Boone aimed at Freya but looked at and spoke to Zoe. “Let’s see how you like watching her die in front of you.”

A shot rang through the superstructure.

-

A little while earlier …

Immediately the EMP pulse hit River knew what was going to happen, as clearly as if she was remembering the future. Even in the pitch black she could feel the shape of Serenity, and it was only the work of a moment to run through the infirmary doors into the common area then up into the cargo bay. Jayne’s aura gave him away, standing facing the doors.

Jayne.

“They’re coming,” he said, not turning.

“I know.”

He looked down at Vera in his hands, even though he couldn’t see her. “Can we fight ‘em off?”

“Not like that.”

“Then what?” He felt a hand on his arm, directing him to one side even as there was the sound of someone else coming into the bay.

Freya swore as her shin connected with something in the dark, but she located the cages quickly enough.

Jayne opened his mouth to speak, but River’s hand tightened.

We gonna be doing something the cap wouldn’t approve of? he thought carefully.

Definitely.

He grinned in the darkness. Good.

Freya hurried back to the infirmary, lanterns in her hands.

“Help me,” River whispered.

“Moonbrain, I can’t see a gorram thing. Just ‘cause you ate your carrots like a good girl when you was a kid –“ He stopped as there was the sound of something cracking, and a green glow developed in his wife’s hands. “That’s my crazy River,” he muttered, seeing the light reflect from her teeth as she smiled at his endearment.

“Here. We will need more.” She handed him another half a dozen, and they quickly activated them, spreading them around the cargo bay.

“Now what?” he asked.

She lifted the lid of the EVA suit locker. “Help me,” she repeated.

It didn’t take long to dress in the suits, but something was troubling Jayne. “You sure your bro don’t need you?”

“Kaylee is with him. Quickly, they’re – ” There was a