based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon ============================================

The Commander had wanted a briefing as soon as Mal, Zoe, and Cat had returned from the attack, and Mal did his best to spin a yarn believable, but a complete fabrication. Oh, some of it was true, but most involved grenades and other such things that neither were present or around at the time. In no way was Cat mentioned except how she had fought valiantly, yet remaining completely human.

Cat stayed for a little while, but then her long legs began to cramp and something told her she needed to run, or at least get some air. Into the shadows of the Mule and tents she slipped and then was gone. Only one other person watched her go and after a few minutes followed suit.

"Where are you going?" A voice behind her didn't startle Cat, she had heard the rustle of the grass and the scurry of a few bugs from the path of a boot. Noises normal people wouldn't have heard.

"A run. Clear my head." She growled low aware that Zoe had questions and she wasn't sure what answers she could provide.

"I saw you tonight or at least I think it was you." Her face held a dark shadow and Cat sighed before continuing.

"I'm not human, at least not all and yes, what you saw was real. You're not going crazy." Cat turned and Zoe jumped at the glowing eyes and fangs.

It took a moment for her to catch a breath before speaking. "Not sure how sane I am..." Cat gave her a questioning look. "Still letting you in my camp and hiding your secret from my Sarge."

"You are more than welcome to tell Mal." Cat said it, but part of her feared something she couldn't place. "He should know what dwells beside him each night."

"Been with Mal for four years now. Ain't never seen him take to a woman like he has you. Rather scary now that I know what you are."

"It's okay to call me a monster, Zoe." Cat let her eyes and fangs ebb so she looked like her human self, both finding a large boulder to sit on.

"Those creatures who attacked us....those Reavers," Zoe's hand went to the scratches that dwelt under the shirt she wore, her mind going back to the moment she had almost been raped. "Those were monsters. You stopped them. Your priority has always been Mal and he was in danger, but you...you saved me, the one who could now expose you for who you are. I didn't understand then and for some reason, I still don't."

"Trying to understand me is like trying to understand why good people die while bad people live, Zo. I couldn't begin to tell you why I saved you first...I just know that if those Reavers would have had their way with you, maybe your spirit would've been broken. One thing we do can change the outcome of everything. Like I told you before, I don't want your command and I sure as hell don't want Mal going through the worst part of the war without his rock." The dark woman's eyes caught Cat's and something passed between them before Zoe spoke again.

"You think we'll win?" it was a question Cat knew was coming, even though she wasn't sure how to answer. Green eyes closed for a moment before she sighed.

"I couldn't tell you. Part of me...the logical part says no. Alliance is bigger, faster, and has more at hand than we do, but the other part of me...the part that just woke up...wants this victory almost as much as she wants your Sarge to love her." Cat whispered the last part, and Zoe wasn't sure if she heard her completely.

"Funny." Zoe smiled, and Cat prepared for the worst.

"What?"

"You said we." The warrior woman smiled and rested a hand on Cat's leg. Her hand fell on top as they looked out into the field. A moment later, Zoe rubbed her stomach. "You know what sounds good right now?"

Cat smiled at the sound of both their bellies. Sniffing the wind, she spoke. "Deer, boar, rabbit, or fish? Though, fish will take a bit longer to find. Lake is a good few miles north of here."

"Bacon sounds awesome. I'll go get the fire going and find a large stick." Zoe stood as Cat rose, eyes casting over the trees and grass.

"Sounds like a plan." Her legs began to flex as the rest of her prepared to hunt.

"Cat?" Zoe spoke and the hunter turned, eyes glistening like fine cut emeralds. "Thank you."

"Rock, Zoe. Rock." With that, she was gone, Mal coming from the shadows.

"Where's she going?" He stated as Zoe looked at him and then where Cat had gone.

"Off to provide for her pack, Sir." She patted him on the shoulder before walking around him. "And I'm off to get the fire going hotter and you can go find us a stick ."

"Huh?" He looked back at where Cat had disappeared and then walked after Zoe, his mind a wonder as to just what the two women needed a stick for. From the shadows of a tree, green eyes watched them go, Cat doubling backing for a glimpse of him before she went hunting. It was well worth it.