Disclaimers: Everything belongs to Joss, except for one character of my creation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alex ran into her room and slid the door closed behind her. She stumbled to the bed and sat down, shaking. Apprehension over her impending arrival on Zargon had been growing all day, and she was barely holding herself together. Now any chance of keeping herself collected had basically been yanked out from under her by the crazy girl on the bridge. And the part where she was crazy wasn’t even the problem. “If you can get past the crazy, she ain’t often wrong.” Mal’s words echoed in her head. Alex thought of what River had said before. “Alex is back home.” “Looked under the bed and found the pieces she’d been missing.” Alex’s throat tightened and tears stung her eyes. She fought the feeling, knowing if she started crying she might not be able to stop. There was a soft knock on her door. She wiped at her eyes and straightened up. “Come in,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. The door slid open and Mal entered. He saw her demeanor and quickly closed the door behind him. “Hey,” he said softly, sitting beside her and resting a hand on her shoulder. His eyes were dark with concern. “Hey,” she replied limply, feeling the lump in her throat again. She sniffed and swallowed it back. “That—back there,” he began, “It don’t mean...she’s just—” “What does she see?” Alex whispered. He shook his head slowly. “I don’t know. You gotta be on edge, maybe she’s pickin’ up on that.” “She was talking about it being hot. Zargon’s an ice moon. What does she mean?” “Maybe she don’t mean the weather. Maybe she means...I don’t know, the mood of the place, how rough it is.” Alex was not convinced. “She was so...frantic,” she said. “I’ve seen her be really odd, but never hysterical like that.” Mal laughed quietly. “Yeah, well, believe me, it ain’t a first. Girl definitely has her moments.” He put his arm around Alex’s shoulder and squeezed. Her eyes welled up again, and she hung her head to keep him from seeing. He lifted her chin so she was looking at him, watching his face blur out through the tears. “You are going to be fine,” he said firmly. “You’re smart, you’re resourceful...and let’s not forget ballsy.” He smiled at her. “Oh, and a damn good shot, too. If anyone can make it in a place like that, it’s you. I‘ve no doubt.” She tried to smile back at him, but it came out more like a grimace. “Thanks, Captain.” “Ain’t we a little beyond ‘Captain’?” he suggested gently. “Okay. Thanks...Mal,” she said, feeling a little awkward. Suddenly she wanted nothing more than for him to stay with her on her last night. She started to ask it. “Will you do something for me?” “Of course. Name it.” She opened her mouth—and then realized the position she would be putting him in. She hesitated. “What?” he urged. She shook her head. “Nothing.” She squared her shoulders and fixed him with the best smile she could muster. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.” “You sure?” He didn’t seem convinced. “Yes,” she said decisively. “Well, okay then.” He stood. “I’m gonna see if I can restore some order up there. Supper’s at 18:00. You be up?” “Who’s cookin’?” “Kaylee, I think.” “I’ll give her a hand.” “Think maybe you should just rest awhile?” Alex rose with a sigh. “No,” she said. “I wanna do something. Stay busy.” He turned to go, then looked back at her. “They’re lucky to be gettin’ you,” he said. “At the prison.” He walked out and closed the door behind him. Alex stared at the door for a time after he left, wishing she had met him in another place and time. Then she shook herself. No time for thoughts like that now. She took a deep breath and stepped out to look for Kaylee. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Go to Chapter 22.

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