This is the final instalment of The Schism series. It's also the hardest story I've ever written.

A special thanks goes to Channain for providing much needed beta support. THANK YOU!

A huge thanks goes to AmDoBell, Guildsister, Phaedra and SoulOfSerenity for supporting this crazy story arc from day one. I wouldn't be writing this story without your kind words and support. Hopefully all your questions have been answered!

In the immortal words of Evil Dead's Bruce Campbell: "Finish it!" :)

DISCLAIMER: The Firefly characters and locations featured in this work of fiction are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy Inc and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. I'm just borrowing them for a while. (No breach of copyright intended.)

The following work of fiction contains scenes of graphic horror, violence and scenes of an adult nature that some Browncoats may find offensive.

This story is rated R.

~ Prelude ~

PERSPECTIVE: Jayne

Jayne Cobb slowly crouched into position beside a large cargo container. He propped the barrel of his gun, Vera, against the lid and aimed it towards the cargo bay door. He’d been waiting for what seemed like an eternity.

“Gorram it! What’s takin‘ them so long?!” he hissed.

Mal popped his head up from behind a barrel across the room. “Give them time.” he called. “Reavers know what they’re doing. They’ll want to take it easy. Check their surroundings. They’ll send someone to scout the area first."

“Makes more sense just stormin’ the place, if you ask me.” Jayne grumbled.

“Well, I ain’t.” Mal replied. “Remember, we shoot on sight. Don’t want any of these things reaching Inara’s shuttle.”

Jayne nodded and moved back into place. Seconds passed into minutes. Minutes passed into hours. Jayne snorted. The captain was right. Gorramn Reavers were taking their time. Mid-bulk transport filled with nine, tasty, human sized snacks on board and they were nowhere in sight.

“Dumb-ass Reavers…” he muttered

Suddenly the airlock handle tw