”That was kind.” Kaylee assessed, thinking she herself wouldn’t’a been inclined to take chances in a situation like that. But then she wasn’t quite as talented with a gun as was Inara, so she probably wouldn’a had the luxury of as much of a choice in a situation like that anyways. She stroked River’s hair then and thought again how grateful she was to have River with her, how grateful she was to her for saving their lives the other night.

”Perhaps, perhaps not. He’s in a bad state, Kaylee, I don’t think he’ll survive past the next day or two.” Inara told them. ”Perhaps if Simon or another doctor were here, but of course, there’s little chance of that, I suppose…”

”Yeah, suppose not… um, so, and the others down there with you? They doin’ all right? You all have enough supplies to last a while?” She asked. ”How long do you think?”

”Oh, the bunker’s well enough supplied, have no fear on that account. There’s enough food to last all of us years, and fresh water from an underground well.” Inara told them.

”And the others with you? Who all is that by the way?” Kaylee questioned.

”Well, Stephen I already mentioned. He had a bad headache from the blow he received, but he’s doing fine. Then there’s James’s children, May and Daniel. Ten and Twelve. And the household cook, Frita, who’s not doing that well with being trapped underground. She’s got a fear of enclosed spaces, not a bad case, but still, I think she’s only managed to keep herself together for the children’s sake. She’s… a brave woman.” Inara explained.

”Braver than her employer, that’s for sure.” Kaylee said.

”True, but, then, in this case, his fear seems to have kept us alive, so I don’t suppose I really have fair cause to complain, do I?” Inara told her with her usual equanimity.

”Well, when you put it like that…” Kaylee saw her point.

”Kaylee…” Inara spoke softly.

”Yeah?”

”It’s… just really good to hear your voice, you know?” Inara said.

”Yeah… yours too.” Kaylee told her back. ”Listen, the shuttle’s a lost cause unless I can get replacement parts, but don’t you worry. Me’an River, we’ll pack up our things and get ourselves over to you, soon as we can. Dig ya out, whatever it takes, okay? I promise.”