Red Herring By Kristin Matte

Scene I

The air-lock door was still descending as Mal walked out to its ledge. He took in long breaths of fresh air as he surveyed the land. Lush meadows, green trees, brown earth and blue skies, it had been near a decade since he'd last been on Pernox. As he stood in silence watching the sunrise, he could hear the steady, focused stride of Zoë 's boots.

“Wash wants to know when to set our departure time for, sir.” She stated.

“Well, tell him ideally, sunset.”

“Ideally?”

“Ideally.”

“So then most-like tomorrow?” She quipped.

“Most like,” Mal responded, eyes fixated on the land.

Zoë was off as quickly as she had come, and her methodically paced prowl was replaced with the soft-steps of Kaylee. She was almost skipping, and Mal could hear her humming and singing. He didn't have to turn around, nobody in the `verse could be that chipper this early in the morning, he thought. She perkily stepped up next to him, and looked out onto the vast plains that surrounded them. Her hands were on her hips as she slowly twisted her torso right-to-left and left-to-right, as if listening to a song nobody else could hear.

“Sure looks like it's gonna be a beautiful day. Shame be'n cooped up in that engine room,” Kaylee flirted, innocently.

“No it ain't,” Mal said matter-of-factly. “You love that engine room. Who am I to deprive you of all that wrenchin’ and hammerin’?” Mal looked forward, never making eye contact with Kaylee as he spoke. “That's important technical stuff that needs do'n if we plan on getting to Red Herring on time.”

“I know Cap'n,” she paused, “but how often do we get sunny days like this in the middle of the black?”

“Well if we lived in the sun Kaylee, we'd be dead.”

“Cap’n....” Kaylee whined.

“Fine,” he huffed, it didn't seem like he had much of a choice, having her pouting in the engine room would only slow her down anyway, “You can take a two hour leave, but not a minute more Kaylee, and I mean it.”

“Thanks Cap'n!” Kaylee grinned whole-heartedly and pulled Mal towards her until he was leaning sideways and she could easily kiss him on the cheek.

“When you get back here you're gonna have to work twice as hard and twice as fast if we're ever gonna leave this rock.” Even though Mal tried to sound hard and serious, Kaylee's glee was infectious.

“Don't worry Cap'n! I'll stick close. I might even pick you some flowers,” she teased.

“Well you better, then I might not feel so cheap and easily persuaded.” And as quickly as she had hopped up to Mal she hopped away. She was half way down the hill when Mal noticed Inara standing beside him.

“I'm going to miss her,” she cooed. She was dressed in deep blue satin, lips painted a deep red and she smelled of lilacs, or maybe the air smelled of lilacs; Mal couldn't tell.

“You should tell her, it ain't right she's the only one who doesn't know.” Mal's posture suddenly grew tense, straightening his back and crossing his arms along his chest.

“I know…I just…” Inara stopped, her eyes dropped to the floor. “I just can't believe I'm leaving.”

“Then don't.” Mal turned towards her and looked her straight in the eye. Mal's eyes had always been blue, but when he starred at her so directly, she realized how piercingly blue they could be.

“Mal, you know it's not that easy. Things are so,” she hesitated, “complicated.”

“Maybe they're complicated. Or maybe you just can't make a choice.” His voice quickened, and he turned his full attention to Inara. To Inara and her coming response. Mal argued with such conviction, with such intensity, she never questioned why anyone would follow him into battle, even if it seemed a losing one.

“Mal, don't put this all on me. What makes this complicated is that it doesn't seem we're even fighting about the same thing!” As she raised her voice, her composure slipped away.

“It doesn't have to be complicated. You made that clear in your deciding to leave.”

“I'm leaving because you're forcing my hand! I'm not leaving because I don't love this ship, or because I don't love Kaylee. I'm leaving because you wont let me work!”

“Go hwong-tong . So you're leave'n. You've made that clear. Has it ever occurred to you that maybe I'm not the bad guy here; that maybe your job is worth leave'n?”

“Kao …again! Are we here again?” Before Inara could say anything else her argument with Mal was interrupted by the sudden appearance of River, closely followed by Simon.

“Simon, I think you and your sister need to get some fresh air.” Mal expressed himself strongly and succinctly. Simon would usually lightly argue with him, but he realized by the look on Mal's face that now was not the time.

“We can play a game,” announced River. While her hair was unwashed and her dress was tattered, she spoke with exuberance and genuine excitement.

“Yes, we can play a game,” Simon echoed. “Let's go take a walk in the meadows, River. We can...” Before he could finish, River placed herself in between Inara and Mal. She could feel the heat of their argument; the heat that carried the sum of all things unsaid.

River stood tall, claiming the ground she stood on. She lifted her head, and eyed both Mal and Inara suspiciously. Simon grew tense, he knew she was going to say something, he'd just have to brace himself to see what. He didn't have to wait long, “The voices are getting louder, they're yelling. Mother and Father. Mother and Father. What's best for River? Simon thinks she's in danger. Simon thinks. But what's best for Mother and Father? Mother wants to work. Father wants a wife. Mother does a job. Father sees choices. Choices? To choose. Illusion. In between two things. Very good quality.”

As she spoke everyone grew tense. The crew knew River had abilities beyond theirs, but the fact that at any time she could say something completely crazy, and completely true, made everyone weary when she paid special attention to them. She continued to speak, and in her announcements Inara and Mal found themselves inching towards one another.

Facing River directly, their uneasy body movements forced Simon to try and interrupt her. He stepped forward and River darted her eyes towards him, “Simon, wait your turn. Etiquette. My turn, your turn.” Simon looked at Mal and hunched his shoulders; it seemed all they could do was listen.

River returned her attention to Mal and Inara, who now stood side by side facing River, as if waiting to be sentenced. “Playing the same game with different rules. Reading those rules in different languages. Both want to win. Win the same thing. Both are sore losers. Yelling like children. Speaking like infants. Big open hearts, bleeding blue blood. Both will bleed out. Bleed out before asking for help. Bleed out until they realize. Realize the truth. They're not playing the same game...” River paused, she eyed Mal and Inara, scanned them, equated. She titled her head and smiled, “but the game is playing them.”

And as soon as the words left her mouth, she danced back into the ship, long elegant strides followed by the quickened pace and worry of her brother.

Mal and Inara stood in silence. Both had something clever to say but neither said it. Inara barely turned her head to make eye contact with Mal, and as soon as she did, both walked off in opposite directions.

Scene II

As Zoë walked onto the bridge she immediately saw Wash intently pushing buttons and flicking switches, preparing to set course. Zoë sat on the console to his left, “Cap'n says we're likely to be done patch'n up by sun down.”

Wash continued entering departure codes, and responded without lifting his head, “Departure...time...nine...a...m...”

Zoë smiled and placed her hand on his arm. She could tell he was tense; he had to program two destinations a half quadrant apart in a time frame that would have them flying near full burn for the better part of a week.

Wash spun his chair to the left, and faced Zoë, his eyes endearingly sad, “Do you really think she's going to leave?”

“Well it seems she means to.”

“It doesn't seem right. Something is up. Something is definitely up.”

“Well, Cap'n said she wants to do back to Sihnon, teach at the Academy.”

“Maybe,” Wash nodded. “Or maybe that's what he told you, because something is up.”

Zoë gave him a long and knowing look, which was interrupted by the bickering of Mal and Jayne that was becoming increasingly close.

“Jayne, I told you…we're dropping off ‘Nara on Sihnon. We ain't stay'n.”

“I know we ain't stay'n, but even if we're there 20 minutes. That…well that's 20 minutes!” Jayne became increasingly flushed, his massive upper body twitched as he waited for Mal's response.

“Jayne, what could you possibly accomplish in 20 minutes?” But the time the words left his mouth, he had his hand in front of Jayne's face. “Don't answer that!” he ordered.

“Come on Mal! Them'll be a planet full of whores!”

“Jayne! This conversation ended 5 minutes ago. Let it die.” Mal turned towards Wash, “How's the—”

“C'mon Mal!” Jayne whined.

“Jayne,” Mal turned around and eyed Jayne aggressively, jaw clenched. “We are slow'n down just long enough for ‘Nara to jump out. We ain't dock'n. You, or anybody else on this crew, ain't step'n foot off of Serenity. Dong ma ?” Mal was an above average build, tall, broad shoulders, but next to Jayne he was easily dwarfed. Even though Mal's declarations were directed upwards, there was no question where the power lay. “Nod if you understand me, Jayne.”

“Aw, fine!” Jayne huffed. He stormed out and pounded down the hall towards the common area, cussing loudly until he reached the kitchen. “Planet full of gorram whores, and I can't get a taste…”

As soon as an awkward moment had passed, Mal once again turned to Wash and Zoë. “Well, that was pleasant.”

Wash chuckled. “Well that's Jayne, pleasant as a peach.”

Zoë laughed. “Yesterday he threatened to punch you in the throat.” She smiled and looked at Mal, who was grinning and shaking his head.

“Yes, but he didn't,” Wash concluded, and added emphatically with a nod. “Pleasant!”

Zoë and Wash continued to smile at each other until Mal returned the matters at hand to work. “Right then…departure time?”

Wash turned to the console, “Yes, departure time. Departure Time is set for ‘ideally sunset’.”

“Yup, shiny . Let me know if there are any setbacks, and let me know as soon as Kaylee's back on board.”

“So ideally sunset?” Wash asked coyly.

“Yup ideally.” Mal replied, he slowly turned and began making his way off of the bridge.

“So tomorrow?” Wash asked eyebrows raised.

“Yup, tomorrow,” Mal mirrored halfway to the dinning hall.

Scene III

Book sat quietly in his quarters, meditating. He emptied his mind and took long, deep breaths. He could hear the engines' soft hum. He could feel the tension on the ship, the tension that was growing increasingly thick. He opened his eyes and noticed he was not alone. River has slid open the passenger dorm door, and hung her self forward into the room, dangling by one arm from the door's thick metal frame. Not many that can sneak up on me, he thought.

“What are you doing?” She asked playfully, swinging back and forth.

“I'm meditating.” He replied.

“Why?”

“Because sometimes,” he softly explained, “the only way to hear something is to be very, very quiet.”

River smiled. “Sometimes, the only way to say something is to be very, very loud.” Her face grew serious and confident, but the smile remained.

Book stared at her, uneasily, he didn't know if what she was saying was some sort of foreshadowing or just gibberish. As she turned and left his room, Book took another deep breathe. Not many can sneak up on me like that. Not any.

Scene IV

Kaylee lay in the tall grass, her eyes closed. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her skin. A shadow interrupted the sun’s rays, and she slowly opened her eyes.

“Hey ‘Nara!” She laughed, surprised. Inara stood at Kaylee's feet eyes warmly focused on Kaylee.

“Did I startle you?” Inara asked warmly.

“Naw. I was just day dream'n.” She sat up as Inara sat next to her.

“May I be so bold as to inquire what you were day-dreaming about?” asked Inara. Kaylee looked at her hands as she played with her fingers. Her bashful response was as clear as any answer could be, “Mei-mei , have you ever thought about telling him how you feel?”

“What? Me? No!” Kaylee's reaction was genuinely humble and shy, and moments like this—or more precisely—the lack of moments like this in the future, broke Inara's heart.

“You're beautiful Kaylee. You're gifted and skilled. You're kind and loving. You think Simon doesn't see it, but he does. You just have to,” Inara titled her head and smirked, “Be patient. Simon is ... socially ... learning.” Inara's polite explanation of Simon's social retardation made Kaylee laugh.

“I don't know Inara.” Her eyes fell back to her fingers, which were fidgeting softly. “I just wish he'd make a move, you know? Be ... decisive.”

“I understand,” Inara responded instinctively, thinking of Mal.

Kaylee sighed and rested her head on Inara's shoulder. Inara rested her head on Kaylee's and could feel the tears well up in her eyes. I can't believe I'm leaving, she thought to herself.

“Kaylee, I need to tell you something…I…” before Inara could complete her sentence, she was interrupted by Jayne.

“Kaylee! Mal's look'n for you. Says there's work needs do'n.” As Jayne approached, Inara realized how grateful she was for the interruption.

“Can you find me later Inara?” Kaylee asked bright-eyed.

“Of course, mei-mei , “ Inara cooed.

Kaylee hopped up and walked with a quickened stride towards Serenity. Inara slowly got up, straightened her dress and caught Jayne staring at her with what seemed like a confused look on his face.

“What?” She asked hesitantly.

“When we leave tomorrow, it'll be to bring you to Sihnon, right? That's where you're from?” Jayne shoved his hands in his pockets as they both started to make their way to the ship.

“Yes, I was raised on Sihnon. It's where I studied,” she replied pleasantly.

“It's where you studied to be a Companion?”

“Yes.”

“You studied at a school, right?”

“Yes, at the Academy; the only one. The Guild, and its traditions, are hundreds of years old. I studied for years to become a Companion.”

“So, um, this academy, it teaches classes?” Jayne's face grew roguish, in a distinctly Jayne way. Although his demeanour and size made him a hefty man, his stance and tone during his questioning of Inara proved he was treading lightly.

“Yes, it teaches hundreds of courses. A Companion is schooled in many disciplines. More so then one would imagine.”

“So these classes, they're, um, complete.”

“Of course—Jayne what are you getting at?” Inara asked suspiciously.

“I was um, wondering,” Jayne coughed and gathered his courage, “I was wondering if they needed, um, volunteers.” As the question left his mouth the trepidation was replaced with eagerness towards Inara's answer.

“Wuh de ma !” Inara exclaimed.

“Well! It a legitimate question, ain't it?” All the shame and embarrassment that had entered the conversation with Jayne was now far behind him, and he wasn't looking back. “I mean, I figured maybe there's test'n or like, maybe a final exam or somethin'.”

“I can't believe what I'm hearing.” Inara starred directly ahead of her, focusing on the ship. She quickened her stride and shook her head repeatedly.

“C'mon now, Inara! It ain't like it's a nonsensical question! It's their job, ain't it?”

“Jayne, being a Companion takes years of formal training. It takes dedication and a lot of hard work! It's an art. A craft. And if you...”

“I never said it ain't! I'm just wonder'n if they need ...like ... um ... lab rats...”

“Luh-suh !” she yelled, “Rat is right!” Finally they had arrived at Serenity, Jayne was awaiting more information from Inara, while Inara wanted nothing more then to retreat to her shuttle.

“Inara, I'm just ask'n ‘cause it seems like they might. And I'm just say'n, I bet you know all sorts of folk at that place, just, put a word in for me, will yah?”

Inara shook her head one last time. She squared her shoulders, stood up straight and lifted her head slightly. All visible anger and frustration left her face, and she stepped toward Jayne calmly.

“I'll put in a word for you,” Inara nodded.

Jayne's body seized in excitement, his eyes widened and his voice quickened. “Really?” Jayne jumped. “I don't ruttin' believe it.” Jayne looked around for someone to congratulate him.

Inara forced a smile and turned to the ship, she walked into the cargo bay, Jayne following closely behind her.

“So you'll put a word in for me, right Inara? You won’t forget?”

“Oh, I'll put a word in for you...” Inara replied. She made her way up the stairwell toward the catwalk that leads to her shuttle. “One word...” she growled. “Hwoon-dahn. ”

Scene V

“Maybe once we get to Red Herring, we can take a few days off.” Wash leaned back in his pilot chair and looked up at Zoë standing beside him. “I hear the waterfalls there are beautiful.” Zoë ran her hand through Wash's hair as they both looked out of the bridge onto the plains that were now dark and tranquil.

Zoë looked down at his hopeful expression and smiled. “Maybe.” She looked away as she slid her hand to the back of his neck.

“Uh-oh…I know what that means.” He rolled his eyes and turned his focus to the console in front of him.

“I just said ‘maybe’ dear.” Zoë shook her head at the notion of the inevitable tiff ahead.

“You're thinking something. I can see it in your eyes.” Wash studied Zoë's face and as the wait for her response grew longer he added, “I know you pretty well you know.” Zoë sighed hesitantly; Wash saw her expression and added, “You know, if you don't tell me, I'll never sleep with you again.” He spoke overtly in a serious manner and sat up in his seat. He continued to focus only on the console and not on his now smiling wife.

“It's just,” she paused, stoic composure back on her face, “Do you really think Mal will wanna take time off once Inara leaves?”

“Well, I don't know, maybe he'd like to take some time off, think about things.”

“Or, maybe he'll react the way he does when he loses something he didn't plan on lose'n.”

“Eeeeesh,” Wash twisted his face, “I didn't even think of that.”

Zoë sighed, “Sorry to burst you bubble dear.”

“It's alright; don't feel sorry for me, not an ounce. I'm not the one being deprived of husband-love'n.” Wash stood up and started to falsely strut around the bridge. “Yup, it's a hard fact to face, and I'm sorry it had to be this way.” Zoë eyed him queerly and crossed her arms over her chest. “There's no point in sweet talking me Zoë, it's a done deal. You've hurt my feelings. And thus, I will never sleep with you again.”

As Wash raised his nose and circled Zoë, the loud stomping of combat boots quickly interrupted their light-hearted flirting. Mal walked in with a look on his face that to Zoë meant only one thing, trouble of an unfavourable kind.

“Sir?” she asked steadfastly.

“Have you seen Kaylee?” Mal asked; he'd be nearly frowning if it weren't for the unmasked concern on his face. “She was suppose to be back more'n an hour ago.” Mal stopped and looked at both Zoë and Wash expecting a response. “Call the crew to the dinning hall, now.”

“Do you think she got took?” asked Zoë sternly. Mal looked her square in the eye; she noticed the flare of his nostrils and the depth of his breath, and knew it's what he was thinking.

As Wash finished on the comm., he turned to Mal and Zoë. “Took? Kaylee? Pernox is a quiet planet. Nothing but farmland ...maybe she fell asleep outside.”

“Maybe.” Mal responded briskly.

“I hope she's all right,” Wash said as the bridge grew darker then it had been moments before.

Mal turned on his heals and made for the dinning hall, Zoë and Wash behind him.

“She's alright.” Mal stated. “She's alright, or Serenity won't fly.”

Scene VI

“I don't understand.” Inara said, lips quivering. “She left Jayne and I this morning, we saw her go towards the ship…we followed her a few minutes later.” Book approached Inara and placed his hand on her back. The crew stood solemnly in the dinning hall, as a harrowing sense of loss filled the air.

“It doesn’t make any kind of sense Mal. She was maybe 20 meters ahead of us. I would' a noticed something was wrong.”

“This is nobody's fault,” reassured Book.

“Oh it's someone's fault alright.” Mal stood abruptly as his whole body tensed. Everyone looked to him, “I never should'a let her leave. I had a schedule, I should'a kept it.”

“Mal,” Inara pleaded.

Mal interrupted her warm attempt at comfort, “This is what's going to happen. Zoë, Wash and Jayne, take the second shuttle. Arm up, and scout the meadows,” Mal's guilt and fear was now overshadowed by fierce determination. “Inara and I will take her shuttle to the closest town, check things out there.”

“What about us?” Book asked.

“We don't know what happened yet, Shepherd. We don't know who or why someone would take ...the last thing we need is someone else getting took.”

“You're not the only person on this ship who cares about Kaylee,” Mal whipped his attention to Simon, who had gone unnoticed, standing near the exit to the engine room. “I'm of no use here, I can search the surrounding areas with Book.” Mal hadn't noticed Simon, but he was visibly upset, as was, Mal now noticed, everyone else.

“I need someone to stay with the ship, in case someone tries to contact us,” explained Mal.

“Kaylee knows the frequency of the shuttles,” Wash added.

Zoë sighed. “He means if someone calls for ransom.”

“Oh,” Wash understood, but immediately wished he hadn't. “I'll stay with the ship.”

“You think someone took her, for money?” Simon hissed.

“We're in the middle of nowhere Simon. We came here on a ship; may not be a fancy one, may not be Alliance, but it's more then most people got.” Mal's voice was now calm – discouraged even – he looked at everyone, looking to him for answers.

“You know what to do. Keep in constant contact with Wash over the comm. Stay together.”

Everyone rose to his or her feet, eyes glazed and hearts heavy. “If anyone finds anything, you call me immediately. You do not move until I get there.” His voice became stern and precise once again, “You do not move until I get there. Dong ma? ”

Scene VII

As Mal and Inara headed for her shuttle he could hear Zoë in the dinning hall explaining how best to search for Kaylee to Simon and Book, and giving specific orders to Wash regarding contacting local authorities.

The walk to Inara's shuttle was quick and both Inara and Mal boarded and strapped in without saying a word.

“Keep the shuttle low,” Mal ordered. “We don't want anyone see'n us come'n.”

Inara took off, and the shuttle was silent. All either she or Mal could think about was Kaylee.

They exchanged a knowing look, one that was filled with deep worry. Both wanted to reach out, in anger, in solace, but neither did. They exchanged the same look, but made no move on it, both too proud to admit their fears.

Scene VIII

“Gorramit , Kaylee! We thought you got took!” Jayne exclaimed, his massive body strapped with guns.

Kaylee's eyes fluttered in confusion. Zoë, Jayne and Book – even Simon – were armed and evidently upset about something. Kaylee stood sheepishly dwarfed by Jayne and Zoë. Wide-eyed and flummoxed, she stuttered, “I ... I don't understand, what's going on?”

“Kaylee, where have you been for the past 5 hours?” Zoë asked calmly.

“I ... I was working on the exterior grav-flux component ... why?” Kaylee noticed the tension in the air diminish as she spoke, “Jayne, what do ya mean I got took?”

“Nobody knew where you were. We thought maybe...” Zoë's eyes broke contact with Kaylee's as she looked to the others.

“I'm sorry. I wasn't far...” Kaylee eyed everyone's concerned looks. Sighs of relief moved throughout the huddle that surrounded her. The dining hall grew quiet. “Look at you guys, all ready to rescue me...ain't that the sweetest thing.” The mood lightened as Kaylee spoke, relief turned to smiles.

“We're happy that you're alright Kaylee,” smiled Book as he patted her on the shoulder.

“Ah hell,” huffed Jayne, “didn't even get to shoot nothin’.” Jayne smiled, winking at her.

“I'm real sorry you guys.” She moved her way through the small confab surrounding her, and hugged each person genuinely. “Where's the Cap'n?”

Scene IX

“Mal?” Wash's voice screeched onto the comm. unit.

“Yah Wash?” Mal responded, eagerly.

“Kaylee's okay, I repeat, Kaylee's okay.” As Wash repeated what Mal had been relieved to hear, his body relaxed and he exhaled deeply.

“Thank God.” Inara sighed. Mal's eyes moved to hers as they exchanged a grateful stare.

“Is she on the ship?” Mal asked.

“Yes, she never left the ship actually,” Wash stated dryly. “How far out are you?”

“We're about 10 minutes away. Get everyone in the dining hall, I'll be there soon.” Mal switched the comm. unit off, and leaned back into his chair. Both Mal and Inara sat uneasily in their seats, relieved yet uncomfortable.

“Run-tse duh Fwo-tzoo,” Inara whispered as she locked the trajectory into the console and sat back into her seat.

“And to think, you're fix'n to leave all this excitement behind.”

“Mal, not now,” Inara sighed.

“Seems plenty good a time to me.”

“Well, you're a pyen juh duh jiou cha wen, ” Inara stated composedly.

“Ain't that a kindness. You talk like that to all men-folk or just those that pay you?”

“Well you're not paying me so I guess that makes you special.”

“Come'n from you that doesn't mean a whole lot.”

Inara considered telling him to go to hell, but she knew it would get them nowhere. It would add fuel to an already raging fire that needed nothing more then to die. Mal would become increasingly upset, as would she, and nothing she could hope to say would be said. She took a deep breath and turned to face Mal directly, she took another breath and calmly spoke, “You know Mal, I never thought I'd leave.”

Mal had calmed as well. “Then why are you?”

“Take any conversation we've had in the last two weeks Mal, and that's why.”

Mal clenched his jaw and leaned forwards, “We've had a few fights, and that's worth leaving Serenity?”

Nothing is worth leaving Serenity, thought Inara. “You don't respect me Mal.”

“Fei hua, Inara. I respect you. It's your profession I show no regard for.”

“That's where you misunderstand me Mal.” Inara sat up and inched towards Mal, their conversation now close and familiar. “I chose this profession. I still choose it.” Mal sat up and moved uneasily in his seat, shaking his head slightly and opening his mouth to refute the Companion’s claims but Inara continued to speak, “You think I'm a victim, that this work cheapens me.” Mal swallowed and listened intently, “There's no point in fighting anymore Mal, because we fight in two completely different languages.”

“What, you're quoting River now?” Mal interjected, flustered and frustrated.

Inara ignored his comment, “We're fighting about the same thing Mal,” she paused, “Freedom.”

“HA!” Mal guffawed. “Freedom? You call whorin’ freedom?!”

Inara kept her composure, and kept staring directly into Mal's eyes. “You lost the war, Mal; you had nothing. You found a heap of metal and gears and turned it into Serenity, into a home. You lost many men, but you found Zoë. Found loyalty. You built this ship. You built the crew you have on it. You take jobs as they come and you sleep at night because you answer to no one but yourself. You wanted freedom, and you found it. You made it.”

“I studied for a near decade on Sihnon, I worked hard and perfected my craft. When the Guild licensed me, I knew my hard work had paid off. I can find work anywhere, from a two-horse town to Capital City. I can work when I like, where I like. I can teach. I could even have been Head Mistress at the Guild Academy…” Inara paused slightly, “I get an abundance of offers from clients throughout the Universe. I choose whom I see. I am financially independent. I am welcome anywhere. I have total freedom. Total autonomy.” Mal's eyes broke gaze with Inara's, he clenched his teeth as if insulted by what she was saying. “We're the same in a lot of ways Mal, we both love our freedom, and fear losing it,” Inara spoke with strong intent, “If I stay here ... what I've worked for, my freedom, will no longer be mine.”

Mal sat in silence. He wasn't sure if he agreed, he wasn't sure if he was disgusted, he wasn’t even sure if he fully understood. He waited to compose his thoughts, but as he did the proximity warning started to ring, meaning they were near ready to dock back onto Serenity.

Inara and Mal stood up simultaneously after they had docked, both walked towards the shuttle door, but before exiting Inara turned to face Mal to explain one last time, “I love this ship Mal. I love Serenity ... and I love everything on it.”

And Mal understood. He understood why they fought—he always had—but today he knew why he fought to make her stay. More importantly he now understood why it is she felt she needed to leave. And why it is he needed to let her go.

Scene X

“I'm real sorry Cap'n.” Kaylee put her head on Mal's chest as he hugged her paternally.

“It's all right Kaylee. I'm just happy you're here and that you're okay.” Mal seemed drained, but content. The entire crew was in the dinning hall, sitting at the table, reuniting over tea and a joint sense of relief.

“Hell, you ain't even gonna yell at her?” Jayne asked abruptly, dwarfing the teacup that was in his hands.

Mal eyed Jayne humorously and turned his attention back to Kaylee, “What I don't understand is why you didn't tell anybody where you were go'n.”

“I had the radio on me the whole time, I figured Wash would just radio me if there was somethin' worth say'n.”

Everyone turned his or her eyes to Wash, who sunk into his chair, “It was unanimous! We thought she got took! Who brings a radio when they get took?!” Wash twitched nervously as the crew continued to stare at him. “Hey, I'm not the only one who didn't think of checking the radios!” Wash stated defensively as he walked backwards out of the hall, heading towards the bridge. The crew's attention returned to Mal and Kaylee, who were now both smiling.

“Well folks, it's about time we all get some rest. Go to bed, all of you. I command it.” Mal smiled, his voice warm and well meaning.

Kaylee smiled and Book laughed, and the crew dispersed their separate ways, through halls and stairwells, into bunks and infirmaries. Mal nodded at Inara as he walked towards the bridge, and Inara moved towards Kaylee, as they were the last two in the dining hall.

“Kaylee, I need to talk to you.” Inara's voice dropped, and she felt the weight of her upcoming words on her heart.

“Ah, you found me,” Kaylee replied lovingly.

As Inara moved closer to Kaylee, Kaylee's radio—which was resting on the dinning hall table—switched on, “Testing, testing, Kaylee are you on the ship?” Wash's voice asked, uneasily.

“Copy, Wash!” Kaylee replied giddily.

“Good, let me know if you're not on the ship,” Wash's sarcasm was something Inara always enjoyed. And as she and Kaylee laughed at his antics, she realized just how true what she said to Mal was. She loved Serenity. She loved its crew.

“Sweetie, I need to talk to you about something.” Inara's voice deepened and her eyes filled with adoration for Kaylee as she spoke. Both sat, both cried.

Inara loved Serenity. But serenity is not possible without freedom.

END