These updates are just getting further and further apart, aren't they? I know, it's a failing of mine. Coupled with the fairly stark lack of inspiration I've been suffering, it's been understandably rough going. I still have every intention of finishing this. It's just going to take a while.

First of all, I have to give a shout-out to Mal4Prez, both as an inspiration for, and for providing the backdrop of, the next portion of the story. Niflheim is too good not to use again, and credit ought be given where credit is due. Way to make an unforgettable world, Mal4Prez! Also, please don't be too angry if the next one looks at first blush a bit similar to TFJ. I've had this plotline for a while, and I don't want you to think I'm stealing your stories.

Thirdly, you'll probably notice that this chapter is arguably the least violent one I've ever wrote, with the solitary exception of when Jacob gets slugged. It's also the smuttiest one yet, with content definitely NC-17 right at the end. If you're sensitive to that sort of stuff, you can read right up until the last chapterlet, because that's where all of it's stuffed.

Serenity, Firefly, and the 'Verse are property of Joss Whedon, Niflheim is the creation of Mal4Prez, and all the rest I claim in the name of Fatherland!

Feedback is love: Spread the love, man...

Quiet Emptiness

The clamor in the cargo bay was intense, with the crowds outside milling about in the early evening, likely in response to one of the hundred or so celebrations that the locals threw for pretty much no conceivable reason. Why they felt the need to celebrate one of those holidays at the foot of Legacy's ramp was anybody's guess, but it made for a festive atmosphere on the ship, which was especially a blessing considering the circumstances.

"Good lord, how can you lift that?" Fiona asked, leaning on the stairs and watching as Sylvia set the weights back onto their rest. Sylvia gave her face a quick swipe with her towel before turning to the young woman.

"Repetition. Keep lif