********************* Song Referenced: “Tears of Heaven” By Eric Clapton *********************

The sun slowly descends over the faraway hills coloring the sky with orange, red, and yellows. The crew gathered on top of the hill where video images of Mr. Universe, Shepard Book and Wash sat on top of grave stones. These spots were picked out for their final resting places. The crew gathered on that hill to say goodbye to their friends and heroes that tried to make a difference for the greater good.

********************* Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven? Would you feel the same if I saw you in Heaven? I must be strong and carry on, 'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven ...... **********************

Simon and River stood to one side with their arms linked together; across from the siblings stood Mal, Jayne, and Inara silently. The five watched as Kaylee placed flowers on each of the graves and placed a rocket that would release their souls to Heaven on a four stone seating in front of the three graves. When Kaylee was done she walked over to stand next to River causing the youngest crew member to be in the middle of her and Simon. Simon looked to his right and he noticed that tears flowed down Kaylee’s eyes. He took a chance and walked behind both girls until he came to the other side of Kaylee putting the mechanic in the middle. Simon then grabbed her hand in his giving what support he could for the young woman.

In the distance Zoë walked up the hill to where the rest of the crew stood. Zoë looked at the graves then walked over to Wash’s and placed one of Wash’s favorite toy on his grave. Taking a few moments she slowly walked backwards until she so was not blocking anyone’s view of the graves. Ma then walked forward and turned to his crew.

*************** Would you hold my hand if I saw you in Heaven? Would you help me stand if I saw you in Heaven? I'll find my way, through night and day, 'Cause I know I just can't stay here in Heaven ..... ****************

“Today we bury three of our own; a trustworthy friend, a Shepard and a pilot. Three people who risked their lives to share the truth to the world. Today they can’t continue on this journey… Today I was reminded of what time could not erase. As I walked through the halls of the ship I felt sadness. Its ship filled with history the world will never see. Their stories are the pages locked inside our memories. We should celebrate their lives… Life is a gift, given and taken at some unknown time. We don’t plan to die. But we should live life to the fullest.” Mal stood in between both Book’s and Wash’s grave. Placing a hand on both stones he continued. “The fun we shared. The joy you both brought are all just a memory that is now behind us. This is not the end. So I will just say, "So long...until we meet again.”

***************** Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees. Time can break your heart, have you begging .... please ...

Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure. And I know there'll be no more tears in Heaven ....... ******************

By the time the captain had finished his speech everybody was fighting to keep the tears from falling, even Jayne. One by one the crew said their final goodbyes to three graves.

When Zoë reached the final grave tears streamed down her cheeks.

”How do you walk away from someone you love? I don't really want to let you go but inside me I know I must. We have shared so much together, laughter, fun times and tears.”

Zoë gently touched her fingers to her lips then placed them on her husband’s grave.

“Goodbye husband. I will never forget you.”

She then took the lighter out of her pocket and walked over to where Kaylee had set the rocket and lit the wire. The rocket shot up into the sun setting sky releasing the three fallen hero’s souls to Heaven. When the rocket was out of sight the crew walked back to where Serenity waited.

When they entered the ship Zoë went to her bunk to settle down. Simon and Inara went to get their plan from earlier in motion. River and Mal headed to the bridge while Kaylee headed to the engine room to get ready for take off.

“So Lil' Albratross. You want to be my wing man?”

“You’ll need me.”

“Well the first thing you should know about piloting…you already know don’t you?”

“Yes but I like hearing you say it.”

Mal looked over to her then looked over to Wash’s dinosaurs. “It’s love.”

River smiled at him then looked around at the ship. “It’s time to go back to the sky Serenity.”

************** Would you know my name if I saw you in Heaven? Would you feel the same if I saw you in Heaven? I must be strong and carry on, 'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven ....... **************

TBC

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Translations: None