Dopplegängland by debxena

RATING: PG

CHARACTER: River

SPOILERS: Objects in Space

FEEDBACK: This is by far the longest of the Fireflyfic stories I've done (sitting at just over 1000 words). I'd really like feedback for this.

NOTES: Written for neongraal as part of the Fireflyfic Challenge. There is another note at the end; please don't read it until you've finished the story.

THANKS: to willshenillshe for a very thorough beta; and to kallysten for a read-through and encouragement.

We're all just floating.

There was a strange voice in her head. Not a voice she remembered; not her own. Not from the academy. It was both near and distant; it spoke to her sleeping mind and then fell still. She awoke with a start and quietly slipped out of bed, slid into her dress.

Standing next to the rumpled covers, she stretched her body upwards - fingertips pointing high and bare feet poised beneath. Listening within herself, she heard only silence. Listening outside herself, she heard the low rumble of Serenity's engines, and distant familiar voices.

So I'm dreaming again. Just floating. Hello Serenity - you look different in my sleep. At least - is this a dream?

Silently, she left her room and walked up the corridor, heading toward the external voices she could hear. Entering the common area, she saw Simon and Kaylee sprawled on couches, laughing and relaxed as they talked to each other. She walked up to them, waited for them to see her, but they didn't pause. She smiled at them, shyly, but they kept on talking.

Maybe I'm a ghost. No one sees me here. But I can still touch your walls, Serenity. So I'm real. Not a ghost.

Then the laughter stopped, and they turned to look at her. There was no merriment in their eyes anymore.

"I would be there right now," her brother said, before turning back to Kaylee and resuming his conversation and laughter. Stricken, River left, padding quickly up the stairs. The coolness of Serenity's steel under her