Hello. Iverik here. Just a reminder: This story uses characters created by someone other than me.
Facing the Black
Serenity was dead silent. In the engine room, Kaylee held her breath, easing around several fallen items. With soft, nervous steps, she worked her way towards the front of the ship. Once more she tripped over- something. Mal had made sure Serenity was well stocked before he left. It made for difficult maneuvering though, especially in the dark.
Reaching the dining room, she put her hand out and felt for the corridor. Something sticky brushed her fingers. A leak? No time now. She had to get to the bridge, had to know what was going on. Ah, here was the passage.
As Kaylee left the dining room, she heard a sound that made her heart jump into her mouth: the unmistakeable sound of a shuttle docking. She almost screamed when someone tapped her on the shoulder.
"I think we've got company," Simon whispered.
Kaylee nodded. "You two should hide. I'll-"
"No, if it's trouble you'll need us," Simon countered. Below them, the shuttle clanked into final position. "No time to argue," he said grimly hurrying off. Kaylee noticed the glint of a gun barrel in his hand.
River was already there, seated patiently on the cold metal, just casually watching the door. Simon took up a position covering the door, grateful that the darkness hid how pale he was. Kaylee's pallor shone through the dark. The door hissed, and opened.
A space-suited figure stepped out, armed only with a flashlight. The light shone on River. In an instant, Simon was by the figure's side, gun raised. "Don't move," he growled in his best attempt at a menacing tone. Kaylee froze. So did the intruder.
"Simon?" At the sound of his name, Simon lowered the gun and took a step back. Slowly, carefully, the intruder removed her helmet.
"Inara!" Kaylee squealed, diving past Simon and enveloping the Companion in a bear hug. River joined in. Simon looked sheepish.
"I saw Serenity all dark and I thought... I thought..." Inara teared up a little.
"I'll get the lights back on!" River took off at top speed, easily missing several hurdles.
"What happened?" Inara asked.
"I suppose you've heard the news," Simon said.
"Yes, but... Oh no."
"Bisphon," Simon continued, "was an Independent moon during the war. Mal's not one to forget that."
"Where," Inara asked slowly, "is he?"
The lights came on. Inara could see into the cargo bay from where she stood. Two massive fuel tanks and a host of oxygen canisters filled the floorspace. She knew the answer. From the way her face crumpled, Simon knew she knew.
"We thought you weren't coming back," he said, "or we would have waved you."
Kaylee gave Inara a gentle pat, giving Simon a "please be quiet" look. Inara sniffled.
River chose that moment to pop out of the ceiling.
Unconcerned, she looked around over the center of the cargo bay. "Neat," she said, and disappeared back into the bowels of the ship.
While Kaylee and Simon were staring, Inara backed away, into the privacy of her shuttle, and had a good cry.