DISCLAIMER: The characters and places featured in this work of fiction are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. I'm just borrowing them for a while.

River lay asleep at the foot of her bunk. A cold feeling on her cheek slowly brought her around. She groaned, checking her brow with one hand.

It was blood…

River gasped, dragging herself to her feet. She moved into the passageway separating her room from Simon’s. Anxiety built up inside. She had to find her brother.

“Simon!” River knocked on the door until her knuckles bled. There was no answer. Her breath quickened, suddenly aware of a sound coming from within the ship.

She regularly found herself wandering the decks of Serenity - an activity that would send her brother into a panic most days. This time, it was different. Something had gone wrong. The darkness called out but she couldn’t see its face.

River followed the corridor until she found herself in the cargo bay. An eerie calm filled the air.

Her eyes lingered across the bay floor. It was empty - until she saw Mal slumped against one of the containers from below.

River moved down the staircase and towards her captain. This was bu hao, but curiosity urged her forward. His face was bloody and bruised. She warily poked Mal on the shoulder. He wasn’t breathing.

River’s eyes filled up with tears. She couldn’t understand what was happening. She HAD to find her brother.

River edged backwards, unable to look away from what she was seeing. She swung around, startled by the touch of someone from behind.

River moved her hands away from her face. She was unable to focus, but realised that she now lay in the infirmary. Simon stood nearby, holding her hand.

“She’s coming around.” he declared

The crew gathered round River’s bed. Kaylee stepped forward, a look of concern on her face. “What happened?” she asked.

River lunged forward, grabbing Simon by the collar. “No!” she cried.

Simon struggled to release his sister’s grip around his neck. “It’s o