Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, except for Carter Lang and Rosemarie Velaine, and John and Marina Alder, who are mine. Mainly because I haven't the courage to stick in a Mary Sue. Also because Joss is awesome. Will continue to live vicariously through Mal.

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I have a paper due in a week or so, so there will be a slower pace in getting this out for a while. Must remain in the top 3% of my class...

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This is Chapter 7 of the story that began here:

and continued here:

and is a continuation of Our Co-Pilot Tam, which can be found

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Once more the Tams' living room was full, but this time a tension hung in the air. Simon and Kaylee sat on the couch, holding hands, while Jayne sat on Simon's left, looking decidedly uncomfortable in a black vested suit, opening and closing a pistol and glaring at the others in turn. Zoe stood by the window frame in her new dress, looking distracted. Inara sat in a large stuffed armchair, nearly invisible to the others, her legs crossed, fingers tapping on her thigh. River sat cross-legged on the floor next to her, leaning on the chair's armrest. And Gabriel and Mal stood in the open space before the crew, glaring at one another.

“I cannot stress this enough,” Gabriel said. “This is a very important event. Tonight Simon will make a first impression on his rivals and on many of the most important voters.”

Mal clapped his hands, interrupting. “So