Mom

1

Simon slowly climbed the steps to the ship’s control room. He had become, over the last few months, accustomed to the idea of his sister steering the boat. Seeing River there at the wheel no longer filled him with dread. It was good for her – kept her mind focused on something besides her mind. She had gotten them out of several tight spots and managed to avoid any contact with Alliance cruisers. He was sure that this had more to do with her cognitive abilities than her flying prowess. He sat down at the consol next to her and looked out at the stars. Her feet curled in toward her on the chair, she stared out without turning to look at him.

“Just visiting…You don’t know yet. How would you?” She said in a far off voice.

Simon turned to her.

“How would I know what, River?”

“Guess it’s just a matter of time before Mal figures it out. I tried to be subtle. You should know before he does. I’ll need you on my side for this one.”

Simon closed his eyes. He didn’t know what it was, but it had to be big.

“River, what have you done?”

“Not me. Them. They took mother. Left father for some reason. I don’t understand the big picture quite yet.” She furrowed her brow, trying to force the answer.

Simon jumped up.

“River, what do you mean? Who took mother?”

The lines on her face disappeared.

“Blue”, she said matter of factly.

“Well, actually, they she’s not with them yet. She’s…waiting.”

Simon had moved away from the consol, closer to her.

“How would you know that?” he asked.

She put her head down, her hair covering her face.

“Back on Persephone. Man following us got too close. He knows. I got it from him.”

“A man following us…”

Simon’s tone suggested that this was important information. Information River should have shared hours ago.

“Don’t worry, “she said, “He couldn’t take us. Just wanted to know that we were there. I haven’t put it all together yet.”

“Still, you should have – again, I’m going