Ma Reynolds-Lilly, on Shadow.

[bad_in_latin]

It's been a quiet day on the Reynolds ranch, even though Sallie feels more tired than usual.

Gettin' old, there, Sal.She had just hired two new hands a week ago, and already Sallie feels like she doesn't need to keep an eye on them every second; they know their way around the land, and usually finished their work early. Sallie likes to tell

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[awesome_lilly]

Standing on the other side of the door is an Alliance officer, dressed in regulation uniform. Okay, the cap is tilted at a slightly more rakish angle than regulation, but otherwise Lilly Kane completely looks the part.

"Sallie Reynolds? I'm Lieutenant Kane. I need to ask you a few questions about your son, Malcolm Reynolds."

She talks the part, too. The neutral tones were very carefully practiced in the bar until Veronica declared she sounded just like a cop.

[bad_in_latin]

Sallie carefully and quickly turns to put the pie down on a countertop before returning to the door.

She never invited the Alliance officer in.

"How can I help you, Lieutenant?"

Maybe point you in the direction of the nearest secondary school? Just how young is the Alliance trainin' folk these days?

[awesome_lilly]

"I'd like to come in, please," Lilly replies coolly. "This is an official government matter."

She pulls a slim plastic ident card out of her pocket and hands it to Mrs. Reynolds. The words Anglo-Sino Alliance are plastered across the top, but beneath them a picture is attached.

Lilly and Mal, arms around each other and wearing grass skirts as they grin madly at the camera.

"I think you will find my identification is sufficient proof of the importance of this situation."

One eye flickers in a tiny, quick wink.

[bad_in_latin]

So that's where Mal learned to let his eyes fall wide.

For a moment, it's all Sallie can do to not immediately snicker at the photograph. She manages, however, and stands to one side to allow the 'officer' through.

"Certainly, officer."