The Last One

by

22 Claws

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Chapter Four

Showdown

Serenity tears through the black, faster and stronger than ever. River is at the helm.

River coughs, then wipes her nose. She doesn’t feel particularly strong, today. It’s been eight days since Tera. River is sick.

It turns out, mortal combat with immortal monsters and super heroes takes its toll. Oh well. Keep, sniff, flying.

“Hey kid.” Jayne says. He just crept onto the bridge.

“Jayne.” River’s response is filled with relief and gladness. “It’s really good to have you back.” Jayne smiles.

“Yeah, good to be back.

So, what are we doin’ now?” He asks.

River addresses her instruments a moment, then turns to answer, smiling: “Now, we go get Zoe and Inara.”

“That’s good.” He says. “Bring the family together, circle the wagons.”

“That’s the plan.” She says.

“You done quite a bit of scrappin’ these past few. How you handlin’ on that?” He asks.

River tries to smile, and replies: “As best as I can.”

“Well--” He says. “--we’re still flying.”

“Yes.” She answers simply.

“That gal in the garden--” Jayne starts. “--Run-tse duh fwo-tzoo, that’s the craziest shit I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen plenty.”

“That was all a terrible misunderstanding. She’s not evil.” River insists.

“So I been told.

I’ve been curious.” Jayne says.

“Why did she give you so much trouble?” He asks.

“She’s a super hero.” River says, sniffing.

Jayne frowns and fidgets, then continues: “I get that she’s really strong. And, her reflexes are the best I’ve ever seen; but, she’s can’t be faster than you.”

“She isn’t.” River confirms.

“Then, what was the problem?” Jayne asks.

“You want details?” She asks. Jayne shrugs.

“Her initial attacks were simple. Speed and strength. I used method defenses.

Then, she got serious. Every time I started to adjust, she switched styles. Each attack more sophisticated than the last. I identified at least ten different martial arts disciplines. She changed her rhythms and styles to disrupt m