"Good. That's real good. If you did, I might have to think up some form of retribution... Maybe no flyin' lessons for a week. Or sparring sessions every day. Though that might get old after the first couple of days." Mal's grin grew wider as he continued joking with Jo.

Mal rested one hand on the panel, his hands idly straying over some of the buttons. "Sure it does. Same as bein' a ship's captain. Long as you play your cards right, people usually figure out real fast that messing with you isn't such a good idea. Of course, scarin' people away ain't good either. It's about finding the right mix of bein' friendly and bein' tough."