Simon felt a persistent nudging. Warm covers kept him from reacting. He had been up too late the last few nights, been too busy patching up wounds. The last thing he needed was to be woken up now and told something else had gone horribly awry. He yanked the covers over his head and grunted.

"Simon! C'mon! Get up!" Kaylee teased.

"What?" he asked, voice muffled under the thick blanket.

"You gotta see this," she assured him.

With a strong exhale, and threw the covers off and felt the cool air of Serenity greet him. He looked at the clock on their nightstand.

"Kaylee, it's four in the morning..." he groaned, "What're you doing up anyway?"

"Just c'mon and quit griping!" she smiled.

Another heavy sigh and he put his bare feet on the deck plating. He tightened the strings on his sleep pants and followed his mechanic up the ladder door. She put her finger to her lips and nodded. Rubbing his hands over his face to freshen up the blood flow, he nodded his understanding. She led him down the stairs to the main belly of the ship, overlooking the cargo bay. Rubbing his palms over his weary eyes, he took a moment to comprehend the sight before him on the deck below.

Kaylee looked at him expectantly and smiled. All he could do was watch, perplexed, as his sister and Adalyn performed Tai Chi. The two women were perfectly in sync. Both had eyes closed and still followed the other in fluid, tranquil movements.

Simon looked at Kaylee and she shrugged, "Came out here to get a part. Found 'em like this," she whispered so lightly even Simon could barely hear her.

He leaned on the railing and watched. The beautiful, meditative dance was calm, and not too unlike the ballet that River had been so proficient at as a child. His sister's little cotton dress was wisping around in the slight breeze of the circulated air. A stark contrast, Adalyn's cargo pants and skin-tight tank top were militant, stagnant. But both were bare foot. Another synchronous move and they turned their backs on the two viewers above them.

"She hasn't done Tai Chi...since before the Academy," Simon whispered nostalgically.

Kaylee smiled, "Ain't it like a dance? So pretty."

Simon kept his eyes riveted on the pair. He remembered what Jayne had said only a few days before; Adalyn had defeated a pack of Reavers single-handedly and without major injury – at least none serious from the beasts themselves. A few scratches, a cut here and there, but nothing considering what she'd been up against. To think of this peaceful, placid woman enjoying the fight enough to give Jayne pause...

He watched her falter in a move where her torso turned with her arms overextended. She quickly retracted and clamped a hand down on the still-healing wound under her breast. His sister braced her and he straightened. He didn't care for the way the wound kept bothering her, although her ability to move around and function at all was impressive.

His sister looked up at him and shook her head, sitting Adalyn down a moment later on Jayne's weight bench. Simon sighed, not appreciating the silent instruction to remain away from a patient. He could only watch. Adalyn didn't take her hand away, but he didn't see blood stain the fabric of her shirt.

Giving Kaylee a gentle squeeze on her hand, the two of them walked down the cargo stairs loudly. Adalyn didn't look up, only straightened a bit.

"Hope we're not interrupting," Kaylee's cheerful voice rang out.

Adalyn shook her head, "No. Just limbering up."

"Is your wound bothering you?" Simon stood by the base of the stairs while Kaylee rummaged around for the part she'd originally been after.

Adalyn stood and cracked both sets of her knuckles. Looking to River, the woman gave a small smile, "Thank you, for the invite."

"Any time," River rocked on her heels.

"Anything special you'd want for breakfast?"

"Sugar rice?" River's eyes were big, hopeful.

Adalyn nodded and started to walk towards the stairs, "I'll see what I can do."

She passed Simon without so much as a glance at him. It was like he was invisible and he felt his shoulders slump and a little huff of exasperation escape his lips. He watched her go, no evidence of her injury in her gait. He looked back at his sister and she was making a dummy face at him. He rolled his eyes and turned to go back up the stairs.

He'd had enough of Adalyn's attitude. Wounded or no, she couldn't keep treating him like he didn't exist, or worse, like he was an idiot.

He found her in the kitchen. She was pulling foodstock from the cabinets and laying it out. He stood at the top of the two stairs to the deck and stared at her while she continued to ignore him.

"So? What is it?" he asked aloud.

She paused and looked at him before going back to her cooking. He crossed the room and stood on the opposite side of the counter. He wanted to look her in the eyes. For a moment, she kept her gaze on the foodstuffs. Then, he felt himself back away half a step when she straightened and stared him down.

Dammit, she was at least two inches taller than he was. He straightened but found it barely made a difference. She looked completely uninterested and nonplussed at his question.

"What is what?" she asked softly.

"What is it that I do that annoys you?"

"You're a doctor."

"So, that's it? You feel perfectly fine dismissing me because of my profession?"

"I think you're confused."

"Oh? Then enlighten me."

She leaned over the counter ever so slightly, palms braced on the edge, "I think you think I actually care what you think."

She went back to working on the food in front of her. He took that half-step back towards her, "I'm your physician. Above and beyond that, I'm crew. Now, if I did something to offend you, tell me and I will apologize for it. But if your only gripe with me is that I'm a doctor, then don't expect me to cower."

She almost smiled, looking him in the eyes. Those vivid green orbs pinned him. He swallowed. Hard.

"I'll tell you what: you stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours. I don't need a physician, but if or when I do, I'll find one whom I trust. Dong ma?"

He couldn't find words for a moment. She turned her back on him to place rice in a pot. His fists clenched and unclenched at his side. He could feel his pulse pounding beneath the column of his neck.

"You may have the Captain fooled – but we both know you're not helpless. Whatever your game is, I'll find out and you'll be off this ship faster than you can count."

She sighed, never turning to look at him, "Don't waste your energy, boy. There is no game. I'm just a wandering orphan. No family, no prospects, no home. You're a fool to think I'd have an agenda."

His shoulders tight at being called "boy", he turned to walk off.

"Doctor?" she asked softly.

He turned on his hot heels and leaned against the counter, hands like claws against the top of it, "What?"

She spun. Too fast and primal for him to react. He heard a thud and watched those green eyes light up with vindictive pleasure. Looking down, he saw a large butcher's knife sticking out of the wood between his fingers. He stayed frozen in place, wide eyes on the knife that was mere millimeters from flesh.

Her hand wrapped around the handle, popping the blade free from the wood. His eyes followed it, stone cold stock still. Her smile betrayed what she'd just done.

"By the way – don't ever threaten me again."

His teeth clenched and he retracted his hands. He watched her with strained muscles as she went back to cooking. Subconsciously massaging the hand which had been the target, he turned quickly and walked away.

Kaylee didn't know what had gotten under Simon's collar, but she could tell he was off. Not angry, not any kind of sad, but just off. She held his hand as they walked into the tavern. He gave a soft smile and looked around. She followed his gaze and noticed Adalyn in the corner booth, her back just barely to them. While she took a step forward to find a table, Simon shifted back.

"Let's find somewhere else to eat," he said softly.

She shrugged, "Why?"

His eyes cast over to Adalyn and he looked back at her, a crooked smile, "A little privacy would be nice."

Kaylee smiled back at him, "Oh, she won't care. We'll sit over here! She won't be able to hear a thing."

She found a table closer to the entrance and sat down, pulling Simon along behind her. He fumbled for a moment, but pulled out her seat to let her sit down first. His eyes trained on the newest member of the crew, he sat down next to her, trying to purposefully place his back in her direction.

"What's got you so spooked?"

He looked at her distractedly, "Hmm?"

She chuckled, "You worried about River?"

He shook his head and played with the corner of his napkin, "No. She's safe on the ship. It's not that. Just...I don't think Adalyn belongs on the ship."

Kaylee leaned in close and gave him a little kiss on the cheek, "Well, she's finding her place. It'll take time to get used to."

He nodded and picked up the small bulletin of daily specials, "Well, on to other things. You pick whatever you want for dinner."

Kaylee smiled and looked over the bulletin with him. While the Captain had granted them all shore leave between drops, he, Zoe, Jayne and River had stayed with the ship. Simon had hinted that he'd wanted to take her out for a nice dinner, and she had felt fresh butterflies in her stomach to see him being courtly. Their anniversary had passed a month or so back, and things had been tight. None of them had been able to afford an off-ship meal. Now, they'd had three or four good hauls in a row. And, with the cache Adalyn had led them to, the Captain had been able to sell off sundries here and there to cushion everyone's pockets.

When the waiter came by, Simon ordered them some wine. His body finally relaxed a bit and he leaned over to kiss her. Smiling, she returned it.

Mal appreciated silence. It was rare. Absolute, complete silence. No rumbling engine. No bickering. No clomping boots or whining ammunition. Not the sound of Simon in his infirmary, opening and closing drawers. Not Kaylee, with an engine part clanking down on deck plating. No Jayne as he spit-shined a piece.

It was just him. And Zoe. And they were shrouded in silence. They both were tranquil. He was reading fuel reports and calculating how far they could get to avoid the Alliance tariffs on fuel cells. Thinking of new places to go which might have need of the abundant supplies he currently had in his cargo hold.

Zoe was reading. Not charts or bulletins, but one of the books he kept tucked away in his personal library in his bunk. While he didn't have many personal affects, his books were one that she was always welcome to. Her boots were the only part of her visible as she reclined in the forward lounge beneath the bridge. Occasionally, she would move and the overstuffed chair would creak. At regular intervals, he heard the softest whisper of a page turning. She always made sure to turn them from the top, as a true collector knew to do.

Silence, while yearned for, never lasted long.

"They're fighting," River whispered in his ear.

He jumped from his chair, yelped in a completely undignified manner, and lost his grip on the charts and reports in his hands. Collecting his heart back into his chest, he huffed once and looked to her. The young pilot only looked out at the horizon, those black eyes lucid but seeing something Mal couldn't pretend to understand.

"Who now?" he asked.

"Simon. Adalyn. Cat. Dog. They don't like each other."

Sighing in exasperation and bending over to pick up the lost papers, Mal plopped heavily back into his seat, "Don't need to be a reader to see that, l'il albatross."

"They don't understand each other yet. My brother is very insistent. Adalyn prefers her privacy. It's going to be an ongoing issue."

"It will work itself out. Folk tend to find their place."

She sighed, "I have to go."

"Where to, Albatross?"

"Them. They're fighting."

"Best stay out their way. Your big brother can handle his own battles."

"Not for him. Adalyn's not strong enough yet to fight."

Mal shook his head and leaned back into his chair, finding his previous place amongst the numbers and maps. Ignoring River as she moved away, he sighed again. The silence came back and he lost himself in thought. While he'd been keenly aware of Adalyn's dislike for the young Doctor, he was sure that the two of them would reach an agreement of some sort or another. He might have been captain, but he wasn't father. And the two of them weren't his kin. Their problems would sort themselves out and he bet River would help facilitate that. Although, if he thought either of them would need help, he'd have thought...

He looked up from his charts to the horizon River had been watching earlier, "Zoe?" he asked plainly, not casting his eyes in her direction.

"Sir."

"Did I hear River right?"

"About what, sir?"

He watched a small squadron of Alliance militia walk into an establishment not too far off in the distance, "She say Adalyn weren't up for fighting yet?"

"She did, sir."

"You don't s'pose she said that knowing there were some kind of trouble in town, do you?" Behind the dozen men, he watched a small figure, thin and lithe, walk into the same establishment. It was unmistakably River.

"Could be, sir."

He hesitated. He found himself wishing and hoping four of his crew walked out without incident. His breath held in, he watched.

A purplebelly flew out of a window. Mal's shoulders slumped, "Zoe."

"Sir?"

"Suit up."

"Yes, sir."

They were both a flurry of motion. Zoe gently but pointedly left the book on her chair. She walked up the lounge stairs to grab a holster and sawed-off shotgun which had been hung on the rails. Mal checked his own sidearm and led the way. Zoe banged on Jayne's half-open bunk ladder.

"Mind the ship. We'll be back," she shouted.

"Yeah, yeah," came the groggy response.

Muttering to himself, Mal pulled on his coat against the anticipated chill, "These damn kids..."

Adalyn felt the intrusion before it actually happened. She looked over her shoulder to see the local garrison walk in. By their stance, they were already inebriated. By the quick silence that came over the crowd, she felt herself tense. Garrison or not, the Alliance was fighting back against the terrorists that had become a spearhead for revolution. And, when the largest Alliance officer of the group started shouting obscenities about their current location being a den of crime and Browncoat terrorists and of the needed action to correct the sin, Adalyn bristled to see a good three dozen veterans stand to oppose that viewpoint.

In the midst of them all, the Doctor and the mechanic sat. They had remained seated, eyes downcast. Adalyn was holding her breath that they would just sit still, and not do anything to draw attention to themselves. While the wound under her breast was better, she was still sore and not up to defending two helpless pups.

When the Doctor stood with Kaylee in tow, her shoulders fell and the breath she'd been holding was let out in a preparatory sigh.

While many of the drunks had stood together, the two newest to stand had made the mistake of trying to leave. Which, to the drunk officers, appeared as an attempt to rush them.

Not paying attention to the overly loud chiding, the shoving and the following fall, Adalyn was moving. Silently, softly, but swiftly. The boy had been pushed down; his politeness had irked the officer and now the man was going to make an example of him. Doctor or no, Adalyn intervened.

Simon looked up after the unceremonious fall to his rear end. He'd hit a wooden chair on the way down and it was the only sound besides the laugh of the larger man who'd pushed him backwards. He had the distinct feeling that leaving unnoticed wasn't going to happen. Kaylee knelt at his side, nervously smiling and looking at the officer.

"Think I may teach the two of you a lesson," the bearded man bellowed loudly.

He reached for a baton. Kaylee's hand came up in self defense. Simon readied to cover her and take whatever blow was about to come. The downward swing whirred.

It stopped. Adalyn had caught the man's hand by his wrist and stopped the swing mid-arc.

"They're not worth it," she smiled thinly at him.

The officer only looked her up and down before jerking away. She quickly put her hands up placatingly and stepped back towards him. Simon felt Kaylee lift up on his arm and he stood. For a tense moment, Adalyn stood between them and the Alliance officers.

"Think you three could stand a night in lock up."

"Won't be necessary. I'll get them out of your world by morning. No harm meant, of course."

The man scoffed, "Don't think you're in much a position to protest, little lady."

Adalyn sighed, "Here we go," she whispered. Her eyes looked down at the officer's feet.

The moment the officer lunged for Adalyn, Simon watched his sister come into view and slide her foot in front of his. It caught and he fell forward. Adalyn smiled. Her open hands locked together with intertwined fingers. Swinging her cannonball fists like a golf club were in them, she connected with the man's jaw as it came down unbalanced. His momentum completely reversed and he landed square on his back. His baton clattered on the floor, lost from his grip.

Adalyn grabbed it. River ran towards the taller woman. With a hand on each end of the baton, Adalyn leveled it close to the ground. Using it as a springboard, River jumped onto the makeshift bar and Adalyn instantly lifted her up. The added height allowed River to jump to the lowest of chandeliers, swinging it enough with the momentum to give her added impact when she kicked the next closest Alliance officer. The man flew through the window. In the same motion that she'd used to lift his sister, Adalyn turned and kept only one hand on the baton. She swung. It slammed into the temple of another officer rushing them. She brought it back across her body and threw it. It became a blunt spear and toppled another man when it impacted his chest. River leaned forward, her foot reaching over her back to break a man's nose. While the man grabbed at it and blood rushed down his face, Adalyn ran over. She slid the last few feet on her side, quickly stopping her own momentum to bring her leg around in a wide sweep that took his ankles out from under him. Her own circular motion made it easier for her to stand and she clotheslined the officer running angrily towards River.

Simon continued to watch, perplexed, as his sister and the newcomer synchronized their moves without ever saying a word. Just as the Tai Chi had shown this morning, the two of them were able to move fluidly together. And he saw firsthand just what Jayne had described. While River was elegant, dancing her way around the fight, Adalyn was an immoveable object or an unstoppable force. Any movements of hers were quick, strong, jagged and efficient. And, he noted, the smallest of smiles continuously tugged at her lips. Their motions were so entwined that, as River would bring a leg up for a kick to the head, Adalyn would bow down and lash out at the same man's ankles.

Adalyn brought her foot up higher than her own head before slamming it down. On the temple of an officer on all fours. She and River stood triumphant against the dozen or so barrel chested men. For a long moment, no one in the establishment moved or breathed a word.

Cracking her neck, Adalyn moved closer to himself and Kaylee. He watched her, brow furrowed. She gave a smile that didn't involve her lips, only her eyes, and shrugged.

"I know you were planning to bruise his fist with your face, but I thought I'd step in and help."

Simon stared blankly at her, "Thank you."

Adalyn's reaction was immediate. Arms wide, she looked past Simon to the veterans who'd stood at the first sign of trouble only a moment earlier.

"So? Which of you wimps will buy this Browncoat a drink?" she shouted.

Simon jumped to feel the thundering applause and roar of approval. Very quickly, the four of them were surrounded with smiling faces and claps on the back. Even the bartender laid out two larger-than-regulation glasses and filled them with crystal rice wine. Adalyn handed off one to River. While feeling aloof at his sister drinking, Simon smiled to see River clink glasses before taking a sip. Adalyn threw her contents down her throat and slammed the empty glass on the bar. River coughed; it only elicited more smiles and laughter from the men and women veterans.

Mal could hear the uproar inside. While no reinforcements had come to the establishment, that didn't mean some hadn't already been inside. He hadn't seen his people dragged away. He could only hope they weren't laid out inside yet. He and Zoe ran in through double doors and Mal stopped dead in his tracks to see a huge congregation of dirty folk around a commotion in the middle. He gently pushed his way forward and when he tripped on a purplebelly groaning on the ground with a broken nose, he was caught by a boisterous, bigger man. He was righted and found himself looking into a familiar face.

"Mal!"

"Monty?"

The bigger man only laughed and wrapped Mal and Zoe under his tree trunk arms to lead them closer to the center of attention.

"You already missed all the fun!"

"Fun?"

"Some gal gave them purplebellies a thrashing! Ain't seen nothing like it."

Fearing River was now the center of attention, Mal looked to Zoe but his first officer was more trained on the quickly appearing scene. The bulky man, his beard touching his mid chest and layers of dusty worn clothing only adding to his girth and breadth, nodded with his chin towards the 'gal' in question.

Mal smiled ever so slightly to see Adalyn arm-wrestling with a man. River was operating the contest and had just removed her hands from their joined fists. Nearby, Simon and Kaylee were being handed drinks and were also embraced by more of the genuine folks. Mal smiled. His heart resumed a normal pace and he allowed himself to give a little laugh.

"She's one of mine," Mal allowed.

"One of your'n?"

Mal nodded. Monty gave him a squeeze and Mal swore he felt his shoulder pop a bit. Leading him forward, They both made it to the center by the time Adalyn thoroughly won the arm-wrestling contest. Her jubilant arm pump to the ceiling was all the emotion she gave away, but Kaylee quickly handed her a half-full glass.

Debutante or no, she'd ingratiated herself to Monty's full platoon, it seemed. When she caught sight of Mal and Zoe, she straightened quickly and finished her drink.

"Captain."

The word tugging at his heartstrings, he looked between his four crew who'd been caught up in this mess, "I see you're making yourself right at home."

"There was an altercation, Captain. I'm sorry."

"Ain't no need. Just get me a drink and we'll call it even."

Adalyn's tense face loosened and she looked to the gathered men and women, "You heard the man!"

An uproarious cheer and Mal found himself amongst some he hadn't seen in a decade. Monty released him and was quick to wrangle Zoe into a drink. The doctor and his mechanic looked a little out of place, but both had a drink in their hands all the same. Simon's eyes were trained on Adalyn; the way he continued to adjust his grip on his glass, Mal wondered if the boy hadn't been two moments from a bloody nose his own self.

Zoe walked with Adalyn astride. While the captain, Simon, Kaylee and River had spent the night on the ship, they'd both been out surrounded by drinks and stories. A slight pounding in her temple reminded Zoe how long it'd been since she'd had that much to drink. Adalyn, for her part, seemed unaffected. They were both walking towards the gleaming ship on the horizon. While Beylix was tense, the springboard for the majority of the broadcasted terrorist activity, during the day that tension dissipated throughout the markets and neighborhoods. Walking around during the day and being a veteran of a previous war was nothing new to this colony.

"Are you feeling all right?" Adalyn asked politely.

Zoe nodded, "Just been a while."

"Would you like me to make something tame for dinner?"

"It wouldn't go unappreciated."

Adalyn nodded, stopped momentarily to view some day-old fruit at a stand. Zoe couldn't tell what she was seeing, but the chef's eyes were trained. They skirted the display and she was quick to keep moving on.

"Where'd you learn to cook so well?" Zoe asked.

"Well, any debutante worth her dowry was expected to cook for her husband."

"That so?"

"Hope?" a third voice interjected and Adalyn quickly spun with her hand inside her jacket. Zoe reacted the same way and found herself looking at a young man. His muddy blue eyes were wide and his shaggy brown hair was neatly shellacked back. His suit and shiny shoes stood out against the dust and grime of the market. While his round face was soft, Zoe saw pain reflected in those eyes.

"Daryl?" Adalyn asked.

Zoe looked between them.

"It is you..."

The two stood in silence for a long moment. Zoe watched Adalyn's throat bob, her jaw tighten. She surveyed the man in front of them. He was doing the same. Her hand relaxed and left the security of the holster hidden in her jacket.

The man lunged forward and wrapped Adalyn in a hug. It was a hug Zoe recognized. Adalyn returned it and was quick to bury her face in the nook between shoulder and neck. She saw the way they each clung to the other, the claw-like hands that bunched up fabric and were holding onto more than the person in front of them.

Zoe cleared her throat.

Adalyn gingerly disentangled herself from the man and looked to the first mate, "Zoe, this is Daryl. Daryl, Zoe. She served with Mark and Jo."

The man offered his hand, "An honor, ma'am."

Adalyn's attention was wholly on Daryl, "What are you doing here?"

"Providing medical training to the hospital here. I'll be heading back to Boros tomorrow."

"So soon...but..."

Zoe watched Adalyn's fingers run over the fabric of her jacket while her feet shuffled, "Zoe, when are we departing?"

"Captain had us down for 1900."

"I'll be back before then. That dinner might have to wait," she said quickly.

"I'll let the captain know."

"Thank you."

Without a word, Adalyn walked off. Daryl was quick to follow after providing a genuine smile and gentle nod in Zoe's direction. The first mate watched them walk briskly away. Turning to continue on her path, she looked back once only to see the two of them had disappeared in the crowd.

Serenity shone in the manageable distance. Opening the cargo door, Zoe walked in to see River and Kaylee playing jacks in the bay. Kaylee looked up with her customary smile.

"Hey, Zoe!"

"Captain upstairs?" she asked.

Kaylee nodded, "Yeah. Simon's up there with him."

"Doing okay from last night?"

"Oh yeah. Ain't nothing but wounded pride. He'll be shiny come tomorrow."

Zoe absorbed that. Knowing their relationship was their own, she couldn't imagine being so casual if her man were exchanging words with Mal. Which, by the way Kaylee had said everything, was what the doctor was doing. She had picked up the tension between the doctor and Adalyn, but could have said last night that the escapade in the pub would exacerbate it.

Walking up the middle catwalk, she could hear the distant sound of Simon's aggravated voice. A smile tugged at her lips. While the young man had grown and learned during his tenure aboard, he was still occasionally the same exact man who'd come aboard with a strange cool bin and chill demeanor.

Hanging back in the stairwell, she listened.

"That woman is dangerous."

"Only to folk what give her a reason. You're taking her unkeenness for doctors a might personal."

"Her actions last night were reckless. Those men might have pressed charges or called for reinforcements."

"Hear tell, her actions kept you from being an example. Monty's boys are good fellows all, but they ain't about to stand up for someone they don't know."

"Did you miss the part where she lodged a knife in the counter?" Simon's voice was dripping incredulously.

"You kept all them fingers," Jayne spoke up. It sounded like his mouth was full.

"That's not the point."

"Give her some space. She ain't got a shine for doctors, so don't act like one all the time."

Zoe moved forward and walked in, seeing that some leftovers had been heated through for lunch. The drum on her temple didn't drown out the rumble of her stomach and she ignored the way Simon straightened as she walked by.

"Where's our cook?" Mal asked.

"Still in town. She had to pick up a few things."

"How's that gal got enough cashy for all these foodstuffs?" Mal muttered under his breath.

"She also asked me to tell you she won't be back for dinner."

At that, she watched the captain tense a bit, "How's that, now?"

"She ran into someone in town. She'll be back before we depart."

"Hope so. It'd be a tease to loose a cook this soon after finding one."

"Who was it?" Simon asked; his voice had calmed.

Zoe scooped out a bowl of miso from the range. Digging towards the bottom, she found some tofu that hadn't been served out.

"Don't know. He said he was here to help train the hospital. Originally from Boros."

Jayne chuckled, "Guess she just don't like you."

Simon's half open mouth and eyes rolling around in their sockets made Zoe feel the slightest tinge of sympathy. The young doctor left the kitchen and Zoe took her place at the table. Mal didn't ask anything more of her, although she could see his jaw tighten to think that Adalyn had stayed behind in town.

"She say who he was?"

"No. She did go willingly, sir."

He nodded, picking idly at the leftover rice cake on his plate.

Adalyn picked up the hologram. Daryl and an unknown woman were hugging within the projection. Their evident happiness overflowed the boundary of the picture. She was waiting patiently for Daryl to bring back lunch from the downstairs lobby, and her eyes had wandered to the open suitcase of personal affects. Among them, a small leather envelope of letters. She quickly recognized the pinyin characters.

She'd sent those letters. He'd kept them this whole time.

The door opened to the penthouse and she felt strangely comfortable enough to not draw her weapon preemptively. Daryl's footsteps found her in the antechamber to the bedroom and she only looked at him with a tired smile when he leaned again the doorframe.

"Who is she?" she asked, placing the hologram down.

His throat bobbed, "My fiancee."

Despite the pang in her heart, she smiled, "Congratulations. She's beautiful."

He only nodded, "We were engaged nine months ago. She's on Boros, waiting for me to come home. The wedding is next month."

"Lucky woman."

"I'm so sorry, Hope."

Adalyn couldn't help it. Her chin dropped and her eyes closed. Hearing her name, spoken by her past life, was almost too much. The hand around her throat tightened and she swallowed back hard against the sting in her eyes.

"You teach medicine?" she asked quickly.

"I received my medical degree a few years ago. I have a private practice back home. And I tour. Prosthetics and nerve recreation – my specialty. It pays the bills," he smiled softly.

"I'm sure. Thank you, by the way," she met his attentive stare.

"Of course. Everything's in there. When...when you were arrested, your parents quickly transferred everything to me. Just to be safe."

"They were smart," she admitted, "I just always thought I'd get to see them again."

"I know. I wasn't home when it happened. The official cause was an electrical fire. At least, that's what the marshal said. I'm not sure if that's any consolation."

Adalyn sighed, "Cold comfort."

"How did you get out?" he moved forward, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I didn't pay bail, that's for sure," she gave a sarcastic smile.

"What did they do to you down there? All you wrote...a government camp? What kind of camp?"

"Arresting me was just a cover, Daryl. They never intended to let me out. At least not until I was 'finished'. They tortured me. They created a monster."

He said nothing, only watched her as she idly picked at a loose thread on a silken shirt, "I didn't see the sun for nine years. I'd almost forgotten what the warmth felt like. And when I got out, I knew I couldn't go back. Not to Boros. They'd look for me. So I ran. Spent a while in the world, taking up odd jobs on the rim. Then, I got your first letter back to me. And I wanted so bad to be back home. I boarded a ship, got pressed into working for them. Now...I'm flying with Mark and Jo's sergeant, the one they waved about."

"You don't have to keep running. I have the money. I could help you start over."

"I can't risk it. I can't risk going back to that place, Daryl. If I keep moving, if I just stay hidden, maybe they'll stop looking for me."

"What about you?"

"Hope is dead. She died in that place."

He stood quickly and took her chin in his fingers, making her look at him. His other hand gently brushed against the hollow of her clavicle, "No. She's still in here. I can see her. And she's a beautiful woman. Mark and Jo would be proud. So would your parents."

A single tear overflowed onto her cheek. The pad of his thumb wiped it away. The smooth skin was warm. Her tongue barely darted out from behind her lips to brush against his thumb as he continued to stroke her face. Her eyelids slid closed. A smooth exhale and she could feel his breath roll against the curve of her neck – warm, humid and tender.

"Daryl..."

Their lips almost touched. Cloying breaths overran hers. She pulled away and moved to the alcove by the window. Her heart beat heavy behind her breasts, and she braced herself on the wall. The streets below were nothing but a silent distraction of color, textures and masses.

"I'm sorry," he apologized softly.

"No more than I."

"I would've waited if I'd known."

The tightness in her throat made it hard to keep her voice level, "I can never have that life again. You were right to move on."

"The life isn't what I was waiting for. I was waiting for you."

Her jaw tightened, "I won't let you give up your life for me. And you love her."

He nodded, "I do."

She turned to look at him, "Knowing you're happy is enough."

"What about you?" he stepped closer.

Her back straightened and a coldness seeped into her eyes, "I'll move on, too."

His soft smile betrayed her words, "Then I'll help in any way I can. The money's yours, so use it when you need. And if you ever need help, anything at all, just write me."

"I will."

Mal had had a fair share of troubles with several local governments. He'd been able to smooth talk himself, or his crew, out of the better part with few left that resorted to violence. The longer this conversation with the purplebelly went on, the more Mal wondered if it would be one of the few.

"Captain, I think you misunderstand me. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, I simply wish to know if any of your passengers, or crew, happened to be in town last night."

"I'm not at liberty to account for my passengers, but my crew were otherwise occupied."

"You do realize hiding any information could be considered obstruction of justice."

"I have no intention of causing you trouble, officer."

Off in the distance of the market, Mal noticed a very familiar face. Standing on the gangplank of Serenity's belly gave him a view the interrogating officer didn't yet have. With Adalyn, a young man walked alongside. His shiny threads made him more of a sore thumb than his cook. With concerned eyes, Adalyn's pace quickened and she whispered to the man next to her.

"Can you tell me where your passengers were last night?"

"Is there a problem, Officer?" the young man accompanying Adalyn spoke up politely.

The officer turned around and Mal watched his shoulders visibly relax, "Dr. Epps, Such a pleasure to see you again."

The young man nodded at the salutation, "Likewise, sir. May I inquire as to the problem?"

"Nothing, Doctor. It seems there was a brawl in town last night with some of my squadron. They had made mention that the ladies responsible for the attack were not local. I was simply investigating transports."

"A dutiful man of the law – I will be sure to commend your actions to the Chief. However, I'm afraid there must be some misunderstanding. The Captain's envoy were guests of mine yesterday evening."

"I see. You can account for passengers?"

"Of course."

"Well, then I suppose those responsible for last night's debacle would have to have come from another transport."

"It would seem. I do wish you luck in finding them, sir."

The officer tipped his hat towards the man before giving a curt nod at Mal. Mal's thin smile hid the urge to give a thorough thrashing of the purplebelly. With the official out of sight and earshot, Mal looked to the young man. Had he known better, he'd have thought he was looking at a reflection of himself twenty-five years ago.

"Thank you for that kindness. Afraid I don't know who to thank."

The man extended his hand, "Doctor Daryl Epps. It's an honor to meet you, sir. Mark and Jo spoke highly of you."

"You knew them?"

"I was a friend of the family, yes."

"Well, seems the 'verse is a might smaller than we'd all thought."

"Ho—Adalyn tells me you've been kind. And for that, I am grateful."

Mal nodded, "Not a problem. I don't mean to be hasty, but we should probably be out of the world before that officer comes back. Adalyn?" he prompted as he started back for the door.

She nodded and looked once to Daryl. The young man gave a soft smile. Whatever passed between the two, Mal was too far away to hear. He only saw him give something to Adalyn discreetly, even if it was a tad large. She leaned in and gave him a lingering peck on the cheek before quickly following behind Mal. With one more smile and nod to the gentleman, Mal closed the door behind them and hit the intercom button on the console inside the bay.

"All clear – River, you can come out and get us outta world."

Adalyn stood immobile for a moment. Mal walked up beside her, "Seems like a nice fellow." She nodded and he watched as she bit her bottom lip ever so slightly. He watched her chest rise and fall, the breath passing softly. He cleared his throat. "Adalyn."

She nodded, "He is, Captain. I'm sorry I was delayed. I'll prepare dinner."

She quickly walked off towards her bunk by the infirmary. Perplexed, Mal hesitated a moment before following. She'd retreated to her room, and Mal watched the dim light come on inside. Passing his knuckles on the door frame, he called her name. She quickly opened the door and let him in.

"Everything shiny?" he asked.

She'd quickly shed her bomber jacket and was left standing in her skin tight tank top. Even without the extra layer, she looked flushed. The slight rose tinge on her cheeks made him feel a warmth in his gut. She looked for all the 'verse like someone he could stand knowing more of.

"Yes, sir."

"Hope we didn't cut short a reunion."

Her soft eyes spoke volumes, "Just an old friend," was what Mal heard pass over her lips, but her face told him to come closer. His feet remained planted to the deck. He couldn't move.

"Well, 'spose dinner will be ready soon enough?"

She nodded. Without a word, she started to pass by him. As he was in the doorway, she turned sideways to move through it. Without meaning to, his hand caught her arm. She stalled and was left standing chest to chest with him. With each inhale, her chest brushed against his.

"Are you sure you're ok?"

While she didn't need to look up hardly at all to meet his gaze, those eyes still screamed to him. Bedroom eyes. Her flushed body and shallow breaths were hardly easy to ignore.

"I'm fine."

He nodded and released his gentle grip on her arm. She stayed a moment longer. He felt her breath pass through the cotton of his shirt. Feet unmoving, they both stayed there and watched each other.

"Can dinner wait?" she asked quickly.

He blinked, "Shen muh?"

She licked her lips and looked down, "I was hoping to fit a workout in. Would that be ok?"

His mind backpedaled from the dreamy alley it had started to wander down and he cleared his throat, "Of course."

She exited quickly with a barely audible thank you. Mal was left standing there, infected with the same flush she'd had. Looking into her room, he saw the package which had been handed off discreetly. Itching palms made him sway ever so slightly closer, but he quickly retreated. Her room was too musky, too inviting. He needed to be in his bunk, away from the temptation he only now realized was almost attainable.

Walking past the doorway to the cargo bay, he saw Adalyn frantically wrap her knuckles in tape before going to town on Jayne's punching bag. The sound of heavy, dull hits made his feet carry him swiftly to his own bunk.

Jayne had seen Mal walk by. The captain didn't pay him no mind, but Jayne had also heard someone start going at his muscle equipment downstairs. Much as he didn't care that it were being used, he weren't sure exactly who else would be using it. Ever since Shepard Book had gone, Jayne hadn't a soul to spot him.

Leaving the table in the kitchen, Jayne lumbered down the stairs and saw Adalyn doing the work he'd heard. Her fists were wrapped right, her wrists didn't buckle, and she was quick. Not hiding himself, he walked down the last flight of stairs to the cargo bay deck.

"Want me to hold it?" he asked.

Her rosy cheeks were a bit taut, but she nodded. He braced himself against the back end of the bag and flinched when her first hit was a bit heavier than he was prepared for. A few hits in, and he saw her wince.

"Your shot shiny?" he asked.

She nodded, never stopping her fists from flying to answer him with her full attention. He stayed quiet for a moment. He recognized that face. He'd worn it a few times when he'd gone up against this bag. That was the face of forced thought. Of forcing yourself to not think about something hard by thinking about the bag.

"So, heard you was with a pretty boy from town," the bag hid his insinuating smile.

There was the slightest of pauses. He was about to look around the bag to see her reaction when it lurched backward. He wasn't ready. Her punch had forced the bag further than before and toppled him. His rear end hit the deck hard and he cursed in Mandarin.

Looking up, he saw her shoot him a look. She sighed. The shiny drops of sweat on her were making that tank top cling even tighter, "That was rude," she said simply.

He smiled, "Ain't nothing wrong with getting a little trim on world."

She shook her head and almost laughed. It was more happy on her than Jayne could remember. He braced the bag again and she resumed her punches, "Wish it were that simple," she admitted.

"Ain't it?"

"No. He's not available for me," a punch ended her thought.

"Really?"

"He's not in my league."

"How so?"

"Just take my word on it," he caught her smile.

"If ya say so," he didn't push any further.

She didn't continue to give him any details, and he didn't feel the need to ask. He was busy paying attention to the way she hit the bag. The punches were precise. And he could feel without pain how she'd taken out those reavers. Once in a few rounds, she'd bring her knee up and hold the bag to its punishment, but for the most part she let him be the counterweight.

The hits stopped coming and she collapsed on his weight bench. Drenched and breathing heavy, she unwrapped her knuckles. Jayne watched her. She wasn't uncomfortable anymore. Before, he'd always seen her and not known who she was deep inside. Now, he could see a fighter. A fighter who trained and earned the right to not be hit in a fight.

"I appreciate the help," she looked up at him with a soft face.

"Ain't had anyone to work out with. Nice to be back at it," he admitted.

"Well, perhaps I can return the favor another time?" she stood and crumpled the used tape in her palms.

"Sounds good."

She nodded in acknowledgment and walked off towards the showers behind the infirmary. The little sway in her hips made him smile in spite of her obvious disinterest. Even the way she rolled her shoulders and stretched her arms out made him stare a moment longer.

Looking at the swinging bag, he gave a halfhearted hit and walked off. With her heading to the showers, he had time alone to imagine what she looked like under the running water.

Simon had seen the woman walk into the showers. He'd been organizing a few more odds and ends, hoping to make them all some more pocket money. Adalyn had been flushed, her body shimmering with sweat. He'd heard a tiny bit of the exchange out in the cargo bay with Jayne; he curiosity piqued, he'd not shut the infirmary door. Doubting her shower would take long, he waited.

Her soaking wet person walked by not a moment later covered in clothes hugging the moisture. She crossed the common to her bunk and silently shut the door. Simon didn't hesitate. He boldly followed and slid the door open only to see her naked in front of him. She calmly looked at him and he spun to face the common.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

He sighed, "I'm sorry. I thought you were dressed."

"What do you want?"

A small hesitation made his palms sweaty, "I wanted to say thank you. For intervening last night."

She was silent. His hands clenched and unclenched. The nob of his throat bobbed.

"You're welcome."

He cleared his throat, "Well, I guess I'll leave you to get dressed."

"Thank you."

She slid the door closed. Simon remained a moment longer and felt his shoulders slump. While she hadn't seemed happy at the intrusion, at least she hadn't used another knife on him.

"You're trying too hard," River said softly.

A heavy sigh and Simon moved towards the infirmary, "Is that so?"

"She's alone, Simon. She wants it that way for now."

His sister standing in the threshold of the blue room, he looked at her for a moment silently before shaking his head, "There's something you're not telling me."

"Teenaged girls are allowed to have secrets."

"How did you two fight together last night?"

River shrugged, "She's open. Her mind. No walls. No barriers. Easy to understand her thoughts...her dreams and nightmares."

"And, being my little sister, you won't bend the rules and tell me about them, will you?"

She smiled at him, "Captain's orders. No sharing unless its imperative to survival."

"Fine. Fine. I'll just ignore her until she goes away. Or stops using knives."

"Don't ignore. Just let her be."

With that, River walked silently away. Holding his fingers out in front of him, he looked them over. The knife wasn't there but he could feel the cold steel against his skin.

Mal walked into the kitchen to see Simon and Kaylee already sitting with plates in front of them. Another bountiful meal in the making, and Mal couldn't hold out and stay away from it any longer. The warm and savory scent of a roasting bird had forced him to put the autopilot on a bit earlier than he planned to. Add to that mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables, Mal was sure he'd need to loosen his belt. He started crossing the room to thank Adalyn for her cooking when Jayne beat him there. The mercenary was eagerly picking up finished dishes and placing them on the table for the meal. If Adalyn noticed his awkward smiles, she paid no mind to it. Mal himself smiled and instead pulled out his customary place at the head of the table.

"Seems like we once again have royalty aboard."

Adalyn looked in his direction, "I apologize for it being late, Captain."

"No fear. Sure looks to be worth the wait."

"What's this?" Kaylee pointed at a dish that Mal recognized, but hadn't seen in over twenty years.

"Roasted hen," Adalyn, Simon and Mal answered at the same time.

"What's it taste like?"

"Chicken. It's just chicken before it's turned to protein. Still has flavor," Adalyn smiled.

Mal loved that smile. While he hadn't been raised in the core, Shadow had its fair share of society. He, Simon and Adalyn would've had a chance to try foods outside the protein they were all so accustomed to now.

River walked in a moment later and took her seat at the table. Zoe, too. With his crew all there, Mal felt fine to start the cutting once Adalyn and Jayne took their seats. Slicing into the perfectly roasted bird with juices draining from the incision, he felt his mouth water.

The first slice he gave to himself. He stood to carve the rest, handing out slices to each of his own. Adalyn, however, snagged a leg. It was heartwarming to see Zoe, Kaylee and Jayne each taste theirs. No doubt none of them had ever the opportunity to have the real deal.

"Adalyn, you keep cooking like this and we'll all have to buy bigger clothes," Zoe smiled.

"Least I can do for the passage."

"Well, you keep my crew from having their faces pounded in, I think we'll count that as part of the passage, too," Mal shot a look at Simon.

"You didn't see her last night, Cap'n," Kaylee plopped some potatoes on her plate, "She and River both gave 'em all a whopping. Kinda funny, watching 'em fight."

"Well, let's just not plan on it happening too often? Weren't for your friend, we might'a had to answer for it," Mal's attention diverted back to Adalyn, "Who was he, by the way?"

She inhaled deep and gave a tired smile, "He was my intended. Back on Boros. Were were betrothed when I was nine."

"Betrothed? You mean, like gettin' hitched?" Jayne asked.

"Yes. We were to be married when I was twenty-one."

"What's he do now?"Jayne asked.

"He's a doctor. Reconstructive medicines."

"That's a complicated specialty. Artificial limbs and nerves, correct?" Simon asked.

Adalyn nodded, "Correct."

"Well, we may have to send him our thanks for the white lie," Mal shoved another heaping mash of potatoes and chicken into his mouth.

"You ever think of going back to him?" Kaylee asked with a romantic smile.

Adalyn returned it, but the sadness behind it was hard to ignore, "He's engaged."

Kaylee's balloon popped, "Oh."

"He's happy, and I couldn't be happier for him."

"Good then, that you still have a friend," Zoe allowed.

Adalyn nodded. Mal watched the conversation die off. His crew was intent on their meals; getting second servings was a bit of a race. But to see them all slowly start with jokes and memories, he leaned back into his chair and relaxed. While they were a mismatched sort, they were his sort.

Adalyn slumped onto her bed. Her full belly made her smile out of habit. The meal enjoyed without many leftovers, her work afterward had been slim. Now, she was free to sleep. Serenity was under way to some job or another, and perhaps she'd be able to help out on this one. She absentmindedly undid her cargo pant button and belt to make her belly a bit more comfortable while she lay down. Looking at the ceiling, she couldn't imagine being home. Even if her parents were still alive, if her brothers had returned from the war, if she'd never been taken from her family. All of that, perhaps, was skewed from her time in that hell. All her mind was now, was a weapon. The thought of a happy home with a husband seemed so ridiculous.

She reached over for the small package Daryl had gifted her. The brown paper wrapping it was in was quickly and deftly shed. Holding it over her, she smiled to see the frame. Sleek metal edges held a portrait. Herself, Daryl, and her brothers...all in a pile as children after a bonfire birthday party. The portrait shifted and she was lost in the picnic the new image entailed. Her parents remained untainted by war and age. The large tree on her property held a small platform for the beginning of a tree house. It would take a year for her older brothers and her father to complete. Worth the wait. Often, as a child, she watched the twin suns set past the distant mountains and rolling valleys.

A gentle knock on her door made her place the frame face down on the tiny counter space across from the bed. She rolled over to her feet and crossed the room to open the sliding door.

River stood there to greet her, a smile on her face, "Lovely memories."

Adalyn nodded, "They are. Everything shiny?"

"Dance?"

Adalyn smiled and stepped over the threshold. Buttoning her pants again, she followed River's lead to the cargo bay for more tai chi. The soft movements were a boon to her concentration and she didn't mind the peace she found. Softly falling into rhythm and with River mirroring her, her eyelids drifted close. Behind them danced visions of her family. A warm hearth. Savory dinners to ambient lights. Playing games and being a little sister who knew nothing of war. Tickle battles and bedtime stories.

The memory that she didn't hug her brother goodbye before he went to the docks to report for duty hit her like a fist. Too angry, too confused, she hadn't embraced him when he'd held his arms open. She'd watched while his smile fell and his arms followed. He sighed and his shoulders dropped. Turning, he walked away. Down the cobbled path to the carriage. She'd wanted to run after. Her feet had remained planted to the spot. Proper manners and etiquette wouldn't allow such an outburst. He'd disappeared without a final hug from his baby sister. And she'd never had the chance to hold him again. He'd gone to war knowing she didn't approve. He'd died in Mal's arms knowing he'd never gotten that last hug.

Wet tears crept out from under her closed eyes. Her breath gave out on her and she gasped to get it back. Her legs wouldn't hold her up. She collapsed onto Jayne's weight bench and River stayed near. Silently, she cried. She didn't need to explain. No doubt the girl could understand what had happened. The soft hand on her shoulder made it okay to cry. She'd mourned before for the loss of her family. But it had always been easier. Now she was in the company of folks who had lost so much as she had. And their grief overpowered her, made her own seem so inconsequential and still so relevant.

Simon watched from above on the catwalk. He'd seen River invite Adalyn out to the cargo bay. His curiosity piqued, he lingered. Long enough to see Adalyn cry. River consoled her. They spoke soft words to each other that he couldn't hear. Adalyn's tears weren't harsh or loud. But they spoke of grief that Simon had never considered before. While he had his sister, she had lost her brothers. Thinking on what that kind of loss would do to him, he sighed. His throat became tight to just think it. Above that, his parents were, for all he knew, alive and well. Worried about their rising stars, no doubt, but fine otherwise.

Adalyn had no comfort akin to that.

Mal walked onto the dark bridge. Zoe always kept it dark. He supposed it were so she could see the stars her husband had loved so much. Plopping into the pilot's chair, he leaned back into it. They remained in silence, the two of them. Two soldiers who'd lost their fights. The distant lights of stars and worlds floated aimlessly with them. Small beeps and chirps from the flying boat consoled them almost like the all-encompassing sounds of a womb. Blended together. Became a soothing song.

Zoe got up from her seat and smiled gently at Mal. He nodded. Without words, they said goodnight and transferred the watch from first mate to captain. His gaze returned to the black. The wisps of lingering aroma from the meal made him smile. He thought of his momma's ranch on Shadow and the meals he'd enjoyed as a young rancher himself.

Casual footfalls made him sit a little straighter. The silence of his womb was punctuated by a throat clearing. He spun in the chair to see Simon standing there with nothing but lounge pants. The boy didn't register that he'd interrupted him, but instead sat were Zoe had been only a moment ago.

"She's lost a lot," Simon said idly.

Mal's brow furrowed, "Come again?"

"Adalyn. She's lost a lot."

"Mayhaps."

"You would think, if she'd lost that much, she'd have nothing to live for."

"Some folk live for themselves. Others, they live for revenge. Just depends on the person."

"You prayed with her," Simon reminded him.

"I did."

"Why?"

"Does it matter?"

"Just curious," Simon shrugged.

Mal turned his gaze back out to the black. He picked at a caught thread on his pants. The brown stripe down the side was fraying and showing the inner lining. He would have to repair it soon.

"Ain't much to explain. Gal's lost a lot, like you say. Still, she has her faith. Takes a mighty strong kind of person to lose their world and still believe in something big and shiny at the end. Even mightier person to fight to deserve that shiny end. Hell, might be that she's fighting to get to it quicker. Either way, someone like her could hold grudges. Most especially 'gainst a man like me. But I prayed with her same reason I prayed with her brother. She's got a power to her. And even if I ain't kept my faith, I can respect her for keeping hers. Ain't a crutch like for some. Ain't even a solace. Not rightly sure what it is, but gal can't have lost everything if she's still got that. Maybe it gives me hope."

Simon nodded, "And here I was thinking you were just afraid she'd kick your ass if you didn't."

Mal smiled, "Well, ain't saying that thought didn't cross my mind."

"I don't understand her. I can't imagine her living like a debutante. No fancy gowns or pearls. But, she's hurting. She's human. And maybe that's enough."

Mal looked to him and gave a genuine smile, "Now you're getting it."

"What?"

"Why I let you stay on as crew."

Simon returned the smile and nodded before turning to leave the captain to his watch. Mal looked back out on the black. Once again, the soothing sounds of his boat consoled him. With the young doctor descending into Kaylee's bunk for the night, he was again alone.

A slight rustling in the kitchen made him double check the autopilot before leaving the bridge. Walking down the front corridor, he saw Adalyn move from counter to table with a small plate and a glass of soy. Something so simple, but it brought a smile to his face. He walked in and rummaged through the cool bin to pull out some leftover hen. Cold, he didn't mind. The flavors were still there.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked.

She gestured to the seat at the head of the table with a mouth full of almond cookie.

Her silent acceptance of his company was enough welcome and he sat heavily in the chair. Her usual ivory complexion was a bit ruddy and her eyes seemed swollen. If the doctor had had an epiphany, seeing a woman like Adalyn cry might've been the catalyst for it. He said nothing, but picked at the hen and enjoyed the cool flavors which lingered on his tongue.

Adalyn dunked the cookie in her small glass of soy milk and took a bite. The crunch was muffled and the drip of white she caught with a fingertip.

"You definitely know how to make a man happy," Mal blurted out. Adalyn almost smiled and looked at him while he tried to hide some rising heat in his cheeks. He cleared his throat, "Mean, foodstuffs like this? In the black? Hard to come by."

She nodded and swallowed her bite of cookie, "I'm glad I can help, Captain."

"Daryl ever get to have some of these meals back home?" he asked.

She shook her head with what Mal considered a slightly embarrassed smile, "I always let my mother cook. She could put me to shame. And Daryl, and my brothers, kept me away from my household duties more often than not. We were always getting into some mess or another."

"Sounds like a nice family."

She nodded, "It was. And you? Any siblings?"

He shook his head a popped a piece of dark meat into his jaw, "None. Just me and my momma. She had a ranch back on Shadow. Before the war."

"Figured you for a cowboy."

"How's that, now?"

Adalyn shrugged, "The way you carry yourself. You knew what roasted hen was. And you weren't born into this life with nothing. Time was, you probably courted ladies like me back home. Am I right?"

He couldn't help that a bit of sadness crept up in his voice, "You ain't wrong."

"Do you ever miss it? Not being able to go home?"

He shouldn't have been surprised at her knowledge. The fate of Shadow hadn't been broadcasted through the core, but wasn't hard to come by in certain channels. And a family like hers who supported independence would've been privy to that information, no doubt.

"I think of Serenity as home now," he avoided the question.

"She's a beautiful boat. And I'm honored to be on her."

Grateful that she let his avoidance go, he smiled and took another bite of the hen. She dunked another cookie in her milk. They ate in silence for another few moments. She picked off the almond from the top of the pastry and popped it in her mouth. She sighed and Mal swallowed the small bite he'd picked off.

"Something on your mind?"

She didn't say anything for a minute, just looked tiredly at the table lamp that was their only source of light. The gentle rise and fall of her shoulders caught the glimmer of the light on her collarbone.

"Does it ever stop hurting?" her soft question hit him like a hammer and those bright green eyes were starting to overflow with unshed tears.

He swallowed back the tightness in his own throat, "Gets easier to live with. But it never goes away all together."

Her eyes met his. They were haunted, pleading eyes. Few times before had Mal felt so strong an urge to comfort another. Just the thought that maybe he could hold her and let her grieve unabashedly for one moment was enough to make him hold her gaze. He could see the tears welling up; the water shone back the lamplight.

Unbidden, his hand reached out and took hers in a gentle embrace. She closed her eyes purposefully and a tear escaped from her left eye to roll down her cheek. He could see her swallow back the pain and sting in her throat. Her eyes opened and she inhaled deep through parted lips. With the exhale, her pain diminished but the wound was still evident. Her hand in his tightened its grip ever so slightly before she pulled away and left the table without another word. Mal didn't watch her go. She wanted her solitude and he would give it to her.

The pain in her gait, her face, even in the way she had cried, spoke of regret and sorrow. He knew that kind of pain. He'd dealt with it long enough to recognize it in another. Losing his mother, friends and brothers-in-arms had come with a fair amount of regret. He regretted ever leaving Shadow. Regretted how he'd left. He even regretted harsh words said to those who had died with his home and to whom he could now never apologize. Yes. The pain got easier to live with. Easier to accept. But it never went away.