The Phoenix on Firefly

Serenity [2]

"Meals are taken up here in the dining area." Mal explained to the new passengers, "Kitchen's pretty much self-explanatory. You're welcome to eat what there is at any time. There is pretty standard fare...protein in all the rainbow colors. We do have sit-down meals...next one being at about 1800,"

"I think Shepherd Book has offered to help me prepare something," Kaylee noted.

Both Ash and Kaylee shared amused looks.

"You're a shepherd?" Mal questioned.

"I thought the outfit gave it away," Shepherd Book teased. "Is it a problem?"

"Of course not. It's not a problem..." Ash glared at her father. "'Cause it's not,"

"No." Mal continued, "As I said... you can visit the dining area anytime. Apart from that, I must ask you to stay in the passenger dorm while we're in the air. The bridge, engine room, cargo bay...they're all off-limits without an escort,"

"Some of my personal effects are in the cargo bay," Simon noted.

"I figure you all got luggage you're gonna need. As soon as we're done here, we'll be happy to fetch 'em with you. Now, I have to tell you all one other thing...and I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, we've been ordered by the Alliance...to drop some medical supplies off on Whitefall. It's the fourth moon on Athens; it's out of our way, but we should have you on Boros no more than a day off schedule,"

"What medical supplies?" Simon asked.

"We don't tend to ask," Phoenix explained. "If it comes from the Alliance...it's got to be done,"

"All right,"

Mal placed a hand on Phoenix's shoulder. "Zoe, you want to take them to the cargo bay?"

"Yes, sir," Zoe replied.

"Anything else you need, just ask. We, uh, live to serve,"

"And I'm staying behind because?" Phoenix voiced once their guests had left the room.

"I get weird vibes off those people. Just want to make sure you stay safe,"

"In other words, keep me away from the pretty boy," Phoenix teased.

"Who's pretty?" Mal challenged, "Did you send word to Patience?"

"Ain't heard back yet,"

"Didn't she shoot you one time?" Phoenix reminded.

"Everybody's makin' a fuss," Mal huffed. He glanced up when he heard footsteps. "Ah, the ambassador graces us with her presence.

"Hello, Mal. I see we have some new faces,"

Ash smiled as she ran over. "Hey, you,"

The ambassador booped her nose. "Hey, you,"

Mal glanced over as Shepherd Book brought over supplies for the meal. "Ambassador, this is Shepherd Book,"

"I'd have to say this is the first time we've had a preacher on board,"

"Well, I wasn't expecting to see a state official either,"

Ash couldn't help but laugh.

Shepherd Book glanced over. "I'm missing something funny,"

"Just forgot how my dad is with the inside jokes," Ash reasoned as she walked by, apologizing to the ambassador as she went.

"Ambassador is Mal's way of saying..."

"She's a whore, Shepherd," Mal interrupted.

Ash turned abruptly around. "Dad!"

"The term is Companion," Kaylee corrected.

"I always get those mixed up." Mal claimed, "How's business?"

"None of yours," The Ambassador chastised.

"She is pretty much our ambassador." Ash explained, "There's plenty of planets that wouldn't let you dock without a decent Companion on board,"

"This...this isn't a problem for you, is it, Shepherd?" Mal teased.

"Well, I..." Shepherd Book started. "I certainly..."

"It's all right." The Ambassador said, "I mostly keep to myself,"

"Except with my daughter," Mal muttered.

Ash's cheeks flushed.

The Ambassador kissed Ash's cheek as she headed back to her room.

"Don't you want to meet the rest of the bunch?" Mal called after her.

"Why don't you ensure they want to meet me first?" the Ambassador challenged.

Ash shook her head and handed Kaylee the supplies before following. "So, how many fell madly in love with you and wanted to take you away from all this?"

"Just the one. I think I'm slipping,"