Disclaimer: This story is in no way meant to infringe on the rights of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, or 20th Century Fox. Just wanted to have a bit of fun with these characters is all. Please don’t sue me.

Oh, and if you’re gonna archive this, please have the courtesy to ask me first.

Rated PG-13 for graphic descriptions and a few Chinese cuss words.

“Point of No Return, Part I”

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Jayne squinted. It wasn’t all that bright, even though it was straight up noon, and the sun seemed to lean all its weight on this dry valley. It was sure windy, though, and the dust swirled, playfully at first, then with more what seemed like malice. Jayne felt a tickle in his eyes and nostrils. He sneezed loudly, nearly losing his grip on the crate he was hauling up the cargo ramp.

Book was passing him on the way down, and seeing the trouble the big man was having, scrambled to take hold of one end of the heavy box. “‘Take my yoke upon you,’” grinned the preacher, unable to help himself. “‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’”

“Whatever,” Jayne sniffed. Embarrassed at having to get help, he looked around to see if anyone was watching. Everyone had something better to do, and that suited him just fine. In the cargo hold he saw Simon help Wash take a load off the mule. Jayne noted the doctor’s very slight limp, a fading but still-haunting reminder of Jubal Early. Behind him he heard Mal talking with the governor, and Kaylee was next to him. Even River made herself useful by helping Zoe stock the crates.

“That should be the last of it,” the Gov was saying as he handed Mal a white cloth bag. “Here’s half what we agreed on, and the other half you’ll get on delivery.” The captain weighed the bag in his hand, then passed it to Kaylee. “I sent ‘em word you’d be around about this time tomorrow.”

“We should make it a few hours before then,” Mal returned.

“Very well, very well,” smiled the governor as he extended his hand. “We thank you kindly, Mister Reynolds. Before you go, can we offer you and you