“Oh for the days when our passengers weren’t scary little girls. Ouch!” Wash exclaimed as Zoë punched him on the shoulder, nodding over at River who was hovering on the threshold. “Present company excluded!”

“Ain’t no way we can do it Captain.” Zoë said flatly. “Flying over an Alliance core planet…”

“I know. Makes no kinda sense. That’s why we ain’t doin’ it.”

Book cleared his throat.

“Now Captain, I’m as upset over what has transpired today as you are but…”

“Shepherd, I find that hard to believe. We can’t be takin’ this apparition’s word for anythin’. If she’s involved with the same people that done messed up River I want nothin’ to do with it.”

Taking his cue from Mal, Wash flicked three switches and brought up the coordinates for Persephone.

“Back to business as usual?”

“And rightly so.” Mal moved past Book and Zoe, back towards River and to the rest of the crew who had congregated at the foot of the stairs.

“We’re headed to Persephone, plain and simple. Jumpin’ headlong into what could be very nasty dealin’ with the Alliance isn't an option right now." He said unflinchingly, his gaze holding Darcie’s. “I’m sorry,” he added after a moment. Truth was that he was sorry, but he couldn’t save every lost girl out there, there were just too many monsters.

The crew shifted uncomfortably.

“If you all have jobs, go do them”

Jayne hooked Vera onto his shoulder and, without looking at Darcie, slid down his ladder and disappeared from view. Kaylee followed the mercenary’s lead and looked down as she turned around. Briefly however, she allowed her gaze to flitter up and look at Darcie. Her stomach turned as, in that brief instant, all her insecurities flooded back. Jubal Early returned to her, his words, his smile, the touch of his cold hands on her skin. A familiar fear gripped her and, overwhelmed, she dashed past Darcie. Simon glanced from River to Inara, then, with an encouraging nod, quickly moved after Kaylee. Away from the prying eyes of the group Kaylee allowed herself to break down,