questions, or die,” she commanded, feeling completely in control. But, to her astonishment, the boy smiled.

“Wowy wow! you really don’t get out much,” he mused. “Listen, you need to think of something more catchy or threatening, or something. That was just fun-” River pulled the trigger, having enough of this. But, it was just not her week. There was a loud bang, but it was not loud enough. And instead of just red, she saw blue, and yellow, and green... “Another thing that would be good... check and make sure your weapons never say ‘novelty toy’ on the blind side.” River turned the gun over, and sure enough, in small yellow pri