Disclaimer: They all belong to Joss, I just like to play with them

Rating: Pg-13

Pairing: Mainly Jayne/River, but there is some Kaylee/Simon and Mal/Inara ofcourse.

Timeframe: The Christmas after the movie

Notes: Takes place in my ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ universe, but stands completely alone.

Ghosts Of Christmases Past

By

Lattelady

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Inara had promised to spend the Christian winter holiday, with Shepherd Book at Haven. Though both the man and the colony had been destroyed by the Alliance on a rampage three months earlier, it was a promise she intended to keep. Oddly enough, Zoe had been as intent on the plan as she had, so convincing Mal had been easy.

On December 23rd, Serenity put down on the far side of the now deserted mining colony. It hadn't taken any psychic ability on River’s part to understand that no one wanted the ship to land in her usual spot, so the young pilot picked out level ground at the base of the hill where the monuments to Shepherd Book, Mr. Universe and most importantly Hoban Washburne, were located.

“Thank you,” Zoe whispered as she laid a gentle hand on River’s shoulder. As much as the ex-soldier had yearned to spend some time at her husband’s last resting place, she’d dreaded seeing the ruined village again.

River just smiled. Even though she was only 18 years old, she knew all about ghosts of the past and how they could haunt you, especially on holidays. ‘At least all of Zoe’s ghosts are friendly ones,’ the thought shivered through her mind before she could cut it off.

Ten minutes later the crew met in the cargo bay where Inara was parceling out tasks for the upcoming festivities.

“I understand that there are flocks of large birds that live around the small pond in the woods behind us. Since you’re the best shot, Jayne, would you see to that?”

“Sure,” the big merc mumbled as he held Vera to his chest. The thought of making use of h