Freya started down the stairs to the cargo bay when she heard her name being called.

“Freya?”

She looked up. “Hey, ‘Nara. You need something?”

“I can’t fix … could you come and help?”

“Sure.” Freya smiled and went back up the metal steps and along to shuttle one. She followed the Companion inside, somewhat surprised to see River sitting on the bed. “So, what do you need fixing?” she asked.

“You,” Inara said.

“What?” Freya was as surprised as she could be. “Me?”

“Mal asked me to speak to you.”

Freya shook her head forcefully, wagging her finger. “No, no. We are not having this conversation.” She turned to leave, and found River had moved silently between her and the door. “River, get out of my way.”

“Need to talk,” the young psychic said. “To tell.”

“River, I don’t want to hurt you,” Freya said, moving forward until there was barely an inch between them.

“You need to tell,” the girl insisted, her dark eyes seeming to reach deep into Freya’s psyche.

“Oh, qingwa cao de liumang ,” Freya said angrily.

“Mal wants to know why you’re avoiding him,” Inara said to her back. “What he’s done.”

Freya turned. “Nothing!” she insisted. “He’s not done anything. It’s just … I've not been sleeping well, probably the after effects of that bug, and I thought a few nights in the guest quarters would do me good.”

“Lying,” River said, sitting back on the bed and drawing her bare feet up under her.

“Is that why she’s here?” Freya said sharply, glaring at the young girl.

“Freya, please,” Inara said. “Why don’t you sit down?”

Freya exhaled heavily through her nose, but sat on the sofa.

“Dreams,” River whispered.

Inara spoke quietly. “Is that it?”

“ Nee ta ma duh tyen-shia suo-yp duh num doh gai si ,” Freya breathed.

“I take it she’s right?”

“Yes.” Freya sat back. “I've been dreaming. Every night.”

“We all dream, Frey.”

“Not like this. They’re so … real.”

“So … what are they about?”

“Sex,” River put in.

“Damn it, River!” Freya