"So you just woke up in Mal's cabin?" Simon asked as he looked into Peyton's eyes with a light. He stole a glance at Mal, who scowled back.

"Seems that way. I don't remember anything though, and the Captain keeps telling me that I've made it all up."

"Well, I can't detect any sense of brain damage or foul play. She's completely healthy. I can't explain how she got here, but to be honest, she's saner than you are Captain." Simon smiled and Peyton did the same. Mal frowned as he walked over to them.

"In this space, it helps to be a bit crazy," He grabbed Peyton's arm as he led her from the infirmary. They had just rounded the corner when they slammed into Shepherd Book. "Why Shepherd, you do sneak about now don't you?"

"So, this is the girl Jayne was telling me about?" He smiled pleasantly at her.

"Yeah, this is her. Why? Do you know how she got here?"

"No." He turned to Peyton, "Why don't you head on in and get something to eat. Mal will be there shortly."

Peyton looked up at Mal who was focused on Book. "Um, are you sure-"

"The Captain won't mind. Just go on in and help yourself." Peyton left without another word. "Did you marry her?"

"What?! No!" Mal looked hurt, "Why do you guys automatically think that? One time, it was one time!"

"Like I said before, if you take advantage her, you will burn in a special hell."

"That's just shiny Shepherd, because I will not take advantage of her. With what happened last time? Don't you remember the kiss of death?!"

"It was called a goodnight kiss, that was all." Book began to walk away, "Remember, a special hell."

"Will you stop!?" Mal shook his head as he headed off to find Peyton. He found her exactly where Book had sent her, in the kitchen. She had a can in her hand as she gazed into the cupboard. "Food not the same either?"

"No, really different. What is this stuff anyway?"

"Proteins mainly. We don't get much money to stock the best foods. What kind of food were you used to?"

"Chicken, beef, steak on special occasions. Soda, chips, fruit, veggies, candy…you get the point?"

"I do. We still have cows, if you want to know. Chickens too, but only on certain planets. And whatever soda and chips are, we don't have those."

"Bummer. They sold the most where I came from." She turned to him with the can, "Why are all the labels off?"

"What? They are-, where's that gorram doctor!?" Mal stormed off as he grabbed Simon. He dragged him into the kitchen and shoved the can into his hand. "I thought you told her it was wrong. We like to know what we're making."

Simon stared at the can, "She must've thought something was wrong with them having labels. I told you that I don't know how she thinks anymore. It's not her fault and it's not mine either!"

Mal looked impressed, "Still, you keep her away from things she has no business touching."

"River thinks she's the ship. So everything in here is hers, according to what she thinks."

"Well, make her stop thinkin' that! This is my boat, and my kitchen, therefore it is my food, even though we all paid for it. So, go tell your little sister," Mal said sweetly as he led Simon to the door, "To STOP TOUCHING MY FOOD!" And with that he shoved him out.

Peyton stared at Mal in shock, "She took the labels off. What's the big deal?" Peyton slammed the can on the counter and turned to the Captain. "You totally overreacted."

"I don't know who you think you are, but this is how I run things here. If you don't like that, by all means, leave!" Mal turned and began to walk away, but Peyton grabbed his arm. Mal froze as she started to speak.

"I'm not just some helpless girl you know. I've seen things you can only imagine, been through things I'd rather you not. Now, I'm dumped on some ship in the middle of space in the year 2506 and you think that I should take everything in stride? Well, wake up Captain! The world, or worlds, or planets…whatever! They don't revolve around you!" She released him and stepped back. Her body said she was confident, her eyes said differently and Mal was good on picking up if someone was afraid of him or not.

"You think I brought you here!? That for some odd reason I just shut you in my bunk? This is my boat and what I say goes. Everyone here understands that, why can't you?" Peyton shook her head and began to walk away. Mal, infuriated, now grabbed her arm and yanked her back. Peyton tried to fight him as he pushed her against the wall. "I don't know who you are and I don't care one gorram way or another, but you respect me, my ship and all those in it, and maybe we won't have any troubles."

"I have a problem Captain."

"And what's that?"

"As long as you treat me this way, I will never respect you." She met his gaze head on, but he never faltered. He took out his gun and pressed it to her head.

"Then we have a problem."

"MAL!" A high voice screamed out. Mal's shoulders sagged as Inara walked into the kitchen. "What are you doing? Let her down!" Mal didn't release her. "JAYNE!" She screamed again and the man appeared in a split second.

"What is it Inara?"

"Make him let her go; he's so kindly ignoring me at the moment."

"You make one move in this direction Jayne, and you will join her outside the ship, without any gear." Mal scowled at Jayne who stayed put.

"Nope, can't help you." He told Inara and sat down.

Several people came running into the kitchen to see what all the commotion was about. Kaylee was the first in, "Cap'n? Whatcha doin'?"

"Kaylee, you leave here." Mal said softly, Peyton slightly cocked her head. "Don't say a word."

"Mal! Will you come to your senses? Let her down!" Inara yelled again. Mal released Peyton as he started to turn to Inara. He never expected Peyton to twist his hand back and grab his gun straight from it. He stood there in shock as she pointed it between his eyes. "Oh."

"Yeah, oh is right."

"You never told me you could do that."

"You never asked," Peyton stepped closer and then froze hearing every other weapon cock in her direction. "I'll shoot him first, before you even kill me." She turned and glared at Zoë who had appeared behind her.

Mal raised his hands slightly, "I underestimated you Peyton. Where'd you learn to use a weapon at your young age?"

"High School. A friend of mine hunted and although I hate hunting innocent animals, in our days, knowing how to handle a weapon could be useful. Apparently, those ways haven't changed much."

"Apparently."

Peyton removed the gun from Mal's forehead and twirled it so he could grab the handle. He did. "I don't think shooting you would be the best idea."

"Me neither. But I believe that tying you up something good and locking you in the guest room is." He grabbed her and shoved her arms roughly to her back, "Let's go then shall we. Jayne, would you like to tag along?"

"Gladly Captain."

The women shook their heads as they left the room, knowing full well that Mal had some respect for the girl. Not many dared to cross the Captain.