Character Profiles: Kaywinnit Lee "Kaylee" Frye

"A touch of optimism and a toolbox can solve nearly anything."

Honestly, I'm surprised it's taken me this long to do a profile on a “Firefly" character. And, since she's my favorite, it seemed fitting to start with Kaylee.

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If ever there was a person who exudes sunshine like they have their own built in star, it's Kaylee. Her ability to put a positive spin on everything she sees is a talent I wish I had. She lives a modest life, always has, but she never complains (well, except maybe when it comes to getting the dress she wants).

All kidding aside, though, she loves life. She loves the adventures being a part of the crew of Serenity bring. And she loves the comradery that comes with it. She has the unique ability to see the silver lining of any situation, even when it's at its most dire. And her happy-go-lucky attitude warms even the coldest parts of the space surrounding them.

Don’t let that innocent face fool you, though. She’s smart as a whip when it comes to spaceship engines, and she’s certainly not ashamed at eyeing the fellas. But she’s not one to boast or let ego get in her way. She’s as kind as can be, as sweet as the strawberries she loves to eat.

She makes Inara feel like a mother, constantly looking after her the way a big sister would. But she doesn't mind. To Mal, she's more than just a mechanic, almost taking on adoptive daughter status. He wouldn't have it any other way though. It's hard not to like Kaylee. In fact, most everyone does. Even Jayne takes kindly to her (which, for Jayne, is really saying something). Shepherd Book knows just what it takes to smooth her over (a box of strawberries, anyone?), and River looks to Kaylee as the sister she never had.

The one that vexes her the most, however, is Simon. From the moment she laid eyes on him she was hooked. The problem? For one, Simon doesn't have much experience with girls. Well, girls that aren't his sister that is. So, he’s a bit out of his element. He's awkward and spurts out things he shouldn't before he thinks hard enough to understand why. And, while it causes a small riff or two, Kaylee actually finds it kind of endearing. So what's the second issue, you ask? He's rather distracted. Taking care of his sister is a full time job, one that he gladly takes on, still, it doesn't leave much room for anything else. Though Kaylee understands and would never ask Simon to be any different, it does get frustrating on occasion.

When it comes to her natural ability with engines, in her own words she describes it as “they just speak to me.” And, if there's one ship that does that the most, it's Serenity. More than just a ship to Kaylee, Serenity is a friend, one she's responsible for keeping running. And she takes that job very seriously. So, when they desperately need a part to get her going again, Kaylee's hesitant to leave Serenity behind and thankful when it all comes out okay.

So, if there's one thing we can say Kaylee excels at, besides her uncanny skill with engines, it's passion. Passion for ships, and a passion for people. Especially those she cares about the most.

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