"It's called Haven. A peaceful world, with few people on it, it's far enough away from Reavers or Alliance control. We should be safe here." Book said to the Captain, just as the ship was setting down on the planet.
Mal was sitting on a cargo container staring at his mother's corpse. From the expression on his face Book was not sure if the Captain had heard him.
"Good." Mal was barely able to speak.
"I'm prepared to speak for the funeral; her soul needs to be put to rest, son." Shepard Book said as he put his hand on Mal's shoulder.
"No, I'll bury her alone." Mal picked up his mother's body and left the ship, heading out into the desert.
"Captain…" Zoe moved to follow but Book stopped her.
"He needs to forgive her so that he can begin to forgive himself. Give him some time." Book informed.
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"You stubborn old fool you shouldn't have gone through all you did, shouldn't have let him touch you. You thought you were doing the right thing for me, protecting me. Sorry I couldn't return the favor. I'm sorry about a lot of things. Now you're gone, guess you weren't that stubborn after all." Mal said as he plunged a makeshift headstone into the dirt behind where he had buried his mother.
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"River get back here!" Simon yelled chasing his younger sister into the cargo hold.
"I have to greet him, I have words." River replied.
Mal walked back onto the ship coming to stand by the Shepard's side.
"Whatever prayer's you have for my Mother, save them. She's free, not bound by anyone now. I'd like to keep it that way." Mal said as Book reluctantly nodded.
"Mal, I'm sorry." Inara said as she stepped forward staring into his eyes.
"Me too." The Captain replied.
Mal was headed for the stairs when River grabbed his arm pulling him back.
"These Old Wounds led me to you. They crafted me, made me."
"Captain, do you know what she's saying?" Simon asked sounding puzzled.
"I think I do." Mal responded.
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Simon returned to sickbay to see Jayne going through some of his medications.
"Jayne what are you doing here? Did your wound open back up?" Simon asked.
"No it's just that laxative you gave me earlier hasn't done anything yet so I decided to take a few more." Jayne said.
"How many more did you take?"
"Five. Is that bad?"
"Not now, but probably later. Just remember when they out remember to wash them a lot." Simon said feeling uncomfortable.
"Will do, Doc." Jayne said as a look of discomfort came over his face.
"Are you feeling ok?" Simon asked trying not to smile.
"I'll be in my bunk." Jayne said as he ran off.
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Kaylee was trying to salvage their Mule but couldn't. She didn't know if the Captain could handle anymore bad news. She went back to work when she saw that Mal was approaching.
"How's it coming Kaylee?" The Captain said sounding like his old self.
"Not Good. The fuel injector is shot, the rotors ain't working and the internal buffers are completely destroyed. We might as well just buy a new one." Kaylee wished she hadn't said a word.
"We might just have to then. We've got the merchandise just need to find a buyer, maybe Fanty and Mingo." Malcolm said ushering a grin to his mechanic.
The Captain then walked over to the intercom and talked into it.
"Wash, I'd like to get off this rock sometime soon." Mal said waiting for a response, he did not receive one.
"Wash?" He said again.
"Sorry Captain I'm a little busy now." Wash said as he leaned down to kiss his wife.
"Take your time; we'll be flying soon enough." Mal understood what Wash meant.
"Well that certainly killed the mood." Zoe said grinning at her lover.
"Shut up." Wash said as they both went under the covers of their bed.
THE END.