Title: Remembrance Author: GoddessofBirth Series: Dross-verse (5/5) Disclaimer: If I did, Wash would have lived. Trust me. Spoilers: Everything

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The captain stood in front of the warrior, his head slightly bowed. His crew were arrayed around him in a wall of solidarity and strength. To his right were the doctor and the mechanic, hands tightly clasp. To the left the girl stood, leaning her head against the man's chest, his arms securely around her waist, chin resting on her head. And at the captain's side, not touching him, but radiating love and warmth toward him like a beacon, was the woman.

This was the stop he had dreaded most of all, even more than apologizing to the man. He'd known no matter what he said, what arguments he used, the first mate was never returning home.

'See, Zo, I got 'em back, just like you said I should. Sorry it took so long – you know I've always been kind of slow.'

Jayne cleared his throat.

'Zoe, uh, just wanted you to know I never held anythin' against you. We understood. Missed you. Hell, even missed the little man. Wish you were both comin' with us.' River reached her hand up to stroke his cheek.

Kaylee held out her offering.

'Me and Simon brought you flowers. Remembered you liked those daisies Wash got you on Harvest. Real pretty, too. Should have seen Simon tryin' to bargain prices. He did just like you showed him, got a real good deal.'

Simon smiled at her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

Inara walked forward and placed two lit incense sticks into the ground, the smell of sage and frankincense floating through the air. She stood and bowed slightly before returning to Mal's side. She leaned her head against his shoulder and inhaled his strength.

Everyone stood frozen for a brief space in time and then Inara spoke, breaking the spell.

'It's time, Mal.'

He nodded and they slowly turned and walked toward Serenity, followed by River and Jayne. Kaylee let go of Simon's hand for a brief moment to lay the flowers next to the incense and then they, too started the trek home.

At the last moment, River ran back, smiled at the flickering capture and laid her hand on the stone marker.

'All will be well, you may rest unburdened.'

Then she retraced her steps to Jayne's side.

The Pilot watched as the crew returned to the ship and then turned to the woman at his side.

'Told you he'd pull through for you, Lambkins, didn't I?'

She smiled. 'That you did, husband. Reckon I owe you ten credits.'

He put his arm around her waist.

'So, where to now?'

She gazed longingly at Serenity.

'They did invite us.'

Wash looked at the ship in consideration.

'That they did, Zoe, that they did.'

As the two strolled up the gangplank, Wash leaned over to Zoe and asked, 'Do you think River'd let me steer once in a while if I asked nicely?'