A/N: Written for serenity_santa '09.
After Jubal Early, things don't exactly go back to the way they were, but they settle some. Slowly, everyone gets used to it. Simon, River and Book have been on the ship for months, now, and it's pretty obvious they're going to stay.
Inara's another matter. She doesn't stay off the ship for too long, but when she's back she doesn't stay that way for long, either. She can't make up her mind between Mal and Serenity, or the civilization of the Core Worlds and the company of other Companions. Zoe's always glad to see her back when she comes, but she's not necessary. Mal doesn't fight with her any less when she's there, but he misses her when she's not. Those two are going to have to make up their minds soon, but that's not Zoe's job.
River's still crazy and still psychic – Zoe got a real start the first time she found her gasping against the wall after one of her sessions with Wash on the pilot seat, but they've gotten used to that kind of thing from her – as much as they can, anyway. Simon restrains her when he needs to and takes care of her, sometimes when he doesn't, and it's alright. Kaylee helps, sometimes.
Jayne and Book are both the same as always, it seems; Jayne is gruff and crude and the usual, and Book is reserved and the perfect preacher when he isn't knocking people on the head. Everyone is more or less normal – for them – and more or less happy.
That includes Zoe and Wash.
The two of them are more or less the way they were; the dynamic is familiar and sometimes seems to have barely changed, though Zoe knows there wasn't always love in it. She didn't like Wash the first time she met him, and they laugh about that sometimes.
Sure, they've had their stupid moments, like when Wash got himself captured by Niska, but Wash is still the pilot, Zoe's still first mate, and they're still together. That's what matters.
Serenity is still flying, and it'll stay that way as long as Zoe can help it.