The gentle hum of the engine was all that could be heard through Serenity as the crew sat silently contemplating what Zoe had just said. After a while Kaylee’s smile widened and she jumped up and gave her a hug. “congratulations” she said. “hold on just one gorram minute.” came Mal’s voice from behind Kaylee. “You mean to tell me you’ve gone ‘n’ got yourself up the duff?” Said Jayne with one eyebrow raised. “Go back to the bit where you’re pregnant?!” Said Mal “That’s what I said sir.” Said Zoe with the biggest grin she’s ever had. “Oh come on cap’n I think its shiny.” Said Kaylee turning from Zoe to Mal. He started to speak but Zoe interrupted “After saving Petaline and her child, I convinced Wash that we should have one of our own, we had been trying since we left Sheppard Book but were unsuccessful, or so we thought.” “And why wasn’t I told before?” exclaimed Mal. “Didn’t think it was relevant sir.” said Zoe. “Not relevant? Its my gorram ship and I think that I should be informed if I’m gonna have littl’uns running around on it! It’s a bad idea, gonna heap a whole lotta trouble on us.” “You don’t mean that cap’n” said a disgruntled Kaylee. “C’mon Jayne, you agree with me don’t you?” said Mal as he turned to face the rest of the crew. “Well I think it’s a good idea, I can give him the kinda schoolin’ that I wernt given.” At this remark everyone’s jaws dropped and they all turned to face Jayne. “I’m sorry, what?” said a confused and interested Mal. You know teach him the proper way to clean and handle his guns, I had to learn on my own, nearly shot my own ruddin toe off too!” “Oh” said Simon as he turned back to Zoe. “I thought he was being serious for a moment there” “And what do you make of this then doc” said Mal “Well I’ve already delivered Petaline’s child so I’m prepared if that’s what you mean?” “Can’t you be a little more supportive Mal?” Said Inara as she gracefully crossed the room from Zoe’s side to face him “This is something that Zoe’s wanted for a very long time and then you shoot it down before we’ve even discussed it.” “Excuse me sir but this is mine and Wash’s child and so its my decision, dong ma?” “Well, juh jen sh guh kwai luh duh jean-jan... am I the only one that can see where this will take us!?” Looking around for a bit of support for his argument Mal’s face dropped and he stormed off to the bridge were River was listening in on everything.