Author's note: The only major River and Simon scene filmed for the episode "Our Mrs. Reynolds" was ultimately cut from the final, but I'm using the deleted scene anyway. I recommend watching it on YouTube before reading this chapter. Just search for "River wants to marry Simon" (YouTube: watch?v=cdiNqkehGpk).

POSTMARKED: "Our Mrs. Reynolds"

Dear Dad,

River pulled a practical joke on my today. We'd taken on a sort-of passenger who claimed to be married to the captain. Then River said that she (River) and I should get married. I thought she really meant it, she looked so sincere. Then I called her crazy and she kicked me in the shin. Then she stuffed a pillow under her shirt and said "Now we have to get married. I'm in the family way." I just stared at her, speechless, incredulous. It was bizarre. But then she giggled impishly and I knew she'd been pulling my leg. I live for those moments when she's her old bratty self. Remember how we used to play Alliance versus Independents when we were kids? I can't tell you how wonderful it feels whenever we're able to recapture that kind of easy rapport. So much of my time with her is spent trying to keep her out of trouble or treat her condition. The times when we can just be, just enjoy each other's company and reminisce about better days are so precious.

I'm sorry you have to deal with unsavory characters to keep our letter exchange going. I know what that's like in spades! The passenger I mentioned, well, she turned out to be a saboteur, someone trying to steal our ship. It makes me feel lucky, it's just by chance that River and I fell into the hands of people who genuinely want to protect us. River sensed the passenger was up to no good before the rest of us knew it. Which leads to the now inescapable conclusion that River's already strong intuition has been raised somehow to a preternatural level. It's a very frightening thought and makes me wonder what kind of medical experiments could possibly cause this result. I'll have to keep investigating, although it's hard out here with such limited access to diagnostic equipment.

The girl I mentioned is named Kaylee. She's our mechanic. I haven't had the opportunity to do any chores for her, but I did compliment her on fixing the ship after the saboteur damaged it. Her face lit up and I was so relieved that for once I'd said exactly the right thing. I think she's got a crush on me and I'm not really sure what to do about that. She's very pretty and sweet, but I have to keep my focus on taking care of River. It just seems selfish to try for romance right now. Does that make sense?

I just realized I haven't told you before that we're on a ship. But it sounded from your last letter like you'd already figured that out. Keeping on the move is the best thing for us, even if that means I hardly know where we're headed from one moment to the next. You know I hate uncertainty, but I'm learning to live with it. After all, what choice do I have?

I'll write again when I can.

Love to you and Mom,

Simon (and River)

Dear Simon,

Your mother and I loved reading about the joke River played on you about getting married. Well, not the joke itself, that sounds rather bizarre. But the fact that she played a joke and teased you, that was wonderful. To imagine her laughing and even kicking you in the shin like she used to when you were kids and you'd infuriated her. Your mother and I, we always focused on how smart River was, how talented, but your story reminded us just what a mischievous prankster she used to be. The fact that she's behaving this way again, it can only mean she's healing.

But healing from, as you say, brain experiments to heighten her intuition? What could the government possibly hope to gain from doing such a horrific thing to a sixteen-year-old girl? Please continue to share with me anything you learn about River's condition. It may be that I can consult a Capital City neurologist. Discretely, of course.

I like this girl Kaylee for you, and I don't think you're being selfish at all if you pursue a romantic relationship with her. Even though you don't say it outright, it's clear you're lonely out there. I know you would move heaven and earth for your sister, but you mustn't let looking after her consume you. I'm sure River wants you to be happy just as much as we do, even if maybe she can't articulate it clearly. What I'm trying to say is I think you should take comfort where you can. So what if Kaylee's a mechanic? If she has a kind heart and you like her, that's the most important thing. Just make sure to treat her with respect. But I know you will, because you're a good man, Simon.

I don't like hearing about your run-ins with criminals and saboteurs, but I completely agree with you that staying on the move is the safest thing for you to do. And I don't want you to hide from us what's happening to you, even the dangerous situations. Your mother and I would rather know, even if we are powerless to help you. Otherwise, our imaginations conjure up the very worst scenarios. So please, don't hold back (but don't tell us anything about your location, of course, just in case your letters are intercepted).

We are so proud of you and love you very much,

Dad (and Mom)