TITLE: "RESPONSIBILITY"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal. Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Standalone.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://unilelu.net/Alison/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "The Captain's need to cut corners almost has

tragic consequences."

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.

"RESPONSIBILITY"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

The fire was swift, sudden and intense. Following so quickly on the heels of the explosion that Serenity was still shuddering with the aftershocks as the Captain ran to the engine room. Mal was cursing, berating himself for not letting Kaylee get those new parts when they hit Sangong three days ago. Heart in his mouth he tried to outrun the frantic pump of his heart, his legs moving like pistons to propel him as fast as he could go. Smoke billowed black and angry from the engine room. His fault. His stubborn meanness. His responsibility.

He was not aware of Jayne and Zoe. Did not hear the Preacher's shouted words. Was oblivious to Inara crying for information in that worried tone that blew to pieces any notion that she was not a part of this dysfunctional family of his. He reached the flames but it was as if nothing could touch him. Zoe yelled as the fire beat her back. Jayne tried to press forward but was overcome by the flames and the fumes. Instead he turned to Zoe and urged her back, even though she tried to get passed him and drag the Captain out. No chance of that. Man with a mission. Nothing else penetrated Mal's consciousness but the need to get to her, to bring her out of that inferno. Gasping with lungs on fire, tears streaming down his face and hissing as they boiled on his cheeks, sheer force of will drove him on