Epilogue

authour's note: koi, my errors in punctuation surrounding speech aren't a matter of lack of proof reading. I never really learnt what the proper way to handle it all was, and the word spell checker is a poor substitute. Thanks for bringing it to my attention; I'll look into it.

Apart from a few brief stops on the way home, for celebratory coca, a dog collar and a cooling coil, the crew had headed straight back to Serenity's mess. Everyone was carefully avoiding the point about Inara and Mal's recent closeness. Instead, Inara regaled them all with a tale of Kaylee's gambling prowess, and in return, Zoe informed them just how much money they would make for this run.

'You mean all that fuss, and they were going to pay more than you were going to ask them for anyway?'

'You keep your mouth closed to Gabby about that preacher when we pick up the cargo tomorrow by the way' warned Mal, taking a sip out of his mug and enjoying the taste of real chocolate.

'Do not worry. I operate on a policy of "what the ears do not hear, the heart does not grieve over".'

'Like how we're not telling the captain about how-' started River.

'Hush River' Simon interrupted her, trying to pretend it was just another crazy outburst. Mal didn't buy it. 'What's this?' he asked River, while the rest of the crew made frantic motions to her over his head. She ignored them.

'The dog follows you because you smell like a bitch in heat' she told him plainly. Mal's expression was worthy of a portrait by Leonardo da Vinci.

Trying to divert the conversation, Inara chose this moment to speak up. 'Doesn't he have a name yet? You all just keep on calling him "dog".'

''s a perfectly good name for a dog. Avoids confusion.' Replied Jayne.

'Nah, 'Nara's right. I can't believe we haven't named him yet.' Countered Kaylee, grinning in anticipation of christening the dog. Once it was named, it was a part of the crew, no matter what it did.

'Well that's great. You lot all sit here and think of a name. I'm just gonna go and… shower. Possibly change my clothes.' Mal backed out of the mess, and the dog made to follow him, but Zoe quickly grabbed a hold of its freshly bought collar so it couldn't. Jayne moved to take over the captain's still half-full coca mug.

'I think he looks like a Scraps,' offered Simon.

'That's a stupid name. I still don't see what's wrong with Dog.'

'Jayne, be nice. How about God? It's an anagram for dog.' That was Kaylee.

'Although I am aware that it would amuse the captain, I feel I must protest on that score.' That was the Shepherd. Kaylee pouted, but accepted this.

'Beethoven' said River.

'It's a nice name, but it could be a little weird naming a dog after a centuries dead composer' replied Inara.

'Why? They like to dig up bones don't they?' No one graced Jayne with an answer.

'How about T-Rex? We could shorten it to Rex.' Wash took any opportunity to flaunt his knowledge of dinosaurs.

'Do you know that means King in ancient Latin?' Simon couldn't resist a history lesson.

'Wow. Even better.'

'We could call him ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Kerberos, after the dog that guards the gate of hell.'

'That's not very cheery preacher.'

'You haven't made a suggestion yet Zoe' prompted Kaylee. The first mate raised an eye brow. 'How about Rover?' she offered.

'I love my wife,' said Wash fondly, 'her good looks, her humour, not to mention her stunning imagination.' He was punched softly on the arm, but nevertheless dramatically acted as though it were a mortal wound.

'I like Gaspode as a name.' Decided Kaylee out loud.

'Why?' asked Jayne rudely.

'Because it's better than simply naming him after his species… ape.' Simon defended Kaylee, not missing the chance to get a dig in at the big mercenary.

'Call him Sarah, so Jayne won't feel so insecure and alone.' Piped in River.

'What'd I warn you 'bout that girl's name business?' Jayne growled threateningly, feeling he was under attack somewhat.

The room fell to silence. Everyone had their ideas on what the dog should be named, but none quite fitted, or seemed appropriate to the situation. Looking around them all, Inara had an idea.

'It was the Rime brothers that sent him to us, yes? So why not name him related to that. Rhyme and… Riddle.'

'Riddle' said Kaylee, testing it out. The dog in question pricked his ears.

'It'll do' conceded Jayne grumpily, voicing the feelings of the rest of the crew.

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'Kaylee!'

In answer to the captain's cry that resounded through the ship, Kaylee hurriedly dropped the spanner she was using to install a new cooling coil, as bought with gambling winnings, and dashed down to the cargo bay. Mal was helping Jayne stow cargo. 'Yes captain?' She asked innocently, panting slightly.

'Why is this rutting dog still following me around? I've changed my clothes and had a wash, so the smell should be gone.'

'I guess Riddle just likes you sir.'

'Hmpf' growled Mal grumpily, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

The End