A/N:

Like I said, this one ran away from me. It was going to be a cool adventure, but ended up with me being mean to poor Simon. I love constructive crit. So load me up . . .oh, and while you're in a reading mood, check out my other stuff.

on with the show!!!!

"Simon . . ." The whisper jolted him awake. He almost shot straight up, only a small hand on his chest held him down. The hand's mate quickly covered his mouth. "Shhhhh." River whispered. "You'll wake Kaylee."

Simon's eyes adjusted and he saw River leaning over his bed. She motioned for him to follow her as she tiptoed out of the passenger dorms. Simon slowly rose from his bed careful not to disturb Kaylee. He slipped out of his room and met with River in the mess.

"What is it?" Simon rubbed his hand over his face trying to wake fully.

"It's Ben."

Simon's eyes flew open wide. He was awake now.

"Ben?! What's wrong?"

"They're holding him. Waiting for us."

"How do you know this?"

Simon's stupid question was rewarded with one of River's "you're a boob" looks.

"Right . . ." Simon ran his now shaking hands through his black hair. "We've got to get him out of there. But we can't by ourselves."

"I can. All by myself." River straightened her spine to make herself a bit taller. A defiant look shot across her face.

"River, I think the captain would notice if you just happened take the ship to Artemis." Simon rubbed his temples.

"He can come too - if he wants."

"If you take Serenity, we're all going."

"Good." River shot both fists into the air. "Bring in the calvary."

Simon sighed. "Don't we always."

The next day, Simon had the crew surrounding the mess table. Mal was standing over River with both of his hands flat on the table. "What the gorram hell do you mean we're already on our way?!"

River looked at her fingernails and displayed an air of boredom. She rolled her eyes and took her sweet time returning Mal's glare.

"Did I stutter?"

Mal turned beet red, "Why you . . I oughta."

Simon stepped between the two. His han