Disclaimer: I don't own any of this, I just like playing with it.

Author's Note: this is the last chapter, thanks to everyone who's been reading. This may not be the best, but I've been struggling with keeping them in character and still providing an appropriate ending to this story.

Simon, River, Zoe, and Jayne were waiting when Mal and Kaylee set down at the edge of the trees. Kaylee met them at the door and led them into the shuttle's main area. Mal gestured for Zoe to take the helm and joined them, inspecting the Tam siblings for signs of trauma. Simon seemed tense and he could just make out that River had been crying, but overall, not as bad as he had feared.

"Everything go alright?" Simon asked.

"Went smooth, got lots of meds for your sister and a bunch to sell."

"Good. So we can get off this planet as soon as we get back to Serenity?"

"That's the plan," Mal agreed. Simon nodded and sat down on a crate next to the bench River and Kaylee were sitting on. River was leaning into Kaylee's shoulder and she was starting to smile which Mal hoped was a good sign.

"So, didya tell anyone you're alive?" Kaylee asked, glancing at Simon and tugging him closer.

"We told old mother," River answered. "She cried and Simon glared. She won't tell anyone, it hurts too much. And it should."

"Are you alright though?" Mal asked. He didn't particular want to talk about this, but it was his captainy responsibility to make sure she wasn't going to fall apart.

"Should have heard Aunt Zoe and Cousin Jayne's thoughts! So protective! Just like Uncle Captain. Very sweet, made me feel better after."

Mal ran this through his head and looked at the doctor who seemed to be pointedly avoiding his gaze. There was a very small smile playing about his lips.

"Aunt Zoe and Cousin Jayne?" Kaylee inquired, sounding amused and a little relieved. She'd been fretting the entire time they'd been on the job about how upset Simon and River might be when they got back, she was as relieved as Mal that they seemed OK.

"And Uncle Captain." River confirmed. "And Aunt Inara and Sister Kaylee. Specially when you and Simon..."

"River!" Simon interrupted hastily.

River stuck her tongue out at him. "Such a boob." She turned her back on him and she and Kaylee fell to discussing exactly how each crew member fit their familial role on the ship.

Mal sat on the other bench and leaned forward so he could talk to Simon.

"When exactly did she start calling me Uncle Captain?"

"About half an hour ago."

"Right."

The two men remained quiet for the rest of the trip, just listening to Kaylee and River giggling over examples of typical crew behaviour. River shared a few tidbits about Jayne that made Mal glad the merc was up in the front with Zoe stead of back here listening.

When the shuttle docked everyone stood up and Mal began divvying up the boxes to be carried into the ship. Before anyone could actually start, Inara opened the door from the ship's side and burst in. She looked uncharacteristically emotional and hugged River and Kaylee both at once.

"Everything's ok, Auntie 'Nara. Said goodbye to old family, and already have a new one." River kissed her on the cheek and Mal handed her a box.