“Stay” – EPILOGUE

Usual disclaimers and acknowledgements.

“They’re not coming, sir. Everybody dies alone. I’m a mean old man. A gust of warm air pushes through the cargo doors as they slide open. Is this what you meant by ambush? You want me—You want me on your ship. Tell me where the goods are at, so I can shoot ya. Just when I think that I have you figured out. Her hand makes a loud slapping noise when it connects against his cheek. Don’t you dare speak to me! These are not times for extraordinary men. Serenity feels cold, lonely and empty. Four per shuttle, Nara, four. The strident sound of gunfire rings in his ears—a single shot. Mal! Mal, stay with me, Mal!

Darkness…

*********************************

One week later, engine room – Serenity

The glow of the turning engine was all Kaylee had been staring at for the past three hours. Lost in thought, she couldn’t get the events that had taken place during the dreadful cruise out of her mind. Her heart caught in her throat as she remembered their last hours on The Majestic.

Shaking her head to clear it, tears welled once again in the corner of her eyes, and the now familiar tightening of her chest returned. She shifted in the hammock, trying to find a more comfortable position on her side, and let out a shaky sigh.

“Kaylee?”

Simon’s voice came from the doorway, but she did not bother to look up or even acknowledge him. Cautiously stepping inside the engine room, Simon walked over to the corner where she lay on the hammock and offered her a cold drink.

“You should at least drink something. You haven’t had any food or drink since…”

“Not thirsty” was her stoic reply.

He stood in front of her, glass in hand, but dared not push further. Instead, he opted to lean against the engine shell and observed her. Her eyes were puffy, her lips were dried and chapped from partial dehydration, and her face was taut and haunted.

“I know you blame yourself” he fina