As always, thanks to the intrepid betas mona1347, luridmuse, and cassiee.

Standard Disclaimer applies. See prologue for details. Farscape/Firefly xover --- Spoilers for Farscape through Infinite Possibilities" (season 3) and it's AU from the ending of that same episode. Firefly -- most likely spoilers for the entire Fox season. No spoilers for the movie, Serenity, and I haven't seen it so DO NOT spoil me in your comments. If you haven't seen one or the other, the story should still be understandable. I'm doing my best to incorporate backstory as I go.

A/N: I apologize for the shortness. Blame the muse, she's the one that gave the set up for the scenes.

Chapter 7: Score – John Crichton, 1; Other Guys, A lot more.

It's been a while. A long while. And I didn't miss it one little bit.

I’m relieved to find the room empty of furniture. I've enjoyed my respite from all chairs of torture, both awake and dreaming. Images flicker rapidly on a screen hanging on the wall in front of me. I don't recognize anyone, but violence seems to be a common theme. Eyes rapt on the screen, River sits silently on the floor next to me.

Kneeling to her level, I ask, "So, Wonder Woman, what's the deal this time?"

River turns to me briefly before returning her gaze to the screen. "I shouldn’t have called you. I was wrong, you aren't the solution. Just more problems. I did the math wrong. It happens."

"You know, I'm getting really tired of everyone speaking to me in riddles. What do you mean I'm not the solution? I came all this way to help, didn't I?"

"Came too late, not helping enough. I know the answer now, but I don't like it. No alternatives available."

Puzzles, always with the puzzles. First Zhaan, then the Ancients and Harvey, now River. Really, it's simple enough to speak plain; I do it all the time.

I think about what I've learned over the past few days and the answer is startling in its simplicity. I know all about doing whatever it takes to save those