Title: Out Of The Black, Into The Sun

Author: Merrov (Gypsy Lupin-Black on Fanfiction.net)

Disclaimer: River and all the other wonderful characters belong to the god Joss Whedon. I am making no money off this. Just trying to spread the Firefly goodness around!

This is dedicated to the strongest, most wonderful little spirit I ever knew, taken at only 4 months of age, but with me always.

Chapter 2: Persephone

Persephone was a strange place. Chaotic, yet everyone seemed to have a purpose. River wasn't really sure what to make of all the different people and impressions as she rode on the back of the mule to get engine parts with Kaylee. Simon hadn't wanted her to leave the ship at all, but everyone else had things to do. Kaylee said she could use the extra hands, and before Simon could say no again, River was sitting on the back of the mule, goggles down, kitten in the leather satchel over her shoulders. Both River and the kitten had turned and stared at Simon, as if daring him to tell them to get off. Simon had thrown up his hands and told them to be careful, earning a kiss on the cheek from Kaylee before they left the ship.

Mal had come up to the bridge while River and Wash were landing. He'd watched silently for a moment, then reminded River that Persephone was going to be a different place now that the Alliance's big secret was out. River had just nodded. She knew that already.

Boxes, boxes, crates, crates, cartons, and more boxes! Finally the mule was loaded, and Kaylee handed over the coins. River took stock of the mule as she climbed on top of the highest crate. The back end of the mule was sunk much closer to the ground then it should have been. It would be a slower ride back to Serenity. River found that she didn’t really mind. Kaylee started the mule and they eased out of the warehouse and into the crowded streets of the Evesdown Docks. River smiled as she looked around, taking in everything the crowd was doing.

Feelings, impressions, actions, reactions, they were all connected and