1. Never take your eyes off of any of them, not even for a second. They are small and fast.

Wash ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath and started looking frantically around the cargo bay again. Thoughts of his beloved wife strangling him danced in his head. Why would anyone think it was a good idea to leave him alone with 3 10 month babies was a good idea, even if the babies were his? This was the first time that he was ever alone with his children and he did the unthinkable. He lost one of them. Wash had only taken his eyes off of Mally for a second then he was gone. He looked in every storage, secret compartment, box, nook, and cranny but no sign of his eldest son. He went to check to see if the other two were where he left them. Amina stretched out her hands for him to pick her up. “Poppa can’t pick you up right now sweetie. He’s gotta find your brother before your Momma comes back, and strangles, Poppa.” Wash kissed her on the head and continued his search.

Wash looked in every cabinet in the kitchen. There was still no sign of his son. He looked under the table and instead of the boy he saw his wife’s legs. Normally Wash would enjoy this moment staring at his wife’s legs, but not today. “Sweetie…you’re back.” He grinned nervously. “And so soon.” Zoë had Amina and Gabe in her arms. “Husband, is there a reason why our children were sitting in a box in the cargo bay? And when I left we had three children. Annnnd I count only two. Where’s the third?”

“Gorramit!” Jayne yelled. Wash smiled. “Jayne’s got him.” They went into the common’s area the source of Jayne’s cursing. Jayne came out the bathroom holding Mally at arm’s length. “He’s a baby not a bomb, Jayne.” Zoë stated. “Damn critter was in the john. And he smells funny.” Jayne handed the baby over to Wash. “Here take’m and keep him out of the john. Man can’t take a shower with another man looking at his bits and pieces.” Jayne stomped out the room. Wash laughed nervously. “I’m gonna clean him up now.” “Try not to loose him.” Zoë replied flatly.

>>>>>>>>>>>

Zoë was playing a riveting game of peek-a-boo with Amina, while Wash washed the boys. She had just uncovered her eyes and noticed that Amina wasn’t sitting across from her anymore. “Shiny.” She jumped up and ran out of the children’s bedroom when she bumped into her husband. “Hey sweetie.” Wash smiled. “Thought you were washing the boys.” “I am. Washing them.” Wash peek his head into the bedroom. Then he looked in the other rooms. “As soon as I find them.” He whispered to himself. “What’s that dear?” Zoë asked. “Nothing.” They heard a loud crash coming from the infirmary and Simon yelling. “Oh no!” “Where’s Gabe, Wash?” “Where’s Amina, Zoë?” There was more clanging coming from the infirmary. “That’s not for little boys.” “This is your fault you know.” Zoë said. “Why is it always my fault when our kids run muck?” “Because you’re the man.” “And you’re the woman. And when a man and woman love each other…” A dripping, naked Mally ran past them. “They get to chase naked two year olds.” From another direction a very green Amina chased him. “Why she’s green?” Wash asked smiling. Zoë put her hands on her hips. “Why’s Mally running around naked and wet?” “Wash! Zoë!” Simon screamed “It’s your turn.” Zoë stated. “No, it’s your turn.” Wash gently pushed Zoë in the direction of the infirmary. “You’re the man.” “Sweetie we went over this already.” “No, Gabe. Don’t touch that.” Simon shouted. Amina flashed by again. Wash grabbed Zoë’s shoulders. “Let’s runaway. Somewhere far, far, away.” “No touching!” Simon shouted. Zoë smiled liking Wash’s suggestion. “Umm let’s.” Mally ran past them into the room. “Hi Poppa. Hi Momma.” He rummaged through his toys and pulled out a racket, teddy bear, his pillow and three crayons. “Son what are you doing?” “Nothing.” He grinned. Green Amina flashed by again laughing hysterically. “No, we don’t want to put that in our mouths.” “Someone should really help him.” Wash said looking in the direction of the infirmary. “I’ve got Mally.” Zoë scooped up the boy. Amina pushed her way into the room. Zoë grabbed her too. “And our daughter you deal with Simon.” “That’s not a toy!”