The next morning the smell of the last of the real coffee – received as an unexpected bonus from a job a few weeks back – brought the entire crew to the galley. Zoe, Jayne Simon and River sat at the table, all but River with a cup full of strong black coffee. The conversation wasn’t exactly lively, but it was pleasant enough – especially for so early in the morning. Mal leaned against a counter away from the others and nursed his cup in both hands, staying out of the talking entirely. All his attention was focused on his feet, which were apparently the most interesting things in the room. Simon kept a close eye on his sister, who kept trying to relieve him of his mug.

“No, mèimei. You can’t have coffee.” He gave the rest of them a ‘can you imagine what it would do?’ look. River just stuck her tongue out at him and poked at her breakfast.

“Mornin’ everyone. You better’ve saved me some of that coffee.” Kaylee’s voice preceded her into the room.

When she passed through the doorway her gaze fell first on Mal and the smile she’d brought with her to breakfast vanished instantly. The captain looked away immediately, casting his eyes downward as he took a sip of coffee. Everyone returned her greeting save Zoe, who cast a searching look in Mal’s direction. He pretended not to notice.

Recovering quickly, Kaylee walked over and reached behind him to grab one of the remaining mugs. Mal stiffened a bit as her arm, straining to reach behind him, brushed the top of his backside. She blushed at the accidental contact and tried to cover it with a loud and cheery “Mornin’, Cap’n.”

The captain cleared his throat and continued sipping his coffee. After a moment, he muttered something about the trouble having a pilotless boat could cause and left the room. The entire crew watched him go.

“He’s got lots of voices. Can’t find a good one to listen to. Doesn’t want to listen to the right one.” River’s nonsensical observation was met with the usual puzzlement.

“What in the ruttin’ hell is she talkin’ abou