I'm back :) Sorry about the long delay, I've been off on the (wonderful) Browncoat Cruise and neglecting my writing duties ;) Without further ado, here is the next chapter.

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Wash blinked upward at the sky, holding the tangled mess of webbing connected to the survival pack that had been cut off him when he was taken prisoner, and the belt holster containing his now unloaded service pistol. His uniform was there too, but they’d warned him that wearing it might not be good for his health. In truth, he didn’t want to wear it, or any uniform. Maybe a hula skirt.

The sky shouldn’t look any different on this side of the wall, but it did. Bigger, brighter. Most likely should stop staring at it, but -

“Lieutenant Washburne?”

Wash startled and came back down to earth, sizing up the short, dark man making the inquiry. He held himself with an air of self-assured power that rankled; he’d had quite enough of commanding military types who expected deference and obedience just as much as they expected to breathe. “My name’s Wash.”

The man extended his hand. “Commander Tenaka.” Wash shook his hand, a little stunned. Tenaka was practically a household name in this quadrant. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” said Tenaka.

“That’s – very nice for you,” said Wash. “Did we skip over – um - why?” His eyes strayed; Matty stood next to a hovering taxi, wrapped tightly in the embrace of his wife and daughter. They were frozen in place, clinging to each other as if daring the universe to make them let go.

It caused him a pang of loneliness. Or maybe it was Tenaka, standing there like he expected Wash to invite him to dinner at the good old boy’s club. Sure. Just forget the others and chat up the enemy. Matty stepped into the taxi, waving to Wash as the vehicle skimmed away.

“Your attack took more guts and skill than any of us thought possible,” said Tenaka, slight irritation creeping into his voice over the realization that he was the last person on Wash’s mind. “I’m here to tell you