CHAPTER 5 (R rated)

2 WEEKS LATER: PLANET

"How is River?" Kaylee asks watching Simon watch River who is walking around outside.

"She's calmed down."

Kaylee squeezes his hand, "Hey she had a good few days... and had some fun."

"Mmm" Simon nods well aware of her hand in his as he keeps his eyes on River. "Wish she'd have more good days."

Mal walks passed River, "Don't go far dong ma?"

River nods "I won't. Head still fuzzy."

"Good."

HOUR LATER

River walks through the trees humming happily. She rubs her eyes sleepily and turns to head back to the ship. She yelps when she feels hands grab her and thoughts invading her own mind. "Not Jayne" she struggles but because of the drugs in her system her efforts are weak.

EVENING

Simon frowns as he returns to the ship.

"Did you find her?" Kaylee asks worried.

"No. This isn't like River."

"Your crazy sister disappears all the time." Jayne mutters

"Not when Mal tells her not too. He's the only one she listens too right now." Kaylee returns

"She might have fallen asleep somewhere." Book muses. "After all you did pump her full of drugs last night."

"No she always comes back when she starts feeling tired." Simon looks at Mal, "River never goes far on the drugs... especially since the last time you yelled at her."

Mal nods knowing that he is right, "It's going to be dark in a few hours. Jayne why don't you go look for her. You're the only one who seems to find her off ship." Mal sighs

"We're in for a storm so you might want to wait before coming back tonight. Don't know how long it will last... could be into tomorrow." Wash offers

Mal looks at Simon who looks about to protest, "And before you protest Jayne goin on his own he can find her faster on his own."

Simon ponders that then nods

"Go get some stuff and head out." Jayne sighs walking away.

20 MINS LATER

Jayne sighs, "That girl is gonna be the death of me one of these days." He trudges through the woods following River's boots p