Just an explanation for later. Jia and Veronica will not be getting on very well for a good reason. Their personalities are very contrary. Even though they are friends, Veronica tends to say things about Marguerite. Jia considers Marguerite her friend, and never hesitates to defend anyone. So when you see them not getting along I wanted to tell you I tried but their personalities just don't mix well. We already know that John and Mal won't get along but that was obvious. Sorry for the interruption. Enjoy.

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It didn't take long for Challenger, Malone and Veronica to get their things together to search for the missing crew. Despite Jia's protests, they set out in the direction of the inland sea to get Marguerite and Roxton to help with the search. Malone and Veronica set out in front with Challenger bombarding Jia with questions right behind them.

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Not far away on a beach, Marguerite was finishing buttoning up her shirt. Her companion slid up behind her and started kissing her neck.

She laughed, "Roxton, don't start that again or we will never get home."

He wiggled his eyebrows, "That is the idea."

She laughed again and slipped out of his grasp. "I for one would like to get back before night. We have had two days out here Roxton."

John slowly made his way to his love, "Time has flown. Any time I spend with you seems to speed by."

She smiled and kissed him. He pulled her close. Marguerite was just considering another night on the sand when they heard a distinctive roar followed by several very strange gunshots. They looked at each other and bolted in the direction of the disturbance. Roxton grabbed his rifle and Marguerite her handgun as they sped into the jungle. About a mile away they came upon a dead t-rex in a clearing. They stopped for a moment and Roxton suddenly aimed his rifle when he saw movement to the side of the rex.

A man emerged from around the huge beast. He had on tan pants and a dark brown shirt covered by a dark brown duster. He was studying the animal with his hand still on the revolver on his right hip. He was recognized immediately. Roxton lowered his rifle.

"Captain Reynolds!"

The man didn't turn in their direction as they came up to him.

"You know, ever since this whole creepy thing started I've wanted to do that." Mal turned to them with a sideways smile on his face. "Good to have my own clothes on and my gun."

Roxton pointed to the revolver, "You brought down that thing with that gun."

"Yeah."

He shrugged and Roxton shook his head. He promised himself he would see that gun closer up very soon.

"So where are we now?"

Marguerite answered, "On the plateau."

"So you guys got home but not us?"

Marguerite nodded.

Mal swore in Chinese. Marguerite was taken aback and almost blushed. Roxton continued to gape at the dead rex.

After Mal was done swearing he asked, "What now?"

Roxton gave his attention back to the matter at hand, "We should go back to the tree-house. Perhaps we can find the others together."

Mal shrugged again. They all started back to the inland sea to get the supplies Roxton and Marguerite had left behind. The trip was mostly taken in silence. Mal and Roxton still didn't talk much after the rocky start. Marguerite allowed them their brooding.

After getting the supplies they headed in the direction of the tree house. About halfway back Roxton heard someone coming. He stopped them and directed them to the bushes on the side of the road. They all hid and drew their weapons. Roxton was confused as the sounds stopped.

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Halfway to the inland sea Veronica stopped the group. Someone or something was approaching. They all froze and drew their weapons. Veronica motioned for them to wait when the noises stopped. She silently climbed a nearby tree and searched the ground ahead. She smiled when she saw a familiar hat. She climbed down from the tree.

"Roxton? Marguerite?"

The other group stood up and they all gathered together. Mal tried to appear unaffected by the sight of Jia unharmed, but failed. It wasn't helped by the fact she was trying to do the same thing.

Roxton asked, "Where are the other two?"

Veronica answered, "We were hoping you knew."

Roxton removed his hat and wiped his brow before putting the hat back on, "The search continues."

A discussion issued about how to go about searching. The only ones without opinions were Malone, Marguerite and Jia. They finally decided to go back to the tree house for more supplies. Actually Veronica said that was where she was going and the others followed as she walked away.

They walked in relative silence for about ten minutes before Veronica brought them all to a halt. They quickly hid in the bushes.

Marguerite whispered, "What is it?"

"Headhunters, but someone among them is not being very quiet. They probably captured someone."

The group readied their weapons in readiness for the fight. As the headhunters got closer Mal recognized the voice of his ship's doctor. He shook his head. Simon did tend to get captured a lot.

The headhunters came within striking distance. The group was about to strike when something fell from the trees and landed in the middle of the head hunters. Five of the group recognized River, but only one knew she was capable of what she was doing.

She snapped the neck of the first with a well placed kick. The next was knocked unconscious with a tiny fist to the face. The next got a kick to the neck and died of suffocation.

The others, screaming something Marguerite heard as 'demon', they left in a very big hurry. Leaving their catch of the day. River stood there and smiled. Mal approached and untied Simon. The others gawked at River.

Jia was the first to recover and hugged the girl, "I'm so glad you are safe."

Mal still wasn't fazed, "Can we call the reunion paused until we can get to safer ground?"

Roxton nodded and led them off in a homeward direction. Veronica trudged behind him, trying to come up with a plan for the new guests. Malone was behind her, almost bursting with questions, but now was not the time. Challenger and Simon were behind him exchanging notes on the possibilities of how they got there. Marguerite and Jia were behind them talking of inconsequential things. River was now hanging on to Marguerite's hand. She didn't seem to notice anymore. Mal strode behind them all, wondering how they were going to get out of this mess.

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Back at the tree house the mood was festive. Challenger had introduced everyone who hadn't known each other. Challenger then tried to explain his theory on how they got there but only Simon and River seemed to be able to understand him very well, and River wasn't really paying attention. That is, until Challenger stopped to take a breath.

"Grandpa is wrong."

They all turned to River, Challenger getting redder by the second. "I was just discussing a theory young lady, and did you call me Grandpa?"

River nodded. Simon defended his sister, "It's just something she does, don't be offended."

Jia scoffed, "You should have seen the Captain the first time she called him Captain Daddy."

Everyone smiled. Mal looked at Jia, "I happen to recall you weren't that happy either when she called you Mommy."

Veronica quietly laughed beneath her hand. Challenger smiled in earnest. He looked at River, "You may call me Grandpa George if you wish."

River smiled even brighter. Simon liked the changes this trip was bringing to his sister.

Veronica sighed, "I really don't know how we are going to manage the situation at night."

Simon quickly put in, "Thank you for your hospitality. We don't wish to be a bother."

Challenger, thinking he was going to lose the first person he had been able to talk science with in two years, said, "Nonsense! I can clear some room for a cot in the lab and I will sleep there. Dr. Tam may have my room. Ms. Mason can have Summerlie's old room. We can prepare a storage room for River. And Captain Reynolds..."

Mal interrupted, "If no one minds the couch is fine."

Roxton said, "We can't have guests sleeping on the couch. I will take the couch."

Mal rolled his eyes, "Not necessary."

"Of course it is."

"No it really isn't."

Jia interrupted, "Why don't you both take the couch. I'm sure you'll make a lovely couple since you both want it so badly."

Both men had the courtesy to look embarrassed.

Mal nodded in Roxton's direction, "Thank you Roxton. I guess the couch is yours."

The ladies of the table all looked at each other knowingly. Everything was going to be a contest when those two were involved.

Veronica got up, "I'll start preparing the rooms. Marguerite, would you mind helping me?"

Marguerite mumbled but followed.

"If it's not too much time from your busy schedule."

From her place at the table Jia stiffened at the sarcasm in Veronica's comment, but kept silent. It was Veronica's house after all. Mal had seen the exchange and knew he should keep Jia and Veronica separate. Two very strong willed and vocal women were never a good match.

Roxton was thinking about how much easier being in Marguerite's room would be now that he wouldn't have to go past anyone else's room to get to hers. He was glad Mal had given in, even though he felt silly now for fighting over it. Jia was so much like Marguerite, but without the bite in her remarks. They were not meant to sting or harm, but with a slightly light hearted swing to them.

When Veronica and Marguerite returned, Veronica started supper. The others stayed at the table and discussed bits of everything. They tried to understand the others world. Most of the questions came from either Malone or Challenger.

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After supper, Veronica went to do dishes. Malone volunteered to help. Since coming back a week ago he was on a campaign to win the affections of the jungle princess. This time it would be subtle, winning her complete trust without the puppy dog affection. As they stood washing the dishes he tried to make conversation.

"So what do you think of our new house mates?"

"They seem nice. I don't know if the tree house can survive Captain Reynolds and Roxton though."

Malone laughed, "They are unfortunately very competitive."

Veronica turned to him, "I didn't see you getting in the mix with those two."

Ned shrugged, "What would be the point? Even after then get done with their little arm wrestling, we still have to live together. No sense everyone being mad at each other."

Veronica smiled, "I guess that's just their way."

"What about the other three?"

"Didn't really get a feel for Simon. He's real quiet. River seems a little off to me."

When she didn't continue Ned prompted, "And Jia?"

She sighed, "I don't know about her. She seems different. Stubborn obviously, like Marguerite but different. Do you understand what I mean?"

"I think so," trying to smooth the waters, "I'm sure you two have something in common as well."

Veronica shrugged.

The object of their conversation walked in, "Veronica, can I talk to you?"

Veronica turned, "Sure."

Malone started to walk out, "I will leave you ladies alone."

Jia started to say it wasn't necessary, but he was gone. She turned back to Veronica and smiled. "You heard what I do on the ship?"

"You're the cook."

"Yeah, I came to ask since that's all I can do I was wondering if you wouldn't mind if I took over the cooking, mostly at least."

Veronica stiffened, "Everyone takes their turn cooking."

Jia quickly said, "I know, I know. But I really can't do anything else that would be useful here. I'm no good with guns or machines other than kitchen appliances. I just want to contribute in the best way I can."

Veronica crossed her arms in front of her chest, "I guess it wouldn't be that big of a deal. I'd have to teach you how to cook in this kitchen though."

"Sounds good."

Jia left the kitchen and went back to the group. Veronica stood there and wondered why she was so upset at not cooking anymore. She shook her head and went back to washing dishes.

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They all went to bed early since four amongst them hadn't had much sleep lately. Roxton stayed up until the others were in bed and he thought asleep. He made his way to Marguerite's room. She turned towards him as he entered and smiled. She lifted her hand and guided him down next to her.

In a storage room on the other side of the tree house, River was still awake. She was tired but far to excited. She took stock of her new situation. Simon was somewhat unsure. Jia was stressed, but otherwise fine. Mal seemed to be at ease unless John was in the room. River sighed, she would have to do something about that.

She liked Grandpa George. He was funny. Smart like Simon, but with wilder ideas that River liked. He was a dreamer like she used to be.

Uncle Ned was very inquisitive. She would have to be careful what she said around him, because he wasn't likely to ignore it.

Aunt Veronica was like noone she had met before. Seemingly lonely, but she loved her friends. She was guarded around Jia but had seemed to accept the others without much thought. Veronica required further study.

Uncle John was one of her favorites. He was so much like Captain Daddy but much more laid back. He could give Daddy lessons, she thought with a giggle. He was also one of her favorites because he loved Marguerite and she loved him.

Aunt Marguerite was her absolute favorite amongst the new members of her family. She hid behind a shell, but River could see the person underneath. The shell had very large cracks in it. River suspected those to be Uncle John's doing. Marguerite used words to cover up feelings, but River felt the feelings along with the words, and thus took different meaning to them. Mommy seemed to like Marguerite too. River hoped they could be friends so she could spend more time with Marguerite.

River thought about the situation and decided it was good. She could better help Mommy and Daddy here. They could become closer without the interruptions of their lives. River hoped to strengthen the bond between Uncle John and Aunt Marguerite as well. 'Different situations but with the same desired result.' She thought.

She missed Serenity though. She hoped Serenity missed her. Kaylee would be sad over the loss of her Simon too. River smiled, she knew this wasn't permanent, just until it was finished, then they could go home. She wondered about th science of the plateau before she fell into a dreamy slumber. This time, however, the bad dreams stayed away.