TITLE: "THE VOLCANO'S EDGE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "NOT SO GOOD INTENTIONS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain goes to the Dome with the Shepherd.

Mal discovers something which chills him to his very soul. The

Sheriff's protests come too late. But worst of all is the waiting."

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 VOLCANO'S EDGE"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Serenity was gripped in something of a surreal silence. No one speaking or causing more noise and movement than was necessary. Shuttle 2 had just departed, Jayne and Pepper having carried the Captain in on a stretcher, the crew making a solemn leave taking. The Captain trying to stay conscious and offer what solace he could to River. "I'll come back, xin gan, believe it. An' when I do not no power in the verse will part us, dong ma?"

Her tear stained face pressed against his, her arms wrapped around him, her lips brushing his so tenderly. So many things she wanted to tell him, to share with him, but this was not the time. She would be able to share nothing with him if he died. That one thought kept her strong. Kept her feet on a path she did not want to walk. Giving him up was so very hard. "Love you, ai ren, more than anything else"

"I know, bao bei, an' when this is over I plan to do somethin' about that."

Her eyes widened and seemed to swallow up his own, their foreheads touching. A tentative smile tugged at her lips. "Words are cheap, Captain."

"Not plannin' on buyin' you, *dong ma*? You belong to your own self not me."

"Yet I am yours."

Her words touched him deep in his hear