This takes place one year after the last episode of firefly. The BDM hasn’t happened. Wash is still alive and River seems to be getting better. Sheppard Book had already left for Haven. The Tams fugitive status seems to be nearly forgotten, the Alliance has nearly given up hope on recapturing them. Sorry I didn’t mention that in the last one.

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“This is the common room.” River said politely. “And in there is the kitchen, but we won’t go in there yet.”

“Why?” he asked.

“There will be a fight, Inara will get angry, and Mal will say something stupid. And so the process will continue another five times until finally they talk civilly. Then the Capt’n will cure because he spills tea on himself.” she giggled.

Brandon forced a smile back, wondering what in the world this girl was on about. He was unaware of Simon lingering in the shadows, watching him intently. River however was very aware, but she ignored her boob of a brother.

“Mal, these passengers could be dangerous.” said Inara softly. “Who knows who they are or what they want.”

Mal rolled his eyes. “’Nara, River has check them out. Who knows you could even find some hoar business.”

Inara glared at him. “No ‘hoar business’ for crew or passengers.” she growled storming off.

Mal sighed and lent back in his chair, sipping the substance that Inara called Tea. He though thought it just tasted like hot water. He closed his eyes and smiled contently. “She likes me.” he said out loud.

“How do you figure that?”

Mal startled and the chair lent further backwards, he lost his balance and fell back hitting the floor with an almighty thud, spilling his tea all over himself. “Ai ya tien ah... Jayne!”

“Sorry Capt’n” he said circling around him. Ignoring Mal’s request to help him up. Mal struggled to his feet, his shirt soaked. “This was my favourite shirt.”

“I thought that was your only shirt?” grumbled Jayne preoccupied, rummaging through the wooden box of food.

“No eating that till dinner Jayne, unless you’re cookin’ it”

“B