PART EIGHT

Bring me my broadsword and clear understanding...

Bless with a hard heart those who surround me.

Bless the women and children who firm our hands.

Put our backs to the north wind. Hold fast by the river.

Broadsword – Jethro Tull

*

Fly to me and save me

Heal my broken wings

Close your eyes and kiss me

'cause tonight

It's The night of Dreams

and your crystal - eyes could drive me to the light

It's The night of Dreams

and I can finally dream to fly

higher, till the sky

Now I wonder what I would ever have been

If I had never met you

Stars in the sky are shining as never before

Now I can answer, I know ("What is Love?")

The night of dreams – Labyrinth

Serenity landed safely on the special landing pad at Ynis Witrin's hospital. Everyone got out to see Kaylee and Simon check in safely. Sarah was just starting to explore the possibilities of toddling, so Vera held one small chubby hand whilst Zoe had the other. Sarah still had vivid rust coloured curls on her head, blue eyes and milk chocolate skin.

Jayne looked at Vera, “You ain't gonna make that a habit, are you?”

She glanced at him, “Now and then, when Zoe lets me. Not planning on babysitting any time soon. Had my share of little ones screaming; no offence Zoe.”

Zoe smiled, “Wouldn't let her out of my sight anyway. I can teach her to read and write and defend herself on my own.”

“You'll need the last of those. I think she'll turn male heads throughout the 'verse when she grows up.”

Zoe deadpanned, “I'm contemplating getting a very big rifle and a chastity belt!”

Everyone went to the witing room. Zoe took Sarah off to the hospital creche, but stayed with her daughter, pager on vibrate.

*

After an hour or so, Mal took Hori, Zoe and Sarah with him to get the cargo to its destination. A few hours later, Simon came out to the other three waiting.

He was running his hands through his hair distractedly, “It's going to be some time. At the moment, they are waiting to see if the first twin will turn and helping Kaylee with her labo