***This isn't beta so there's mistakes a plenty.****

“River what are you doing it’s freezing out here?” Simon asked shivering. “Counting the stars.” She whispered. River little fingers danced in the sky as she counted. “You can’t count the stars River, there’s too many.” “I could if you stop talking and help me.” River replied continuing counting. Simon took off his jacket and wrapped it around his little sister. He took a deep breath and started counting. ***** Mal gazed out the window of the ship. He couldn’t believe that he was leaving his home. He always believed that he would die on the same dirt his father, his father’s father, did. But they saw that wouldn’t likely be happening. As Shadow grew smaller and smaller and the vastness of space surrounded him he got the overwhelming feeling of loneliness. Then a star caught his eye. He wondered it that was the exact star he wished on when he was 11 that he would get to second base with Suzie Thompkins. Then he noticed another star that was the star he wished on when he was 14 that his Momma didn’t find out about him and Claudette Yen. Mal noticed a really bright star, which seemed to stand out from the rest. He knew that one was the one that him and his Momma wished on every night to chase the darkness away. He closed his eyes and made a wish. All of a sudden Mal didn’t feel so lonely, Shadow didn’t seem so small, and he was going to win this war. ****** Zoë held her eyes closed tightly, she didn’t want to open them. She let her father talk her into going on a space walk with him, today. As her feet lifted off the ship, Zoe longed for the security of gravity and she vowed never to take it for granted. “Open your eyes sweetheart.” Her father said over the com. Zoe shook her head no. The idea of nothingness frightened her to no end. Her father tapped on her helmet. “Come on. I’ve never known you to be scared of anything Zoe Alleyene.” Zoe held her eyes shut even tighter. “I’m not scared, Colonel.” “Then open your eyes.” Zoe finally gave in and opened her eyes. It was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. She had grown up vessel side and seeing the black was nothing to her. But, actually being in the black that was something totally different. Being able to see the infinite beauty of it first hand was something words couldn’t describe. *******

“This it?” Jayne grunted. “Seems so..” The other man replied. Jayne squinted his eyes, “It’s just more space.” ****** “Momma! Momma! Momma!” a young Wash screamed. A tired looking woman ran into the room. “What is it Hoban?” She asked out of breath. “I think I see one!” The boy screeched, pointing out the window. The woman stepped closer to the window to see what the boy was pointing at. “See what, son?” “A star.” He replied dreamily. The woman kissed her son on the forehead. She didn’t have the heart to tell him wasn’t a star it was just a billboard for the new factory they were building in town. “Ain’t it shiny?” He looked up to his mother for her answer. She nodded her head and wrapped her arms around her son. As long as she remembered the sky had been so polluted that you couldn’t see the stars. Stars were a myth, they weren’t real to her.

****** “Ms. Serra?” A small voice called from outside of Inara’s door. Inara opened the door and was greet by a timid young man. He was holding an envelope in his sweaty hands. “Chaz what do I owe this pleasure?” She asked warmly. Chaz looked as if he was going to puke. “I uh, I uh, wanted to thank you for a lovely time.” Inara smiled. “Yes it was.” He handed her the envelope. “I got this for you.” “This wasn’t necessary, my time with you was gift enough.” Chaz blushed. “I, I just wanted….” Before Inara could get the envelope open Chaz blurted out, “It’s a star. I had a star named after you. My father is the head astronomer on Beliyx… It’s the brightest star in the system.” Inara blushed. “Thank you. That was so kind of you.” “You’re welcome. Ms. Serra.” Chaz answered. “I was… I was wondering if…” Inara cut him off she placed on finger on his lips. “Chaz I can’t.” Chaz starred at his feet, he blushed. “I guess you get asked that all the time. Don’t know why I would be any different.” He paused. “Thank you.” He smiled weakly and left. As Inara watched the young man leave, she looked up into the night sky and longed to be anywhere than where she was. ***** Book bent down on one knee. He couldn’t remember the last time he had done this. He felt foolish, but he was out of options. It was worth a try. He took a deep breath and looked up to the night sky. “I wish I may I wish I might I wish upon a star tonight…” “What are you doing?” His partner looked at his curiously. Book got up. “Nothing.” “It’s going to be bloody.” Book’s partner pulled out his gun and checked the rounds. Book took out his gun and cocked it back. “It always is.”

****** Kara looked at her newly purchased, Class code 03-K64 – Firefly Transport. Her father thought she was crazy buying a Firefly, they weren’t good for anything but burning fuel. Kara didn’t care, she always wanted a Firefly, and it was something about the design. “What are you going to name her?” Kara’s first mate asked. “I was thinking Star Gazer.” The first mate shook her head. “That’s dumb.” Kara laughed. "Yeah. I guess we’re going to have to take her out, and let her name herself."

***I'm a little rusty haven't wrote in a while. So I hope this wasn't too painful. ~Tonya