Moonbrain’s close again. Not sure about this. Jayne settled the grenades around his chest a little more securely. It didn’t matter if Mal wasn't going to invade a small town. He wasn’t going on any jobs no more without ‘em. Be crazy to. Crazy like that girl there. She’s got her eyes closed. Wonder what she’s thinking about?

River’s eyes slammed open and she turned to stare at him.

Gorramit it.

She smiled and turned back to face into the sun, her lashes once more on her cheek.

Don’t mind if she did gut a whole room full o’ Reavers. Saved our skins, that’s for sure. But she still ain't all there.

He moved in his seat enough so that most of his back was to her. This meant he was staring at the rocks and boulders zipping past, but it was a better view as far as he was concerned. He glanced into the front seat. Zoe was upright, as always, her hair tossing in the moving air.

Thought she was gonna kill me. If’n she’d had that gun in her hands, I think she would’ve just fired. Made a mess, that’s for sure. Only someone had to say something. And the Cap’s pussy-footin’ around her like she’s made outta glass or something. That ain't the way. Not with someone like her. She needs … well, I’d be at the nearest whorehouse soon as I could drag my sorry ass outta the bunk. But I guess she’s a woman, and maybe they don’t do that.

He sighed, his breath whipped away on the wind.

Guess it’s to be expected. They been married a while, so … don’t kiss ‘em on the mouth, let alone marry ‘em. Can’t see me with a wife and kids tied to my feet. Ain’t me. This job better go smooth, though. Ain't got no coin to speak of, and I feel the urge somethin’ fierce.

He lifted himself up, easing the tightness in his groin.

Maybe call in at old Olive’s place if I can get the Cap to stop by. Been a month o’ Sundays since my John Thomas did more’n get lively in my pants …

She was looking at him again, he could tell. Eyes boring into his back, as if she could see through his combat jacket, his skin, into his heart.

Ain’t nothing there, girlie, just nothing at all. Don’t get your hopes up. Wouldn’t bed you if you was the last woman around. His mind saw her, lying on his bed, the guns lined up next to her, her body taut, expectant. He grinned. Try that for size.

Zoe had pointed towards a low graze of buildings on the horizon. Town was coming up, and they were about to get rich.

Well, less poor. Think she’s wearing her armour. Good. Mal’d kill her if she went and got dead on us. She needs to talk. Not to me. Ain't listening to a woman get all weepy, even if it is her. But it ain't good for her to be mopin’ in her bunk. Thinks we ain't sentimental over him. I ain't, but … man did good. ‘N’ that kinda flying … he did good.

She needs to talk. Book’d know what to say to her. How to … He pulled a cigar from his jacket. At this speed there was no way he was going to be able to light it, but at least he could chew it. These are good ones, Preacher. Paid more’n I would, but I knew they’d be good. You’d’a liked ‘em. If’n we head back, I’ll save ya one, put it by the marker. Case you come over all needful in the afterlife and want to have a smoke.

Always thought I’d go first. Coupla bullets, maybe a knife in the ribs … never thought I’d see ya lying dead in Mal’s arms. Was right you killed the ship that killed you. Still, I’d’a rather you not be dead at all. Ain’t got no-one to spot me now, to argue about where I’ll end up one day. Can’t help feeling it ain't gonna be where you are, but you put in a good word for me, dong mah?

The buildings were coming up fast, and his hands automatically checked his weapons.

Guns, grenades, knife. Yeah, guess I'm ready.