"Wuh de ma, Inara." Jayne came storming into the cockpit of the shuttle as we flew away from Serenity. "What in the 'verse you been doin' to this shuttle. Smells like it's gonna blow up any second or somthin'."

I take a deep breath before I reply. "It's incense, Jayne. It doesn't affect the shuttle in any way. Trust me."

"Well, I ain't sure," he continues, "and I wanna get as far as possible, more chance of survivin' that way."

At his words something snaps inside of me. Normally I have no trouble keeping my temper. But today, well, it's different.

"Just go away, Jayne!" My voice is harsher than usual, and he takes the hint. Leaving the cockpit whilst still muttering about somthing not being right.

I take several breaths to calm my nerves. It's certainly been a day that none of us will really want to remember. Although I can't help feeling that if the worst happens, it will stay in my memory as being the last time I saw... I saw him.

I turn sharply as I hear the curtain that conceals the cockpit from the rest of the shuttle from view being drawn aside, but let a smile come to my face as I see that it's Kaylee. She looks worried as she sits down.

"What if she don't make it, Inara?"

I pause, I think that if it were anyone else I would assume they were talking about Zoe, but as it's Kaylee, well. "Serenity will make it, Kaylee. Even if we have to get another ship to take that part back. You'll see her again."

As I speak these words my voice cracks. I can't help thinking about someone who might not make it, and the anxiety that I'm feeling makes itself heard.

"I'm sorry Inara." Kaylee bites her lower lip, tears coming to her eyes. "Here I am worrying 'bout the ship, when really I should be worrying 'bout the Cap'n. He's got less chance than Serenity."

"He has." I agree, and we sit for a moment in silence. Before Jayne comes in once again.

"This ain't right - who's up for goin' back for the Cap'n?"

I can hear Kaylee and Book saying yes. But it doesn't matter that I'm not saying a word, as I'm already turning the shuttle around.