“There.” Inara let Kaylee's hair fall and picked an intricately-framed hand-held mirror off the table. “How does that look?” she asked, holding it behind Kaylee's head.

Kaylee looked into the standing mirror before her. “Ooh, how elaborate!” she said. “Do you think Simon will like it?”

“I think Simon would like you in a space suit, covered in engine grease, after you hadn't bathed for sixteen days,” Inara replied. “But yes, I think he'll find you particularly attractive now.”

“Thanks!” said Kaylee, standing up. “Is there anything I can help you with?”

Inara shook her head. “I don't think you could help, at this point.”

“What is—oh,” Kaylee said, getting to her feet. “You never know. Especially with this crew. But you've got to go out and get what you want, if you really want it. That's what Dad always said.”

“Thanks, Kaylee,” Inara said, “But I'm not sure anything can help at this point.”

“You're not thinking of going back to Sihnon, are you?” Kaylee asked.

“If I went back, it would be forever,” Inara said sadly. “That is, if the Guild would even take me again. They're strict about these things, and running with outlaws is not something they approve of.”

“I'm sure you'd land on your feet wherever you went,” Kaylee said. “But I wish you'd stay here.”

A knock came on the shuttle door. “Come in!” Inara called.

The door slid open and River entered the shuttle. She'd exchanged the red dress for her gold-colored robe, and was running a comb through her still-damp hair. “Hi...” she asked nervously.

“Hi!” said Kaylee. She cast a look at Inara, then added, “I probably should see how Simon is doing. Thanks for the help with the hair!” She brushed past River and ducked out of the shuttle.

River nervously stepped further in. “Inara...I was wondering...if you could help me with something.”

“What is it?” Inara asked evenly.

“Well...” River began. “You're a Companion and all...you know about these things...” Inara looked stricken, her eyebrows arched in surprise. River