***This isn't beta so there's mistakes a plenty.****

“River what are you doing it’s freezing out here?” Simon asked shivering.

“Counting the stars.” She whispered. River little fingers danced in the sky as she counted.

“You can’t count the stars River, there’s too many.”

“I could if you stop talking and help me.” River replied continuing counting.

Simon took off his jacket and wrapped it around his little sister. He took a deep breath and started counting.

*****

Mal gazed out the window of the ship. He couldn’t believe that he was leaving his home. He always believed that he would die on the same dirt his father, his father’s father, did. But they saw that wouldn’t likely be happening. As Shadow grew smaller and smaller and the vastness of space surrounded him he got the overwhelming feeling of loneliness. Then a star caught his eye. He wondered it that was the exact star he wished on when he was 11 that he would get to second base with Suzie Thompkins. Then he noticed another star that was the star he wished on when he was 14 that his Momma didn’t find out about him and Claudette Yen. Mal noticed a really bright star, which seemed to stand out from the rest. He knew that one was the one that him and his Momma wished on every night to chase the darkness away. He closed his eyes and made a wish. All of a sudden Mal didn’t feel so lonely, Shadow didn’t seem so small, and he was going to win this war.

******

Zoë held her eyes closed tightly, she didn’t want to open them. She let her father talk her into going on a space walk with him, today. As her feet lifted off the ship, Zoe longed for the security of gravity and she vowed never to take it for granted.

“Open your eyes sweetheart.” Her father said over the com.

Zoe shook her head no. The idea of nothingness frightened her to no end. Her father tapped on her helmet.

“Come on. I’ve never known you to be scared of anything Zoe Alleyene.”

Zoe held her eyes shut even tighter. “I’m not scared, Colonel.”

“Then open your eyes.”

Zoe finally gave in