River observed the two men interacting carefully. Of course someone as uncannily perceptive as River would note the way Mal's hand had moved closer to the holster at his hip. It didn't move any closer as the two men talked a bit. She was content to be silent and wait. She arched an eyebrow at Willie's apology.<br/><br/>He sounded utterly sincere but she wondered if he really was. There was no way to tell if it was a lie but she was smart enough to know that a man had no reason to sound that way to another man he'd just met. At least not when it came to what Mal was suggesting.<br/><br/>It interested her that Willie didn't seem to care very much about the destination. Of course few border planets would take having a Shepherd to tend to their spiritual needs and offer other kinds of guidance and instruction amiss. There was something different about him, to be sure, but it was restful rather than disturbing.<br/><br/>"Yes, Captain," she said brightly, beaming at both men. Without further ado, she headed towards their ship. "Come on, Shepherd!" she called, glancing over her shoulder to make sure he was still following her.<br/><br/>(To Serenity)