SERENITY :

The ship returned to Deutschland in time for the annual Landing Day celebrations held on the 10th of July. For River, allowed to pilot on the return journey, the time held mixed feelings. She wanted to fly for longer, revelling in the renewal of acquaintance with the old girl. Also, the last time she had taken part in Hannover’s celebrations, the slavers had come and she had been shot. Mal had assured her that they had enjoyed several Landing Day parties since without violence and death – maybe some violence after too much beer, but no deaths. She was therefore the last one to leave the ship. As she came down the ramp it was clear that everyone else had dispersed quickly to their houses. The only person she saw was Matt Cobb walking towards her. She read his thoughts before consciously telling herself not to.

I’m glad you’re back safe, meili de funu . She was surprised that his endearment was so clean. “Hey, River,” Matt said on reaching her.

“Is it me, or has everyone disappeared?” Matt looked around and shrugged.

“Guess they got things to do.”

“And you haven’t?” she asked. He looked down at his feet quickly and back up again at her.

“Takin’ a break,” he muttered, kicking up some dirt. River hid a smirk and started walking towards Simon and Kaylee’s house. “You look happier comin’ back than you did going?” Matt added. River was surprised at his perception and had come to realise that is was wrong of her to keep comparing him to his brother.

“Mal’s given me my job back. I’m piloting Serenity again.” Matt grinned at her in true Cobb style.

“So you’re stickin’ around for a while?”

“Seems like,” answered River in kind. An’ I thought these Landing Day celebrations were gonna be as borin’ as usual, Matt thought.

“Matt!” came a voice and they both turned to see Kaylee’s cousin, Glory, coming towards them. River didn’t need to be a mind reader to see that Glory had set her cap for Matt Cobb and that was alright by her.

“A’right, Glory. You met River, ain’t yer?” Glor