“Better’n I ‘spected,” Jayne observed, jumping down from the mule. “Mite better lookin’ ‘n that Heart o’ Gold, at least.” “Never heard of no ‘Heart of Gold’,” Gabriel admitted, “but even seein’ as I didn’t live here long after the war, it’s only been abandoned bit over two years. Ya expected ta find a rabid-bitten heaphole?” Ignoring the Hera slang, as usual, Mal informed the group, which consisted of five (this was one more than they would have taken on a speed-necessary job), of his intent to return and retrieve more individuals from Serenity’s secluded hiding place. With a nod from Zoe that they needed nothing else, he continued, racing off into the distance with a cloud of dirt. “Yeah, it ain’t no mouse-ridden fleahole,” Gabriel assured his companions, Jayne, Zoe, and River. A moment later, Gabriel broke the door in with the full intention of repairing it later; he no longer had his key. At least three mice scattered at the loud noise and the movement of the four huge beings who stalked into their home. “Okay, so I may have a few mice, now,” Gabriel admitted. He tapped the nearest kitchen drawer with his knuckles. “That’s what mousetraps are for.” “Sure you’re okay with all this?” Zoe wondered with concern. Gabriel glanced around the room. “This *is* where my parents died,” he agreed. He moved on, heading for what appeared, from the kitchen, to be a living room or den of some sort. “I don’t believe in ghosts, an’ I treat my memories as enemies. I’ll be perfectly fine.” *************************************************************************

*I know the man’s upset,* Helen Hayze thought to herself as she adjusted the trim on the descending spacecraft, *but why is he giving *me* the go se assignment?* Hayze and the rest of her team could tell with little to no effort that Damian Ritter was furious. Not only had he lost Davin from his very own clutches, but now, the entire crew seemed to have dropped off the face of the ‘Verse without a trace. Of course, the man remained calm and collected; he could have passed for a computer, rather than a human, were one to speak with him without seeing him, but the entire team were experts at reading people. This was mostly for interrogation purposes, but the training had numerous other uses. Helen had seen her leader perform two actions lately that were completely out of character. The first was adding a second primary objective, which was killing River Tam, that was equal to the first, which was capturing Gabriel Davin alive. The second oddity was Ritter’s decision to split the team. As determined as he was to locate this elusive band, he was sending each team member, alone, to various planets that he had chosen for intelligence gathering and manhunting. Helen’s first assignment was Hera, and this was the cause of her vexation. Davin, Reynolds, and Alleyne had connections here, true, but the chances of Serenity and her crew hiding on this rock were slim to none. Truth be told, one of Helen’s favored quotes in philosophical tactics training was on, ‘hiding in plain sight’, but this was just plain ridiculous, and Ritter had specifically picked her to handle the Hera intelligence gathering. Although Ritter had insinuated absolutely no such details pertaining to the momentary event, Helen had to wonder if, indeed, he *had* witnessed her final interaction with Jayne Cobb. *No,* the woman decided. *I can’t see him keeping me on the team, or *alive,* for that matter, did he know.* Helen wasn’t entirely certain herself why she had allowed Cobb to best her. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that may have cost them the entire mission. The part that scared Helen the most was that, even now, she did not think she regretted the decision. *************************************************************************

“I like it,” Kaylee observed cheerfully. “It’s cozy.” “It’s bigger than I’d expected,” Inara admitted. “It looked smaller from the outside.” “Magic,” Gabriel explained. “Magic is a-” River began, but Inara held up a hand to stop her. “I think that one is better left un-scientifically analyzed,” the Companion suggested. “Let it go.” “Oh, wow!” Kaylee exclaimed, moving to a three-tiered shelf. “Family photos!” “Umm...” Gabriel began cautiously. Inara immediately recognized that he was extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden. “Look, it’s yer mom an’ yer dad!” The mechanic squinted at the photo. “Who’s that?” she inquired, pointing to an older child standing next to Gabriel. The photo was taken in front of the house, which, at that time, looked much better-kept. “My brother,” Gabriel replied, and Inara was positive that Kaylee was treading on dangerous ground. “Huh. Never knew ya have a brother.” Sliding past her, Gabriel immediately began taking photos from the shelves and tucking them under his arms. “I don’t,” he growled. Having gathered all of the photos, he moved to a nearby cedar chest, levered it open with his foot, and stuffed the photos inside. Inara slid a hand onto Kaylee’s arm and shook her head. “*Do something,*” River mouthed silently at the mechanic. Momentarily flustered, and a little sheepish, Kaylee suddenly had a random idea. “Gabriel,” she suggested as the man closed the chest and turned back toward the three women. “I got a *great* idea.” “Yer grinnin’ too much,” Gabriel observed. “That ain’t a good sign.” Kaylee clasped her hands before herself. “Let’s do yer hair!” Gabriel paled. “*What?!*” he exclaimed. “Yes!” River broke in excitedly. “That *is* a great idea!” “No,” Gabriel returned firmly. “No ruttin’ way.” “Oh, come on!” Kaylee urged. “Yer the only guy here with hair *long* enough to *do* anything with! It’ll be fun!” “It will *not* be fun,” Gabriel assured. “It will for us,” River retorted. “*Please?*” “I’ve got some very colorful ribbon,” Inara suggested, finally joining in on the game. “I could do some fantastic things with-” “No!” Gabriel objected. “Ain’t gonna happen, Ladies. Sorry, but *no way.*” *************************************************************************

“So *how*, exactly, did this come about?” Mal inquired over the evening meal. Gabriel grumbled something unintelligible. “I don’t get how,” Jayne input. “I really jus' *don’t.*” “Was it feminine wiles?” Mal suggested. “Did they use feminine wiles?” Gabriel just shook his head. He pointed a finger accusingly at River. “‘Specially *that* one.” River grabbed for his hand. “*Oh,* so now I’m ‘that one’?” “I think it looks fantastic,” Kaylee observed. Gabriel held his hands near his head in a claw-like fashion. “*Fantastic?!??* *Ribbons!* Ribbons, an’, an’, an’ *little pony tails!!* *How* is that fantastic?!??” Nobody could see Zoe’s face. It was buried in her forearms as she wracked with laughter. “I apologize,” Simon managed between chuckles. “I just can’t see how this could get any more embarrassing for you.” “I’m sure it can,” Kaylee surmised. “Tell us a story.” Gabriel’s forehead touched the table. “No.” “I bet we can get *River* to tell us a story ‘boutcha,” Kaylee guessed, suggestively glancing to River. “She’s a psychic, yanno.” “River will not tell you anything,” Gabriel mumbled into the table. “She respects my mental privacy.” “He wet the bed once when he was eight, because he was having a dream that he was standing in front of a toilet.” Gabriel’s head snapped up and toward River at the same time as his jaw snapped down. “I- I- I can’t believe you just *said* that!! Why- why- why would you *say* somethin’ like that?!” “Oh,” Jayne mumbled pointedly around a mouthful of food. “Now *that’s* jus’ plain *mean,* Girl.” River giggled incessantly. “I *love* you!” she exclaimed apologetically. “I will sneak into your room at night and *smother* you with your own pillow!” Zoe raised her head in an attempt to say something. Giving up on this venture, her face returned to her arms. *************************************************************************

They spent the evening discussing sleeping arrangements, supply trips to town, and making fun of Gabriel. Jayne was glad that someone else was getting picked on for a change. Gabriel was a little less glad than Jayne. It was late now, and everyone was winding down. Jayne was drunk and went outside to smoke a cigar before bed. Zoe went with him, as they were engaged in some sort of conversation. Simon and Kaylee had retired an hour previously to the master bedroom, which was bestowed upon them because they were the ranking couple. They were, no doubt, currently engaged in their favorite activity. After finally being allowed to pull all of the ribbons out of his hair, Gabriel also went outside, accompanied by River. That left Mal and Inara. Inara stretched her arms. “Well, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll be retiring for the night. I am very tired.” Mal muttered something unintelligible as he took another drink of saki. Inara frowned at him. “I’m sorry, what was that?” “Oh, nothing,” Mal assured her sardonically. “I’m sure you must be *exhausted.*” Inara shook her head. “Okay, I know you’ve been drinking, but I just-” “Oh, don’t go tryin’ to blame the alcohol!” Mal exclaimed, coming to his feet. “This ain’t somethin’ that just creeped up tonight.” “Mal,” Inara began, “I swear, I honestly don’t know what you’re talking about.” Mal set his cup on the table and rubbed his eyes. “It’s all the lyin’ an’ dancin’ about an’ such.” Inara crossed her arms before her breasts. “Okay, Captain. What am I lying about?” Mal licked his lips and looked at the ceiling. “At this moment?” His gaze came back down to meet hers. “Being tired.” Inara’s jaw dropped. “You think I’m *lying* about being *tired?!??*” “Yeah!” Mal exclaimed. “Everyone else is gone, an’ it’s just you an’ me, an’ plain an’ simple fact is just you don’t wanna be around me!” “Oh-ho!” Inara shot back. “That’s *probably* because you *act* like *this!*” “I *act* like *this* because *you* act like *this!!*” Mal shouted. “Right!” Inara yelled back. “I lie about being tired, because why the hell should I be tired at eleven o’clock at night?!??” “This is impossible,” Mal growled, heading for the door. “I’ll never get the truth out of you. Forget I said anything; I’m sorry I brought it up.” Inara opened her mouth for another retort, then stopped herself. There a moment of standing still, watching Mal disappear into the darkness outside. *That’s right; you’re good at walking away, aren’t you?* The tension suddenly sagging from her shoulders, Inara sighed. *What else can he do but walk away? What *should* he do?* Finally, she forced herself to follow him. “Mal!” she called from the porch. Mal stopped, but did not turn around. Swallowing thickly, Inara scaled down the stairs, approaching Mal from behind, and when she reached him, she moved around to face him. “You want the truth?” Mal regarded her in silence. Inara leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “That’s the truth.” She held his gaze for a moment. “I’m going to bed,” she informed him. “See you in the morning, Captain.” *************************************************************************

“They’re fightin’ again,” Jayne observed, seated on a bench outside the kitchen window. “Like usual.” Zoe listened to the shouts from inside for a second. “I noticed that,” she replied. “Place kinda bugs me,” Jayne alluded, puffing on his stogie. “I mean, it’s nice an’ all, but... jus’ seems a li’l too secluded fer my tastes.” Zoe rubbed the back of her neck, where a pain was developing. “That’s kinda the point, Jayne. Closest town is ten clicks; eight hundred people...” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “How ya feelin’?” Jayne inquired. “Still kinda weak,” Zoe informed him. “I’ll pull through. Why Dante would wanna help us out, though...” She pursed her lips. “Downright confounding.” After a moment of silence, she glanced over at the large man sitting next to her on the bench. “Jayne?” “Yeah?” Jayne responded. Zoe stared off into the darkness again. “Somethin’s eatin’ at ya, Jayne.” “Yeah,” Jayne responded. “The kid is.” Zoe frowned at him. “You don’t like Gabriel?” “No, that’s the problem,” Jayne explained. “I *do* like ‘im. Reminds me of me when I was his age, only kid’s got smarts he don’t know about. Eats at me that he’s gettin’ involved with the crazy girl.” “So it’s River you don’t like?” Jayne withdrew the cigar from his mouth for a moment. As he glanced up, a second raindrop hit him. “We should be headin’ in,” he observed. “An’ I don’t *not* like her. She’s jus’ a little...” He pondered for a moment in his lethologica as he stood. “Well, she’s creepy.” “Jayne, she’s a sweetheart,” Zoe countered, rising from the bench herself. “I think she’s good for Gabriel, and him for her, too.” Jayne stuck the stogie back between his teeth. “Wish I could say the same, Zoe, but I can’t.” *************************************************************************

“Feel that?” Gabriel observed, holding his hand out. “It’s startin’ to rain.” River stared at him with an expression that said, ‘Oh, my God, I can’t believe you had to tell me that’. Gabriel grinned at her, and River had to laugh at the ridiculousness of it. They walked through the night, hand-in-hand, while the sky opened and sheets of warm summer rain fell in curtains. After a time, they came to a small stream, and Gabriel led River down the steep, but short bank to a large, flat rock. The pouring rain made foot purchase very difficult, but neither had any trouble with it as they stared at the teeming, rippling disturbances the thousands of fat, wet raindrops created as they slammed into the water’s surface. In the dark, River turned toward Gabriel. She placed one hand, palm flat, on his breastbone. The combination of her radiating emotions and the accompanying physical contact made him jerk suddenly. *It’s okay,* River told him, reveling also in her new-found projection skills. She tucked long, fluid streamers of wet, dripping hair behind her ears, then did the same to his shorter hair before leaning up to kiss him on the chin. She then clasped his collar and pulled his soaked, clinging shirt off over his head, an ordeal in and of its own, considering the wetness of the cloth and of his skin. She kissed him on the lips. The rain pounded the soil all throughout the night, creating miniature rivers that raged through their own small dirt valleys in the barren, unplanted fields and roaring with intensity to cover up the sounds of passion that otherwise would have filled the night air. The weather didn’t let up until sometime before dawn, and the air was saturated with the ozone smell of freshly-watered nature as a slight fog misted over the surface of the ground. ***************************************************************************

“Why are there wet clothes hangin’ on the porch?” Mal inquired, reentering the kitchen with his still-full cup of coffee. “I have no idea,” River replied from the table. “No clue,” Gabriel agreed. “What’s fer breakfast?” Jayne inquired, entering the kitchen from the other side. “I dunno,” Mal admitted. “There are some very Gabriel-ish and River-ish clothes dripping on the front porch. Are two certain someones tryin’ to catch hypothermia our first night here?” “We were... stargazing,” Gabriel explained. “Ow!” River removed her sharp, bony elbow from Gabriel’s arm. “You dummy!” she hissed. “You can’t see the stars when it’s raining!” “Right,” Gabriel started. “Sorry.” He turned back to Mal and blinked. “We were cloudgazing.” Mal blinked at them before the clues finally clicked. “I’m drinkin’ my coffee outside,” he decided, turning and re-exiting the house. “Don’t wanna know... don’t *need* to know...” “Weren’t it too dark to be seein’ the clouds?” Jayne inquired.