Chapter 2

Serenity sailed aimlessly through the big black of space. The only sign of promise were the stars that the boat glided past. Zoe buried herself underneath the sea of blankets she made for herself in what now was her bunk. She hugged a large pillow close to her body, trying to recreate something that doesn't exists anymore. The warmth Wash's sleeping body provided; the feeling of safety he gave when he wrapped himself around her, was gone. The room was quiet and chill. Nothing but the clinks and clangs Serenity made during the night was evident. A phantom breeze blew over Zoe's sleeping body. Something that never happened in her room before, or probably never noticed. Zoe turned in her sleep, letting out an unconscious sigh. Soon, she felt a stirring behind her. A masculine arm wrapped around her waist and a body lay where Wash use to be. He slipped under the sheets and pressed his body against hers. He brought his gentle face against her cheek and Zoe could feel the subtle fuzz of an unshaven face against her. He kissed her gently and whispered 'Baby' softly into her ear and she knew something wasn't right. In a fright she shot her eyes open and sat upright in her bed. She looked to the side of her. Nothing but a clutched, wrinkled pillow lay where she could have sworn a man had layed. She was alone. It was then she knew that she had been dreaming. She let out a disappointed sigh as reality sunk in again. No one was here but her. In a sort of hurry, Zoe raced to the galley to get a drink of water, to calm her nerves. She slammed the glass down on the table and took in a deep breath. The reality of the events that occurred brought a terrible headache that couldn't be cured with painkillers. Right then, Zoe heard laughter coming from the bridge. She lightly walked out of the galley and stared up into the pilots bay. She heard the laughter again and furrowed her brow. River? She walked up the steps, careful not to make a sound and walked into the pilots' bay. There she saw River, in the pilots seat, legs brought up into her chest, laughing in the direction of the co-pilots seat. Only problem, no one sat there. Not a soul. "River." Zoe interrupted, apparently. River looked over to Zoe, her face dropped of all joy. She brought her legs to the floor. "What are you doing?" Zoe asked. She crossed her arms over her chest. "Nothing. Just--just making sure we were on course." River replied, innocently. Zoe didn't believe it, and that thought scared her. "Maybe you should get to bed, then. The boats' on autopilot." Zoe suggested. River did so without hesitation. She glided past Zoe through the doorway and onto her bunk. Zoe, however, stayed behind. She looked out onto the space they glided through. Then, she felt something. She didn't know what it was but she felt something. As sure as she knew hell had fire she felt a presence. And that scared the tar out of her. She, without hesitation, hurried back to her bunk as well and buried herself under the endless waves of blankets that kept her warm, safe. She was almost hiding.