Thanks to all who have taken the time to comment on the previous four chapters. It's appreciated. And thanks to Jacqui for the suggestions throughout.

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon et al own the characters, ‘verse and everything else in them. I’m only playing with his toys and not making a single bit of credit off this.

Rating: Teen and up for language

Summary: finding your way can take you to all kinds of places. Post-BDM.

Chapter five

“Shepherd Book once told me: if you can’t do somethin’ smart, do somethin’ right.”

The words echoed through Mal’s head as River took the ship through Harvest’s atmosphere. He could see Jayne sitting at the head of the table, taking a deep drink to muster the courage to face the truth of Mal’s little speech then sliding the bottle to Simon. That was about as close to friendly as he figured Jayne would get to the Doc.

This little adventure was about as far from smart as he could get. Wasn’t sure if it was right neither, but it was Jayne and crew wasn’t about right or smart. It was about faith.

River had been right those few days ago in the kitchen. Book, too.

He shoved away the memory of Book’s bloody hand tightly gripping the back of Mal’s head as he slotted another bullet into the clip. He wasn’t entirely looking for a fight, but figured a little paranoia might not be inappropriate.

“Sir, we’re almost on ground.” Zoe stood in front of Mal as each prepared themselves in the cargo hold. Her words were a statement, but her eyes asked the question: Is this going to work without anyone else dying?

Mal took a longer than normal look down the sightline of his gun. He twirled it twice before holstering it. Staring now at his first mate, they spoke the silent words of soldiers prepping for battle. Both knew that anything could happen, and usually did. “C’mon,” Mal broke with, “let’s call the troops.”

“Simon?” Kaylee tentatively called into his bunk. “Si-” She stopped mid-word as he stepped in front of t