TITLE: "THE ROAD TO HELL"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "THE WORLD BETWEEN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "Stuck between a rock and a hard place the crew

reluctantly agree to the Preacher's offer. Meanwhile Inara

Serra is fast running out of time. Only one option remains."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"THE ROAD TO HELL"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Tyrone Garvin had not meant to eavesdrop but he had been hoping to get a moment or two alone with the Captain since picking him up on the Dauntless then bringing him back to Serenity. Serenity. His heart ached just to savour that name. He closed his eyes briefly as if that could shut out the piercing pain in his heart. He had lost two brothers in the Valley but both he and Jeb Tanner had made it out again because of Malcolm Reynolds. Never did think he would see the man again and now every time he made his way to the infirmary it was full of a mix of the Firefly's crew and either the Sheriff or some of Pepper's men. Then there was that whole crazy dance with the girl. What was that all about? Obviously the two were close but how close? He bit back a sigh and was about to retreat once more into the background. Praying all the while that the man would survive. He needed something from Malcolm Reynolds he could get from no other man.

It was at that exact moment that the doctor looked up and locked eyes with him. *Goushi*. Now he'd done it. Simon Tam stared for a moment then casually checked a few more readings before stepping out of the infirmary to see what he wanted. He should have hurried away but suddenly Ty could not