Disclaimer: I still am just lovin' playing in the sandbox that Mr. Whedon and his pals own. There is a special place in heaven for folk like you.

There will be at least one, but probably two more parts to this. I have left enough on the cutting room floor and am loath to leave much more there.

It was late when Serenity lifted off Fairfield. Loading the oranges had taken the better part of the afternoon. Marcus and Katie insisted they stay for dinner. After that, Miss Katie and her girls brought baskets full of vegetables, bread, and other fresh food to the ship. Zoe, Kaylee, Inara, and River helped them weave the baskets past the men loading the orange crates and up the stairs to the kitchen.

Katie looked around the old kitchen and slowly shook her head. “I don’t know how you folk travel about, cooped up in this, this…” She waved her arms around. “No fresh air or sunlight. No green, growin’ things. I came over from Harmony on a ship like this twenty-five years ago. It still gives me the shivers just to think about it.” She paused and smiled as she looked at the younger women. “But, I s’pose some folk are just suited to it.”

Zoe laughed. “Yes, ma’am. Some are suited to it. I can’t imagine staying in one place for long. After a few days, I’m anxious to get going.”

“Me, too.” Kaylee shrugged. “I mean, I grew up on a farm, but it’s shiny going to all the diff’rent places we been to, meetin’ new folk. I might want to settle down one day, but not yet.”

River stood at the table, slowly emptying a basket, carefully inspecting each item. “Safer on the move. We never stop moving.” She looked up from the basket and smiled.

They all headed back to the cargo bay. The girls said good-bye and left their mother to bid her farewell. Katie heaved a deep sigh as she watched them walk down the road. “Well, that’s the last of it, and by the looks of this here hold, the boys have finished loadin’, too. I expect y’all’ll be leavin’ presently. She turned to the younger women. “Next time, I want you to stay a spell, tell me ‘bout yer adventures. We don’t get many visitors, and none we like to see as well as you.” A tear appeared in the corner of her eye.

“Now Miss Katie, don’t go to cryin’, else I will, too. It’s like leavin’ my own Mamma and Pa.” Kaylee brushed a tear from her own eyes. “I best see to Serenity, make sure she’s ready to go.” She fled to the engine room after giving the large woman a hug and kiss on the cheek.

Inara smiled warmly and hugged Katie as well. “It has been very good to see you again, Miss Katie. I cannot imagine a better place, or people, to visit. Thank you for your generosity.” Then, she, too, retreated into the ship.

River hung back, gone to one of those places she goes to. “Don’t want to go, but have to. Safe here. Safer on the move. But not safe this time.”

“Come here, child, and let me give you some sugar to take with you.” Katie spoke softly. “You come back here any time you want, you understand?”

River looked up at her. “Not all can come back.” Her voice was small, but the other women heard her.

Not understanding, Katie’s arms all but swallowed her in a comforting embrace. “There, nien ching duh, it’s okay. Mal ‘n Zoe here’ll keep you safe.”

“I know.” Then, she pulled out of the embrace and ran up the ramp.

Katie turned to Zoe, frowning slightly. “Zoe, is everything alright here? This poor child sayin’ such odd things. And, Inara and Mal, each doin’ everything possible not to even stand close to the other, all the while smilin’ and talkin’ very nice and pleasant. What is goin’ on?”

Zoe raised an eyebrow as she turned to the older woman. “I don’t know, Miss Katie. Some days, I think I’m on another boat.” She smiled without humor. “River has been through some bad times. It’s gonna take a long while for her to be right again, if she ever can be. The Captain and Inara sometimes fight about one thing or t’other, so I expect that’ll pass. Last planet, an old friend of Inara’s that we were trying to help got killed. Mal blames himself, like he always does when something goes awry. Inara…”

“She don’t blame him, does she?”

“Don’t believe so, but she’s pretty upset. Can’t fault her for it. It’ll pass, I’m sure.”

“I hope so, child.” The big woman seemed to consciously shake off the mood. She turned and hugged Zoe. “I mean it, y’know, stop by when yer in the neighborhood. Don’t need no invitation. You and Mal, and all the rest are like my wayward children. Even that no-account, Jayne. Never seen a boy eat so much, not even none of my own, an’ you seen the size of them!” They both laughed.

Katie headed down the road toward the farmhouse in the dwindling twilight. Zoe walked up the ramp, but turned when she heard voices behind her. She saw Mal and Jayne bidding Miss Katie farewell. She watched as Jayne suddenly lifted Katie, who was almost Mal’s height and had a few pounds on him, off her feet and swirled around in a circle. The woman laughed and wagged her finger at him when he set her down and let go. He scampered up the road to escape her mock rage.

After retreating into the shadows cast by the lights of the cargo bay, Zoe also watched as Katie and Mal spoke for a few minutes. She could see her captain’s face become serious as the woman talked. Then, he shook his head and said something. They hugged for a long moment, his eyes closed as he whispered to her. “Don’t you go worryin’ about us. We’ll see you again before you know it. I intend to take you up on the offer. Mind, you may come to regret it.”

He stood back and smiled at her, then kissed her on the cheek. Mal then turned to Marcus, who had approached as they were talking. The two men embraced for a long moment.

“Mal, we would never regret your being here. We mean it. Come and visit any time yer in the area. Anytime. Dong ma?” Marcus clapped the younger man on the shoulder and laughed. “Now, off with you. Get my fruit to Boros before it goes bad.”

Zoe turned and headed for the bridge before the Captain saw her.

After they were in the air and Fairfield was a diminishing disk behind them, everyone went their own way, doing chores or checking the cargo had not shifted during take-off. A little later, Mal came into the kitchen. Simon and Kaylee were sitting on the sofa, sharing an orange and discussing what they were going to do on Boros. Inara sat nearby, watching them.

“I am goin’ shopping. I want to send somethin’ home.” Kaylee had a determined set to her jaw. She held a piece of the orange up. “See what I mean? Ain’t they the best you ever ate?”

Simon snatched the bit of orange and popped it into his mouth, grinning. “Yes, very good.”

“Yeah. Me, too.” Jayne said from the table, shoveling a good-sized chunk of pie into his mouth. “Miss Katie kinda reminds me of my Ma. Only Ma don’t make pies as good.”

River had been sitting quietly at the far end of the table, drawing on some loose sheets of paper with well-worn colored pencils. As Mal stood next to her, she mumbled. “Should’ve stayed. Can’t go back.”

He shot the girl a glance, then spoke to the rest. “Now don’t go spending yer legitimately gotten gains just yet.”

Zoe came in from the direction of the bridge. “Sir?”

“Couldn’t say anything while we were on Fairfield. Marcus has another job for us, so we’ll be on Boros just long enough to deliver the cargo and take on fuel.”

“Aw, Cap’n!” Kaylee was clearly disappointed.

“Don’t fret, you’ll have a chance soon enough. We’re to go back to Fairfield by way of Harmony. Marcus wants us to fetch Miss Katie’s sister, niece and nephew to bring back. Only Miss Katie don’t know it yet. She ain’t seen her sister in some years and Marcus thought it would be a nice surprise.” He moved to the door heading out to the cargo bay.

Simon asked, “What’s on Harmony?”

Jayne swallowed a mouthful. “Harmony ain’t no bigger ‘n Fairfield, and less folk.” He suddenly looked hopeful, for once interested in something more than money. “Hey, maybe her sister makes pies, too!”

“After we drop the kinfolk on Fairfield, we pick up another load of oranges and head for Persephone. We’ll be on Persephone in less than two weeks.” Mal ducked through the hatch.

“Not all.” River mumbled. She was frowning at the picture she had drawn.

Inara came through the door a minute later to find him leaning on the railing looking down at the massive pile of fruit crates. The air filled with the scent of citrus.

He spoke quietly as she approached. “Sorry if this messes up your plans.”

“I had not yet made any plans for Boros. I have friends on Persephone, so I will leave there.” She passed him and went up the steps to her shuttle, the door closed with a soft thunk behind her.

She did not hear him say, “Tzao gao.”

The trip to Boros was uneventful, even a little boring now that everyone knew that the stop would be too brief to do anything. And, they were right. Three days later, Boros came and went in a blur. The cargo was delivered and payment made. Johansen’s share credited to his bank account, and Serenity’s cut went into Mal’s hand. They took the ship for refueling, picked up some supplies, and left for Harmony.

Two days later, less than one out of Harmony, Wash sat on the bridge by himself. A variety of not so anatomically correct, plastic dinosaurs littered the console. He was leaning back, scratching his head with both hands. Zoe came up from below. “Bored?”

“Naw, just bitter and jaded. Mal mention anything about how long we’ll be on Persephone?” He reached over to grab her hand.

She moved around behind his chair and kissed him upside down. “He said coupla days, but nothing definite. Depends.”

“On what mood he’s in? We really could use a few days somewhere, doin’ somethin’ other than what we’re doin’ now. What is going on?”

“Don’t want to speculate just yet.” She draped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the forehead.

“Hell, sweetie, I don’t know what’s worse, Mal stompin’ around like he’s angry at everyone, or this never see him, never hear him, “I’m a phantom” thing he has going now.” He paused and pretended to shiver. “Since Nandi…”

“Honey, I know he’s been a little quieter than usual…” she squeezed a little.

“A little quieter? He’s been positively monosyllabic! I know he has every right to be upset because the woman died, but Inara is coping better, and Nandi was her friend. We hardly see him, and when we do he speaks in single word sentences, if he says anything at all. And, what’s really weird is the bright, sunshine and smiles business on Fairfield. I don’t think I’ve seen that particular Mal for more that five minutes at a time before, even when he’s had a skin full of brew.”

“I know. Something is up.” She let him go and straightened. “Have you noticed River? She keeps saying the same thing, but she’s being very quiet and calm about it.”

Wash looked up at his wife, eyes wide. “Yeah, and that cannot be good. Wo de tien ah, we are in deep doo-doo.”

“Don’t worry, dear, we’ll be okay.” She ruffled his hair. Smiling, he rolled his eyes.

He flipped a few switches and stood slowly. “Time for beddie-bye. Come and convince me all will be well.”

Late that night, Mal found himself on the bridge again. River’s persistent, one-track remarks had set him to thinking. And, tonight, he was trying to figure out why it was unsettling him more than the usual passing eeriness. Except for the ever-present hum of the engine, the ship was quiet. It was dark except for a few winking lights on the console. He enjoyed the solitude and peace of the hours he spent here. This was as close to true relaxation as he ever came. He could empty his mind and drift.

He didn’t hear the silent footsteps approach, feel the air displaced by the moving figure behind him, nor even feel the small hand touch his shoulder. It was her voice that brought him back with a jolt. “Daddy?”

“Gorramit, girl!” He exclaimed with a low, tight voice as he swung around and saw her. “You tryin’ to give me apoplexy?”

River backed toward the door, fear on her face.

Mal softened and held out a hand. “Don’t go. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” Her retreat stopped. “You just startled me. Shouldn’t sneak up on folk, you know.”

“Wasn’t sneaking.”

The corner of his mouth curled up a little as she came forward again. “What’re you doin’ up at this time of night. You should be dreamin’ sweet dreams ‘bout now.”

“No sweet dreams.” She hesitantly took the offered hand with both of hers and closed her eyes, a frown deepening on her brow. “Don’t go to Harmony. Can’t come back.”

“What are you talkin’ about, River? Harmony’s a nice, quiet little nothing.” He could feel her trembling.

She let go of his hand and brought both of hers up to either side of her head, not quite touching it. “It won’t come out. Makes no sense.”

“What won’t come out, sweetheart?” Now he was really concerned. Mal did not want her to fall apart. He stood and guided her to the pilot’s chair, then squatted in front of her. He wanted to know what she was seeing, hearing, or whatever it was that happened to her. He had made the leap in admitting he thought she was a reader, so he had to go with it. She had been uncannily right on too many occasions to continue dismissing her as just a crazy. River’s comments the last few days had been too consistently focused on a single notion. He wanted to know what it was. He took her hands and lowered them to her lap. “It’s okay. Tell me, and don’t worry about it makin’ sense or not.”

She looked into him and through him, as if she was seeing beyond him. The words came with difficulty. “Water, dirt, running. I don’t know. Fire everywhere. All mixed up.” Her voice was full of fear. “Can’t come back!” Then, the tears streaming down her face, she tried to break past him. “You can’t come back!”

Mal caught her and would not let her flee. She struggled, crying, for a minute or two, but when he would not let her go, she gave in and all but collapsed against him. Apart from Simon, he was the first man who had held her with only the intent to comfort her and keep her safe since the day she had left home for the Academy so long ago. He shushed her quietly while he sat down again and pulled her onto his lap, his arms holding her gently.

He chuckled softly. “Now, what makes you think that? Course I’ll come back.” She whimpered. “Always do. ‘Sides, got no place else to go.”

They sat in silence for a while. Mal thought it odd that he was so comfortable with this strange child on his lap. It felt good to have her here. It was almost like before the war, when he would hold one of his sisters on his lap. He sighed deeply and gazed into the black.

River snuggled into him and quietly said, “Don’t fight. Run.”

“Run?”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

A long while later, Mal stood up with River in his arms. She had slowly fallen asleep to the rhythm of his deep, even breaths and heartbeat. He marveled at the lightness of her as he carried her silently toward her bed. When he entered the corridor to her room, Simon opened his door and saw them.

The doctor stopped dead, mouth opening to speak, but nothing came out. Mal shook his head almost imperceptibly, mouthing a ‘shush’ at him, then nodded toward River’s closed door. Simon crossed the corridor and slid the door open. Mal stepped in, gently laid the girl on her bed, and covered her with a blanket. As Simon watched in disbelieve, the Captain brushed a lock of hair from her face, letting his hand rest briefly on her cheek.

Mal turned, ushered Simon back through the door and stepped through himself, closing it softly behind him. He held an index finger to his lips, then turned and left. The doctor followed the Captain to the kitchen in silence. He waited while the latter had made a pot of tea, hoping for some explanation. Again, he opened his mouth to speak, but still could not find the needed words. So, he held up one hand and raised his eyebrows in what he hoped would indicate he wanted to know what happened.

Mal poured two mugs of tea and handed one to Simon as he took a tentative sip of the hot liquid himself.

“Your sister had a bit of a scare and found me on the bridge. We talked for a while. She fell asleep. You watched me tuck her into bed. Okay?” Mal imitated the doctor’s expression, one hand raised in question. Then, he headed for his bunk with his tea, leaving the younger man trying to understand the stranger than the normally strange things that were going on lately.