“Aww come on Mal” whined Jayne, making his way in front of Mal to block the door. “I said no Jayne, and since I’m the Captain my word is final, dong ma?” “But look at the last bunch of strays we got” “No jobs in 3 weeks Jayne ain’t gonna keep Serenity flyin’ or feed that belly of yours. Passengers are our only option.” “But remember last time, the Doc and his moon brain sister?” “Jayne I won’t be forgetting that in hurry seeming they are still here” he said trying to get around him. “Would you move?” Jayne moved hesitantly. “Fine Mal, but don’t come to me when the alliance is hot on our tail again!” “I won’t” yelled Mal, walking to the engine room.

“Kaylee, we’re landing pronto. Think you can get us good passengers this time?” Kaylee grinned widely. “I reckon I did alright last time Capt’n, besides the Fed of course” “Yep, no Feds and no big silver containers.” he said walking out, and bumping right into River. “Don’t need any more of your friends on board.” he added with a cheerful smile. River looked at him cheerfully. “New crew!” “Oh no we don’t need anymore crew... not unless they can cook then maybe I’ll consider” Mal said with a chuckle and ran down the stairs and into the cargo bay, were Zoë was waiting patiently on the ramp.

“Sir” she acknowledged. “You sure were ready for more passengers?” “Why is everyone asking me that today?” “Just a little concerned and all, haven’t had normal folk on board for a while now” “Zoë” he said opening the ramp. “It’s only for a week.” Zoë looked at him with one of her this–plan-is-not-good looks. “Yes sir.”

Mal and Zoë headed out of the ramp followed by a cursing Jayne running after them. Shortly after Kaylee came down the stair carrying her umbrella and Simon her chair. “Right here will do Simon” she said standing just outside the ramp. Simon set it up and she sat. “Let’s see if I can find another good looking Doctor” she said grinning. She could tell Simon was blushing behind her. Simon lent down and kissed her on the cheek. “Holler if you need anything” he smiled, walking back up the ramp. He wasn’t going to risk being outside for to long, especially in a place like this.

“Wash?” asked River suddenly, making Wash nearly drop the Dino’s in his hand. “Gees, you have to stop doing that” he said turning to her with a smile. “T-Rex nearly had a heart attack.” “He’s Plastic, has no heart” “Don’t listen to her T, your heart is that of a... a... well it’s bigger then mine.” he said stroking the Plastic dinosaur affectionately. River rolled her eyes. “Shh!!! .” she hissed. “Is there something you wanted?” Asked Wash unperturbed. “Little Wash” “Hey now hardly fair, I swear I’m taller then Zoë” River shook her head and started patting her stomach. “Two weeks.” Wash’s eyes grew large, the realization finally hitting him. “Oh no.” “Be happy by the time she get back, or there will be yelling.” she grinned, and retreated out the door. Wash sat in silence. “Well T, looks like I’ll be in for it.”

“Hi how you doing” said Kaylee cheerfully. The young man looked at her and smiled. “You taking passengers?” he asked shyly. “Yes sir, if you can pay that is. Going straight to Ariel.” “Aren’t you a bit young to pilot a ship like this?” Kaylee giggled. “Oh no I don’t fly Serenity, I’m her mechanic.” He nodded. “Well...I’m Brandon” he said reaching out his hand to hers. “Kaylee, glad to have you.” He tugged his luggage up the ramp. “Simon mind giving the gentlemen a hand.” called Kaylee into the hold. Simon came scrambling down the stairs, River hot on his tail. “Cook” “What mei mei?” asked Simon turning to her. She Stared at Brandon and smiled. “Please to me you Brandon” she said curtsying. Brandon shook her hand politely. “I’ll show you to your room.” said Simon sternly. wondering what in the ‘verse had gotten in to her.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

“How many we got , lil Kaylee?” asked Mal storming up the ramp. “Just the three Capt’n. One fine lad called Brandon, and two other men.” “No feds or silver containers?” She grinned. “None of the such Capt’n. Rivers already checked ‘em out.” Jayne grumbled something underneath his breath and pushed past the both of them holding a large wooden box. “What’s that?” asked Kaylee muddled. “Food, fresh vegetables and fruit. Spent the last of our money on it. Speaking of which where’s our passengers fee.” “In your bunk, safe and sound.” “Good... good job Kaylee.” “Pleasure, as normal.”

Mal stormed up to the hold and grabbed a hold of the com, sending it throughout the ship. “Welcome aboard Serenity. Meals will be taken in the mess hall, special treat for you all. That will take place at 1800 hrs. In the mean time, your luggage will be stored in your cabins and if you need the tour of this fine ship then please don’t be afraid to ask any one of my crew, well maybe accept River... actually why don’t you just ask Kaylee. She’s the happiest out of my lot. I hope you enjoy this week’s trip to Ariel.” he turned of the com. “This is going to be very interesting.”

“Wash; is there any chance of making it their quicker?” “Can’t wait to get them off?” “Pretty much, don’t want anymore unwanted attention to River. She could say the wrong thing at any moment.”

To late...

“Cook from Greenleaf” Brandon looked up from unpacking his bag. “Ahh... yes... how did you know that?” River simply grinned. “Tour?” “Firstly what’s your name?” “No need for names, call me what you’d like.” Brandon looked at her confused “... ok. Well I suppose I could have a tour”

“Oh no you don’t” yelled Simon barging in and grabbing her by the wrist. “Time for your meds.” River glared at him. “Simon I’m quiet capable of being a tour guide, there are only 651 steps I need to take to perform it” she argued shaking off his hand.

“Now... shall we?” she asked holding out her hand Brandon grabbed it reluctantly, receiving an unsettling glare from Simon. “Ok... I guess.”

**************************** hey first fanflik tell me wat ya think :)