Disclaimer: Don't own Firefly, Serenity, or TSCC.
Mal watched as an animated River explained to Cameron the workings of Serenity's bridge. Standing by the entrance to the bridge, he leaned with arms crossed against the bulkhead, taking in the scene. Cameron remained silent, tilting her head often, only asking the occasional question.
River sat in her regular pilot's seat, bare feet pulled up tight against her bottom with her chin resting on her knees as she looked out into the black. Cameron stood with her feet spread apart slightly, head tilted and her gaze fixed on the metal cabinet containing the bulk of the bridge's communications equipment.
"In less than 58 minutes the communications system will experience catastrophic failure. The power coupling is seven years past time for regular replacement. Corrosion is creating excess heat that will be the source of the failure."
Alarmed, River looked at Cameron with doubt in her large brown eyes.
Cameron looked at River, face expressionless, and monotoned, "I am certain of this, plus or minus fifteen seconds."
Frowning, River stood and placed her hand on the steel panel on the front of the box containing the communication systems hardware. "I thought you were not a reader? Serenity is not telling me this."
"I am not a reader. Infrared vision and advanced sensory equipment. Simply replace the power coupling and there will be no system failure," Cameron answered.
"If you are a reader, she will have to rethink being twins. Only one River."
"Sensors, not psychic ability," Cameron answered. "Inform Kaylee so she can effect a repair. It is advisable Serenity not lose communications."
Mal watched as an annoyed River, picked up the mic on her navigation stand and called Kaylee to the bridge. Within five minutes an upbeat Kaylee arrived in her green overalls carrying a bag of tools.
"What's up, River?"
River cut her eyes at Cameron, letting the cyborg explain. Kaylee listened carefully and then looked at River for permission to check Cameron's claim. A quick roll of the eyes from River and Kaylee got busy.
Minutes later, Kaylee turned and looked directly at Mal. "Cap'n, this is why Serenity needs to have her own cut of the take."
"What? How do you figure that Kaylee?"
"Cap'n, with all due respect, she ain't gettin' any younger. What with we put her through an all, she needs regular maintenance or I ain't gonna be able to keep her flyin'."
"What does that have to do with Serenity gettin' a cut from our jobs?"
"Spare parts Cap'n. Before things break. One day, I ain't gonna be able to rig somethin' up so she can limp into port somewhere. Then we're gonna be stuck out here in the black, just waitin' for an Alliance cruiser or worse to come scoop us up."
Annoyed, Mal nodded at Cameron. "Is she right?"
"This here power coupling is so hot it would burn my hand," Kaylee answered. "Woulda shorted out, and what's worse, it woulda started a fire and messed up who knows what. Probably woulda had to replace the entire panel and lots of other stuff."
Mal dropped his arms to his sides, patting his sidearm with his gun hand in frustration. "Can you fix it?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Don't have no power couplin' like that, Cap'n. They don't even make'em anymore for spare parts."
"So were without communications?"
"Better'n lettin' everythin' burn all up," Kaylee answered, her face growing tinged with red from frustration with her Captain. "All I need is that one part and some time to fit a new one in. Course, it'll mean I have to update other parts just to get this outdated piece of…"
"Kaylee, I get it," Mal answered, cutting his engineer off. "See if you can find a power coupling like that one on a non-essential system and rob it to keep our comm gear functional till we can figure out what to do."
Without another word, Kaylee threw her tools into her kit, making sure the Captain was aware of her frustration. She left quickly, muttering to herself with Mal right behind her.
"You were right," River observed. "You are a reader."
"Not a reader," Cameron answered, sitting down in the seat behind River. "Not like you. I would give anything to be able to read my John."
"You read Serenity," River snapped back, irritation in her voice.
"She is like me though," Cameron noted. River detected a hint of sadness in Cameron's tone. "You mean, a machine who cares about her family?"
Cameron nodded. "I love my John. I want to be his mate. But Sarah and Derek do not approve. I am not sure I approve sometimes. But I love him. My purpose is to protect him."
"You can't read people then?"
"Only by their words, expressions, and actions. Like any other human would."
"She is happy then. Does not feel betrayed by deceit."
"I didn't lie to you," Cameron snapped, her eyes flashing blue at River for a brief second.
Startled, River's entire body spasmed for a second. "You are angry with her?"
"I didn't lie. John said it is wrong to lie. The Bible says it is a sin. I have been as truthful and straightforward with you as our family's security allows under current conditions. Besides, John said I cannot lie unless mission parameters require me to do so."
River nodded her understanding. "You are still a reader, just like me."
Cameron tilted her head in silence.
"You can read Serenity. Better even than Kaylee. You just can't read people like the girl."
River beamed at Cameron, pleased the two were different in that regard. The corners of Cameron's mouth tugged upward into a faint smile.
"Makes us more valuable to the Captain and crew. Twins need to stay together."
"Thank you for explaining," Cameron said quietly. Her thoughts turned to the uncertain future facing the Connor clan. She liked River though the girl was an odd example of humanity.
Traveling on the Serenity had advantages. So long as they avoided the Alliance, John was safe within the vessel's hull. Assuming Serenity herself was safe. If Sarah and Captain Reynolds could be convinced to merge the two into one crew, Cameron would have a home again. She would be able to make a home for John in time. He would be able to have friends, work on computers and be with her.
"River?"
"Yes, twin?"
"I think it would be helpful if I inspected Serenity and prepared a master list of necessary repairs and prioritized them."
"Captain Daddy will not be pleased. Kaylee's sunshine will be clouded over, but she will appreciate your kindness to Serenity. The data would be instrumental in developing a systematic plan for maintenance to avoid catastrophic events in the black, dirtside for that matter as well. Perhaps in the face of overwhelming data the Captain will relent to Kaylee's reasonable financial demands."
River smiled at Cameron. "Don't get caught."
Cameron smiled back for a second. "I am more stealthy than you."
River giggled, causing Cameron to tilt her head.
"Sneak up on apeman Jayne. Irritates him."