River watched silently as Peter packed his belongings and prepared to leave the ship. Serenity was docked in New Duinsmore on Beaumonde. They had come full circle from when they first picked Peter up.
"Hello, River," Peter said without looking up.
River smiled.
"You're leaving Serenity?" she asked quietly.
Peter nodded and stood up.
"You could stay," she continued. "You're a part of Serenity's family."
Peter smiled and looked at her. He walked out of the passenger dorm and toward the cargo hold. River followed.
"Do you really think She can handle two captains?" he asked as they walked.
River chuckled and shook her head.
"Besides," he went on. "I still have a lot of work left to do. We put a serious dent in the Company, but it's still out there." He walked toward the open ramp, then stopped and looked at her. He put his bag down and enveloped her in a big hug.
"I'm going to miss you, River," he said, looking down at her. "You know, I never told you this, but you remind me of someone I once knew. She was very special to me."
River smiled up at him.
"Is that your way of telling me I'm special to you, as well?" she asked.
He grinned and looked away for a moment.
"You catch on quick, River," he replied, then his smile disappeared and he became serious. "River, if you ever need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to contact me. Same goes for you, Captain."
River turned around and saw Malcolm walking up beside her. He nodded and shook Peter's hand, before taking her own.
"You know, there's always a need for an extra gun on the jobs, as well as someone else who can fly this boat," Mal extended an offer of employment.
Peter shook his head.
"No, Mal," he replied. "Like I told River here, I don't think Serenity can handle two captains. She's yours now." He paused and ran his hand one last time over the cool bulkhead.
"Take care of her, Mal," he said. Then he said goodbye to Serenity for the last time and walked away.
Mal pulled River in closer and wrapped his arms around her.
"Reckon he was talking 'bout you or the ship?" he asked as he led her up toward the bridge.
"Maybe both," River replied. "You don't mind?"
Mal shook his head as he took a seat in the pilot's chair.
"Naw," he replied. "Man knows what the first rule of flying is."
"Will you tell me, Mal?" River asked as she sat in his lap and leaned her head against his shoulder.
Mal smiled at her and brushed her hair out of her face. He stroked one cheek, leaned in, and gave her a kiss.
"Well, that's easy, bao bei," he replied. "Love."