“Cap’n, we should be at the refueling station in just a little while.” Wash walked into the room with his nose in the air. “Smells like food. We sure it’s mealtime? Cause it’s been a long time since was had food at mealtime.”

Zoe put out an empty plate for him. “For once, you got here just in time for something hot.”

He gave her a cheeky smile and kissed his wife, “Yes indeed. Oh! You meant the food!” He piled his plate high, barely able to keep from sampling the food directly from the serving dishes.

Everyone at the table smiled at their playful teasing of each other, all except the tight-laced Sebastian. “An unscheduled stop? Captain Reynolds, I must protest.”

Lien smiled and put a comfortable hand on Sebastian’s arm. “Not to worry Sebastian. I’ve never actually seen a refueling station, it should be exciting.”

“We hit empty cells, you’re the one thumbing us a ride.” Mal finally directed at the man, completely deadpan.

---

She stood before the screen completely at ease, addressing an elderly man dressed in rough home-spun clothing. He was slightly out of breath and the sound pickup from the capture was sensitive enough to pick up rural sounds in the backround, animals and machinery.

“Sebastian’s been looking after me, Samuel. I suppose once we’re there he’ll find a more comfortable Alliance vessel home, but he needed to keep an eye on me.”

“Oh, I’m sure he was quite pleased taking a privately owned vessel, ma’am. I’m sure he’s enjoying every creature comfort.” Millons of miles between them and even the dripping sarcasm got through. Grabbing the straw hat off his head, Samuel wiped his brow with his sleeve.

“Be kind Samuel or I’m telling the Elders.” Lien softened the threat with a smile. “I was certainly not going to be taking a Company liner. The crew has been very hospitable, especially with all the food we brought on board. So you make sure they get paid no matter what, Samuel. And add in a little extra. It’s certainly not the Brittanic Banner ,