Just to let you know, I'm a firm believer in the 'calm before the storm' technique. ;)

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The new mule, was going roughly thirty miles an hour as it bore the weight of the crew of eight.

Everyone was bundled up, and holding thermoses of stew as Mal drove them out into the forest. Even though they complained about the cold, they all found the scenery breathtaking. The lights of the moons made the snow glimmer silver as it coated everything, and the stars were shimmering brightly against the black blanket of the sky.

“Don’t think I’ve ever seen the sky so beautiful.” Kaylee told Simon while snuggling up against him as they shared a blanket and a seat together. She felt his arm around her shoulder as she smiled broadly. Back on the ship, she had been feeling sad and confused because Inara hadn’t said goodbye that morning, yet spending time with Simon immediately made her forget about it. “Not like this, with all the snow.”

“Me neither.” He exhaled in wonder, as not even Osiris had nights like the one they experienced. But then again the once great trauma surgeon realized sharing a night with Kaylee was something Osiris could never top. “And yet, we’re out here to disturb the tranquility by blowing up a piece of equipment.”

River was sitting next to Gambit, her head tilted all the way back so her round brown eyes absorbed nothing but stars. Her grin was a wide, as she drank in the freedom of the black above. “Open sky.”

The blonde next to her took in a deep breath and gave a rare smile, nodding his head slightly in agreement. Open spaces to them were beyond description, the liberation they felt was just saturating and made them forget about being captives and slaves to the government.

Wash took a sip of his stew and smacked his lips. “You know for once, it’s edible.” He told Zoe as they had a blanket spread across their laps. “Usually it’s just… you know…”

“Tastes like somethin’ we used to pull out of our rucksacks.” She quipped. “But you’re ri