Hello. Iverik here. Just a reminder: This story uses characters created by someone other than me.
Facing the Black
"River, honey, you must eat something," Kaylee pleaded.
"Not hungry."
Inara entered the makeshift dining room. "What's going on?"
"River hasn't been eating."
"Does Simon know?"
"No, but soon he will. 'ts almost my shift."
"River, if you don't eat..." Inara cajoled, softly, melodically.
"Maximum survival time without food: 55 days," River answered. She turned to Inara with a look that said "and yours?" She didn't need an answer.
"River, we're in the midst of all this bounty..."
"Mirage. As we get closer, it will fade away."
Inara and Kaylee exchanged a helpless look. "I'll get Simon," Kaylee sighed.
"No needles!" River cried. Before the other two women could move, she had disappeared down a crawlspace.
"She's gotten good at that," Kaylee mused, "I guess there's no point in getting Simon."
"I guess not."
"Hey- do you wanta see my apple tree?"
"Apple tree?"
"Sure! Comeon," Kaylee led Inara through the maze of boxes to where she had the grow-light rigged. "It hasn't sprouted yet," Kaylee explained, "but when it does it's gonna be the prettiest li'l' tree in the 'verse!"
"I don't doubt it. Where did you get it?"
Kaylee explained. "I wanna get him something nice. You know, as a thank-you."
"There were apple orchards on Osiris, once," Inara remarked, "I think they turned them into flower gardens. More economical. They grow them on Bisphon and Newhall now."
"River suggested getting him flowers. Maybe something from Osiris, ta remind him of home?"
"That's perfect!"
"Thing is, I can't take Serenity out of hiding."
"I can make the run for you. I can line up a few convenient clients easily. Especially with the war going on."
"That'd be great, Inara! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, Mei-mei. It's the least I can do."
Kaylee clambered into the bridge to relieve Simon. "River's not eating," he observed.
"How did you know?"
"I know River. She was counting things yesterday, and then watching the news. I guess she's come to a conclusion as to when the war will end, and put herself on a strict rationing program. She did this while we were first running from the Academy. One of the reasons I put her in stasis, among others," Simon sighed, "but now that's not an option. I'm just wondering how tightly she's put her rations."
"She hasn't eaten anythin' since Inara came onboard."
"Hm."
"I can relieve you if ya want."
"No. I need to think. The stars help."
The stars shone coldly, white and blue. Serenity gleamed quietly in the dark. River, in her space-suit, smiled at their beauty.