"There some reason why this aoman bai ozi is here?" Jayne growled. Somethin' about the stuck up Alliance woman made his skin crawl. Didn't see why she should be here. It was for family only.

"Bi zui ni shagua nansheng! I know I taught you some manners, boy! Just cause you chase criminals to the ass end of the 'verse with guns, don't mean you gotta act like one," his mother snapped with vigor.

Jayne blushed. "How'd you—"

"Boy, I'm your mother, not stupid. Your pa and Mattie done a good job hidin' it, but that don't mean I can't put two and two together. Now, you apologize to Lady Vera this moment."

"Ma—," he didn't finish. He took one look at his mother's face and clammed up his protest.

He turned to the silent woman, "Sorry, ma'am."

She gave him a soft smile and nodded.

"Lady Vera, I'd be much obliged if you come sit on my other side," she held out her hand.

Jayne looked ready to protest. Should be his pa on her one side and him and Mattie on the other. Not that woman, and him. He scowled but said nothing.

"I ain't got much time, my lady, so's I gotta just come out and say it. Beg your pardon if it makes it harder on you," she whispered and took her hand. Her eyes were beginning to droop. Lady Vera pressed her lips together tightly but nodded.

Turning to Jayne, "This is real hard for me to say, Jayne. Specially since we shoulda done told you years ago. But seein' as I ain't got much time... here goes."

She pulled there hands together and wrapped them between her hands.

"Ma, what are you—"

"Hold still boy, didn't I ever tell you not to let go of your ma's hand?" she held his hand in place. She let her hands fall away slowly, Jayne and Lady Vera's hands still intertwined.

"What?"

"I ain't your ma, Jayne. And neither is he your pa. Lady Vera here, well she had a difficult decision to make years ago, and she made sure you went to someone that would love you. Can't say that it's my place to tell you as to why she gave you up, that's her story to tell. Just know that she