See Ch1 for Disclaimers.

Thanks to Neroli for the beta help.

Chapter 2: Consequences

Chinese Glossary

Tianna – Oh god

Jien tah du guai – like hell

nien ching duh – little girl

Mal walked into the passenger's dorm carrying a tray of food for River. Zoe had informed him that Simon had refused to leave his sister's side all day and he figured the girl could use a break by now. Conveniently, his mission also allowed him to avoid the crew's discussion of the day's events.

He knocked lightly on the door to River's room before entering. "Preacher cooked a good dinner. You'd better go and get some before Jayne eats it all," Mal told the boy.

Simon looked up at him groggily from his position on the floor beside the bed. "I should stay here in case River needs something."

Mal rolled his eyes. River was right, her brother was a boob. "You won't be able to help anyone by not eating or sleeping. Besides, River looks like she's taking a nap her ownself. I'm sure I can manage to keep an eye on her till you get back."

Simon looked back at his sister. After verifying that she was sleeping, he nodded grudgingly. "You're right, of course. I won't be long."

Mal waved at him dismissively. "Take as long as you need. Preacher already volunteered for the night shift." Simon nodded and finally left the room slowly.

Mal set the tray down on the nightstand and then slid the paper door shut. "All right girl, you can stop playing possum. He's gone now." River obeyed his command which worried him almost as much as her earlier behavior. After taking a seat in the room's only chair, he addressed her again. "Do you want to talk first or eat?" River just continued to stare at the nightstand without answering.

"Fine then, talk it is. If you'd like, you can pick the subject," Mal prompted. He continued to speak after receiving no response, "Kaylee told me what happened. I have to say, I wi