Disclaimer: As ever, this place belongs to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and whoever else is on the contracts. I am so happy to be able to visit.

One more part to come. This journey is almost over. I would appreciate knowing if this story is getting posted elsewhere.

Carl saw movement behind the Reavers. He swung his rifle to take aim then saw it was Mal. The business end of a pistol nosed around. He nudged Willem.

“Look, Cap’n’s over behind the Reavers.”

The two men aimed at the rocks where the Reavers hid and were rewarded with two targets in reaction to a shot from behind. They quickly aimed and shot two. A few minutes later, the Captain dropped to the ground next to them.

“Good to see ya, Mal.” Carl didn’t take his eyes off the trail.

“Right happy to see…” Mal quickly looked around, alarm rising in him. “Where’re Inara and Suze? The boy?”

Phil turned to him, pain and fear in his eyes. His right arm was bound and tied close to his body with a sling. Blood stained the dirty cloth. “Got separated when them bastards caught up. Carl and the kids came ahead to see if this was passable. We got turned back twice by rockslides that blocked the way. I shooed the women on while I followed. They musta gone up the wrong track coupla hundred yards back. Didn’t know ‘til I got here with them hot on my heels.”

Mal looked towards the way they had come, not wanting them to see his own fear. He took a deep breath before turning back to them.

“Okay, y’all go on to the river and get across. There’s about ten of ‘em left. If we’re lucky, there won’t be more’n a few together at once. At the moment, they’re probably spread out all over these canyons lookin’ for us.” He smiled without humor. “Or, we could have all of ‘em here in thirty seconds.”

“I’m comin’ with you!” Phil leaned forward, voice low and urgent.

“No.” The Captain left no room for argument. He glanced up to check the sun’s location. “We’ve about ‘n hour of light left. Y’all get going. I’ll find ‘em and me