Mal woke up, staring into the darkness overhead in his bunk and sighed. He reached out next to him, but there was nothing, only cold sheets. There never was anything, no warm body to make his life easier. Only today it felt like there should be. That someone should be waking up next to him, smiling at him, welcoming him into her arms, into her …

He threw the blanket from his body and stood up, crossing to the small toilet. As he relieved himself, he looked at his face in the mirror above.

“Another day, Malcolm,” he said softly. “Another day,” and wondered why he felt so sad, so empty.

---

“There won’t be a problem, will there, Captain?” Inara asked, watching his face.

“No, no problem. This Companion we’re picking up, you said she’s a friend?” He stood with his arms crossed on the bridge, watching River making preparations to land.

“I’ve known her for some years, yes.”

“That don’t sound too friendly.”

Inara smiled. “Most Companions know each other, but I’m closer to Elena than the others. We met some twelve years ago, and have been good friends ever since.” She looked out at the planet below. “She has … exceptional qualities.”

“Well, the guest quarters are ready.”

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to spending some time with her before she takes up her new post.”

“Captain?” River said.

“What is it, albatross?”

“We’re coming in to land.”

“Just make it a soft one. You’ve been a mite erratic of late.”

“I will try my best.”

---

The ramp dropped and Inara stepped out into the sunshine. “Elena!” she called as the elegant figure approached.

Mal watched as they met, hugging each other. It looked as if Inara was right, they seemed real friendly.

“Inara,” the other woman said, smiling widely. “It is so good to see you again.” She stepped back. “And you look wonderful.”

“So do you.” Inara laughed. “As if it would be anything else. Where are your things?”

Elena glanced over her shoulder. “They’re waiting over there.” There was a pile of boxes an