Just that last one step, off the ramp, onto the soils of Osiris, for the last time. Saying Good-bye was the hardest bit, but a quick glance over the shoulder was the only thing left to do, before walking away, to the future.

"Stay" Came Mal's voice from behind, and the only reply was a shake of her head, as she took that last step, and the head of long brown hair disappeared quickly into the crowds.

A week earlier, Mal had spoken to the Crew about this trip to Osiris, and what it would mean. Jayne laughed, said she'd never leave. Kaylee simply walked over and hugged her. Crying. Simon nodded Stoically, and River knew what leaving really meant, and smiled for them all. Zoe just kept looking at the lot of them accepting everything. Inara was in tears.

Now, at the moment of leaving, all Mal could say was "Stay". He knew he should have said "I love you, I need you", but he tried to convey all of that in the one word 'Stay'. Soft arms wrapped themselves around his waist, as he hit the button to close the air-lock, and he turned to look into those mournful brown eyes he had come to love. He held Inara's stare for a moment, before either of them spoke.

"She had to go, there's too much loss for her here."

Mal nodded; "It'll be hard to keep her flying, without Zoe at my side, she's been with me since the War." Tapping the comm he said "Take us out of the World Little Albatross"

Zoe turned around, to see Serenity take-off for the last time, she let a tear drop before she finally turned to look forward, to her future.