River, oh River, dear, come here, come here!

She looked around in confusion, the darkness penetrating her mind, down into her soul. "Who... I know you."

Yes, yes, yes. Good, good, good. Here are you, but where am I?

Indeed, its voice seemed to permeate from whatever it was that she was in. "Choleri, it is you."

Indeed, indeed, dear. I am somewhat surprised that you remember me. It has been so long , hasn't it? I missed you SO much.

River placed her hand gingerly to her chest. It still hurt there, from time to time. More so that her... essence was here, now. Forever. "Too soon. It still hurts. You still hurt."

I do? Then I apologize. I never meant to hurt you, River. You're my only friend.

"Choleri, why do you try to destroy us? Humans... are we really that contemptable?" Her fists clenched at her side, a tear making its way slowly, meanderingly, down one grimy cheek.

River, dear, are you crying? Let me-

"Answer the question!!!" She angerily rubbed at the offending tear with her still clenched fist.

It was all for you, River dear. Only for you. They hurt us. They hurt me. They hurt you . Why do you protect them?

"Not all of them hurt. Some heal. Some heal me. Some could heal you, if you let them. I promise."

How can I trust them? I wouldn't trust me, if I was them. Can't we just stay here?

"No. Simon. He's important to me. He's the one who heals me. He stops those who hurt me and you. He-"

He's like them! He, he, he is!!! He is just like them, he hurt me, he hurt you, he hurt us . He-

"He has atoned. Please, Choleri, believe me. He-"

They're here. River... run!

***

Mal cursed as another bullet came perilously close to his ear. A loud blast next to him, followed by a scream of pain, let him know that Zoe was doing her job. If he had the money, he'd have given her a bonus. But, since he didn't, and didn't look like he would anytime soon, he went back to shooting. Tracey and Jayne had switched sides somehow, and now Jayne