Later That Day

Ashley went back to go check on the cows later that day. Unfortunately, she didn't know about the other passenger onboard that she never got to meet earlier.

'Hello.'

Ashley shrieked. She turned around, placing her hand over her heart. The mystery person laughed.

'I'm sorry,' said the voice, 'I didn't mean to startle you.'

Ashley blinked. A young girl walked into the light, a small smile forming on her lips. She looked to be no older than fifteen. She had long, dark brown hair and bright, inquisitive - but somewhat timid - brown eyes. Ashley heaved in a breath, checking her tone before she spoke.

'It's okay…' she said, 'I gave the others quite a fright earlier…'

The girl giggled.

'I saw you earlier,' she said, 'you were in here with them.'

The girl pointed to the herd of cows. Ashley laughed nervously, nodding her head in agreement.

'Yeah...' she said, trying to mask the fear in her voice, 'I was in here earlier…'

The girl nodded.

'Jayne came in and got you,' she said, 'I saw him come get you.'

Ashley laughed.

'You did, did you?' she said, 'what else did you see?'

The girl shrugged.

'I just saw him approach you, take you in his arms, and carry you out,' she said, 'though he did get awfully close.'

Ashley blinked. The girl slowly walked over to her, stopping just inches in front of her. She swayed slightly on the balls of her feet, holding out her hand.

'I'm River Tam,' she said, 'what's your name?'

Ashley swallowed.

'A-Ashley…' she stammered, lightly shaking the young girl's hand 'A-Ashley T-Terrell…'

River grinned.

'Ashley…' she repeated in an awe-struck voice, 'that's a pretty name…'

Ashley laughed nervously. Something was up with this girl, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. River tilted her head slightly, studying Ashley's face.

'You ran away, didn't you?' she said softly.

Ashley gasped. She jumped back, falling to the ground. She groaned as she hit the hard floor, her head spinning. River frowned.

'Are you okay?' she asked.

Ashley groaned.

'How…?' she stammered, 'how did you…?'

Before River could respond, a familiar voice called out from the darkness.

'River?'

River smiled.

'I have to go now,' she said, 'I'll see you later, Ashley.'

Ashley nodded. River turned on her heels, slowly walking back into the darkness. One of the cows mooed curiously, fixing its eyes on her. Ashley laughed.

'I'm okay, Mary Belle,' she said, 'I hope she didn't spook any of you.'

Mary Belle mooed indignantly. Ashley laughed, gently pulling herself back to her feet. She looked at the cows one last time before making her way to the galley to get herself something to eat.

Mal looked up from the table as Ashley walked in. Ashley smiled.

'Hello, Captain,' she said politely as she went to grab a plate.

Mal raised his eyebrows.

'You're being awfully polite…' he said uncertainly, 'earlier today, you insulted our Companion.'

Ashley sighed.

'I did cross a line,' she said as she grabbed some bread and a knife, 'if she's not working, I will apologize to her.'

Mal's brows went higher.

'Since when were you so polite?' he asked in a sceptical tone, 'the crew and I decided you're the female equivalent of Jayne…'

Ashley snorted.

'I may be fond of guns and sex, Captain…' she said, 'but I do not have the IQ of a beet. Don't let the blonde hair fool you.'

A voice laughed.

'You got told!'

Mal and Ashley looked up at the sound of the voice. Jayne was leaning in the doorway, a smug smirk playing across his lips. Ashley laughed.

'How long have you been standing there?' I asked, buttering my bread before putting everything away.

Jayne chuckled.

'Long enough to hear you being a smart mouth,' he drawled, 'and to hear that you're fond of guns.'

Mal glared at Jayne. Ashley smirked.

'You heard correct, Sweet Cheeks,' she said, 'Daddy bought me a gun when I was nineteen. Taught me how to shoot it. Now…I'm the family's little guard dog.'

Jayne purred.

'Well, now…' he said, 'why don't you come back to my bunk and I can show you mine?'

Mal growled. Ashley laughed.

'You're gonna have to do a lot better than that if you want to sleep with me, hon,' I teased, 'nice try, though.'

Jayne growled. Mal smirked.

'Well…' he said, 'now that she's turned you down, why don't you go do some work and check on the cattle?'

Jayne grumbled. I sighed.

'I'll come with you,' I said, 'come on.'