Jayne grunted as he heaved the heavy box into Serenitys cargo hold. The rain on Beaumond came down like needles, driving into his skin. He, Zoe, Mal, and even Simon were hauling medium sized supply crates out of the rain. They were filled with medecines, engine parts, ammo, food, and all the other whatnot. Kaylee was giving the engines a once over, and River was in the cockpit, doing a preflight. Inara was somewhere in her shoulder.

The place seemed empty without Wash, even though it was six months since Miranda. Kaylee suddenly came in from the engines, her hair tied back in a bun. She wore her signature coveralls, and made a beeline for Mal. "Cap'n," she called. "Everythin' is shiny, shes perfect for takin' off!" She stayed out of the rain, so as not to wet her hair.

Mal sauntered over, or as best as he could, hauling a box with him. "Thanks, darlin'. Go an' tell River to get ready for takeoff an all. No need to get yer head wet, we're almost done here."

"Shiny!" She skipped off to the comm. unit, and relayed Mals message. She then turned and eyed Simon, whose chest was clearly visible through his wet shirt. Lightning split the sky asunder, and thunder soon followed.

Simon heaved the last crate on board, and sealed the doors once everyone was inside. They were all shivering when River lifted off. Kaylee went to Simon, and took his hand, and her usual smile got all the wider. "Aw, Simon, yer all wet an' shivery. Cum'on, I'll warm you up a bit," she said with a sugestive smile. Simon smiled.

"All right. L-lead on, baobei."

Jayne smiled, and headed up the catwalk toward the kitchen. Before he left, he stood in the doorway and shook himself off like a dog. Water droplets flew everywhere, on the 'walk, the ceiling, the door, and the railing.

These little things will contribute to the death of Kaylee Frye.

* * *

Mal stalked around the ship in high bad humor. It was a good month since Beaumond, and they hadn't been anyplace wo