Chapter 20

Inara sat across from Mal and Alexis in Mal's apartment. Martha was sitting on a stool in the kitchen, watching earnestly.

"So," said Inara. "Have you made a decision?"

"We have," said Mal, and Inara noticed as his hand found his way into Alexis'.

"And?" she asked, careful that her voice should betray no emotion.

Mal and Alexis exchanged glances. "Well, Alexis and I talked about it, and," Mal began. "We're coming with you."

"And you're sure about this?" asked Inara.

"Yes," said Mal.

"And I'm so excited!" said Alexis. "I mean, I'm going to live in a real spaceship; how cool is that? And I get to see the future and all of the technological advancements... Oh God, what do I wear? It's not like those ugly jumpers everyone wears in the movies, is it? And what do you eat? Do I have to sleep in a pod?"

"Whoa," said Mal. "Calm down, little lady."

"Sorry," said Alexis. "It just hit me how unprepared I am. I'm going to be skipping over centuries of history- the Earth won't even be around anymore."

"Don't worry," said Mal. "You're a smart girl; you'll be able to pick things up. And besides, I'll be right there with you to help you adjust."

"I know," Alexis said, smiling.

"So I suppose you have some loose ends still," said Inara. "Plenty of goodbyes to make."

"No," said Mal. "We're ready."

"Really?" said Inara. "What about that Kate woman?"

"I've already said what I needed to say to her," said Mal, and Inara wasn't certain, but she thought she saw a hint of sadness in his eyes. "No, there's only one more thing left to do." With that said, he suddenly stood up and turned to face Martha.

Martha stood up also, and they both came close to each other. "Martha," said Mal. "It's been an honor to call you 'Mother.'"

"Richard," said Martha, her eyes beginning to mist and a lump forming in her throat. "Mal..." she corrected. "You will always be my son."

Mal grabbed Martha into a hug, and they held each other until they suddenly noticed Alexis by their side. "And you, my dear," Martha said to her, caressing Alexis' cheeks between her hands. "Are the most special girl I have ever known. And I know that you will make a remarkable woman one day."

"I love you, Gram," said Alexis, wrapping her arms around Martha. Martha held her tightly and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, too, darling," she said.

When Martha and Alexis finally pulled apart, Mal turned back toward Inara. "Now were ready."

–

Mal took in his surrounding: oh so familiar, yet oh so strange. You buy this ship, treat her proper - she'll be with you for the rest of your life, he heard the distant echo of the dealer flash through his mind. And it was true. Throughout his time as Richard Castle, the memory of Serenity had never left him, had stood in the back of his brain, guiding his thoughts and actions, reminding him of the man he ought to be.

The man he ought to be... Mal still had no idea just what that was, but he hoped that his return to the life he left behind would help him find himself again.

He looked toward Alexis, her eyes shining bright with wonder as she gazed around the cargo bay, cataloging every crate, every pipe, every crack in the facade.

Next, he looked at Inara, who was staring back at him, her eyes revealing a bit of hesitance in waiting for his own reaction. "It's just like I remember," he told her. "Like it hasn't been a day."

"They are a few wears and tears," said Inara. "But we've looked after her properly. Kaylee's been a wonder."

"She's always loved this boat like it was her own flesh and blood," said Mal.

"You can talk," said Inara, smiling at him.

"Can we see the rest of the ship?" asked Alexis.

"In a minute," said Mal. "There's some people we should say hello to first. Inara, will you do the honors?"

Inara nodded and walked over to the intercom. She picked up the communicator and quickly cleared her throat before announcing, "Will everyone please come to the cargo bay at once."

Mal wrapped an arm around Alexis, pulling her in close, wanting her as near as possible to help steady his nerves as he waited to greet the people he once called family.

A/N: Okay, so I'm honestly surprised that I have to do this, but since enough people have asked in the reviews (ie. three), I'm going to explain that I personally chose not to show Mal and Kate's goodbye at this point. Instead, I plan on showing it in flashback form in a later chapter.

We're gearing towards the end people: at most, maybe five chapters, but probably less! (But don't keep me to that promise; it could wind up being more knowing me.) I remember when I first started this story- I thought perhaps ten chapters at the most. Ha! I was so young and naive back then...