The Big Goodbye

based on the World of Firefly by Joss Whedon

---------------------------------------

"So you leaving us?" Mal asked as he watched 'Ski pack his bags.

"Don't act like it breaks your heart, Reynolds. She might be yours now, but she is still my wife." 'Ski growled, but then just shook his head. " We can fight about her until we kill each other, but Babe will pick who she wants. Simple as that and just so you know, she plans on riding with you for at least awhile."

"I know."

"Good. By the way, I see how you look at that Companion. May not be any of my business, but you and Cat is. You want to get freaky with Inara, then so be it, but break Cat's heart in the process...and even the Devil won't stop me from sending you to hell."

"Brave words for someone leaving her behind."

"I'm leaving her here because she wants to be here and if I don't leave, she will eventually end up in my arms and then in my bed."

Mal tensed and frowned at his remark.

"Relax. As for as I am concerned, she has kept faithful to you, not that we haven't had our close calls. Truthfully, she wants to be in one place for awhile or at least have a home. Me? I'm not sure what I really want."

"You'll know when the time comes. Might even go the way of a ship's captain. You are one helluva pilot."

“ Maybe. Not that I’m thinkin’ about settlin’ mind you. But should I get bored of hitching around the ‘Verse one day.” ‘Ski explained.

“ 'Ski, not just any boat can become a home.” Mal explained “She’s gotta be special.”

“So how do you know?”

The Captain seemed to think about it for a moment, and then chuckled to himself.

“Can’t rightly say. But you’ll know it when it happens. You’ll see her, and not be able to live without her.”

"Strange..." 'Ski grabbed his duffel bag and tossed it over his shoulder. "Think I know just what you mean." He frowned, bumping Mal as he walked out the door. 'Ski needed to find Cat.

=====++++++======

She stood with her back to her new home an