Chapter 17

It felt ... odd. There really wasn't any other way to put it, at least to Mal. He sat in his normal chair at the head of the table, looking down, but he'd never thought to see that old man again, least of all in his old seat, the rest of the crew clustered around him. The only two hanging back a little were Declan and Hank, but he supposed that was to be expected, although he had to admit to some surprise that Freya hadn't joined them. What was more odd, though, was the fact that knowing Batha was under the table was giving him a sense of support.

Book was gazing at the others, going from face to face, reminding himself of long lost friends. At Jayne's expression he had to smile. "No, you're not dreaming," he said, then added, "And yes, Kaylee, you can touch me one more time."

The young mechanic wasted to no time at the invitation and grabbed his hand between hers, squeezing until he winced. "Sorry."

"No. Don't ever be sorry," he said gently.

"I just can't believe it."

"Yes, it is hard ..." His gaze slid to Mal. "Harder for some, I think."

"And who were you meaning, exactly?" Mal asked, not wanting to give in to the general welcome like the others.

"The list is quite long." Book shrugged. "I shouldn't be here, I know. Here, I'm dead, and in my world you all are." He sighed. "It's ... good to see you."

Jayne stirred. "Don't feel like a corpse."

"Jayne ..." Zoe said warningly.

"Just saying I don't feel like I'm dead."

"There are many 'verses," Book said. "And I can assure you, in this one, you're alive."

"Nice to know," Jayne grunted.

Book's face became more serious. "But what Cat did was interfere with the timeline. She was to save you and return, not become part of the crew."

"Look," Hank put in, "I know I ain't part of this, but it seems to be that they're kinda indistinguishable."

"Especially when she says she's not been able to do it before," Declan added.

Kaylee looked confused. "Save us?"

"Save Mal." Book