DISCLAIMER: Consult chapter 1 for disclaimer since i can't think of anything witty to say.

Mal was all jittery; he didn't know why. Was it was because of the ball…or River? As soon as the group of women came back from shopping, the girl went in search of him. She found him with her brother in the infirmary. Noticing her through one of the windows, he exited and allowed himself to be led to the vacant shuttle.

"I was wondering, Captain, if you would be my escort to the ball." River was choosing her words carefully.

"Isn't that a job more suited for the doctor?"

"He would rather go with Kaylee. I knows."

Mal thought it over. He was already going. Plus there would be no harm done since it was River. This thought proved to be since he realized she could read his mind. "Absolutely, little albatross."

Now we was on his boat, waiting for Simon and Kaylee to finish getting ready. River and Inara were already where the shindig was being held. "Come one. 'Nara told use we had to be there early. Zoë, you take care of my boat." Finally, the two were ready and they headed out.


River was really nervous as Inara tied the corset that was part of her dress. She looked over at the clock that read she still had time left. She looked over her should and saw Inara still tying the laces. "Should I be nervous?" She blurted out.

"Of course. It's customary." Inara said sweetly, trying to calm her.

"I'd rather take on a ship full of Reavers." River said without thinking.

Inara turned her around, "River, as much as I'm aware of your aptitude to take on a ship full of Reavers, this is a lot easier. Also, someone you don't know isn't your escort, it's Mal."

River looked at her, "It think that's why I'm nervous." She quickly put on her skirt and shoes when she saw a strict woman come into the room and told everyone to get ready for their escorts to come in in a minute. River and Inara smoothed out any wrinkles in the girl's dress when Mal came in witht eh other men. They noticed he was in the proper suit he had and was the oldest compared to the other escorts.

Mal found them and was amazed how much River had grown up when she dressed up. He was speechless and didn't hear when Inara bade them good luck.

"Captain, are you okay?" River asked with concern. The strict woman, who had River loop her arm through Mal's and gave them a suspicious look, interrupted her concern.

"Just fine River. Never seen you dressed up before. Oh, and Mal is fine. No captain formalities." Mal looked down at her. The girl gave a smile that comforted him.

"Well I can't say I've never seen that particular outfit on you before."