Part 3

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Ella woke for breakfast the next morning. She got dressed and ready, stepped out and was face to face with River.

“You wanted someone. Someone to talk to. I’m here. We’re friends.”

“Yeah, we are, and I will.”

“I’m sorry. About Wash. I’m sorry I couldn’t see it.

“Oh, River no. Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t your fault. No one could have seen it coming, not even a psychic. Dong ma?”

“I weird, isn’t it? Seeing them together.”

“Yeah, my whole life she seemed so lonely. But here, now, it’s wonderful. I never thought I’d see this.”

Their conversation was cut short by Kaylee walking up.

“Hey girls, what’s goin’ on?”

“Just conversing with Ella.”

“But I thought her name was Allie?”

“Oh, it is, we’re just playing, right River?”

“Playing--engaging in fun or joyful activity.”

“Right…so you guys want some breakfast? I know you’re the cook and all now, Allie, but Shepard Book left us some nice fruits if you guys want some.”

“Thanks,” Ella replied.

Kaylee left the girls alone again and Ella turned to River and stepped in close.

“So, are Simon and Kaylee…yet?”

“Not yet.”

The girls giggled and headed to the kitchen. There Wash and Zoë were sitting at the table. Ella loved watching them interact with each other, they were so different but they complimented each other so well. She was a warrior, always in the action. He was a pilot, always staying behind with the ship. They were so beautiful together. Ella’s thoughts were soon interrupted by the Captain.

“Hey, girl. Come here for a second, will ya? There’s something I need to discuss with ya.”

Ella followed the Captain to his bunk.

“I’m sorry for draggin’ you down here. It’s such a mess, I just wanted to talk to ya private like.”

“It’s fine Captain. What’s on yer mind?”

“Miranda. That’s the planet, right?”

“Yeah, sir, it is,”

“If we get proper supplies, armor and such. Dress her up like a Reaver ship. We could do it. From the way it sounds of your story we just had to go with what we h