River was in the corner of shuttle two, hunched up, her knees drawn as tightly into her chest as she could manage.

“ Mei-mei ?” Inara hurried inside and knelt next to her.

“Pain,” the young psychic said. “So much pain.”

“Who, River?”

“Freya.” She looked up and Inara was shocked. Sweat soaked the girl’s hair, and her face was white as she trembled. “She’s trying not to scream, but I can hear her.” She tapped her temple. “In here.”

Mal stood in the doorway. “What the hell’s going on?” he demanded, then saw River. “What is it?”

“Freya … they’re hurting her … hurting …” She was panting so hard, trying to breathe, trying to block the sensations of bones breaking, of flesh parting …

“Where is she?” he managed to ask. “Do you know where she is?”

“No …”

Inara tried to hold her. “River, you have to –“

“Can’t see. Only pain. Only –“ She stiffened, then moaned, clutching tightly at her body.

Jethro stepped into the shuttle. “River?”

“No,” River grunted, her whole body jerking, and she screamed. “No!”

“Dear God …” Jethro leaned forward. “What’s happening?”

“She’s … she’s linked to Freya psychically.” Inara glanced up at him. “She can’t let go.”

River groaned, hardly able to think.

Mal swallowed. “What … what are they doing?” he asked. “What are they doing to my wife?”

River shook her head, trembling violently, then sprang to her feet and ran out of the shuttle, the others following as fast as they could. But the girl was quicker. She passed Jayne and her brother on the catwalk, just running, trying to get away from the pain, trying to hide from the torture …

“River!” Simon shouted, chasing her into the infirmary.

She was on the floor, pulling drawers out, her hands scrabbling amongst the contents, trying to find something to make it stop. Her brother grabbed for her and she kicked him away, but that gave Jayne the chance to take hold of her, pinning her arms, holding her close.

“Better do something, doc,” he said, fighting to keep he