Of White Lights and Dark Tunnels

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based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

The tunnel was a dark one, void of any light save one solitary lamp posted above her head. Mostly, it was dank and smelt a little bit like 'Ski's feet after he ripped them out of his combat boots. Not really a smell she'd associate with death, though it could bring on death fits if they were ripe enough. Cat had heard of the near death experiences, almost everyone ever in the war had had one or more to tell about, but if she remembered her stories right when not drunk off her ass on smuggled whiskey brought in by a violet eyed girl, they had always involved a bright light and voices calling to you. Wouldn't it figure she'd get a flickering lamp and a smelly tunnel.

She leaned against the wall and then just let herself slip down it, placing her hands on her knees and her head in her hands. Her mind flipped from what Mal would do without her to what would her partner do without her. It boggled her mind that not eleven years back she had no thoughts of anyone else, but her assignments and her creators. In a way, at least it was easier.

A sound echoed from one end of the tunnel as a small round pebble skipped by her and disappeared into the dark. After another breath, River came out of the shadows and took a seat next to Cat. They sat for a second, River mimicking how she was seated before Cat spoke.

“So come here often?”

“You're not allowed to die.” River said deadpanned.

“Me, too. Love the ambiance.” Cat smiled at her.

“I am depending on you.”

“Shouldn't. You need to depend on you.”

“You understand what they do not.”

“And that makes me dependable. It may just mean we're both completely crazy. How many people do you know that can wipe out a regiment of soldiers without breaking a sweat?”

“Me and you and 'Ski...”

“...when he's lucky...” They both said in unison.

“Huh?! Not as much fun to tease him when he ain't around to rea