This is the second installment, still no idea on a title. Feedback really appreciated.

All characters but the panther belong to Joss Whedon; the panther belongs to Alison Dobell, from her "The Pursuit Series", borrowed with permission and much gratitude!

Not real sure where this is going yet, and it isn't beta'd, so please be gentle!!

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Zoë moved to the weapons locker and silently began strapping up. There was no telling what they’d find when they caught up with Mal, and she wasn’t of a mind to try and decipher any of River’s cryptic riddles. Better to be armed than not.

The rest of the crew trickled onto the bridge, Kaylee and Inara both wondering aloud at all the fuss, and the panther snarled as River breathed, “Hurry.”

Shepherd Book laid a calming hand on Blackie’s head and directed his words to both the mechanic and the companion. “Mal ran into trouble.”

Zoë elaborated before anyone could respond. “Captain’s hurt. We’re goin’ after him. Jayne.”

The big mercenary looked over at her, for once keeping his mouth shut on any smart-assed remarks. “Yeah?”

“Get your weapons. Don’t know what’s goin’ on yet; rather be safe than sorry.”

Jayne nodded once and headed aft for his bunk.

“Kaylee, I want you standin’ by the ramp, ready to open her up, but first I want you to prep the mule. We might need it. Simon, be ready in the infirmary. ‘Nara, you might want to help him.”

Inara nodded wordlessly and followed Simon out the door. Book looked at Zoë. “I’d like to go with you. I’m a fair hand with the mule, and can help you with Mal, if there’s a need.”

Zoë nodded. “I ain’t gonna try to talk you out of it, Preacher. You’ve proven yourself before.”

“Follow the river,” the young psychic whispered. “Follow me.”

Zoë didn’t know if River was talking to them or not. Given that she had said that Mal called her, she could just as easily be talking to him, anchoring him in the here and no