"Why, yes,<em>Doctor</em>," said Mal, teasingly returning that inflection back at Simon, "I do believe we got acquainted 'round about the time you were set to challenge the man to a friendly round of fisticuffs or some such. Whatever it is your types do about offenses to your honor and besmirching your...smirches. And I am not a horse!"<br/><br/>The Captain took up a post at one end of the table, arms crossed to survey his crew and passengers over the wall of limbs. In his most host-resembling tone he informed them, "We've a stop to make just up the way, pick up a few things to take off-world with us as they're wanted somewhere not here. After, we'll see our way to Beaumonde and drop-off. Free to take off there as well, Shepherd, or stay on if that's not your kind of city. I understand the numbers of the faithful are fair low in those parts; wouldn't blame you for wanting greener pastures to do your shearing. That is what you do with the sheep when they grow up, isn't it? I was never too clear on that part."<br/><br/>Nor did he wait for clarification. "Doctor, I'll be having you check in on our new cargo time to time when it arrives. I'm told it'll look after itself and that's what I like to hear, which makes me think it don't mean much to hear it. You let me know if those containers aren't doing what they're meant to be doing. Get Kaylee to help you if need be, just make sure what starts healthy stays that way." Toward Kaylee he added, "And don't let me catch you riding your responsibilities, little Kaylee. I won't have honest work fouled up over fun, dong ma?"