Wash’s sleeping form stirred, and he rolled onto his back, finally opening his eyes. Mal watched closely as he blinked to clear his vision, his head jerking bolt upright as he spotted Danny dangling from a string above his nose. Wash’s head sank back down and he looked to the side, glaring accusingly at Mal.

“Thought maybe you was feelin’ lonely,” said Mal with a straight face. Wash chuckled. “Figured you could maybe use a pet to keep you company.”

Wash’s sleepy grin sobered as he sat up. “Don’t worry, Mal,” he said quietly. “I’m not one for grudges, just get – kinda - overwhelmed sometimes.”

Mal nodded, sighing in relief and wondering if his cheerful new friend had any idea how much of a lifeline he was. He gave Wash an uncertain smile. “You ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. Might punch you or give you advice on how to gut sturgeon, but as you pointed out, your options for sage counsel are a mite limited.”

Wash laughed. “Got any advice on how to escape from an Alliance internment camp using only a dead spider on a string?” he asked.

Mal feigned a punch, and Wash ducked with surprising speed, throwing his entire body backwards and throwing his hands up in the air, a flash of fear crossing his face before a delighted chuckle took over.

“Hey,” protested a sleepy voice from across the room. “Will you two stop with the flirting? Some of us want our beauty rest.” Matty’s grin belied any harshness in his words.

“Don’t be jealous, sweetheart,” quipped Wash with a grin. “Don’t you trust me?” Matty glared and hurled a bundled pair of socks at Wash’s head.

“Not. Fair.” came a drowsy grumble from Gray’s bunk.

Lance Straaker sat up and addressed the room with a booming voice that startled Mal. “Mal, I understand you’re new here, so you don’t know my policy on unprofessional behavior. We are soldiers, and I’m sure you’ll agree that we must conduct ourselves as such.”

Mal blinked and stared in Straaker’s direction, coming to the startling conclusion that the man wasn’t