Why do I feel this way?
We've done what we set out from Miranda to do. Mal has broadwaved the transmission. Soon everybody will know the truth. So many people have died because of the Alliance's wish to keep this hidden. Wash, Shepherd Book and all the good people of Haven, but now, even though the truth in being told to all, I can't help feeling that there's a good chance of there being more deaths to add to the toll. Ours.
I look at Mal for a second, and the regrets fill my mind. I've had so many opportunities to confess that I feel something for him, and yet I've kept everything hidden. I suppose in part it's because of my training at the Academy, where it was constantly drummed into us that a good Companion was always an enigma, and now it's too late to remedy that.
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"You ready to get off this heap and back to a civilized life?"
"I, uh... I don't know."
"Good Answer."
Mal's word's linger in my ears as I make my way up to what I still think of as my shuttle. But more than that, the image of his smile stays with me.
It's time for a new start, and this time, I promise myself, there will be no regrets.