Zoë sat on the bed, her daughter's hand clutching her own even as the girl slept.

Everyone had agreed it was the strangest rescue they'd pulled off. There had been no gunfight, no bargaining...just Mal going up to the bridge and then returning in a daze moments later as the two ships joined. When the door opened, Kya had catapulted herself into her mother's waiting arms and the two of them hitting the bay floor in a confusion of tears, laughter, hugs, promises and kisses.

The man who had taken Kya off-world had waited on his own ship, watching the reunion intently - a slight smile on his face. Mal hadn't invited him aboard Serenity and the man had not invited Mal aboard his ship, but the two talked quietly until River came down from the bridge and stood at Mal's side.

"You remember her," Mal said quietly.

"Of course," came the reply. Then he directed his next statement to River herself. "I am so very glad you are still well." River only nodded, her shoulders tense.

"I am happy to have been able to give your friend someone so very dear to her. I understand the girl's father was lost in our last...meeting."

"It's appreciated, what you've done here," Mal said, placing one hand on River's shoulder reassuringly and leaving his other free to draw the pistol strapped to his thigh, a hint to the man facing them.

"I see I have overstayed my welcome," the man smiled a ghost of what a real smile could be. "Captain, you continue to surprise me with your survival. I hope to be surprised by you again."

"Yeah, well," Mal shrugged, keeping his eyes on the stranger, "I tend to do that whether or not I try."

"Please give my fondest regards to Inara," the man said, moving to close the airlock. He noticed Mal's jaw clench and looked between River and Mal quickly. "My apologies, I thought she would be with you..."

"Please go," River said, her voice strained. The man nodded and closed the door tightly before returning to his bridge. River fairly flew to the bridge, and they were away befor