Again and as always, the Verse of which I write belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and whoever else is on the contract. It is heaps of fun visiting.

I will aplogize for the growing length of this fic. I am writing the story as it reads in my head. I have to make the journey to reach the end.

The small group of refugees trotted through the trees dotting the slope of a hill to the southwest of the little town. Inara wore unfamiliar clothes of homespun and roughly hand-sewn cloth. She held an oversized coat closely about her. Carl had set Willem in the lead with Jana. The boy knew the way and was sure of his footing. Phillip and Suze Reston followed closely, with their toddler, Jeff, in a makeshift sling on his father’s chest. The child was sleeping peacefully. Inara, Mal and Carl were together in the rear. Everyone carried a bundle of food tied up in a blanket and slung across shoulders, leaving their hands free. They also carried side arms or rifles.

“How much longer till sunset, Carl?

“Less ‘n half hour, maybe, but we got second moon risin’ soon after and third moon not far behind. You don’t need no lights to be out and about most of the night.”

“That’s gonna be a help and a hindrance. How long will it take us to get to this hideout?”

“It’s two, two and a half miles up in the hills. The terrain ain’t the easiest. I reckon less ‘n two hours, if we don’t stop.”

“We’re gonna have to move faster. We gotta be well away from anywhere near here before they land.”

“Yeah.” Carl glanced at Mal. “I’ll catch up to the young’uns and pick up the pace a bit.” He caught up to them and took his daughter’s hand, moving a little faster.

Mal almost whispered to Inara, who had, so far, been silent. “Knew you wanted to leave, but I’m thinkin’ you mighta picked a better time and place.”

She glanced up at his face, breathing heavy from the unfamiliar exertion. “Mal, I didn’t know. I’m sorry.”

“It’s done. Can’t go back and change it.”

They traveled in silence for a while, c