A HUGE thank you goes out to AmDoBell, GuildSister, Phaedra and SoulOfSerenity (and all Browncoats) who've been following this crazy story arc. I never planned any sequels, but your comments and support have been keeping me going. THANK YOU! The action will now be turned up a few notches. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

Enjoy!

PERSPECTIVE: River

River awoke in a cold sweat. A sharp pain filled her lungs as she sat upright in bed. It was dark, but she realised that she was still trapped in the Alliance lab. She pulled the cover off her legs and sat on the edge of the bed. She placed her feet onto the floor and stood up. A light bulb suddenly came to life above her head. River frowned, perplexed by its timing. She checked her surroundings. The bodies that lay nearby had now disappeared. Whether she noticed it or not, the sharp smell of disinfectant had gone too. She found herself drawn towards the doorway. River slowly opened the door and stepped through to the other side. The light vanished, and River found herself standing in a long dark corridor. “You’re late.” River gasped, startled by the tone of the voice. A figure loomed ahead. She peered through the darkness, recognising the outline of Badger’s hat. Confusion swirled inside River’s mind. “I ‘aven’t got all day.” he moaned She frowned, stepping closer, until she caught a glimpse of Badger’s head. All that remained of his cheeky face was a skull. “This is embarrassing…” he muttered River screamed, but found that she was unable to make any sound. She quickly turned on her heels. She turned a corner and now found herself on the balcony overlooking the cargo bay floor. Her eyes lingered across the room. It was empty - until she saw Mal lying against a container from below. River moved across the balcony. A man in a black suit suddenly appeared at the other end. River recognised the familiar blue gloves and edged backwards. Mal looked up, blood pouring from every orifice in his face. “It’s okay.” he declared. A gunshot rang out. River covered her eyes as the man fell over the edge. She moved her hands away from her face and found herself lying at the foot of her bunk. She gently touched her forehead. It was blood… “River? Can you hear me? It’s okay! It’s Simon! ” Mal and Wash looked on as Simon tried to ease his sister back into her bunk. “River, it’s okay. I’m here You don’t have to be afraid.” Simon assured. River frowned “Simon?” “You need to rest.” he continued. Simon turned to face Mal. “She’s been having bad dreams lately. It may be related to the accident.” The proximity alarm sounded throughout the ship. Simon watched as Mal and Wash quickly exited the room. A look of concern crossed his face. River looked at her brother and held his hand. “It’s okay.” she reassured him. Simon frowned, disturbed by his sister’s words. “What do you mean?” River smiled “I know what to do.” Mal and Wash made their way onto the bridge. They stared through the glass window of Serenity’s cockpit. They remained silent as the familiar shape of a Trans-U ship came into view. It wasn’t a bad dream. At least, not entirely…