Disclaimer: As it ever was and always will be, this little universe belongs to Mr. Whedon, and whoever else is on the contract. I'm just visiting and having heaps o' fun.

My apologies for the time it has taken me to get this up here. I do hope y'all are enjoying the story. The next part should be the last. Ah-ha, but the last for who?

Harmony was, indeed, very much like Fairfield and hundreds of other planets and moons. So many of them had been terra-formed to be dull, unprosperous little worlds. In most cases, it would take many generations for them to be any kind of pleasant. No threat to the alliance. A little after midday, Serenity approached to land in the nearest clearing to the small town. It was on a low hill some distance north of the cluster of buildings.

Mal stood on the bridge behind Wash as the ship turned toward the landing area on a low hill. Zoe, standing next to him, leaned forward to see a small group of men waiting on the edge of the landing area. “Looks like we have a reception committee, Sir.”

“Yep. I just hope Miss Adel and her kids are ready to go.”

“Is there a problem, Sir? We’re not in any hurry, are we?”

“No, no problem. Anxious to be gone is all. Wash, keep an eye out for other ships.”

Wash looked askance. “Expectin’ someone?”

“No, just don’t want to be caught with our pants down.” He picked up a couple of earbud transceivers, and handed one to Zoe before starting down the stairs between the pilots’ seats. He stopped halfway. “Anything happens, let me know.”

“Sir?” Zoe raised her eyebrows.

“Anything.” He disappeared as the pilot and first mate exchanged puzzled expressions.

Wash looked up in supplication. “Wu de ma.”

Down in the passenger quarters, Simon stood at his sister’s door. “River, honey, it’s okay to come out. It’s a very nice day. We can go for a walk in the sun.”

“No. Can’t stay. Need to leave.” Her voice came high and quavering through the door. She was clearly frightened.

“We won’t go far. Just outsi