After Serenity was on a set course and in the black, Mal and River left the bridge one heading to the passenger dorms and the other the common room. But before Mal left to far he turned back to see River waiting for him to say something.

“I just wanted to tell you that I’m proud of what you did back there.”

River smiled slightly. “I couldn’t watch my family die.”

“I know that Simon is the only family that you have, and don’t want to see him hurt. Just know that you are a valued member of this crew lit’Abasstor. I don’t want to see you hurt.” Mal then turned and walked away in the opposite direction. But River didn’t move.

“You’re wrong you know.” Mal stopped and looked back again. River continued, “Simon isn’t the only family I have left.” You, Inara, Zoë, Jayne, and Kaylee are my family too. And Serenity…” She placed one hand on the ships wall. “Serenity is my home now. I’m going to protect my family and home.”

She then smiled at him while he gave her a small smirk in understanding.

“Get to bed little one. It was a long day for everyone.”

She nodded. “Okay daddy.”

She then turned a left Mal standing there watching her. He let out a laugh at the title that she gave him as a member of her family. He then went to turn the lights of in the common room. When the lights were dimmed he noticed that the lights in the engine room were still on.

Slowly, so not to startle Kaylee, he headed into the dirty room. Glancing around he didn’t see her at first and was about to dim the lights when he heard a banging sound come from under the engine. Moving future into the room to get a better look he noticed that there was a pair of work boots hanging out from under the engine. Crouching down to look under the big machine, he watched the grease stricken face of a mechanic tinkering with wires.

Kaylee glanced out of the corner of her eye to see who was watching her. At first she thought that Simon had come in to talk to her more about what they had discussed before the funeral. So when she heard t