With apologies to the Mal/Inara 'shippers (of whom I am one). It's only a story – and not even one of Joss'.

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CHECK MATE: A different strategy.

This chapter and the next overlap with "If the coat fits" posted here a few months back.

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Light as a ghost, River follows them as they carry the body into the infirmary. Mal supporting the head and shoulders, Jayne holding the legs. She lets out a hiss as if in pain as they lay it down on the exam table. “It hurt.”

Simon is mortified. There are times when, much as he loves her, he'd like to duct-tape his sister's mouth shut. Mal seems not to have heard but all the same Simon grabs River by the shoulders and tries to push her out of the room. “Shh, mei-mei. Don't ...” Don't make it worse. Don't use that unnatural gift of yours to channel her dying thoughts. I can't bear it. He can't bear it. Shouldn't have to.

“The wanting,” River attempts to clarify as he shuts the door on her.

Mal cocks his head to one side and frowns. “Not sure this is her, Jayne.” He shakes his head. “Not in this light. Mouth's all wrong.”

Simon's blood runs cold. Ofcourse it's her. Those are her clothes, her jewellery. Who in the diyu else would it be? Granted, she's battered and bloodied and her eyelids have swollen shut but there can be no doubt. Not unless you have a desperate need to believe otherwise.

Mal folds his arms high across his chest, tucking his hands into his armpits. “No. Definitely not her. Can't be. You ever see her wear this thing?”

Only a few times, Mal, but yes, I've seen her wear it, Simon wants to tell him. Only he doesn't. The thought that he might be the one to burst the Captain's bubble is too painful. The truth will hit him soon enough. Slam into him and flatten him with its horror. For now, let him cling to his disbelief.

“I'll..I'll clean her up. If you like.” Simon offers, more because doing something – anything – is better than simply standing here, looking at the ruin of that beautiful, graceful woman he considered