Disclaimer: I don't own Firefly. It belongs to Joss.

Author's Note: Maleena is my character, and to people who ask permission to use her. Also Wash and Shepard are alive in my verse.

"Hello" means talking

'Hello' means thinking

A Rebel's Heart

"Wrench please." Kaylee's hand shot out from under the machine.

"Will it be alright?" Maleena handed Kaylee the tool she asked for.

"Should be. The cooling coils needed to be replaced, and a few crucial bolts came loose, but it should be fixed up in no time. Darn it!" Kaylee pulled herself from underneath. She rummaged around her bag and pulled out a spray paint can, she slid back under, sprayed a few bolts and told Jib to tighten the ones sprayed red. "What exactly does this machine do?"

"Makes the best ice cream on the planet. All you have to do is say what type of ice cream you want, and it makes it. Why don't you give it a try?"

Kaylee stood in front of the machine and ordered a strawberry sundae. The machine sputtered out a few blips and bloops, and popped out Kaylee's order. Three huge scooping of strawberry ice cream sat on strawberry preserves, and had an abundant heaping of whipped cream on top. Kaylee face lit up like a light bulb after the first bite.

"Real strawberries! I can't remember the last time I had one, much less ice cream. I gotta tell the others." Soon everybody was in the mess hall enjoying ice cream. Everybody except Mal of course.

"You had us come all the way out here to fix an ice cream machine Shepard? I can't believe you."

"Okay A)You guys were coming out here to get supplies and rest anyways, and what better way to then eating ice cream; and B) Shut up and eat." Maleena slid a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough towards him.

"To bad Inara ain't here with us. She'd probably like some ice cream too." Kaylee pouted.

"I've got a portable ice cream maker you can take. True it only makes the basics, but they're better than nothing."

"About the return trip, I've decided to stay here. Captain, may I speak with you outside?"

Mal and Shepherd stepped outside into the differing coldness. "You know, this ice cream isn't half bad, but something tells me you don't want to talk about ice cream."

"Captain, as a last favor, I was wondering if you could take Maleena with you. I think it would do well for her and River."

Mal spoon dropped out of his mouth, and onto the desert floor. "You want me to do what?! Have you lost your mind Shepherd?"

"Maybe I have, but River seems to have found at least part of hers. Look."

Looking inside, Mal couldn't believe his eyes. River was actually acting somewhat normal. True some problems were noticeable, but it still was an improvement. "Since you're asking me, and it might keep River in check, I'll take her with me."

"Now the hard part will be convincing Maleena to go with you. This may be a problem."

Author's note: Will Maleena join the team? And if she does, will she be able to keep her temper in check around Mal. Next chapter will be coming soon, and will have Inara in it.