Alright, I'll admit it, my muse has abandoned me. So, see this as an interlude before I can write the really kick ass ending that you all deserve. Reviews make it easier to write goodness!! Sorry for taking so long! Enjoy.

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Inara finished packing her silks into the last wooden box, rocked back on her heels, and sighed. The sound echoed forlornly in the empty space, and a shudder shook through her body. The shuttle had been her home for so long...she was losing her sanctuary. And, apparently, her sanity. Pushing herself up to her feet, she shook her head to banish the niggling sense of unease that had been bothering her since she had made her decision to leave.

Why would I want to leave Serenity?

The words came back to haunt her, repeating over and over in her head like some sick chorus until she wanted to scream. Oddly enough, the only time she truly heard any peace from herself was when she was at Mal's side. She refused to see that as a sign. It would be too dangerous if she did.

Mal. She'd been gone an hour. Every minute from him felt like an eternity, but this was something she had to do...she kicked the wooden box as if to prove her point. Sighing again, she turned from her stacks of boxes and went looking for Jayne.

Inara found the mercenary in the kitchen, rifling through her food locker, of all places.

"Ahem." she coughed delicately. He spun around guiltily, crumbs falling en masse from his lips, open wrapper crinkling in his hand.

"Oh, hi 'Nara," he muttered through a full mouth. Chewing messily, he swallowed with a loud gulped and gave her an angry look. "Dontcha know it's dangerous to sneak up on me? 'Coulda killed ya."

"Somehow I don't think that's possible Jayne, as you're elbow deep in my locker," she shook her head. "My boxes are all packed."

"I'll take 'em down to the cargo bay for ya then," he grunted, wiping his mouth on his arm and shoving the last of her food back into her locker. "Mal woulda let