I originally posted the first part separately, but the story turned out to be short enough to publish as a single entry. People who want to skip what's already been posted can click here

This story takes place Post-BDM, about three years after Miranda, or at the end of season five of Firefly in my imaginary world where the series didn't get cancelled. This is a standalone story, a prequel to . Standard disclaimers; the verse belongs to Joss Whedon, I'm just excited to be here. Any and all comments are very welcome.

"I am a leaf on the wind. I am a leaf on the wind. Gorramit, it worked for Wash, why not me! Come on, focus. I am a leaf on the gorram wind."

River was, in fact, piloting exceptionally well. She deftly sent Serenity through graceful loops and sudden switchbacks, but even she was starting to run out of tricks. Their pursuer had planned this ambush well. There was no place to run to, no masses to use for cover. The pilot of the pursuing ship was not as skilled as River, but his ship could push out more acceleration for longer periods. For all his planning, he had not expected River's skill, or that a fifty year old transport would be sporting a mil-spec ECM suite. Still, he was slowly but surely closing the distance to where he could tag Serenity with an EMP and end the chase.

The real danger, as far as River was concerned, was from inside Serenity. Her psychic abilities had saved her and the crew more than a few times, but now they were a nearly disabling distraction. The storm of emotions coming from shuttle one threatened to shatter her lucid state. It was taking precious mental resources for River to shield herself, and she needed all her faculties focused on the task at hand.

A new wave of pain mixed with fear and love crashed against River's psyche. For an instant, her control shattered. She jerked in the pilot's chair as she cried out, sending a shudder through the ship. In the few se