There was a warm breeze and the promise of a summer rain. Simon turned his face into the wind and smiled at the sight of the sun and the grass and the sound of birds singing somewhere in the distance.

This was what relaxing felt like. This moment of peace in a world of chaos was something Simon had not known for over five years. Ever since rescuing River had become his mission in life, peace was something he couldn’t waste time thinking of. So his sister’s scream curdled his blood and wiped his smile away with a blow to the gut.

Snapping his eyes open, Simon realized the peace had been an illusion and River’s pained cry was the reality. Bolting from his bunk and shoving his door aside, he crossed the small passenger’s hallway in a few steps and entered his sister’s room. She was not awake, but rather trapped in a nightmare, thrashing about with the force of ten men. Simon rushed to her side and did his best to grab her arms. Flailing about, she was hard to control and her strength was no match for him.

“River,” he called, trying to reach her through her screams, through her fear. “River, wake up. It’s just a bad dream.”

Still writhing, she wrenched an arm free and lashed out with such force she knocked him across the room. He landed hard in the corner, his right shoulder taking much of the blow. Grimacing against the throbbing pain and the inevitable bruise, Simon stood slowly, and again approached his sister carefully. Her screams had quieted, but she was still in the throes of a horrific dream – one she seemed to have all too often.

“River,” he called again, this time more calmly. “River, can you hear me? It’s Simon.”

This time his voice reached her, and she slowly settled herself. Rolling onto her side, her eyes snapped open and she fell to the floor in a panther’s stance, ready to pounce on the unseen foe she had been railing against in her dream state.

Staying where he was, Simon reached out a hand and said, “River? It’s me, Simon. Do you know where you are?”

Her head turned sl