Simon came into the kitchen and only took two steps before he found River. She was fast asleep, lying her head on Inara's shoulder. Inara didn't seem to mind. She was gently stroking River's hair and humming a waltz to her. Inara glanced up to him and gave a warm smile.
"I suppose she wasn't very comfortable on the infirmary bed." She said.
"Guess not."
River moved in her sleep and smiled.
"How is she doing? With her treatment, I mean."
Simon scratched the back of his neck.
"She is improving, I can say that. Her decisions are more thought out then before. Her conversations are more understanding. And most importantly of all: hardly any nightmares."
"Joo ah. that's wonderful!"
Simon nodded in agreement and couldn't help but smile.
"Last night we talked more than two hours. I hadn't seen her that happy in a long time. We just talked about our day. About how much she loves this ship. About dance. For once...it was like she had never even gone to that chap jong academy...that is until the nausea kicked in."
Right then Book came in and chuckled.
"Well, isn't this a sight to see. Is any one ready for breakfast?"
Simon shook his head.
"Some rice for me, please," said Inara. River began to slowly wake up.
River opened her eyes and took her head off of Inara's shoulder.
"I like food," she said while rubbing her eyes.
"Don't worry sweetheart," Book assured her. "there's plenty for you as well."
Book began to cook the rice.
After a few minutes of silence and steam gradually rising to ceiling; Jayne, Zoe and the rest of the crew came in and soon the kitchen was filled with energy. But before the crew could get too consumed in conversation, Mal stood up and raised his hand for attention. The room was quiet in a matter of seconds. Mal took an extra second to phrase the word just right in his mind.
"Now, I'm sure that you all are aware of the slight...mishap...that accrued this morning."
Both Kaylee's and Wash's face grew sour.
"Well, I'm sad to say that the iceberg has shown herself...One of our landing legs' have gotten pretty worn down...So worn that she needs all new hinges. And I reckon it'll take a mighty amount of cash to get her up on her feet again. So I need everyones hand in this. Dung-Ma?"
The crew was silent; but not for very long. Within seconds Zoe stepped towards Mal with her head held high.
"Tell us what to do."
During the next hour, Mal gave each one of the crew members instructions. They would each acquire a job in the towns surrounding the forest. They must make sure that the employer is a modest businessman who will not try and cheat them.
"We'll need all the cash we can get," Explained Mal.
"I still can't see why we just can't steal the money. Or better yet: go to the junk yards and find the stuff there." Jayne complained.
Kaylee spoke up before Mal could.
"The leg will do no good with already used parts. Doing that would be like putting a handkerchief on a combat wound. It'll only help for so long. We need brand new ones."
"Plus" continued Mal "Usually when we stole or misbehaved in any other fashion, we had a way out. We don't this time. So that means be on your best behavior."
Mal looked towards River who was looking at him with a slightly dazed expression.
"...All of you."
