Trouble was, while River swore up and down she knew how to make a simple bath tub, had the engineering of it all worked out, apparently the slowly emerging tub shaped object out yonder had an idea in it’s head to make it difficult on her. It was all actually kind of funny, to see River have to try so hard at something like that when most things seemed to come so easy to her, it made her seem a bit more human and relatable somehow.

”This wood is full of demons.” River said carrying a component of her tub with her into the cabin and setting it down in what Kaylee had dubbed ’River’s work shop’. ”I must smite them.” She said decidedly, choosing a tool one would rightly use on a piece of metal plating and using it creatively an’going at the hapless log with it.

Kaylee chuckled just a bit and put the library pad aside to watch River work. It didn’t take long and she was done, getting up and turning to see Kaylee regarding her. ”I anticipate no further problems with this component.” She informed Kaylee.

Kaylee titled her head a bit, reflective like. ”I wish I could be more help with this. You’re making it mostly for me after all.”

River just smiled, delighted apparently. ”My honor to serve.” She made a little bow and went back out to face the demons.

Kaylee watched after her a bit, shook her head, and went back to her book. She was just getting to the good part, after all.

———-

Some time early the next day Kaylee was positively blissful luxuriating in a hot bath just inside the hatch of the shuttle. River had somehow managed to rig a heating element for the water and connect it into the shuttle’s damaged systems. Ingenious, really, she mused happily.

She opened her eyes and glanced over River’s way, the other girl was sitting on a small crate, legs pulled up, arms crossed on her knees, chin resting titled to the side a little on her crossed arms. The girl was just looking at her with a lazy sort of peaceful and satisfied look on her face. [The proud maker admiring her handiworks.] Kaylee guessed, understanding the feeling well and kind of liking seeing that look on her friend’s face for some reason. Prob’ly the relatable reason again.