Breaking Even

based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

By the time they were free of the complex and headed to the closest planet for refuel and supplies, Simon had removed the bullet from Mal and he was stable for the time being. Not completely out of the woods, though, and that scared Cat.

She had sat with him until her stomach had basically begun finding other things to digest, these being her lining, and backbone. River had volunteered to sit with Mal so she could at least find an apple or stale biscuit from the kitchen.

Pale lights cast shadows as her mouth watered, the hard tack reminding her of the war. Something in the air made her stiffen as she found her voice. “You gonna use that gun, Zoe or just stand and point it at me all day?”

Mal's second in command simply drew back the hammer. “Depends on you, Cat . Got your blood lust satisfied for a bit, but for how long.” The warrior woman skipped a beat before continuing. “You act like you did in that village and I will kill you, whether the captain wants me to or not.”

“I respect that.” Cat turned so she could face her, the dark skinned beauty always distrusting of her. “I'm glad someone else besides 'Ski can.”

Zoe lowered the gun, the hammer clicking slightly as it returned to a safe place. “Just so you understand me.” She turned to leave, but stopped. “How did you know it was me?”

“I can still smell the War on you as well as Mal. Gunpowder and explosives used to slaughter families and friends. Burnt flesh and blood from kids who should have been getting their first kiss instead of their final bullet.” Her eyes had turned dark again, and she spoke again. “How much did you see?”

“Can still hear the screams and see the women running to protect their children.” Zoe turned away from her, blinking a stray tear from her eye. “I can remember bits of the war, our battles. Can recall a lot of it, but that night, that village...it's like It happened yesterday.”

“But you never told him.”

“He loves you. Even after y