Something wasn’t right. Smelled off. He woke up from his light sleep at the end of Her bunk and hopped off to the floor. He rested his head lightly on the pillow next to Her’s but Her breathing didn’t change. Padding softly to the door he nudged it open and stepped out listening closely as he followed the smell.

The ship was eerily quiet, everyone else away in their bunks. He turned a corner and climbed the steps trusting his nose. It had gotten him into trouble that day in the market when he’d gotten separated from his dam, but it had also led him to Her. So he trusted it.

The engine got louder as he got closer, the smell stronger. This was definitely the source. Movement caught his eye. He moved closer to get a better look. Barely visible amongst the jumble of parts making up the engine ran a thin stream of amber liquid puddling beneath the grates. He knew almost instinctively that this was a threat to his new family.

Racing out of the room and down the hall to the crew quarters he started to bark loudly waking everyone.

“What the hell is going on?!” Mal roared, climbing the ladder out of his room shirtless. “ Shut Up!” he yelled at Lil’ Captain.

“Sir?” Zoe emerged fully dressed, her shotgun in one hand. She fixed her gaze on the dog who seemed to almost be dancing back and forth in agitation.

“What’s that damn mutt got in its head waking us all up like this?” Jayne grumped also coming up with a gun in hand. Only moments later the rest of the crew spilled sleepy-eyed into the hall.

“That’s what I’d like to know.” Mal grumbled irritated, his eyes also fixed on the dog.

As though seeing that he had everyone’s attention Lil’ Captain took off towards the engine room but stopped realizing that no one was following him. He yipped indignantly at them.

“I think he wants us to follow him.” Kaylee suggested helpfully.

“Looks like.” Mal replied. Looking at the others gathered around he strode purposely after the dog.

He stopped in the engine room and looked around. Nothing seemed