“Will!” Mal’s voice barked over the intercom. “What in the sphincter of Hell is going on up there?” William checked the readouts on the console in front if him. There was some damage to the starboard engine, but none of the diagnostics came back critical. Serenity was still space worthy, and that’s all that was important right now. “Not to worry Captain.” William called into the intercom as the ship bucked again. “Everything’s shiny.” He switched channels to the engine room before Mal could respond. “Kaylee?” “It’ll be another minute, Will.” She answered before William could even ask the question. The ship bucked again, and warning lights flashed across the panels in front of him. “We ain’t got a minute, love.” William struggled with the controls. “You’ve got thirty seconds.” William looked over at River, who was sitting in the co-pilot’s seat. “You ready for this?” She turned and flashed William a smile. “If we live long enough to do it, yeah.” William made final preparations for the maneuver as the proximity alarm went off. He cut Serenity hard to the left and braced for impact …

Two weeks earlier

“Will?” Mal’s voice over the intercom roused William from his sleep. “Will, wake up.” “I’m up.” He said groggily, sitting up. River stirred next to him and rolled over, but didn’t wake up. “Got a wave for you here. I’m sending it down.” There was a short burst of static indicating that Mal had turned off the comm. William got up and walked over to his console as the screen lit up. Yawning, he pressed a button enabling the speaker. “William, it’s good to see you.” “Geoffrey. All’s well I hope.” William said between yawns. “For Kara and I, yes, things are fine.” Geoffrey smiled, but William could tell there was something going on. “But?” William pressed. “You made the call for a reason Geoffrey, what is it you need?” “Not me,” Geoffrey corrected, “my niece.” Geoffrey looked uncomfortable. He never liked having to ask for help. William remembered Geoffrey’s niece, he’d met her a few times when he was younger. “Is Rya in some sort of trouble?” “Yes.” Geoffrey continued. “She and her husband Thomas recently settled on Newhall and things were going good, but recently there have been attacks on the settlements.” “Attacks?” William was a little surprised; Reavers were the first thing that came to mind. “Attacks by whom?” “Raiders.” Geoffrey said in disgust. “Space pirates that have nothing better to do than to than terrorize settlers.” “I see.” William rubbed the back of his head. “What is it you need from us?” “They need supplies, weapons.” Geoffrey started. “There’s a shipment ready on Dyton, and I was hoping you could deliver it.” “There’s plenty of ships on Dyton that could make the trip, and they would probably cost less.” William admitted, though he was sure Mal wouldn’t like him trying to talk them out of work. “Not worried about cost, Will. I trust you, and I trust your Captain. I know with you the supplies will make it.” “I can’t speak for the Mal, so I’ll make the pitch and I’ll send word.” “I understand.” Geoffrey said, the hope apparent in his voice. “Expect to hear from me within the hour.” William dropped the link, and, grabbing a shirt headed, for the door. Climbing into the gangway, William almost ran into Mal. Before he could ask him about the job, Mal started talking. “We’ll reach Dyton in three days, pick up the cargo, and be at Newhall in about two weeks time.” It took a moment for William to realize that Mal just said they were taking the job. “You listened in then?” “The man sounded distraught.” Mal said, admitting that he had listened to the conversation. “I figured he wanted help and this way I save us some time.” Mal started walking towards the engine room. “I’ll tell the others, you get back to sleep.” William muttered his thanks and descended the ladder back into his and River’s room. He walked over to the telescreen, recorded and sent a quick message for Geoffrey giving him the timetables Mal had laid out, and then crawled back into bed with River. She rolled over and draped an arm over his chest. It was only a matter of seconds before William drifted back to sleep.

~~~

When William awoke, he found himself staring into a pair of large, inquisitive brown eyes. Before his sleepy mind could process the scene, the boy giggled and kissed him. “Wash.” William said sitting forward and taking the boy in his arms, eliciting a laugh from him. Wash wasn’t old enough to really talk yet, but he still could form simple words. “How did you get down here?” River laughed from her chair at the desk. “Zoë needed some time for herself, so I volunteered to watch him.” She said as she came to the bed and sat next to William. “I hope you don’t mind.” William smiled tickling Wash again. “Nah, I love the little ankle biter.” He laid back and lifted Wash above him like he was flying. “Can’t wait to have one of my own.” He pulled Wash close and River lay next to him. “We could work on that later, if you want.” She teased. “Tempting.” William admitted and kissed her lightly. “But I don’t think now is the time to have another baby on this boat.” “He really likes you, you know.” River said, absently running a finger along William’s shoulder. “Does he now?” William said, beaming. He’d taken a liking to the boy early on, and was glad to hear Wash felt the same. Sometimes River’s ability to read minds was disconcerting, and then there were times like this where William really appreciated it. “Yes.” She said, matter-of-factly. “I don’t even think he comprehends the feeling, but he loves you.” When River said this Wash let out a laugh and nuzzled against William. He wanted to play. She smiled and the two of them played with Wash until Zoë came to take him a little later. “He wasn’t any trouble I hope.” “Not at all.” William said tousling Wash’s hair, eliciting another laugh. “You’re welcome to dump the little one on us any time you want.” River added smiling. Zoë thanked them and climbed out of the room, no small feat with Wash in her arms, but she’d learned to manage. William was about to follow her up, but River pulled him into an embrace. “Why the hurry to leave now that we’re alone?” “Good point.” William said as he scooped her up into his arms. He walked over and put her down on the bed then lay next to her. “It’d be a shame to let this go to waste.” River smiled and kissed William deeply.

~~~

William fell backwards from the force of Jayne’s right hook. He fell back against some crates and managed to stay on his feet, which was fortunate, as Jayne wasted no time in pressing his advantage. William ducked his next punch and landed one of his own in Jayne’s side. Jayne responded by bringing both fists down on William’s back. William fell to his knees and spit out his mouth guard. “I’m done.” “Aw, c’mon.” Jayne said, removing his own mouth guard. “I barely broke a sweat.” William took a seat on a nearby crate and took of his gloves. He and Jayne picked up the boxing gear after their last job so they could keep their hand-to-hand combat skills from getting too rusty. Every time they sparred, Jayne reminded William, rather painfully, that he was a much better fighter. He brought his hand up to his nose and flinched, it was very tender. “I think this time you may have broken more than a sweat.” Jayne started to take off his own gloves, but Zoë came forward. “Keep ‘em on Jayne. I think I can give you a better fight than William here. You mind?” She asked, indicating William’s gloves. “Be my guest.” William said enthusiastically. He was hoping that Zoë would be able to give a better showing against Jayne than he had. Jayne smiled and put his mouth guard back in. There wasn’t an extra mouth guard, so Zoë went without. William suspected she wouldn’t need it. Mal and Inara, who had been talking on the catwalk, stopped to watch the sparring match. It was the first time Zoë had really done anything like this since Wash was born, and William thought everyone was curious to see if she’d maintained her edge. Once Zoë was ready, William signaled the start of the match. He leaned back against the crates and River came up next to him, wrapping his hand in her own. The match started out slow, Zoë making deliberate moves, working out the kinks, and Jayne was taking it easier on her than he had on him. William knew he was letting her get warmed up and would fight hard once she was ready. After a few minutes, Zoë became more fluid and the match really picked up. In a matter of minutes, Zoë had Jayne on his back. “Good to see you still got it.” Mal called down from the catwalk. Zoë smiled as she took off her glove, and then helped Jayne to his feet. “Gorramit woman.” Jayne said, taking out his mouth guard. He held out his hand to her. “Good to have you back.” William could tell by the look on Zoë’s face, and the reaction of the rest of the crew, that this was a milestone. She had tested herself, and she had passed. Becoming a mother hadn’t made her soft after all.

~~~

William checked the system readouts as he finished shutting down the engines. They’d only be on Dyton for a few hours, but no sense in keeping her running the whole time. “William.” Mal’s voice came over the intercom. “Once you got her secure, meet me down in the cargo bay.” “On my way.” William finished the last sequence and headed out. When he got to the loading bay, Mal was speaking with a man William assumed was the contact. There were three other men in the loading bay. “Captain.” William nodded a greeting as he came up to the men. “Ah, William. I was just telling Lazarus here about you.” The man called Lazarus extended his hand to William. William took it and gave a firm handshake. He didn’t know what to make of the man. He waited for him to speak. “So you’re Cale’s son, eh?” The man asked. Looking William over. “I am.” William was immediately wary. He didn’t like talking about his father with strangers. “You knew him?” “That I did. Was originally from Titan before the war. He was a good man.” “You serve with him?” William’s interest was perked. “Beside him, yes. With him, no. I was the Executive Officer of the 76th Battalion, which formed here on Dyton. Fought alongside your Captain here in Serenity Valley, though he was just a Sergeant back in those days.” The man rubbed the back of his head. “After the war ended, it only seemed right coming here and settling down.” While they were talking, Lazarus’ associates and Jayne had begun loading crates into the bay. A large forklift brought in a very large crate and went to get a second. They were weapons cases, and William could tell by the markings on the sides they were heavy weapons platforms. Anti-air if William had to guess. “I know pirates can be a problem, but,” William indicated the crates, “isn’t this a bit much?” “It’s what they asked for.” Lazarus admitted, inspecting the case. “Who am I to argue?” William, Mal and Lazarus helped the others finish loading the cargo. As they were securing the last of them, another man came up the ramp towards Mal. “Malcolm Reynolds?” He asked as he checked the manifest he was carrying. “Tristan? That you?” Mal walked up to the man, embracing him. “Been a long time, Sergeant, or is it Captain now?” The two men shook hands, William could see the bond between them, similar to the one he’d seen between Mal and Zoë the day he’d first met them. “Glad to see you’ve done well for yourself. How’s Zoë?” “She’s good, she’s with the baby right now, otherwise I’m sure she’d love to come and catch up.” “Baby?” Tristan looked dubious. Mal shook his head. “Not my baby, her and her late husband’s.” “I see.” Tristan looked remorseful. “Give her my condolences.” “I will.” Mal nodded. “Thanks.” Tristan handed a clipboard to Mal. “Well, I won’t keep you. I know you have a schedule to keep.” Mal signed all the paperwork, and once everything was in order, Tristan, Lazarus and the others left the crew to their preparations. William looked around the loading bay. There was hardly enough room to walk around between all the equipment crates that had been loaded up. The people of Newhall were gearing up for war. “William.” Mal called from the bay door. “Send wave to your friend, tell her we’ll be there in about ten days time. Once the Doctor returns from his supply run I want off this rock.” “Roger that.” William headed to the bridge. He brought up the Cortex and waved Rya. It took a few moments, but the screen came up. “William? Is that you?” Rya asked in disbelief. “That it is. You look well.” “So do you. It’s been what? Fifteen years?” “At least.” William shifted gears. “I take it your uncle contacted you?” “He did. Said to expect a call from you.” “We’re about ten days out from Newhall. I’ll keep you updated on our progress and notify you immediately if we get delayed.” William began prepping the engines so they’d be ready to leave when Simon came back from his supply run. “Everyone here appreciates it Will. See you in ten.” “Serenity out.” William closed the line, finishing up preparations.

~~~

William knocked on the shuttle door and waited for Inara to bid him entry. “Come in.” She called from inside and he let himself in. He walked into the main room of the shuttle as Inara was pulling on her robe. “You wanted to see me?” “Please,” she said, indicating a spot next to her, “sit.” William sat down and looked around. He hadn’t been in here that many times in his year on Serenity, but he really liked what she had done with it. She managed to make a small shuttle like this home. It was a gift. She poured them both tea and handed William a glass. “I just wanted to talk a little. You’ve been here for so long and we’ve rarely had the opportunity.” “Okay.” William said, sipping his tea. Not sure where to start, he asked. “So was there something in particular you wanted to know? Or…” He left the sentence hanging. “You seem to have made yourself at home here. Even managed a relationship with River.” She put her glass down. “I’m just curious how everything is going.” William put his own glass down on the table and took a moment before answering. “Overall, things are good. I couldn’t be happier.” “And River?” She asked. “I hope she’s happy.” William admitted. “I don’t have her ability to find out, but I’d like to think she feels the way I do.” “And how is that?” “The same way you feel about Mal, I’d wager.” William almost laughed at the look of surprise on Inara’s face. “I might be a man, love, but I ain’t blind. Deny it all you want but it’s obvious to anyone looking.” Inara started to argue the point and then stopped. “My relationship with Mal is … complicated. And it’s not any of your business.” “But my relationship with River is yours?” William countered, but realized it might have sounded confrontational. “I know you’re only asking because you care Inara. And I appreciate the interest in me. But,” he leaned forward, “I care about you as well. You’re part of the family here. And on a ship this small, there are no secrets. You and Mal might believe you hide your feelings for each other well, but you’d have to be emotionally stunted not to see it.” William stopped for a second. “So it’s possible Jayne doesn’t know.” The two of them laughed as Kaylee walked in. She was practically beaming. She waited for William and Inara to look up before she came any further in. She took a seat next to Inara, it looked like she was ready to explode. “What is it, mei mei?” Inara asked, putting a hand on Kaylee’s knee. Without saying a word, Kaylee held her hand out in front of her. William and Inara were both surprised to see a diamond ring glinting on her finger. Inara immediately seemed as giddy as Kaylee and embraced her in a tight hug. “Congratulations.” William didn’t know what it signified at first, and was confused at Inara’s congratulations. It was, after all, just a ring. “William,” Inara lightly hit his leg, “aren’t you going to congratulate her?” “On getting a ring?” William asked, his confusion apparent in his voice. “Is Simon that poor at getting her gifts?” “No, it’s an engagement ring.” Inara said, not sure if William was joking. “Simon asked Kaylee to marry him.” “Oh, I see.” William said, embarrassed. “Congratulations.” William decided the idea of an engagement ring was something that carried over from Earth That Was and was still popular in the core. It was a tradition he never heard of. Kaylee just smiled looking at the ring when Mal walked into the shuttle. “This is not a good idea, Kaylee.” Inara stood, but before she had a chance to say anything, Mal added, “Door was open.” Kaylee stood up. “What do you mean it’s not a good idea?” She walked right up to Mal. “You couldn’t stop Zoë from marrying Wash, and you can’t stop me.” She stormed out of the shuttle, not waiting for Mal to respond. “Wuh de ma! Kaylee, I’m talking at you.” Mal called after her. “Mal let her go.” Inara said before he could go out after her. Mal turned on Inara. “I’m not about to let a whore tell me how to run my ship.” “Well,” Inara started, crossing her hands over her chest, “that didn’t take long.” “You encourage this?” Mall asked accusatory. “You put this idea in her head?” “William and I found out right before you came in here. I had no idea.” She advanced on Mal, getting right in his face. “What’s the problem with her getting married Mal? She deserves to be happy.” “All kinds of things wrong with it. Changes the whole crew dynamic.” “It worked fine for Zoë and Wash.” “And you remember when Wash started challenging me for putting his wife in danger and he ended up being taken by Niska?” Mal looked at her like this was all old news. “Just a matter of time before something like that happens with Simon.” “Is that the reason Mal?” Inara turned her back to him. “Or is it that since you’re not happy, no one else can be?” William immediately felt uncomfortable. This wasn’t a conversation he should be here for, but they were between him and the door, so he decided to just sit there quietly. Mal’s jaw set, and he just looked at her. It felt like an eternity before he spoke. “I’m plenty happy.” He turned and walked to the door. “Can the same be said for you?” He walked out without saying another word. William stood and walked over to Inara. There were tears welling in her eyes and she tried to hide it when he came up. “He can be such a jerk.” He could, William thought to himself. William put his arms around Inara and she leaned her head against his chest, letting the tears flow freely.

~~~

After William left Inara’s shuttle, he headed back to his room. He figured by now River knew about the engagement and, William hoped, would be able to give him in a good feeling about it. William understood Mal’s concern, but he had tarnished what was some of the best news he had heard in months. He descended the ladder into their room and was a little disappointed to find it empty. He figured River was in Kaylee’s room talking to her. He decided not to disturb them and went to the kitchen. Simon was making himself some tea when William walked in. “There you are.” William said reaching out to shake Simon’s hand. “Congratulations on the engagement.” Simon took his hand and smiled. “Thanks.” He brought his tea over to the table. “I don’t think everyone’s happy to hear about it.” “Forget him.” William poured himself a glass and sat across from Simon. “What matters is that you and Kaylee are happy. He’ll get over it.” “I hope so.” Simon sat back in his chair. “He’s never liked me and I can’t help but think he’d be happier if she was marrying someone else.” William nodded in ascent. “That’s a real possibility, Doc.” William waved his hand dismissively. “He might be her Captain, but he can't order her not to marry you. She loves you, and once the Captain sees how happy she is, he’ll lighten up.” “Yeah.” Simon agreed, but didn’t seem so sure. William decided to shift the conversation. “So, how’s River taken to the idea of having a sister?” Simon smiled. “You should have seen her when she found out. She was so happy.” He looked at his cup and absently scratched the surface. “You’ve been so good for my sister Will. Every day she’s more and more like I remember her.” “Not sure how much I have to do with that.” William shook his head. “She’s been a Godsend for me, though. A ray of light in the black.” “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’ve had more to do with her recovery than I have.” Simon finished off his glass. “You’ve given me back my sister, and for that I’m grateful.” He leaned forward. “I’d like for you to stand with me at our wedding, as my best man.” William was surprised. “I don’t know if I’m fit for the role.” “Nonsense.” Simon said dismissively. “You’re the closest thing to family I have out here and you’ve been a good friend. Besides, who else am I going to ask, Jayne?” William laughed at that. “Good point.” He stood and extended his hand to Simon. “I’d be honored.” Simon took his hand and smiled. “The honor is mine.”

~~~

Mal came onto the bridge and walked up behind William. “Any word from Rya?” “None.” William said as he tried waving her again. “I’ve tried five times and all I get back is static.” “Will.” Mal motioned towards the ridge ahead of them. There was smoke, and a lot of it. As Serenity cleared the crest of the hill, the town, or what was left of it, came into view. Buildings were burning, and the people that were visible scattered at the sound of Serenity’s engines, fearing that the pirates had returned. “Son-of-a …” William trailed off as he scanned the area for a clear place to land. Mal grabbed the hand mic for the intercom and put it on all channels. “Everyone to the loading bay, we’ve got a situation.” William landed the ship and he and Mal rushed to the bay, the others were waiting. “Captain, what’s wrong?” Kaylee asked as they came in. Mal walked over and pressed the release for the loading ramp. “The town’s been hit.” As the crew started heading down the ramp, a small crowd began forming at the bottom. “William.” A woman called out and came forward. It was Rya. “Rya,” William went forward to meet her, “what happened?” “The bastards came again.” She waved her arm to indicate the town. “They came for blood this time, Will.” William looked around at the crowd that had formed and noticed there were few men. “How many?” He assumed he didn’t need to clarify. “Twenty-seven dead, more’n that needin’ a doctor.” Tears started welling in her eyes. “They got Thomas.” William put his arm around her in an attempt to comfort her. Mal spoke, raising his voice so that everyone could hear him. “Listen up. We have supplies here, weapons. Let’s get these unloaded and in place. Doc,” Simon came forward, “check on the injured. If anyone can be saved, save ‘em.” Simon nodded ascent and followed a member of the crowd down the street; Kaylee went with him. He put his hand on Rya’s shoulder. “They come back again, we’ll be ready.” She looked up at Mal. “This ain’t your fight, mister. No need for you to get involved.” Mal smiled. “So you expect us to just turn a blind eye? Can’t rightly do that. You folks need help, and we’re more’n equipped to give it.” ~~~

It took several hours, but William and the others managed to get the heavy weapons platforms off Serenity and emplaced on the town’s perimeter. With the remaining equipment, the townsfolk who were able were armed and fortifications were made. Inside Serenity, William and the others were discussing their plan of attack. “It’s too crazy Mal. You tryin’ to get us all killed?” Jayne sat back in his chair. Ignoring him, Mal turned to William. “Can you do it?” William thought about it carefully before answering. “Flying through the canyon will be tight, but I think she’ll manage. As far as the rest of it, it all depends on timing and if Kaylee can divert the necessary power to the engines.” “There’s nothing she can’t do with Serenity.” Mal confirmed. “You’ll have all the power you need.” Jayne spoke up again, obviously annoyed. “I still don’t get why we’re getting’ involved. We did our job, we should get our coin and git.” “Normally I’d agree with you.” Mal said, standing. “But Rya is a friend of William’s, and we’re not turning our backs on a friend.” “Besides,” Kaylee added, “Kara would probably be very appreciative if you helped her cousin.” At mention of Kara’s name Jayne’s mood changed, but he stayed quiet. “Alright,” Mal stood, “you all have work to do, go do it.”

~~~

“So how’s this going to work exactly?” William was aware of the plan, just not how Kaylee planned to execute it. “Well,” Kaylee said from under the engine, “we bleed the engine enough that the pirates think we’re in distress. Makes us an easy target.” She came out from underneath and handed William her tool to hold while she went to the other side. “When they’ve taken the bait, we break atmo, take her through the canyon and you go full burn right before hitting the town.” “I know all that.” William said, handing her the tool when she reached for it. “What I want to know is how you plan on going from bleeding the engine to boosting power and overriding the failsafe in a matter of a few minutes.” Kaylee poked her head out from under the engine. “Luck.” She smiled and winked.

~~~

The ship was relatively quiet as William set her adrift, killing most of the power. “Distress beacon on?” Mal came onto the bridge. “Aye, Captain.” William confirmed checking system diagnostics. “Weak enough to appear that we are in real trouble.” William flipped some switches. “I cut life support to forty percent and am venting some oxygen from the ship. If they scan us, we’ll appear more dead than in distress.” Mal nodded ascent, and pride flashed in his eyes. “You did good Will, now all we do is wait.”

~~~

It had only been a couple of hours before they got a wave on their system. William checked the radar, there were three ships approaching, and their class designation indicated it was the pirates. William picked up the hand mic. “It’s go time.” William began initializing the power sequences, restored life support to full and closed the ports he was venting oxygen out of. Another hail came over their radio but William ignored it. He wanted them to think the ship was void of life until the last second. Mal came back to the bridge. “They close?” “Very.” William confirmed. Mal checked the radar. “Once they trip the proximity alarm, all engines full.” As if on queue, the proximity alarm sounded. William brought up the system and throttled up to full. The strain on the engine was high, and William was starting to doubt Serenity would hold up. William checked the radar and the ships were following. “They took the bait Captain.” William made some adjustments to their trajectory. They were coming in way too fast for a safe entry, and if William didn’t angle this just right it’d be the end of Serenity. River came onto the bridge and took the copilot’s seat. She buckled in and took the controls. “Concentrate on the systems Will, I’ll handle entry.” William let go of the flight controls and turned his full attention to the computers. Engine power was only at eighty percent; William hoped Kaylee could get her to full power in the next few minutes. Serenity bucked hard they entered atmo. The pursuing ships had fallen back some, opting to make a slower approach William guessed. Warning lights started to go off on the monitor. Serenity was holding, but barely. The ship bucked again, and out of the corner of his eye, William saw a piece of the ship fly past the portal. “Did the primary buffer panel just come off the ship?” Mal said nothing, his jaw clenched. It started to get warm on the bridge. “Thermal readings are critical, Captain. Without that buffer panel, we’re toast.” Hull breech was imminent. The shaking subsided and a quick look out the portal confirmed that they had broken atmo. They were safe, at least relatively. William turned back to the controls and River eased up. Her part in this was done for now. “Alright, Captain, I need you to get secure.” William said flipping some more switches to divert coolant to the damaged area of the ship. It was his polite way of telling Mal to get out of the way. Mal left the bridge, leaving William and River in control. The canyon came into view, the town a distant spec on the horizon beyond it. William was glad to see that it was impossible to make out the heavy weapons platforms from here. William took Serenity low, almost touching the ground. If the pirates opened fire, it would make it harder for them to get a lock. The two smaller ships fell in behind Serenity and, as William hoped, followed him into the canyon. The larger vessel remained at a safe distance. The canyon was tight, but not as bad as William feared. The pirate ships were smaller though, and definitely had the advantage. William did a quick scan of the system readout; engines at ninety-two percent. Damn, William thought to himself, she’s really cutting this close. A sharp turn came up on them before William had time to react. He banked hard to the left, but it wasn’t fast enough. The ship bucked as the starboard engine dragged along the cliff face. “Will!” Mal’s voice barked over the intercom. “What in the sphincter of Hell is going on up there?” William checked the readouts on the console in front if him. There was some damage to the starboard engine, but none of the diagnostics came back critical. Serenity was still space worthy, and that’s all that was important right now. “Not to worry Captain.” William called into the intercom as the ship bucked again. “Everything’s shiny.” He switched channels to the engine room before Mal could respond. “Kaylee?” “It’ll be another minute, Will.” She answered before William could even ask the question. The ship bucked again, and warning lights flashed across the panels in front of him. “We ain’t got a minute, love.” William struggled with the controls. “You’ve got thirty seconds.” William looked over at River, who was sitting in the co-pilot’s seat. “You ready for this?” She turned and flashed William a smile. “If we live long enough to do it, yeah.” William made final preparations for the maneuver as the proximity alarm went off. He cut Serenity hard to the left and braced for impact. Acting quickly, River was able to compensate for William’s bank and avoided collision as a missile shot past their view port and impacted with the cliff wall in front of them. William managed to get Serenity past the explosion before any pieces of the canyon began to collapse; one of the pirates ships was not as lucky. After an explosion, the radar indicated that only one ship remain behind them. This is going even better than planned. William thought to himself, smiling. “Now!” Kaylee’s voice came over the intercom, and without hesitation William slammed the controls and sent Serenity into a full burn. It was only for a second, but the ship rocketed forward, and it took all of William and River’s concentration to keep from slamming into the cliff wall. William noted with pride that the remaining spec on the radar disappeared. The back blast from the full burn blasted it, and likely the canyon, to hell. One ship left. William pulled up and managed to get Serenity out of the canyon without any further damage. Before he had a chance to relax, the proximity alarm went off. William banked left and right, avoiding bombs being dropped from the pirate’s command vessel. They were almost there, four kilometers and they’d be safe … three … two … one … The ship bucked hard, warning lights flashing across the board. Serenity was hit, and bad. “River, take the controls!” William called out as he shifted over to the diagnostics screen. They had a pretty bad hull breech, and they were losing power fast. William diverted all power to primary systems; he hoped it would be enough. They crested the final hill and William deployed the flares. Dull thumps could be heard in the cabin, the sound of the anti-air battery firing its payload at the pirate vessel. There was a series of explosions, and out the port side if the view port, William saw the pirate vessel scream past in flames. Out of imminent danger, William cut the trust of Serenity and prepared her to land. If any pirates survived, there was likely to be a fight. Before William even touched ground, River was on her feet and out the door. It only took William a moment to engage the landing couplings and he followed her out. When he got to the loading bay, he was relieved to see everyone standing there. And other than some blood trickling down the side of Jayne’s head, they appeared no worse for wear. “Will.” Jayne tossed William a rifle. He caught it and slid the bolt back in one smooth motion. He, Jayne, Mal and River left Serenity and headed towards the crash.

~~~

When William and the others made it to the crash site it was surrounded by the townsfolk. The damage was total. William doubted that anyone survived. “William.” Rya came running up and wrapped William in a hug. “You did it.” William shook his head. “No, we did it.” Just then there was the sound of metal grinding. William and the other’s looked up and say that one of the ship’s panels had fallen away exposing the interior of the ship. Smoke billowed out, and a member of the pirate crew stumbled out of the opening. He was hurt badly, and when he saw the gathering around him he put his hands above his head in surrender. Rya broke her embrace with William and walked up to the pirate. She drew her revolver and shot the man in the head, and without a word, turned and walked back to the town. William looked at Mal and, shrugging, turned to follow her. ~~~

It had taken some time to get the parts necessary to repair Serenity, but the townsfolk made the crew feel at home. In a week’s time, Serenity was space worthy again. William helped Rya move the last of her bags into the passenger cabin. “That should do it.” Rya smiled, though there was a sadness in her eyes. “Thanks, William. For everything.” “Don’t mention it.” William flashed a smile. “Taking you back to Titan is the least we could do.” “You’ve already done so much though.” “I told you not to worry about it.” William started to talk out of the room but stopped at the door. “Get settled in, I’ll come get you in time for breakfast.” As he was walking to his room, Mal fell into step beside him. “Slight change of plans.” “Yeah?” William wasn’t pleased; a change in plans usually meant someone was getting hurt. “We’ll be spending a week on Titan instead of a day.” “A week?” William was surprised, but not about to complain. “Why the extension?” “The wedding.” Mal said, his voice void of emotion. “Kara and Geoffrey were kind enough to offer to host it.” “I thought you didn’t approve of the wedding.” William pressed. “I’m surprised you’re being so accommodating.” “Kaylee and the good Doctor are adults, they can make their own decisions.” William just nodded, deciding it best not to push the issue. He stopped at the entrance to his room, and Mal followed suit. “Alright, I’ll make arrangements with port authority for the extension in the morning.” Mal shook his head. “Already taken care of.” Mal put his hand on William’s shoulder. “You did good William, damn good.” He smiled. “Only known one other pilot that could’ve pulled that maneuver off.” After a beat, Mal turned and walked toward the bridge. Without turning around to face William, he said, “Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” William smiled, a sense of pride welling in his chest. He kicked the ladder and descended into his room.