They were just outside of Boros, when the drugs began to lose hold.

Simon had feared that this would essentially happen. Despite the progress that River had made in the last two years or so, it was only a matter of time before her immune system had built up a tolerance in her system. The drugs that were helping her progress were no longer having an effect on her, and she was back to her old ways. Tearing up cargo, speaking in rhymes and hidden meanings and beginning to become a danger to the crew and to herself. Once again, Simon was back at the table in the dining area, going over his notes and beating himself up for not doing everything that he could. He had just checked off the last name on the list of available anti-psychotics and medication that he had used on River. He was beginning to run out of ideas.

Tiredly, he shut his notebooks and turned off his digitexts and headed back to his and Kaylee’s bunk. He was surprised that she had remained so patient with him since they had been married. He promised that he’d make it up to her for spending so much time away with River. He was even more surprised to see a note taped on the hatch to their bunk. He tore it off the door and squinted from the light of the icicles she had adorned over the frame to read it.

Simon

Went to ‘Nara’s shuttle for late night tea and chat. See ya soon.

Kaylee

He smiled, knowing that she wouldn’t be too angry for being away from her tonight. He headed back down the hallway, past the kitchen and towards the cargo bay. As he walked, he saw Jayne on the weights with Book spotting him. He couldn’t exactly make out what they were saying, although he thought he heard the terms “rook”, “bishop” “knight” as well as “the pointy diagonal guy”, “the straight castle dude” and the “gorram pony.” He chuckled to himself as he went over to Inara’s shuttle and knocked.

After a few moments, as well as a few clinks from the other side of the door, the door opened and Inara was standing there, looking