TITLE: "FINDING HEAVEN"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: NC-17. CONCLUSION.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "CATALYST".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "With the crew reunited the Captain still has a

few loose ends to tidy up."

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.

"FINDING HEAVEN"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon fussed and checked then double checked, his head bent over the damaged knee, flexing the joint with care and precision. Using the movement to sneak little looks at his patient. The doctor hid a smile and kept his professional demeanour when he straightened. "You'll be happy to hear the brace can come off..."

A smile chased the worry and anxiety from the Captain's face. No way in the 'verse was he wearing a brace to his own gorram wedding. That was *if* there was one. He missed the look of amusement in Simon's eyes. In fact lately he had been missing all kinds of significant looks passing between his crew and their lawful passengers. The latter though would be disembarking on Porchester. A little later than planned but they would be disembarking and that was another thing to consider. Timing. "*Xie xie ni*, doctor."

Simon nodded and watched the Captain regain his feet, stomp experimentally without the brace then flash him a brief blinding smile before little worry lines dimmed the light he could not hide. Then he went on a tour of his boat. Happy voices greeted him wherever he went. Kaylee smudged his good shirt and cheek with grease when she impulsively leapt to her feet and hugged him then quickly told him how great Serenity was doing. Just doing a little maintenance nothing more. He had relaxed enough