The cargo bay has been made to feel as open and airy as possible for the ceremony. All of the boxes from the crew's current job are safely stored away in Serenity's hidden compartments. It's a high risk job and no one wants the children to find out about the cargo's contents. Candles bring a warm glow to the timeworn space. Rugs and pillows covered in rich fabrics are spread on the floor. Lengths of fabric cover all of the doors, control panels, and anything else that can't be moved.

Jayne and Imala step out of Inara's shuttle and on to the walk way to wait for the proceedings to start.

“We have to get everyone together so it's going to be a few minutes.” Mal says to Jayne.

Zoe quietly steps to the rail and calls below, “Kaylee is everyone ready?”

“Everyone's ship shape and ready to go Zoe.” Kaylee calls. Her answer radiates through the cargo bay filling everyone with anticipation and Mal with despair.

It is just loud enough to warn Mal and Inara's eight year old twins that they need to get away from the storage compartments and back to their places in line. Luckily, draped fabric hides the activities of Wash and Book Reynolds from any and all adult supervision. Wash stands at the edge of the make-shift curtain keeping a look out. “Book. Book! Hurry up. They're starting.” Wash whispers.

“Shun-SHENG duh gao-WAHN. I just got the gorram lock open too.” Book's response can be heard from the background.

“I told you we should have waited until everyone was asleep.” Wash says.

“The cargo bay will be cleaned up by then.” Book responds turning to look at his brother. “There are some endeavors in which one must take full advantage of the camouflage the Lord provides.”

Wash turns to look at Book.

“I sound just like the first Book don't I?”

“I got chills. How did you do that?”

“The recordings Shepherd Book left hidden on Serenity.” Book answers.

“The ones we&#