"Oatmeal?" Jayne groaned at breakfast, resting his feet on the table.. "That ain't nice. Don't you like us none, Kate?"

"Can't stand a one of you," she said evenly. "Eat it or go without."

"There's jam in the cupboard," River said, rolling her eyes. "Don't be such a baby. Studies have shown that daily consumption of a bowl of oatmeal can lower blood cholesterol, and it has a high content of complex carbohydrates and fiber which encourage slow digestion and stable blood-glucose levels. Also, the fiber will help keep you regular."

"River," Simon sighed. "We know you're brilliant. Can't you ever just eat something and not teach a lecture on it?"

River narrowed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her brother.

"Now, now, children, none o' that at my table," Mal said, casually knocking Jayne's feet off the table. "Hey, you want I should put my boots where you eat?"

"Ooh, gruel," Wash said, rubbing his hands together. "Look, she even put in cockroaches for authenticity."

"Raisins, dada," Hannah told him, laughing.

"Is that what they are?" He picked one out with his fingers and inspected it closely. "Hmm. I don't see any eyes... no legs... you must be right."

"I'd tell you to stop playing with your food if I thought you'd listen," Inara said, smiling at the picture the two of them made. "Why oatmeal, Kate?"

"As it happens, oatmeal is one o' the most healthsome foods you can have for breakfast," Mal said, "which is why I'll be havin' a bowl o' Jayne's amazin' technicolor dream cereal."

"We ran out of powdered egg substitute two days ago, and what's left of the bread was too mouldy to feed to humans," Kate explained. "Jayne, you're welcome to help yourself to some toast if you like."

"Saucy," Wash grinned, turning to Mal. "Isn't she saucy?"

"Saucy, sure," Mal said absently, pouring himself a bowl of brightly colored sugar cereal and ignoring the look of disgust on Kate's face.

"Anyhow, it's oatmeal for breakfast until we dock at New Vegas day after tomorrow," Kate continued. "On t