based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

============================================

The Commander had wanted a briefing as soon as Mal, Zoe, and Cat had returned from the attack, and Mal did his best to spin a yarn believable, but a complete fabrication. Oh, some of it was true, but most involved grenades and other such things that neither were present or around at the time. In no way was Cat mentioned except how she had fought valiantly, yet remaining completely human.

Cat stayed for a little while, but then her long legs began to cramp and something told her she needed to run, or at least get some air. Into the shadows of the Mule and tents she slipped and then was gone. Only one other person watched her go and after a few minutes followed suit.

"Where are you going?" A voice behind her didn't startle Cat, she had heard the rustle of the grass and the scurry of a few bugs from the path of a boot. Noises normal people wouldn't have heard.

"A run. Clear my head." She growled low aware that Zoe had questions and she wasn't sure what answers she could provide.

"I saw you tonight or at least I think it was you." Her face held a dark shadow and Cat sighed before continuing.

"I'm not human, at least not all and yes, what you saw was real. You're not going crazy." Cat turned and Zoe jumped at the glowing eyes and fangs.

It took a moment for her to catch a breath before speaking. "Not sure how sane I am..." Cat gave her a questioning look. "Still letting you in my camp and hiding your secret from my Sarge."

"You are more than welcome to tell Mal." Cat said it, but part of her feared something she couldn't place. "He should know what dwells beside him each night."

"Been with Mal for four years now. Ain't never seen him take to a woman like he has you. Rather scary now that I know what you are."

"It's okay to call me a monster, Zoe." Cat let her eyes and fangs ebb so she looked like her human self, both finding a large boulder to sit on.

"Those creatures who attack