Serenity’s crew gathered in the kitchen. The Captain, first mate, mechanic and mercenary were all satisfied with their last job. They had flown for days, almost missing the planet where the cargo was to be dropped off. Badger had tossed the job their way, saying it wasn’t worth enough coin to hold his interest. It was worth more than enough coin to interest Mal and Zoë. Serenity picked it up and delivered it, no questions asked, no boxes opened. Now, with purses full and bodies weary, they made their way to the nearest planet. Mal had decided that they could all use some time off the boat. Inara was pleased at this because she was finally going to be able to accept a client or two.

After Serenity had been securely docked, everyone, minus Inara, headed for a neighborhood bar. The place was alive with local color and the crew seemed to blend right in. After a few rounds of drinks, Mal started a pool game with a couple other fellas while Kaylee was asked to dance by a nice looking stranger. Jayne…well…he was doing something that resembled dancing. Zoë sat at the bar, taking it all in. She laughed at Jayne and contemplated beating the captain at his own game and taking some of his coin from him. As much as she loved her brown leather vest, Zoë opted to wear a silk top her mother gave her, many years ago. It was brown (soon to become her favorite color, unbeknownst to her mother) with large ivory butterflies. Zoë wore her hair down, twirling a single curly strand in her fingers as she stared absently around the room.

“Careful Zo. You’re startin’ to resemble a lady over there!”

Jayne, who was in earshot of Mal’s comment, broke out in laughter. Even Kaylee giggled a bit, swooning over her dance partner.

What the hell? Zoë swallowed her rage, ignoring them, and became determined to have a good time. However, as the hour dragged on, that became harder and harder to do. Not that she was especially looking for someone, but Zoë had kinda hoped to meet some guy she could remotely be interest