Hoban Washburne joins Serenity

Life, Career

Hoban Washburne, a mustached pilot, assures Mal and Zoe that with a few modifications, it shouldn't be a problem to "get some real maneuverability" out of Serenity. Mal asks if that means he'll take the job, and Wash replies that it just might, so Mal tells him to make himself at home whilst they leave the bridge. Mal is pleased with Wash, but Zoe doesn't like him--something about him bothers her. Mal tells her that it's about time they hire a qualified pilot now that they finally have a mechanic, just as that mechanic, Bester, walks by.   ["Out of Gas." These events are shown in flashback. This is assumed to take place fairly soon after the previous flashback, as it appears Serenity has yet to leave the planet where Mal purchased it.]   Although Wash could take a lot of jobs (such as piloting a cruiser, with full benefits, vacations, and less death-defying), he will ultimately stay with Serenity because of his feeling for Zoe and his desire to be around her.   ["Those Left Behind." Wash tells Mal that he does "all manner of stupid things" so he can keep the woman he loves nearby.]