TITLE: "CATALYST"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "CRY BABY".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Inara escapes with the Shepherd's help but

there is still one last thing she wants from the Captain. River

unleashes an unusual attack but the fallout is not exactly what

any of them expected."

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.

"CATALYST"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

She felt her breath catch as they entered the ship. Shepherd Book immediately went over to the pilot's chair and ran quickly through the pre-ignition sequence, checking the controls and making sure they were clear for take off. Inara was oblivious. She hurried over to where the Captain lay insensate on the floor. Could see where the Shepherd had redressed his leg but the brace had not been reattached. It lay like a bright metallic husk beside him. She noticed how bruised and swollen the bloodied left leg was and understood. Carefully Inara checked him over then rested a hand over his heart and just stared into his face. Had he guessed? If he recovered would he remember? It had been so long ago. She had been so young and he so naive. Still shining with a faith that had no cracks in it. A boy lit up inside with a truth that would one day betray him. No. Better if he did not know. If all the cares of the past slid into oblivion. Let not one of them trouble his waking heart.

Only when the iron grip on her mind had fractured had the memories begun to trickle back through her consciousness. Memories that brought a painful and expensive release. Malcolm Reynolds had been with his father, the market a lively and bustling