A/N: Don't own 'em.

Again with the slow pacing, but I had to set up the cliffhanger. We'll get to a gunfight eventually.

To all those worried that the Jaylee will come crawling out of the night and devour you like a cheap margarita during happy hour: seriously now. Go back through all my fics and take at look. It's not like it's subtle where my affections lie, and I ain't talking about the dinos. I just re-watched my DVDs when I had some people visiting, and I happened to notice (again) that Jayne and Kaylee do seem to be really good friends, and I decided to work that in some more, in the brother-sister-get-on-your-nerves way. Don't panic. I may torture Simon a bit (because it's so much fun!), but when it comes down to it, he always gets his snugglebunny. All you Jaylee fans: sorry! But I hope you stay for the Wash humor.

And I caved to the pressure: the dinos make a small appearance. Maybe I'll just start each chapter with a Wash comedy bit?

*******

"Ah! Emily! Surely you know that I find you irresistable!" Monroe sidled up to Julia, teeth gleaming and a predator's look in his eye.

"Yes, Robert. And you are quite handsome and dashing as well. But..."

"Yes, my dear Emily?" Monroe stepped back, worry and confusion creasing his manly brow.

"There's...I've met someone." Julia hid her face, ashamed of her actions, but unwilling to apologize for her heart.

"No! It cannot be! Who? I must know his name!"

"It is I! Let her go like an honorable lizard, Robert! She has made her feelings quite clear!" Steve revealed himself from his hiding place behind the Engine Coolant Monitor.

"Curses! I knew you would stab me in the back some day, Steve - I mean Hoban! Shall we duel for the lady's affections, as I was taught on my stuffy home world?" Monroe began to pace off the distance, preparing for an epic battle for the love of his woman.

"No, Doctor! We shall not bloody ourselves as animals would! We will accept the lady's decision!" Steve turned to Julia. "Come,