On Board Serenity

Ten Hours Out From Persephone

The silence on the ship was shattered by the pounding of Wash’s boots as he raced out of the Bridge and bounded down the hallway. He tore through the kitchen, through the far hatch, and skidded to a stop at the entrance to the engine room, nearly running into Togan, who sat on the stairs leading down into the room. The engineer looked up at him, startled.

“Wo de ma!” he shouted, his eyes wide. “What’s got you in such a rush?”

Wash didn’t respond. He was too busy trying to search for words.

“What is it, son?” Book asked, leaning forward on the hammock, nearly losing his balance, but recovering quickly.

“Zoe,” Wash managed to squeak out.

Book stood quickly. “What’s wrong with Zoe?” he asked, concern etched across his face.

Wash turned to look at him. “She’s awake.” He said.

There was a moment of silence. Then Togan stood up and pushed Wash towards the stairs.

“Get down to her, then!” he shouted.

Wash nodded, dumbly. He was still in shock, and for some reason, his legs felt like jelly. Book pushed past them, jogging down the hallway towards the kitchen.

“I’ll wake the Captain,” he said.

* * *

The hatch to Mal’s bunk was closed, so Book rapped on it lightly. He waited a moment, and after no response, he knocked a bit louder.

“Captain?” he called out. Still no response. So he took the initiative and pushed the hatch forward. It was unlocked, and it swung open and clanged against the wall. Book peered down into the room, but from his position, he couldn’t clearly see the bed. Turning, he lowered himself into the room. When he reached the bottom rung, he turned to wake the Captain, but found that Mal wasn’t in his room. Confused, he returned to the ladder and climbed back up.

“What’s going on,” Etris asked, emerging from his bunk at the end of the hall.

Book turned to him.

“Zoe’s awake.”

Etris’ eyes widened. Then he nearly tripped over the top rung on his ladder as he scrambled in the direction of the stairs.