Disclaimer: I own nothing- except for this STRICTLY FANFICTION idea.

Chapter Two

River was already in the chair by the time the rest of the weary crew had walked in. A ghostly ship was coming straight at them. It was rusted and had a neglected look to it.

"Reavers," Zoe gasped.

"Yeah," Mal said calmly. "An they're comin' straight at us."

A few moments passed in silence.

“They’re not Reavers,” River said softly. “Not Reavers at all.”

“What do you mean, girl?” Jayne asked rudely. “Not Reavers? ‘Course they’re Reavers!”

“No, no they aren’t. They’re people who’ve disguised themselves as Reavers.”

“What?” Mal asked, almost as though he didn’t believe her.

“I’m going to try to contact the ship,” River said absentmindedly. “If they don’t report back I won’t be surprised.”

”’Course they won’t report back! They’re damn Reavers for goodness sakes! They don’t know nothin’ ‘bout civilized folk. Don’t even try it. Mal, don’t let her, she might make them come eat us! Stupid girl…”

“She might have a point Sir,” Zoe said suddenly. “Think about it. Look at that ship. It’s goin’ at a reasonable speed- nothing like Reavers. And see how it moves gracefully? Not clumsily. No. Either these Reavers are fake or they’re experienced fliers and don’t enjoy cannibalism.”

“But, well, what are the chances?” Mal asked. “I mean, how many people dress up like Reavers on purpose?”

”Um, Captain?” Kaylee motioned softly. “We do.”

“Yeah, remember?” Simon told them. “Just after Book died? You wanted us to dress up the ship like a Reaver ship so we could get through that infested area without getting killed.”

”Still, Mal, it makes no sense. Who in their right mind would want to dress up like Reavers in a more populated area like this?” Jayne asked madly. “Reavers get shot by Alliance cruisers, don’t they? Ain’t Reavers hated by the Alliance?”

Inara shook her head. “No, they don’t. Alliance personal are ordered to steer clear of Reavers. They’ve lost too many ships that way.”

“Then it all fits,” Si