Kaylee wiped a sleeve across her forehead as she stood grinning next to Mal. "Record time for loading," he was saying, obviously proud of the crew. "I'm impressed. Even more impressed that the doctor managed to do somethin' besides fidget in the background."

The last of the cows passed them, with Simon huffing along behind it, over-shirt gone and arms glistening with sweat. Kaylee's eyes followed him closely. "Very impressed," she agreed.