Disclaimer: These characters and verse still belong to Mr. Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and whoever. Visiting here is just way too much fun.

I think this is going to take two more parts (sorry, not in my control). Comments gratefully accepted, but please be kind (it's good for your karma).

As the sun cleared the horizon and the early shadows disappeared, Mal stretched cold, stiff, and sore muscles with little movement, something else he learned years ago. He laughed softly. If his legs were this sore, Inara must really be suffering. Good thing she was tucked away with the others in relative safety for a while. It would give her a chance to recover gracefully.

Mal wished he had binocs. He could see the Reaver ship was damaged, and from the look of it, recently. The large scorch marks on the hull were fresh and one of the nacelles had a chunk missing. This was not good. He thought the landing was very rough, even for them. Now he knew why. Several men were moving on and around the ship. They would not like being grounded any more than he did. He wondered who the skirmish had been with and just who won.

Movement near the town caught his attention. He saw a figure dart through the sparse trees near the smoking remains, and head toward the hills. Moments later, three more followed. They gained on their quarry with each step. He guessed the luckless wretch could only be another of the townsfolk left behind. Whoever it was must have been able to hide overnight, but either panicked or was found in the daylight. Maybe it was one of their own, suddenly the hunted instead of hunter, for whatever reason. No matter, the end would be the same.

Mal did not even consider raising the rifle that was tucked under the blanket at his side. The shot would have been very difficult at this distance, but at least the poor bastard would not know the particular pleasures the Reavers had in mind for him. Well, he assumed it was a man from his dress and gait. He didn’t take the shot, however. Couldn’t risk them knowing there were more to be found.

As he watched, the three caught the lone fugitive. The man struggled while the others half-carried, half-dragged him back through the trees. More figures descended on the still writhing form. Mal was grateful he was far enough away to not hear the screams, and for the trees that obscured some of the details. He forced himself to survey the ship and countryside again, avoiding that spot. The frenzy was over surprisingly quick and no evidence remained that he could see.

Absently, he rolled his shoulders and sipped from the water skin. It wasn’t very big, but it would easily stretch until tomorrow night. Mal did not intend to go back to the others until then or the ship left. He knew they were safe enough while he could see what Reavers were doing. He did not bring much of the food, but it would have to do. He pulled a piece of jerky from his pocket and began to chew on it.

*****

Inara woke to the sounds of a laughing child and hushed voices. When she tried to move, her legs and back protested the flight of the night before. She looked around the cave that was their temporary home. Jana, Suze Reston and her son were the only others inside. She sat up slowly, examining the cave in the dim light that came in through the entrance and a small crack above them. It was not really a cave, after all, but a hollow created by the hillside and huge rocks and boulders. It was just big enough for them all to sleep comfortably, and dry.

Jana came over to her with a water skin and bread. “Miss Inara, I am so sorry. Willem and me would never have asked you…Oh, it’s all my fault.”

Inara took her hands and squeezed. “Jana, it is not your fault, or Willem’s, or anyone else. How were any of us to know they were coming. Besides, the Restons would have been alone if you had not wanted to go back to town. We’ll be fine. The Reavers don’t know we’re here. They’ll probably leave soon, and then we just have to wait for Serenity.” She smiled and squeezed the girl’s hands again.

“She’s right, mei mei. Phil and me and Jeff woulda been dead by now if it wasn’t fer you havin’ second thoughts. I’m scared to think of what mighta happened to us if y’all hadn’t come back. I just pray Miss Inara’s right in thinkin’ they’ll leave soon.” Suze picked up her son and spoke to the Companion. “While I’m right glad y’all came back, I’m sorry yer mixed up in this. You oughtn’t be here, Miss Inara, or your Captain. I’ll be prayin’ fer all of us.”

“Mal was in the war for a long time. He knows what he’s doing. We’ll be fine.” She hoped she projected a confidence that was only half felt. Inara knew too much about Reavers. They were outnumbered and outgunned, and it was more than four days before Serenity would return. She smiled at the other women and gratefully drank some of the water.

*****

Serenity’s crew ate lunch quietly. No one felt particularly hungry and they could not think of anything to say that wasn’t a rehash of what had been said last night or did not seem frivolous. The morning had been spent with chores and dealing with their guests. Even Wash was subdued.

The folk from Harmony had taken their rations down to the cargo bay, not wanting to impose more than necessary. Donal was firm in his refusal to eat with them, so were Adel and Ethan. Shepherd Book had been with them much of the night and morning.

“Like the old man said last night, they’re scared and feeling more ‘n a mite lost. They’re a tight knit community, relied on each other for survival for years. I believe sticking together is comforting for them. They’re not used to having strangers around, or taking charity from them.”

“They seem to like you well enough, Shepherd.” Zoe observed with a smile.

“Well, I am a Preacher, and they are all God’s children in need. I’m just glad I can help.”

Jayne snorted and shoveled a forkful of the bland protein that passed for food into his mouth. He had been grumbling all morning at the situation, including the extra passengers and the fact that he wasn’t going to make any money off these runs. He also didn’t like the notion of going back to Harmony, and, possibly, Reavers.

“Jayne, I don’t particularly care what you think about any of this. We are taking these folk to Fairfield, then we are going back to get the Captain, Inara and the others.” Zoe was exasperated.

“They’re good as dead. You know that. Reavers kill everyone they come across.” He dropped his fork onto the plate. “We should cut our losses ‘n…”

They all stared at him. Zoe slowly laid her fork on her plate. The others held their collective breath. Jayne looked up at her, fear in his eyes. “Just kiddin’, course we oughta go and see.”

“If you’re too scared to go, you can stay on Fairfield. I’m sure next boat will take you off. Otherwise, keep your mouth shut. I hear you say anything like that again, I will do what the Captain didn’t. Dong ma?” Her voice was even, but her eyes burned with anger.

Jayne blanched and began to stutter. “What? How? You…you don’t hafta…”

She repeated, “Understand?”

He nodded. “Yeah.” He got up and, looking everywhere but at the others, left for his bunk.

Book and Wash didn’t seem too surprised, but Simon and Kaylee looked at Zoe with mouths open and eyes wide. Finally, Kaylee asked, “What happened? What’d ya mean?”

“Ask Jayne.” Zoe left for the bridge, followed by Wash.

“What happened?” Kaylee asked again, looking at the Preacher.

He shrugged and stood up. “I best get back to the folk that need me.” He disappeared through the hatch toward the bay.

Simon also stood. “Don’t look at me. I’m just as confused as you. I’m going to take something to eat to River. She won’t come out of her room.”

“She okay?”

“Yeah, very calm and quiet. Kind of worries me, though. It’s like she’s waiting for something.” He put a little food on a plate and left.

Kaylee looked around and sighed. “Great. Left with the dishes again.”

*****

The sun was warm enough to get his blood moving. It was high overhead now and would disappear behind the hilltop soon. He found himself wishing he was in a more open area so that he could stay in the sun all day. Last night had been bone-chilling cold. While he watched, Mal saw distant figures driving a couple of head of cattle towards their ship. Even from here, he saw that the cattle were stunted. The invaders would, however, eat well enough on them. He could see no other movement outside of the landing area.

As the day progressed he saw the repair work continue. A group of about five ranged further out from the town, searching for who knew what. He guessed it was more cattle or anything of value they had not already taken or destroyed. They didn’t stray too far, though, and he was grateful for that.

Mal found part of his mind was drifting to places it shouldn’t. He felt her fingers on his cheek and could smell the scent in her hair. He shook his head and pounded the side of his hip with a fist. This was not the time or place, nor was it a good idea anytime to go within spittin’ distance of that kind of daydreamin’. There were still a couple of hours until dark. He would then be able to get up and move around, at least until the moons rose.

*****

Carl ducked into the cave. “You should go out into the sun while you still can, Miss Inara. It’ll be gone soon enough. Got about an hour left, I reckon. It’s safe enough. We can’t be seen here cause we’re surrounded by higher ground.”

“Please, call me Inara. Thank you, I will go out for a while.” As she passed him, Inara caught his arm. She could not keep the concern out of her voice. “You haven’t heard anything, have you?”

He smiled and squeezed her hand. “Like gun fire? No, nothing’. And, I’m sure we would have heard it if somethin’ was goin’ on. I think your Captain would make sure we knew if things were amiss. Now you go on. I’m gonna get me a little shut eye.”

She stepped outside to find the sun was quite warm. Young Jeff was playing happily with his Father. Suze and Jana were talking in low tones. Willem leaned against the warm rocks, watching the path below.

*****

Simon set the tray on the chair and knelt on the floor next to her bed. He picked up a syringe from it. “River, sweetheart? You haven’t eaten all day. You must eat something, and I need to give you your medicine, too.”

She sat cross-legged in the farthest corner of her bed, looking through her brother, eyes darting back and forth. “Can’t find him. Not here.” Then, she blinked and looked at her him. “Simon, where is he? Why can’t I find him?”

“Don’t worry, River, the Captain and Inara stayed on Harmony to help some people. They’ll be back in a few days.” He reached up, took her arm and injected the drug.

She flinched and rubbed the area around the injection. “He promised. Said he would run. He promised!”

“I know, River, I’m sure he did. He’s helping the others run, too.” Simon moved the tray to the bed. “Please eat something. I’m sure he’d want you to eat.”

She tilted her head and focused on him. “We have to go back. I have to find him.” She reached over to the tray, picked up a piece of bread and started to eat.

“I know. We will.”

*****

Inara stood in the darkness outside the cave. Carl was on first watch again. He’d gotten several hours sleep, confident that Phil Reston and Willem would be able to keep watch during the afternoon. They stood in a comfortable silence, lost in their own thoughts. He was leaning against the rock, trying to take advantage of the little warmth that remained there, and looking through the peephole at the path below.

Inara occasionally glanced through the crack herself, hoping to see Mal climbing the path. She knew they all worried that he had been ambushed and that Reavers could be making their way up towards them at any time. It was difficult to keep her own imagination under control. Every hour that passed felt like a lifetime. She looked up to see the first moon pass zenith and the second clear the hilltop to the east.

The others were inside, trying to settle down to sleep. She could barely hear them talking, even though she was standing just a few feet away. Would Mal be able to find them in the darkness, when not even a sound escaped their little hideout? Inara had never given him much credit for intelligence or expertise at anything other than getting into trouble. She fervently hoped she had underestimated him all this time.

Carl reached out and patted her shoulder. “Don’t look for him tonight, Miss Inara. Told me he’d more like stay out ‘til tomorrow night, ‘less that ship left. Wants to be sure there’s no interest in us.”

*****

Mal began to wonder if he shouldn’t just go find the others. At least he would get some sleep there. The Reavers did not stray very far from the vicinity of the ship and town. They had shown no interest of any kind in their direction. He did hear what sounded like gunfire a couple of times, and there had been something of a brawl late in the afternoon. Other than that, his surveillance so far had turned out to be an exercise in patience, and the ability to stay awake.

Men had been working on the ship all day, and, now, into the night. They were grounded. Mal did not want to speculate whether he had sent Serenity away too soon, but he did. The Reavers probably would have chased her, despite the damage. It might have been the rough landing that actually grounded them. No way to know unless he sauntered on down and asked. Whoo dahn. This line of thought would get him nowhere.

If they were grounded for good, they would start looking for food soon. Yeah, he needed to see the defenses of the hideout and talk to Carl. He’d be able to get up there and back without being seen and there was time enough.

He scrubbed his face with cold hands and stood up. He was tired. The moons were already past the hilltop, so he was in shadow. He slowly made his way back to the path and started to climb. Movement was welcome, not only to warm up, but to clear the head.

*****

“It’s very quiet back there.” The pilot waved towards the stern as his wife came onto the darkened bridge. “All the children tucked safely into bed?”

“Mm-hm.” Zoe kissed the top of her husband’s head. She looked at the gauges around the pilot’s console. “Is there any way at all to cut more time?”

“We’re right on the edge, sweetie. As it is, we’ll be there about four hours earlier than I thought. That’s the best I can do without putting us up the proverbial creek without a paddle. I don’t know what else to do.” He shrugged and pointed at the gauges.

“Can we cut back on any more systems?”

Wash turned to look at her. “Dearest, me ‘n Kaylee have been cutting back and tweaking everything that can be and some that shouldn’t. I do anything else and she’s threatened …” He stopped when he saw her face in the dim lights from the console, the joking gone. “We’ll be on Fairfield in about six hours. Go get some sleep. I’ll call you when we’re an hour out.”

“No, I’m fine.” Zoe sighed and looked out at the black. “I hate that I don’t know what’s happening, that I’m not there to help. They need us.”

“He needs you.” Wash stood up and kissed her cheek. “I know, love. You watch his back. But, this time you can’t. We need you here now. When we get back to Harmony, Mal will be there. Go get some sleep.”

She held onto him for a long time. “Love you, Husband.”

“Can you relieve me after we leave Fairfield?”

“Yeah.” She kissed and left.

Wash sat down again. “I hope to God they’re still alive.”

*****

Inara half woke, voices coming to her as though in a dream. She opened her eyes. There were voices, Carl and Phil were talking in low tones, and someone else. What was Willem doing up? No, it wasn’t him. She sat up. It was Mal. By the time Inara got outside, though, he was gone. She looked through the hole at the path below in time to see his shadow veer off.

Carl saw her and chuckled. “Yeah, that was him. Damn near scared us to death. We was alone one second, the next, there he was. Not much light in here to find us either.”

Phil nodded, smiling. “Just came up to see how we was and to look at the lay of the place. Said he’d be back tomorrow night early.”

She nodded and went inside.

*****

Jayne peeked around the corner before scuttling into the kitchen. It was very early and he was hungry. He’d stayed in his bunk since lunch to avoid the others. Was Zoe talkin’ about what he’d done on Ariel? How the hell did she know? He rummaged through the cabinets for something to eat. Did Mal tell her? Did they all know? His head hurt.

“Jayne?”

He came up to fast and hit an open door. “Gorram it, Kaylee! Don’t sneak up like that!”

She raised her eyebrows. “I did not sneak up. Where were you last night for dinner?” She leaned against the counter.

“Wasn’t hungry then.” He became defensive. “Hungry now, that okay with you?”

“What’s the matter with you?” She bristled. “No call to be that way.”

“Ah, Kaylee, ya shouldn’t pay me no mind.” He poured some grayish green substance into a bowl and picked up a spoon.

Her voice faltered. “Well, what you said was wrong. Why’d you have to go say somethin’ like that? Cap’n’s gonna be alright. Ain’t he? And Inara and the others?”

He softened at her distress. “Hell, Kaylee, I don’t know. Maybe. If Mal was on his own, I’d say yeah. But, he ain’t. He’s got a bunch of civilians to deal with. That ain’t easy.” He looked around to make sure they were still alone. “I’m sorry ‘bout what I said. Them Reavers just give me the creepy-crawlies. Seen what’s left once they been through places.”

“Jayne!” She punched his arm.

He shrugged in apology. “Sorry.”

*****

She quietly left the cave, not wanting to wake Phil Reston, who had kept the second watch and was sleeping late into the morning. Inara sat on a niche in the rock in the sun. She had never really thought about the life people on these worlds lived, not really. She found it easy to not see the dirt and hunger and poverty. The last two days gave her a small understanding of it. Life on Serenity was definitely not the high-class style she had known, but it was heaven compared to what these folk had.

Jeff Reston tugged on her arm, offering a piece of jerky. “Want some?” He grinned at her. Inara smiled at the boy and took the dried meat. The boy settled on her lap. She tousled his hair and kissed the top of his head. He pulled a small, hand whittled pony out of a pocket and started to play with it. As she told him a story about other horses, Inara watched his Mother talking with Carl, Jana and Willem.

They had no education to speak of, but had their own strength and dignity. Even here, they were calm, just going about getting through the day. Simple things gave pleasure, a tiny wooden toy, sitting in the sun, just breathing. She thought of Kaylee’s passion for strawberries and Wash with his dinosaurs. Even Jayne had his toys, though they were extremely deadly.

The Shepherd, Simon and River had come from rank and money. Book chose relative poverty and the gypsy life. Simon and River were forced to it, and were still adjusting. Well, as least Simon was adjusting. River did not seem to really care. She delighted in small pleasures like Kaylee.

“Tell me another story!” Inara smiled down at the child squirming on her lap.

*****

Weariness and the sun’s glare all day gave him a headache, as well as making him sleepy. He shifted position a little and closed his eyes. Five minutes, that was it. There had been almost no movement all day. Five minutes sleep would do him a world of good. He woke with a start. How long did he asleep? Mal was relieved to see the moons had moved only a couple of degrees. Not long had passed, about fifteen minutes, but the first moon would set over the hill tops behind him soon. He quickly scanned the countryside below and saw nothing and no one. What had woken him? He frowned and looked around again.

Then he heard a low rumbling came from the direction of the ship. It shuddered, and smoke poured from the nacelles. The whine of the engines reached him a moment later. Looks like they’re trying to leave, he thought to himself. Finally realized they outstayed their welcome. Well, he’d wait until they actually left, so he adjusted the blanket around his shoulders and sipped a little water.

It was daylight before the ship rose and moved slowly in a trajectory that just cleared the hilltops overhead. Mal stood up slowly, the blanket hanging limply from one hand. As he watched until it disappeared, he rolled the blanket and tied it around one shoulder again. Then he picked up the water skin and rifle and began to descend to the nearest trees. Now, it would just be a matter of waiting for Serenity. He would sleep well today.

*****

It was night on Harmony, but mid-day on Fairfield when Serenity landed. She had come in on a steep flight path, Wash carefully balancing speed with fuel consumption. Zoe hit the control to open the cargo bay as they touched ground. Their passengers jostled with the unaccustomed bump of landing and greater gravity. They quickly moved down the ramp, knowing full well the need for a quick take-off. Goodbyes and thanks were hastily exchanged.

Marcus and his sons were there to greet them. Katie, too, was waiting to gather up her kin and the other refugees. The warm air was disconcerting for the people from Harmony, who had come from the fast approaching winter of their own world. Coats were quickly shed as they came down the ramp. As they left the ship, several men drove up with wagonloads of barrels and crates.

“Zoe, good to see you, my dear. We got everything you asked for, plus I found somethin’ I reckon you need.” Marcus embraced Zoe for a moment, then held her at arms length. He turned and pointed to the wagon in the rear, raising his voice to be heard over the murmuring of the others. “Right, fellas, get this stuff on board.”

Family, farmhands and refugees swarmed over the wagons, moving the food and water fast.

Wash came down the ramp in time to see Marcus point to the wagon and ran over to it. “Where the hell did you get this?” The pilot slapped one of the metallic containers and laughed. “How much is there?”

“Well, from what the Cap’n of the ship what sold it me said, enough to take a few hours off yer trip back.” Marcus drew a deep breath and looked at Zoe. “Had to give him the job to Persephone, though. Sorry.”

She kissed the older man on the cheek, tears in her eyes. “We owe you, Marcus.” She went to help her husband fetch the equipment needed to load the fuel.

“Owe me nothin’, child.” He called after her.

Katie settled her sister and nephew into the carriage. Adel held tightly to her protesting son, who wanted go back to help find his father and sister. “Ethan, I know they’ll be brought to us safe and sound. Reavers’re long gone. Serenity’s just gonna go fetch ‘em. Sides, yer Pa has enough to worry about with Jana.” She paused. “Please, son, don’t ask me to wait here alone, worryin’ about all three of you.” He nodded squeezed her hand.

After the supplies and fuel were loaded, Kaylee and Book made a quick tour of the ship to make sure there were no stowaways. Wash went up to the bridge to get the ship ready. As the others bid a quick farewell and boarded, Zoe stood at the foot of the ramp with Marcus and Katie.

“We’ll be back in six, seven days. Marcus, the extra fuel will let us get there faster, but we still have to refuel before coming back here. We’ll wave as soon as we know something.”

Before she could say anything else, Zoe was scooped up by Katie and held so tight she could hardly breath. “I’ll be prayin’ for you all to come back safe.”

When Katie let her go, Zoe saw two of the men from the wagons approaching with rifles, side arms and boxes of ammunition. One handed Marcus a rifle and pistol. “Zoe, this here’s Tomas and Henry. There were in the war, too, so they’ll be handy in a scrap.”

“Marcus, you’re not coming with us. I can’t let any of…”

“I don’t care what you can and cannot do, I’m afraid. We’re comin’. I know the Reavers are probably gone, but if they aren’t, yer gonna need our help. I’m a fair shot. With Frank, Jeb and Lester, we have enough to put up a decent fight, if need be. Now don’t be lookin’ at Katie. We talked about this the last two days.” They were joined by the three men from Harmony, each carrying weapons of their own.

Katie kissed her husband’s cheek and nodded. “You’ll need all the help you can get, dear. Now go. Arguin’ is just wastin’ time. Bless you all.” She turned and walked to the carriage. As it disappeared down the road, followed by the folk from Harmony, Serenity left the ground, her bay doors still closing.

*****

Mal whistled as he approached the boulder where he had left the others two nights ago. He lowered the wood filled blanket from his shoulder and began tossing the branches over the rock until he saw Willem and Carl coming down the path. When they looked over the edge, he threw the last few pieces up to their waiting hands.

Carl was clearly relieved to see him. “Been more ‘n a mite worried about you, Mal. Thought you’d be back last night, or at least early when them Reavers left.”

“Thought we might like a fire. If y’all want to go for more…”

Willem interrupted. “Can’t we go back to town, Cap’n?”

Mal didn’t answer until he scrambled over the rock and stood next to the others. “Not thinking that’s a good idea. Town’s gone, son. Reavers destroyed it. ‘Sides, it’s too far from safety.”

“They might come back?” The boy was anxious.

“Doubt it.” He started loading up the blanket again. “Just don’t want to take chances we don’t need to.”

Carl looked closely at the Captain and took the load of wood as Mal started to hoist it over his shoulder. “You look like hell, son. Reckon a few hours sleep’ll set you right, though. Come on, I’m sure that young lady’ll be happy to see you, too.”

Mal was too tired to catch the wink.

Inara was shocked at his appearance when he crawled over the rocks and into the open area in front of the cave. He had a three-day beard and bloodshot eyes with dark circles below them. His clothes and hair were dusty. Phil took the bulging blanket from Carl and ducked into the cave with Willem.

Suze picked up her son and reached out to touch Mal’s arm. “They really gone, Cap’n? Won’t come back, will they?”

He smiled at her and Jeff, who held out his wooden pony. “They’re gone. Don’t think they’d waste time coming back to a place that has nothing more to steal or burn. I am kinda surprised they were able to get off the ground, though. Seemed like that boat had a lotta damage. We just have to wait for Serenity now.” He rubbed his eyes with the heels of his hands.

Phil soon had a fire going inside the cave, the small crack in the ceiling creating a good flue. He came out and offered a water skin. The Captain held up the one he had taken with him. There were still a few swallows in it, which he quickly drained. He looked into the mouth of the cave.

“If y’all don’t mind, I might bunk down for a while. Feelin’ a tad weary. If you want to collect more wood, don’t go too far. Reavers probably won’t be back, but we need to be careful.” He entered the cave.

Inara followed him. “Are you hungry? There’s only jerky and stale bread, but it’s something.”

Mal shook his head and smiled sleepily at her. He laid down his rifle and unbuckled his holster, dropping it next to the rifle. He yawned as he stretched out on a blanket that was spread on the ground near the fire. Inara rolled up one of the other blankets and touched his shoulder. He took the makeshift pillow, stuffed it under his head and closed his eyes. “Xei xei.”

As she started to rise, he caught her hand. “Please, stay for a minute.”

Surprised by the request, she sat down near his head and waited. The space was already warm from the fire. In seconds, his breathing slowed and his light grip on her hand relaxed. She knew he had fallen asleep, but she didn’t leave. Inara sat for a long while, watching his deep, steady breathing. She gently brushed some dirt from his cheek.

When the fire burned low, Inara added another piece of wood. She heard the others talking outside. Occasionally, there was muffled laughter. The relief was discernible in their voices. Yes, now it was just a matter of waiting. She tried to think how long they had to wait. They’d been here almost three days, so it would be another two before they were rescued. She began to dream about feeling clean again, a bath, long and hot.

It was hard to tell how much time passed while her thoughts drifted in the flickering, warm glow of the fire. She was startled when Mal suddenly sat up, breathing heavily. Disoriented, he looked at her and around the cave, confusion on his face. His voice was husky. “What…’Nara? Where are we?”

“Mal, what’s wrong?” She knelt and put her hand on his shoulder.

He shook his head and wiped his face with his hands. “Don’t know. How long was I asleep?”

She handed him a water skin, which he gratefully drank from. “Not long. Maybe two hours. What’s the…”

“Tzao gao.” He jumped up, grabbed his weapons and ducked outside. “Bi zui!”

The others stopped, immediately afraid and searching the piece of sky they could see. They listened, and after a moment heard it. Jana asked. “What is it?”

Mal grabbed Phil and pushed him toward the cave. “They’re back. Put out the fire. Ma shong. Where’re Carl and Willem?”

“They went to get more firewood.” Suze held her son close.

The ship screamed low over them, listing dangerously and pouring smoke. They all looked up as it passed, also seeing the smoke from their fire. Seconds later, they felt and heard the crash landing. Phil came back outside.

Inara looked at Mal. He handed her the weapons then started to climb up the rock face. When he reached the top, he peered intently into the distance. As he dropped back onto the ground, he shook his head. “Ship’s intact, and they’re not goin’ nowhere in it anymore.”

Phil spoke to Mal. “And, now they know we’re here, don’t they?”

Jana was frantic. “Pa, Willem. Cap’n, they been gone since you got here.” She was looking through the hole towards the path.