Zoe was sitting by the window in her old work clothes complete with holster. She didn? have her gun though. The years had been kind to her and she looked almost as young as she did 30 years ago. She had nary a wrinkle on her face and only a light sprinkling of gray on her head.

Zoe smiled broadly when her grand-daughter raced across the room to her. She scooped her up and gave her a big hug.

So, to what do I owe the pleasure of seeing my favorite little munch kin? I heard you calling your daddy. Daddy, daddy where are you daddy?That is so unlady like. Zoe said with a twinkle in her eye.

I wanted daddy to tell me how grandpa died. He said he didn know the story. Well of course he doesn? know the story. It happened before he was born. Now if you are very good and very quiet I?l tell it to you. Do you want to hear it? Zandra couldn speak for being so excited so she simply nodded her head.

Well ok, now mind you this happened many years ago when your aunt was just a little girl, actually she was exactly your age. Zoe paused as her daughter and name sake quietly walked into the room. Then continued.

Let's see Mal had gotten a wave that there was some cargo to be picked up and of course no one could go with him but me...........?

Zoe, you can't go! You have a little girl to take care of and another one on the ...." Wash stop it. Do you think I want Mal to know I'm pregnant again? He had a fit the last time. Who knows what he will do if....when he finds out this time. Baby I have to go. I'm not even showing yet and I haven' even got it confirmed with Simon. Wash, please don' make that face.Zoe stopped pacing around the room and sat down next to her husband on the their bed. Wash took her hand and kissed it, then smoothed a loose curl back behind her ear, lightly caressing her face.

Zoe, please dont do anything that will harm yourself or our baby, because if you get hurt.....he couldn't finish and simply brought his forehead forward to meet hers. They sat that way for

a couple of minutes. Zoe sighed loudly and looked her husband in the eye. Baby, I promise, this will be the last time until after the babys born. No more runs, no more errands, nothing. I love you Wash. She said kissing him.

" love you too lamb chop."Wash embraced his wife as tightly as he could, loathing letting go for fear it would be the last time.

Finally he let her go and walked with her to the cargo bay where Jayne and Mal were waiting with the mule ready to go.

Wash hurried to the common room to find his daughter and have a little father daughter time.

Mal, Jayne and Zoe left on the mule and headed out to their contact. The deal was going great until...

So, Malcolm Reynolds, this is your second in command? A girl? I dont like girls." Before Jayne or Mal could move he pulled out a gun and shot Zoe in the stomach. Mal froze for only a second as Zoe clutched her abdomen and fell to the ground. Jayne pulled out Vera and turned to back Mal up. Mal simply pulled his gun and shot the man in the head.

And I dont like guys who shoot my friends."Mal then knelt by Zoe who had squeezed her body into the fetal position.

Zoe let me look. Youre wearing your body armor so there wont be too much damage."Mal went to help his friend off the floor.

Doesnt stop it from hurting like hell, sir."Zoe wheezed out between clenched teeth.

Im sure. Hey Jayne, help me get her on the mule. I dont think we want to wait til his friends show up."Jayne reluctantly put Vera away and helped Mal move Zoe to the mule.

Aw Mal, you always spoil my fun. I never get to shoot anybody any more. Thats no fair."Jayne was in pout mode today.

Next time, Jayne, I promise you can shoot the guy next time.

Lets go."They had gotten Zoe settled and headed back to Serenity. Mal radioed ahead that Zoe had been shot but she was wearing her vest. He still felt that the Doc should probably take a look at her anyway. Ok, Mal but Wash isnt going to be pleased."Kaylee answered.

Kaylee, What are you doing on the bridge? Where is Wash?"Mal demanded.

Hes in the common room with Little Zoe. Hes telling her a story complete with sound effects and plastic dinosaurs. Hurry back, cap, he wont be in a good mood when he hears what you let happen to his wife."Kaylee admonished.

You just let me worry about that, Little Kaylee. I can handle him." Im not so sure about that this time, sir."Zoe spoke up for the first time since leaving town. She then promptly passed out.

Woah! What happened to her, Mal, I thought she was tough. How come she passed out like that?"Jayne was very worried and looked it.

Mal stayed silent and just picked up speed to reach Serenity as soon as he could. He hated to admit that he was some worried about Zoe himself. He had seen her shot before, but he never remembered her passing out from pain or anything else for that matter. Something else was going on here and he felt like he was out of the loop. He would have to have a heart to heart with Wash when he got back.

About twenty minutes later they came in sight of Serenity. Wash and Little Zoe were standing in the open bay doors, hand in hand, waiting for their return. A huge grin broke out on Wash? face when he saw the mule but then slowly disappeared when he didnt see his wife.

River, take Little Zoe to her room and play with her or something until I tell you its ok." River had greatly improved over the years and was called upon often to baby sit the youngest Warren.

But daddy, I want to see mommy. Please, cant I see mommy, please?"Little Zoe had her dad tightly tied around her little finger and she knew it.

Look, honey, I need to talk to uncle Mal and I might say something little girls shouldnt hear. Ok? So you go with River and she and Kaylee can, I dont know, braid your hair the way you like that drives your mother crazy. Now go and be a good girl for daddy. Here, give us a kiss." Wash picked up his daughter and place a light kiss on each of her cheeks her forehead and chin and finally her mouth. This always made the girl giggle because she felt so grown up.

River and Little Zoe left the cargo bay just as the mule was pulling up. Mal drove it up the ramp and parked it before even looking in Wash? direction.

You want to tell me whats going on here, Mal?"Wash was livid.

Look the job went south and that piece of shit contact shot Zoe in the stomach. Dont worry she was wearing her body armor."Mal said quickly when he noticed the color drain from Washs already pale face.

You mean to tell me .....are you saying.....let me get this straight... you got my wife shot?"Wash was turning red as a beet with anger.

I never saw a man change colors so fast. Are you real?"Jayne quipped.

Not now, Jayne."Mal warned the mercenary.

Im just saying."

Wash walked over to the mule and gently lifted Zoe in his arms. Jayne went to help him but Mal held him back.

Let him do it. He needs the exercise to cool down. He'l be fine."Mal and Jayne nodded at each other and then Mal closed the outside doors. Serenity was locked up for the night.

Jayne went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Book was in the common room reading and Kaylee was still on the bridge. Inara was in her shuttle meditating and River was occupying Little Zoe. Mal was left to his own devices, in other words.. bored. He decided to see how his second was doing in the infirmary.

Mal reached the infirmary only to find the door closed and locked. Knocking he said,

ey open up in there. I need to talk to you Wash."getting no answer he tried again. Come on Wash. Lets talk like men, ok."Still nothing. Look open this damn door before I..." Before he could finish the door opened to Simon looking none too pleased. He said nothing simply stepped aside and showed Mal into the room.

Zoe was still out but resting normally. Wash was sitting by her bed holding her hand, trying not to cry.

Look, Wash, I didnt know that guy was gonna shoot her or I wouldve..." You wouldve what, Mal? Tell me what you wouldve done, because Id really like to know."Wash didnt back down from the glare Mal was giving him.

Look, you two need to take this outside my infirmary. My patient needs her rest. Go!"Simon was shooing the captain and pilot out of the room as quietly as he could. When they were in the corridor, he shut the door.

Look, Wash, Im sorry, ok. I know I put Zoe in a lot of difficult situations..." difficult situations? Difficult situations?? Mal, she was shot point blank with a heavy caliber hand gun. She could be dead right now instead of unconscious on a table with a bruise the size of a dinner plate! Difficult situation?! What would I tell our daughter if she had been killed? I dont know about you, Mal, but that is one conversation I dont want to have, just now. Mal you do this kind of go se all the time, and I am sick of it. No more. You will just have to make your runs with out my wife. Thats it, she through, finished, finito. Done!"Wash finished his speech and started to walk away.

Mal grabbed his arm and turned him around to face him. Wash shook him off but stood his ground.

Listen, Wash, I said I was sorry. What else do you want me to do? Zoe knows the risks. She went with me of her own free will. I dont make her make the runs but I sure as hell am not doing them without her. Who do you think you are telling me she wont be coming with me any more. This is my ship and she is my crew and so are you. Or are you telling me you want to seek other employment, because that can be arranged. Zoe will just have to get over loosing her husband." Mal had gone too far and he knew it, but Wash surprised him by laughing in his face.

Mal, Mal, Mal. What am I going to do with you? Zoe and I already agreed that if it got to be too much we would both leave......together. You cant throw me off your ship, this is home now. But listen, dont ever threaten me again. Zoe is my wife and theres nothing you can do about it, and that just eats you up inside, doesnt it, Mal I'l just say this one thing and hope you understand. I love her more than anything in the entire verse and nothing can take that away from me. And guess what, Mal, she loves me just as much, if not more."Wash started to walk away then turned and stood right in Mals face.

By the way, Zoes pregnant. If she loses this baby, I will kill you. Just thought you would like to know."Wash left Mal standing in the middle of the corridor staring at where Wash had just been.

Mal didnt know what to do. He walked over to the intercom and called the bridge.

Kaylee you there?? Yeah, capn. Whats up?" Kaylee, do you know how to fly this thing? We need to get out of the world like right now."Mal hands were sweating so he wiped them on his pants.

Um, actually no, Mal. But Wash is here now and he said he would take over. He asked me to ask you where you want to go." No where special, just get us out of here. I'l be in my bunk if anyone needs me."Mal cut off the connection before Kaylee could respond. Mal walked slowly to his bunk and shut himself in. ------------------------------------------------

So whats wrong with the captain, Wash??Kaylee asked.

He just found out that Zoe was actually married to a man." Kaylee looked at Wash curiously but didnt push him on it. ------------------------------------------------

The Firefly class cargo vessel, Serenity, reached cruising altitude soon after she was in the black. Wash plotted a course for Friendship, a small moon well outside the Alliance realm of influence. Friendship was a beautiful planet with many oceans and small pockets of civilization. It was the perfect place to disappear for a spell and Wash wanted to disappear. He planned to take his wife and daughter to the beach and have some family time as soon as the doctor said it was alright. Friendship was an entire weeks travel from Eavesdown where they just left and Wash had mapped the coordinates as such that it would take them at least two weeks to get there. His flight plan included smaller moons in between for refueling and supplies. He also did it to give Zoe ample time to heal.

Kaylee was keeping up a constant chatter about everything on her mind. Wash would say, ?es, no, or really?whenever he felt it was appropriate, but not really paying attention.

?o, Wash, do you think you can fly us into that sun coming up? It might be fun.?Kaylee asked looking at Wash closely.

?ure.?Wash said absently. ?aylee, the course is set for Friendship. I? going to go check on Zoe. See you later.?Wash left Kaylee sitting on the bridge with his dinos.

Wash went directly to the infirmary to see his wife.

?oe? How is she doc??Wash asked anxiously, standing in the door way.

?hy don? you ask her yourself??Simon stepped aside so that Wash could see Zoe was awake.

?oe!!?Wash rushed into the room and sat next to her bed. ?re you ok? Are you in pain? Do you need something? Is the baby....?Wash was silenced as Zoe put her hand over his mouth smiling.

? can only answer one question at a time, dear. I? fine, baby? fine. Simon said I would be fine and so will the baby. I just have to take it easy for a while. Simon put me on bed rest for a week. I think I can cut that to three days. Don? tell him I said so but the good doctor is upset I didn? tell him up front we were pregnant.? ?? right here. I? not deaf you know. You need to rest and you will be fine. I? going to check on River. I?l leave you two alone.?

With that Simon left the infirmary, closing the door behind him.

?ave I told you how much I love you today??Wash asked lightly kissing Zoe on the cheek.

?nly every day. You told Mal, didn? you??Zoe asked apprehensively

?es. I set a course for Friendship. I want to take my girls to the beach. Would you like that??Wash was avoiding looking Zoe directly in the eye.

?ash, what did you say to the captain??Zoe insisted

? told him you weren? going on any more runs and that we?e having a baby. I told him that if you lost this baby, I would kill him. Was that wrong??Wash looked directly in Zoe? eyes.

?o, you were right. I agree with you.? ?ou agree with me? We should right this moment down.? Zoe? giggle stopped abruptly due to pain. ?oney, don? make me laugh, it hurts.?Zoe hugged her abdomen.

?hat? alright. I?l laugh for the both of us.?Wash leaned forward and rubbed noses with his wife, then kissed her on the lips.

Zoe smiled into his kiss and caressed his face with her hand. Wash stayed with Zoe until she fell asleep again then went to check on his daughter. He found her fast asleep, curled up in bed with River. They both looked totally zonked out so he decided to let her sleep where she was.

Wash went to his bunk, grabbed a blanket and pillow and headed back to the infirmary. He pushed a gurney next to his wife? bed and was soon fast asleep, holding Zoe? hand.

===============

The next few days were quiet. Kaylee kept herself busy fixing little things that she had had no time to fix before, like the intercom system. Jayne and Book did their daily exercise routine to keep in shape. Simon kept a close eye on Zoe and Wash, since he sometimes refused to leave her side.

After about a week, Simon decided it was safe for Zoe to leave the infirmary, but she was restricted in where she went and what she did, only until she healed completely. Wash was excited when Zoe was able to walk out the door and into the corridor, with help, on her own. Everyone was on hand to see here take her first steps into the common area and sit down on the couch. Little Zoe, remembering that her mother had been injured, toned down her enthusiasm and only bounced on the couch once or twice.

River and Kaylee, when she wasn? fixing something, spent a lot of time playing jacks, or tag and just anything fun. Kaylee realized that Simon wasn? exactly interested in her and decided to stop pursuing him. He felt less pressured.

Inara, Kaylee and River, sometimes Zoe, would go to her shuttle and shut themselves in for hours.

Wash steered the ship, well checked the auto pilot, and kept an eye on any incoming waves.

Mal avoided contact with everyone. He realized just how dangerous it was, taking Zoe with him on errands and had a long thought about it over the next couple weeks.

Finally they reached Friendship and Wash got clearance to land. Wash landed not thirty yards from the largest beach on the continent. It was called, Big Beach.

?ou know, it makes me kind of wonder who named these places any how. Big Beach? What a concept. It? big and it? a beach. Wow! I never would have guessed.?Wash said, flippantly.

?ash, dear, just drive to the beach.?Zoe, Little Zoe and River were loaded on the mule with supplies for a picnic.

Kaylee, Inara, Book and Simon were walking behind. Mal and Jayne watched them go. Mal deep in thought Jayne digging in his nose. Mal looked over at Jayne and made a face.

?o you have to do that, in public?? ?hat? Needed doin? I don? say nothin?when you...,? ?lright, alright. I get your point. Do you think we are invited? You know, to the picnic??Mal asked, suspiciously.

?ell, I don? know about you, but Kaylee let me know that I had to bring the big umbrella or I wouldn? get any strawberries. See ya, Mal.?

And with that, Jayne hoisted the huge umbrella on his shoulder and strolled after everyone else to the beach.

? can? believe I wasn? told about this picnic or was I.?Mal thought. ? do remember Kaylee asking me to bring some saws? No, that can? be right. Sausage, pork, slaves , cucumbers. What the heck was she saying to me??Mal couldn? think of what Kaylee had said.

?aptain, are you coming??Kaylee yelled back.

?h, yeah. I? coming. Just locking up.?Mal covered while keying in the code to lock Serenity? doors.

Not that anyone on Friendship would try to steal anything. Friendship was well named. It was made up of colonists that settled the moon in order to stay clear of Alliance and Independents. The first settlers were quite friendly with one another and trade was their mainstay, that and their beaches. Because the inhabitants were so friendly, they saw no need to hire lawmen and any mercenaries or rowdies that came to town were welcomed with open arms. This was done so often that the merc and rowdies thought the people belonged to some occult and made sure to steer clear of the moon for fear of being converted. Needless to say, they had no fear of mercenaries of thieves. The picnic went well. Mal and Wash finally came to an understanding and Kaylee found out Jayne couldn? swim. River and Simon did some synchronized swimming to the applause and cheers of their fellow crew mates. Wash helped Zoe into the water and they swam together. Little Zoe was taught how to swim by Mal while Book and Inara chose not to participate. They instead fixed lunches for everyone when they returned, tired and wet from the water.

?hat I wouldn? give for a real bath. Wash, honey, do you think next time you could arrange a nice hot bath, just for me??Zoe asked looking up from where she was lying in Wash? lap, running her fingertips through his hair.

? think I can arrange that, maybe. Hey I got you beach. It? not nude, what with there being too many people here and all, but it? beach just the same. Next time, bath , guaranteed.?Wash said smiling down at his wife. ?here is our little pride and joy?? ?he? over there with Jayne. He showing her how to fly.?Zoe pointed lazily passed Wash? head at where Jayne was spinning their little girl on his arms around and around in circles.

They finally stopped when Jayne got dizzy. He and Little Zoe walked around drunkenly until they both fell down in the soft sand. Everyone laughed, until they cried, at their antics.

?ot enough inertia to lift off. Too bad. Lovely day to fly.?River said wisely.

Everyone looked at River and then started laughing all over again.

Zoe got comfortable in Wash? lap and was soon asleep under the big umbrella. Wash was backed up against a cooler they had brought, with a rolled up beach towel under his neck. He was soon napping as well. When Jayne and Little Zoe got tired of spinning and falling they joined Wash and Zoe under the umbrella. Soon you could hear them both snoring, Little Zoe? head pillowed on the big guys shoulder, sucking her thumb. Jayne laid out full length with only one hand holding her close to his chest.

Mal and Inara went for a walk on the beach while River, Book and Kaylee made a sand castle. Book did more supervising than helping. All in all it was a wonderful day. Simon watched from a distance, while catching some rays from the sun.

Along about sundown Mal and Inara returned and River, Kaylee and Book showed them their three tier sand castle. Wash woke with a jerk and in turn woke up Zoe. Jayne and Little Zoe were still sleeping peacefully.

?w, my neck. Ow, ow, ow. Oh, honey, fix it, fix it please.?Wash could barely move and Zoe knelt behind him to rub the sore spot on his neck. After about five minutes of manipulation there was a very loud ?rack? and then Wash? face was a picture of contentment.

?here, that? better now. Does anybody know where Simon went to??Zoe asked after finishing with Wash? neck.

Everyone looked around but the young Dr. Tam was nowhere to be found. Jayne and Little Zoe continued to sleep while everyone was calling for Simon, walking up and down the beach.

Finally he appeared walking slowly over a sand dune.

?ey, you guys, come look what I found.?Simon motioned everyone to him. They followed him over the rise and stopped when they came to the top. What they found was nothing short of a miracle.

?hat the .....is that??Jayne asked. ?oah! Jayne, I thought you were sleep.?Wash asked astounded.

? was til droopy pants here started squirming. Then we both got up. Is that a house??he continued

?ooks like.?Mal said.

?o you think it? the house? You know, the one that he built?? ?hat?!?!?

?he house Wash is referring to, Jayne, is the house of the founder of this planet. The very first settler. His name was Franklin Friendly. He founded the colony, the planet. He made all the rules. He started everything. He has descendants in the millions.?Simon explained.

?ow..? ?xactly, Jayne. Wow.?

They all stood silently and looked at the weather beaten ruin before them. Except for having no paint and being smooth as paper, there was not a mark on it. The house sat at the bottom of a depression and you could see sand slowly seeping under the front porch boards.

?an we go down and explore, you think??Wash asked, ready for an adventure.

? don? think so. I believe, if we went down there, we would never come back alive.?Zoe explained.

?he sand is alive. It moves, it shifts beneath your feet. Walking would be hazardous to your health.?River cautioned.

?ou said a mouthful, sweetie.?Inara said, seriously.

?et? head back, people. The sun? gone down on our fun today. Maybe we can stay here the night and come back tomorrow. But nobody get the idea that exploring that wreck is a good idea.?Mal looked around at everyone but especially Wash, Jayne and Kaylee.

?w, c?on, Cap. It would be fun.?Kaylee whined.

?eah, it would be fun and I would lose the best gorram mechanic in the whole verse, so no. That? final. Let? go, you can come back and look at it and I emphasize the word LOOK, tomorrow.? Kaylee was cheered up when River gave her a bouquet of wild flowers she had picked. Together they ran, arm in arm down the hill back to their picnic area. Everyone else followed at a more leisurely pace. Jayne, still carrying Wash and Zoe? daughter, was right behind River and Kaylee, shouting about leftovers. Inara and Mal walked arm in arm and so did Zoe and Wash. Wash could tell his wife was getting tired because she was leaning on him quite heavily. Wash discreetly slipped his arm around her waist and held her closer to his body, to lend more support with out being obvious. Zoe looked at him and said thanks with her eyes. Simon and Book were deeply engrossed in a conversation about the founder of Friendship and didn? notice Zoe and Wash at all.

The picnic area was cleaned up and leftovers were loaded on the mule. Wash helped all the ladies,(they felt like being escorted) onto the mule and drove them back to Serenity while the rest of the men were left to carry what couldn? fit for the extra passengers. Little Zoe rode in her dad? lap, helping him drive.

?hy are we always the draft horses? I want to ride in the wagon sometimes.? ?ayne, you?e whining. We?e manly men. We?e expected to lug heavy equipment and people around. It? our role in this verse.? Jayne, Mal and Simon looked at Book? serious expression, with mouths agape. Book? expression remained serious, until they detected a slight tick in the corner of his mouth. Then they all burst out laughing. Wash had keyed the door and gotten the mule inside before the men arrived. Everything was unloaded and put away except the huge umbrella and a couple of blankets. They didn? want to have to reload the mule with the same things the next day.

?ash, where you goin??Mal asked

?o my bunk, Mal. Zoe? waiting. I just came to get my shirt. What? up??Wash had his shirt draped over his shoulder.

?ash, .....this is going to be hard, but here goes.?Mal looked Wash straight in the eye. ?? sorry. You were right and you are justified in being angry with me. I could have gotten your wife killed and ......it? all my fault. Friends??Mal held his hand out to a totally dumbfounded Wash.

After stammering for a moment, Wash shook his hand and nodded his head yes.

? sure Mal. Um, what brought this on??Wash was still looking at Mal as if he had grown a second head.

??e been thinking a lot about what you said to me a couple weeks ago, and you were right. I do take Zoe for granted and make her face unnecessary risks that she nor any other woman in my crew should have to face. It was stupid of me and I apologize. Thanks for listening. Oh and don? tell Jayne I apologized to you. I have to keep up some kind of image.?Mal whispered this last.

?o problem, Mal. My lips are sealed.?Wash turned and walked slowly to his bunk, muttering under his breath, ?e apologized no less, wait til I tell Zoe.? Mal shut the doors and locked them. He did his usual inventory of passengers, checked to make sure everyone was safe on board and then went to his bunk.

In Wash and Zoe? bunk, Wash was telling Zoe what had just happened. ?... and then he apologized again. Can you believe it? He. apologized. to me. ME! The clown in the Hawaiian shirts. Me. The stick jockey. Me the .....? ? understand, dear. He apologized. I knew he could do it.?Zoe said tiredly. Zoe was sitting on the edge of their bed, listlessly looking at her feet. She hadn? even taken off her vest, she was so tired.

?ey, Zo, you ok? You look kind of tired. Do you need me to get you something. Here, let me help you with your vest.?

Wash sat next to Zoe on the bed and helped her remove her clothing. Then rubbed her neck and shoulders, while she rotated her head to relieve the tension. Wash then moved up to her head and thoroughly rubbed out all the tension of the day from her temples back to the nape of her neck. By the time he was done, Zoe was nearly asleep sitting up. Wash helped Zoe into the night shirt she had been wearing to bed ever since their daughter could walk or walk in on them. Zoe lay down and was soon fast asleep.

?aaa deeee! Where are yooouuu??Little Zoe came bounding into their bunk holding her favorite stuffed dinosaur over her head. ?addy, daddy, you forgot to kiss me good night.? ?hhh, mommy? asleep. Come on.?Wash led her back up the steps of their bunk and into the corridor.

?? sorry.?she whispered. ?s mommy still sick?? ?o, she isn? sick but she is really tired. We did alot today. Did you have fun at the beach today??Wash asked picking up his daughter and swinging her around.

?es. Daddy stop, no tickling. Jayne and me had fun and River taught me how to swim. Auntie Kaylee showed me how to fix the mule.? ?oah, woah, woah. Fix the mule? When did this happen?? ?esterday. It wasn? today. Oops! I wasn? supposed to tell.?Little Zoe put her hand over her mouth, her eyes as large as saucers. ?ell, that? ok, just don? let mommy know you?e fixing equipment. She will hurt somebody.?Wash said, mock seriously.

?s mommy going to be ok? What? wrong with her? She wasn? sick before. What happened??Little Zoe continued to pester Wash.

??l tell you all about it if you promise to go to sleep. Ok?? ?romise. Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye.?she said crossing her heart solemnly. Wash was tucking her into bed.

?k. Mommy went out on a job with Captain Mal and someone hurt her really bad. Mommy and us are going to have a baby but Captain Mal didn? know. So when ...she was out with him, the bad man hit her right where the baby is.? ?s the baby ok, daddy?? ?es, the baby is fine. Mommy is still a little sore in her belly and sometimes when she does a lot of things during the day, she gets really tired. Now I don? want you to worry about mommy. Me and uncle Simon are taking good care of her.? ?hen will the baby be here??she asked yawning hugely.

?n about six months, your little brother or sister will be here. You will be a big sister. How do you like that?? ?mph. good, swim.?Little Zoe was knocked out. Wash turned down her light and left her room.

Wash rejoined his wife and was soon fast asleep.

====================

The next three months were filled with deliveries and drops and many, many jobs. The crew of Serenity was becoming quite rich. Mal was true to his word and didn? include Zoe in any of the jobs they were doing. Wash went on quite a few and rarely had to be told twice not the look nervous in the office of some of the more ....less than friendly looking customers.

?ash, you really have to work on your poker face. You give away everything on your face. It could get us into trouble someday.?Mal and Jayne were nursing sore limbs from the last fight they had been in. Wash had come away unscathed. It helped that he had hidden beneath a table during the worst of the altercation.

?ey, my wife loves that about me. She can always tell what I? thinking. Keeps me honest. Besides, I? the pilot, not the muscle.?Wash said smiling.

?eep it up, little man, and I?l wipe that smile off your face.? ?ayne, what have I told you about threatening my husband??Zoe had walked up behind the men while they were being checked over by Simon.

? didn? mean anything Zoe, it? just that he don? got that mean as hell look about like you did.. or do.. or ... Mal help me out here.?backpedaled Jayne moving to the other side of the room.

?ey, you started it. How you feeling Zoe??Mal asked, giving his second in command an appraising look.

?? fat and my feet hurt all the time. I have three more months to be pregnant and then I think I?l be done having babies.?Zoe was getting quite large and felt all six months of her pregnancy.

?ow, I think you look beautiful bao bei. Doesn? she look beautiful Mal??Zoe gave her husband a long suffering look. Wash simply grinned and avoided the gauze she threw at him.

? think she looks fat. But she? not my wife.? Jayne was losing ground quickly as Mal, Zoe and Wash were advancing on him. ?m, Simon, a little help here.? ?? with them, Jayne. They should hoist your pitard from the largest yard arm.?Simon tried, but....

?hat?!?Every one stopped looking at Jayne and concentrated on Simon. ?ell, you know. A sea captain.. out at sea. Yardarm, hoist the mainsail.? No one moved or spoke for about thirty seconds, the longest thirty seconds of Simon? life.

?ny way, Jayne, no more cracks about Zoe. Wash, please a little more toughness when we go on these runs. I know, I know, you?e not the tough guy. But at least you can pretend. Simon, are we done here??Simon nodded. ?ood. We have to make the contact in two days, let? not kill each other before that time. Remember....? ?appy, family, happy family.?they all chorused together

?hat? right.?Everyone left the inf