--Interior/Bridge –Wash and Zoe

“We’re coming up on Persephone.” Wash said from his comfy reclining pilot’s chair. “It’ll be great to have a little time alone while the Captain goes to find us some work.”

“It’ll be even better if the Captain finds something quickly. You know I don’t like being grounded for long. Makes us too much of a sitting duck.” Zoe replied, moving up next to Wash and handing him a small wrapped gift.

“What’s this all about?” He asked, rolling the package around in his hands for a moment, and then holding it up to his ear. “It’s not ticking, so I have to assume you’re not trying to kill me.” A small smile escaping from his jovial face.

“No husband-of-mine…it’s part of your anniversary present.”

“Anniversary…Don’t tell me I forgot again!” He scolded himself. “Time has a way of getting away with you up here, away from the constraints of normal routine.” He unwrapped the sloppily wrapped package. “Zoe was never one for decoration. She was as Spartan as they came.” He thought to himself.

The open present revealed a new plaything for Wash to add to his growing console collection of prehistoric, Earth-That-Was reptiles, a Pteranodon.

“For my man who’s like a leaf on the wind.” Zoe said, kissing Wash on the top of his head, and mussing his thick reddish hair. Then, playfully added, “So what didja get me?”

“I…uhm…well…I…got…you…something really special!” He stuttered. “Oh yeah, totally…blow you away. I mean, c’mon! It’s our 7th…”

“6th” Zoe interrupted.

“6th anniversary!”

Zoe was about to add some more fuel to the fire when the Captain came onto the bridge.

“We almost there?” He asked.

“Just getting ready to make atmo in about a minute Cap.” Wash said, glad to have the heat off him for a minute.

“Good. Zoe, I need you to get down to the cargo bay and prep the mule. I’m gonna have Book and River go out and get us some supplies.” He ordered.

“Yes Captain.” Zoe replied, giving an annoyed sidelong glance at Wash. “Ya got lucky this time.” She thought.