Zoe was Mal's first mate and closest friend. They had been through war together and knew each other like the backs of their own hands. Zoe was also happily married to Serenity's goofy, fun-loving pilot Wash, while Mal was busy denying his love for resident courtesan Inara. Mal once endured extended torture so Zoe could save her less-torture-resilient husband before charging back to save him. These two always knew they could rely on one another, no matter what.