Author’s Note: Sorry this update has taken so long. I’ve had some dramas

recently and with Christmas and everything, I’ve been a little slack.

xxx

Rae gestured to the woman standing directly behind her. She was a beautiful creature, standing at Mal’s height, long red hair flowing out behind her. Her skin was flawless, hiding the fact that she lived on the ranching planet. She certainly showed no ravages of time on her pretty features.

“Don’t just stand there scowlin’ at the boy, Koralee; come on over and get y’self reacquainted.” Rae directed.

Koralee stepped toward the newcomers, but her scowl stayed on her face. Mal shifted uncomfortably as she approached.

How are ya, ‘Lee? Ain’t seen ya for a while.” Mal said, attemptin’ small talk.

She stood face to face with him now.

“Ain’t no one ‘round here calls me ‘Lee anymore.”

“Thought you liked it.”

Koralee’s scowl deepened, if that was at all possible.

“We don’t always think the right things, Mal. I seem to remember thinkin’ you loved me.” she stated, shovin’ in a barb that he had not expected. “Of course, it became obvious I was thinkin’ wrong when you broke my heart.”

Mal could feel every eye on him. His crew had learned more about him in one day than in all the time they’d known him. He hadn’t even told Zoe about ‘Lee. Truth to be told he never saw the point, nor the opportunity. He broke up with the red-haired beauty a while afore he left to fight the war. Sure enough, he’d suspected she still carried a torch for him, and seein’ her now, the anger in her eyes, he was positive she did.

“You’re not gonna say anything, Mal? She looks positively heart broken.” Wash jokingly put in.

Koralee didn’t like his input one little bit.

“You’re the smart alec of the ship? Personality like that’ll get you shot ‘round these parts.” she spat.

Wash leant close to Mal.

“I don’t like her. You were wise to leave her.”

Zoe began to step forward to berate Mal’s former flame, but Mal grabbed her arm. He didn’t nod, didn’t shake his hea