The plan hadn’t worked but the job had actually ended well. Though there had been shooting, for once no-one on the crew was shot, and at last they had got paid.

Everyone had plans about what they were going to do when they got planet side. In the common area Kaylee and Inara were talking pretties, Book and Simon medicine. Simon wanted to go look for a particular medicine for River but didn’t want to chance taking her with him.

“Give River some money and she can come shopin’ with me” suggested Kaylee

“I don’t usually give River money, do I mei mei?” smiled Simon

Three female voices spoke at once “You what?”

“Duck for cover” murmured Wash to the Captain.

“No coin to buy girl stuff?” demanded Kaylee looking disgusted

“She’s nearly eighteen Simon” said Inara quietly.

Even Zoe showed some expression, looking at him in an annoyed way.

Simon didn’t really understand their anger and was trying to be reasonable “River is not always dependable ladies” he said “trusting her with money doesn’t sound like a good idea”

Above the argument River’s voice was calm “I have some money” she stated, putting a small stack of coins on the table.

“River” Simon was concerned “where did you get the money? You didn’t steal it, did you?”

"Jayne gave me the money" said River

Simon was alarmed and furious “Why would he give you money” What did he do? What happened?”

“Hold it” said the Shepherd calmly “and let’s get the story properly from the beginning. River, child why did Jayne give you the money? Is this the first time?”

“Kaylee’s birthday” answered River “she’s nice to me. I wanted to buy her a present.” River was well aware that at first Jayne had given her the money because the gift was for Kaylee. When he eventually realized that she never had any money to spend he had been angry on her behalf. That was something she hadn’t expected. He’d done lots of muttering about rich core people and no idea about money, and had surprised her again when he proceeded to give her a lecture about the way to behave when shopping.

She