The usual disclaimer: They're not mine (though I wish Jayne was), and I'm making no $$$ off of this.

Credit for the plot bunny goes to my husband Andy. Thanks, Baby!

Feedback is greatly appreciated! Leave me lots, good or bad. Your encouragement/criticism is what keeps me going. :)

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Another job had gone south, and Mal had yelled over the comm. for River to have the ship ready to go as soon as they returned. Simon manned the control panel for the cargo hold doors waiting for River's signal to open her up, and Kaylee was tweaking Serenity's engine to make sure the ship wouldn't balk on takeoff.

He was surprised then, when his sister came clattering down the stairs. "River! You're supposed to be on the bridge!"

She shot him a wild look then yelled, "Too many of them...they're going to need help. Now open the doors, and get out of the way!" He hit the button, then she pushed him towards the stairs, "Get up there!" Simon hastily climbed up the stairs, and into Kaylee who'd heard the shouting. They stood by, and watched events unfold.

As the doors opened, Mal, Jayne, and Zoe sped in on the mule, with the men after them too close on their tails to shake. The men hopped off of their motorbikes and streamed after the crew into the cargo bay with guns blazing. While Mal and Jayne returned fire, Zoe dragged the goods off the back of the mule. It was fragile cargo, and with all the bullets flying around, they couldn't afford for it to be damaged.

That's when River got into the action. She leapt off the staircase rail and pummeled the nearest gunman, then with a flurry of kicks, ducks, and dives, took out two more. Just as the crew was getting the upper hand, River got caught in the crossfire and a bullet found its way to her, piercing her through the throat. It struck her carotid artery, and a torrent of blood began spray out, and down the front of her dress.

"River!" Simon yelled, then realized too late that he'd made a grave mistake. The gunmen, who had