Disclaimer: Still own nothing. Wish I did since Fox seems determined to kill every good show that's ever on.

A/N Thanks to everyone that has sent PMs and reviewed. Unless I have major ideas come through, this will be the last chapter of this particular story I realized that some parts move rather quickly with other characters but I wrote this to reflect Simon and River and not so much the other crew. Please continue to read and review!

"River?" Simon peered into her room. She didn't seem to be in there. Crossing the hallway, he checked his room as well. Simon opened the small closet and checked under his bed. Still no River. Simon sighed. River seemed to be upset but not in an angry fashion when she left the bridge a few minutes ago. She seemed almost resigned and that killed Simon inside. He didn't want River to give up on herself and he hadn't helped matters by asking her to stay out of the way. He felt a little frustrated with himself for missing the clues on Saffron that River had picked up early on. It didn't matter that the rest of the crew had missed them as well. River seemed to know and tried to get him to listen to her in her own way and he didn't. He let her down and that was worse than anything that was going to happen with whatever the "net" that Wash mentioned. He still hadn't figured out what that was about.

Shepherd Book walked past Simon's doorway, seemingly lost in thought. "Shepherd!" Simon called out to him. Book paused and turned around, a forced smile on his face.

"Yes, doctor?"

Swallowing a bit nervously, Simon asked, "This net Wash mentioned. What exactly is it?"

Book hesitated and then spoke slowly, the smile sliding off his face. "It won't do me any good to be less than honest with you. It's an electromagnetic field that is contained within a spherical frame. It's designed to disable a ship's electronics and at the same time, it runs a current through the ship itself. Basically, the ship will act as a superconductor and we will be electrocuted." he finished.

Simon merely stood, dumbstruck before quietly asking, "Is there anything we can do?"

"Wash and Kaylee are working on overriding whatever Saffron did to the navigation equipment. We only have about twenty minutes though. The captain and Jayne are currently working on getting a plan B together to disable the net itself should Wash and Kaylee not be able to get the nav system back up. Book laid a hand on his shoulder. "If you can't help right now, I'd try and stay out of their way."

"What will you do?"

Book looked at Simon. "I'm a shepherd. I'll pray." With that, Book continued on towards his room.

Simon sank down on the floor, stunned. When did it all come to this? It seems every day is another life or death scenario. I took my sister out here to be safe and I'm not sure if I've put in her more danger. No, that's not right. She'd be worse if I hadn't. We have people who truly care about us here. Speaking of people who I truly care about, I need to find River.

Simon bolted up from the floor, chastising himself for his moment of reflection. Book said about twenty minutes. No time for self-pity now. Walking into the cargo bay, he quickly scanned the area, and caught sight of his sister sitting up the upper catwalk. Quietly walking up the stairs, he took a seat next to her. They simply sat next to each other, silently enjoying each other's company in what might be their last moments. Simon tentatively put an arm around her and pulled her gently towards him, no words needing to be spoken between them. River offered no resistance and simply absorbed the hug. She didn't seem too concerned with what was going on. Perhaps it's best this way. I wouldn't want her to be scared. He looked down at her with a sad smile. She truly is a gift. If these really are my last minutes in the universe ,this isn't a bad way to spend them, he thought.

"Going to be alright." River's muffled voice came out of Simon's shoulder.

"Hmm? What's that, River?"

"Captain will save us. He always does." River lifted her head up and looked at Simon. "Has plan."

Simon looked down at her and smiled. "I'm sure he does." Simon wished so hard for that to be true.

River frowned and looked at him. "He does." she insisted.

Just then, Jayne and Mal came sprinting into the cargo bay, Jayne carrying his affectionately named rifle, Vera. Simon watched as they quickly got into two of the ship's deep space suits. Simon let go of River and hurried down the stairs.

"What exactly is the plan and what can I do to help?" Simon asked, wanting to be of some use.

"Plan is to use Vera to shoot a focus point out on that frame. Should short the whole thing out if we hit it right." Jayne explained. Simon was surprised Jayne didn't seem as irritated as usual talking to him. Then again, he was going to get to shoot something so maybe that's why he wasn't in his usual bad mood.

"Help me with this gorram zipper." Jayne grumbled trying to reach behind him to secure the back of the suit. Simon stepped behind Jayne, located the zipper and pulled it up behind his neck before snapping it closed. River had followed him down and had already had Mal zipped and snapped shut. Handing Mal and Jayne their helmets, he quickly checked that each man's was secure. After the first time Simon had put his helmet on wrong, he made sure he knew how to put it on if there was ever another time. Jayne quickly covered Vera in a spare suit to give the gun its required oxygen to fire.

"Good luck, Captain. Jayne." Simon nodded to each man. River gave a cheery wave. Simon opened the inner airlock doors and waited for each man to step into the airlock before closing them behind. River stood on her tiptoes, trying to peep out the porthole into the airlock.

"River, why don't you come back a bit? They're going to need to fully concentrate." Simon gently took hold of River's arm and led her away. Simon wanted to see for himself but the last thing he needed was to annoy Jayne when he had a gun, even if they might already be seconds away from instant death.

The seconds seemed to turn into hours as Simon awaited the outcome. It might be fatalistic thinking but it was oddly peaceful since there was nothing he could do one way or the other. The situation was out of his hands. He was with his sister and if he had to go, he could think of a lot of worse ways. At least it'd be quick. As he glanced at River, he watched her eyes slowly gaze around the cargo bay, still seemingly unconcerned with the whole affair. A flash of light came through the portholes and Simon tensed instinctively. Several seconds passed. Then the time stretched into a full minute. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath and he exhaled. Simon looked over and saw a full grin appear on River's face.

"Made it." She said softly.

Just then, the inner airlock door began opening and Mal and Jayne walked back into the cargo bay. Jayne removed his helmet and let a victory whoop. Mal couldn't keep the grin off his face as he removed his own helmet. "Didn't scare you, did we doc? Just like to keep things interesting around here."

"So what happened?" Simon asked.

"Well, Jayne shorted out the frame with some fine shooting and then put some shots through the control room windows. Shouldn't have a problem with those folk again. Explosive decompression tends to end a lot of arguments." Mal finished.

"I see." Simon said a little uneasily. Truth be told though, the more he thought about it, the more it made sense that it ended that way. The people manning that station were unscrupulous and downright murderous. The 'verse would be a better place without them.

"Jayne, what say we go see how Wash and Kaylee are coming along? Then we can see about going after my wife. Seems we have some talking to do." Mal's face darkened as he said those words. "In the meantime though, doc, why don't you and your sister meet us in the dining room. I think we could all use a small celebratory drink to commemorate still being alive." Mal started to walk away and then turned. "Oh and doc...you were right. I shouldn't have snapped at River. River, I'm sorry."

River nodded her acceptance of his apology and gave him a half smile. "Lots of things going on. Not in your right mind. Understand though." Mal and Jayne walked off towards the bridge, still grinning and slapping each other on the back.

Simon watched River walk to the side of the bay, running her hands along the walls, smiling as she did so. Even if she didn't come right out and say it, Simon knew Serenity and its crew meant a lot to her. Simon decided it probably would be a good idea to socialize with them now, given that they seemed to be out of immediate danger. Plus, if he wanted to partake in any celebratory spirits, he should hurry since Jayne already had a head start. He turned towards River who was now eyeing the deep space suits with something akin to longing.

"Why don't we go join the rest of the crew? Might be nice to relax a little." Simon said.

River reluctantly turned back towards Simon. "Have something to celebrate, then we should celebrate."

He smiled at her. "That's right, not dying is a good enough reason for me right now." With his sister in tow, Simon headed towards the dining room. Taking a seat at the table and accepting a cup of Kaylee's engine stilled wine, Simon noticed how quickly the mood had changed from tense to something almost conversational. River eyed his wine appraisingly and gave Simon a questioning look. He sighed and smiled.

"Just a taste." He said.

River took his cup and took a small swallow before making a face like she'd been sucking on a lemon and passing it back. Simon couldn't help but grin at her expression. Kaylee was just finishing telling Mal and Zoe what Saffron had did.

"...so all she did was cross the wires from the nav computer and locked it down. Nearly had to pull the whole console out to get at what she did. Whoever she really is, she's a real pro."

"Pro or not, she's got some answering to do, and I aim to get my answers one way or another." Mal said with a hint of malice in his voice.

Simon glanced over at Inara whose expression had noticeably tightened at the mention of Saffron. Simon frowned. He couldn't quite put his finger on it but it seemed like something else had happened to her before he found her in Mal's room. She said she was out because she hit her head. But she's incredibly graceful, I wouldn't take her for a clumsy type. Wait, could the narcotic have lingered on Mal's lips? Surely Inara wouldn't have...Mal? and Inara? Nah, couldn't happen. Not in a million years. Simon finished his train of thought and noticed River lining up utensils left at the table into some abstract design. Deciding that knives weren't the safest thing for her to handle, he replaced hers with spoons. She blew out an exasperated puff of air at his switch but luckily didn't make any other signs of annoyance. Tuning back in the conversation, Simon heard the next step.

"Wash, did you locate the beacon on the shuttle?" Mal asked.

"Just got a hit on it. Small moon about an hour away. She didn't go far. I've already set a course." Wash answered.

"Good. Jayne, you're coming with me. Inara, I'd like you to fly Jayne and I to the shuttle's location. With any luck, that witch will still be around. Have a talk, finish our business, then Jayne and I will retake the shuttle and rendezvous back here. Quick and simple. Zoe, you're in charge while I'm gone. Everyone else, your time is yours while we do this. I want Serenity to remain in orbit though. Be easier to sneak down in a smaller ship. I'll make up some shore leave at our next stop. Even though it's only been a few days, I think everyone could use another break. Before that comes, let's be taking care of our business." Mal finished with his hand resting on his holster.

Everyone got up and began their various tasks. Wash headed back to the bridge watch the course. Kaylee headed back to the engine room to coax a little more speed out of the ship. Zoe took Mal aside and began carrying on a whispered conversation. Jayne began disassembling Vera and cleaning her, no doubt hoping to work in a little more action later on. Shepherd Book and Inara took their leave and headed back to their respective areas, Inara to begin prepping her shuttle, Book to his room. Simon looked around and saw River slipping through the doorway leading back to the passenger dorms. He debated following her for a moment then caught the captain's eye as he stood up from his conversation with Zoe.

"Captain, if I could have a word..." Simon walked over saying.

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Two hours later, Mal had returned from his "talk" with Saffron. Jayne had returned with a full magazine in his gun and was obviously a little disgruntled about that fact. Simon had sought Mal out again when they returned and now Mal and he stood in the cargo bay.

"You're sure you want to do this, Doc?" Mal asked.

"It's not for me, Captain but I know it will mean a lot to her." Simon said.

Just then, River blissfully glided into the cargo bay and looked towards them. "Simon?" She asked questioningly.

Simon held out a space helmet towards her. "Want to see those stars a little closer?" With a grin splitting her face, River bounded towards him and threw herself at him with a bone crushing hug. "I'll take that as a yes." Simon managed to wheeze out.

"Ok, you two, let's do this. Can't be hanging around all day but I suppose a half hour or so wouldn't do any harm. I'll be coming out with you just in case. Simon, I've set the helmet radios to channel two. Those will be between you and your sister. I'll be on channel one and Wash will be on that channel as well on the bridge if you need anything." Mal couldn't quite hide his smile at River's enthusiasm as she quickly got into the suit.

The things I do for my sister. Simon thought as he reluctantly began putting his own suit on.

Twenty minutes later, Simon was beginning to feel the slight stirrings of claustrophobia setting in as he floated outside the ship, one hand grasping one of Serenity's panels and the other holding on to River's gloved hand. Simon heard a click as someone came onto his channel.

"You know Doc, you are tethered to the ship and I told Wash not to play any practical jokes like starting the engines or anything. You don't have to hold on." Simon could hear the amusement evident in Mal's voice as he spoke.

"I...I know, just, um, can't be too safe." Simon croaked out. With a laugh, Mal switched radio channels back, leaving Simon and River on their own channel. He looked at her, smiling at the look of utter delight on her face as she gazed out into the inky blackness, backlit with bright stars. She turned her head to look at him and smiled at his own expression.

"Simon?" Her voice came in over the radio.

"Yes, mei-mei?

River was quiet for a moment then the radio clicked again. "Thank you. Kept your promise from the last time." She held up her hand and his and squeezed their gloves together. Even though the pressurized suits prevented any physical feeling from the gesture, Simon could still feel the meaning of it, flowing from her heart to his. He kept their hands together for a moment, holding them up and showing her he was squeezing back. For what seemed like hours, the two of them floated there, away from the problems and frustrations of their lives. Even Simon wasn't as unnerved as he'd first been. The first time they'd done this, they'd been hiding for their lives. This time was different. Something about this experience and sharing it with River gave him some peace of mind.

Just then, the radio clicked back on. "Ok, kids. Ready to head back in?" Mal's voice came over the radio. He had wandered a bit along the ship's side, no doubt hoping to startle one of the crew at a viewport.

"I think so, Captain." Simon gently gave River's hand a tug and she obediently following him into the airlock where they waited for Mal to join them and shut the outer door. Once the door clicked shut and a buzzer rang out signifying a seal had been created, Mal opened the inner door. Quickly taking off the bulky suit, Simon thought the first breath of recycled air was wonderful after escaping the confines of his helmet. Addressing Mal, he turned to him and spoke. "Thank you again, Captain." Mal nodded and walked off towards his bunk.

"River, it's just about time for dinner, your medicine, and bed. Are you ready?" He asked turning around. He frowned. River was nowhere in sight but her flight suit was lying on the floor. How did she get out so fast? "River?" he called.

"Simon." River's small voice seemed to echo around the bay.

"Mei-mei, where are you?" Simon called out.

"Here and everywhere. Seen and unseen."

Simon closed his eyes, briefly exasperated. "If I wanted to see you, where would I look?"

"Up."

Simon took a step back and looked up. River was sitting on the catwalk above him, her slender legs dangling off the edge. Climbing the steps two at a time, he slowed his pace as he approached her. Taking a seat next to her he remained quiet for a moment, just watching her as she gently swung her legs back and forth over the edge. Finally getting his thoughts together, he spoke. "River...you were right. I'm sorry I didn't pay more attention to you earlier. You always seem to have this sharp perception that I don't always understand. And now...now things are so different and it's hard for both of us. None of that is your fault, I hope you understand that. But we are together. I wouldn't trade that for anything. I promise to do better about listening to you. It's not fair because I know you get frustrated and angry with...with what happened to you. That's not your fault either. You can always come to me and I'll always have time for you. Things may not always be this way but whether they are or aren't, I love you and I want you to know that I'll do anything to keep you safe." Simon swallowed the lump in his throat and turned away to swipe his hand across his eyes. He couldn't remember the last time he had shed any tears that weren't over River.

A soft hand covered his own. Simon turned to see River's own eyes watering. It was in moments like this that he saw the sister he had before she left for the academy. The sister he grew up with, the one that seemed to look up to him, even though she surpassed him in everything and he had been jealous of her own extraordinary talents. He could see it all in her luminous eyes right now. River didn't say anything for a moment, just lifted his arm and settled against his side before draping his arm back over her. Her face appeared contemplative and she appeared to be organizing her thoughts as best she could.

"Simon...hard to comprehend some things for me. Not this. I understand. You saved me. You always save me. Nobody else like you. You do so much for me and gave up so much. Means more than you possibly know. Want you to know that. Know that I'm not always right in head and nightmares come and..." River seemed to struggle with her thoughts for a moment. "Want to always be there for you too." With that River burrowed closer to Simon and wrapped her own arms around him.

Simon closed his eyes and enjoyed the embrace and serenity his sister brought him. They sat there for some time before the engines rumbled to life and the catwalk began to slightly vibrate. "Well, shall we go see if the crew saved us anything to eat?" Simon asked. River eagerly nodded her head and got up. Simon was surprised when River reached down and offered her hand to him, smiling. Returning her smile, he took her hand and pulled himself up.

"Simon?"

"Yes, mei-mei?"

"Will you read to me tonight?"

Simon put his arm around her and pulled her into a half hug. "I'd like nothing better."

A/N Thanks to everyone that read! I tried some different techniques when writing this that hopefully made it easy to read and enjoy. I had some ideas to continue this but I decided when/if I sit down to write that, I'd make it into a new story. Special thanks to RionaEire for her suggestion for the spacewalk scene. I could see that happening.