TITLE: "WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal. Book. Zoe/Wash. River. Inara.

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "HOME TRUTHS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain finally asks for some help. Badger

waves Serenity. River has some advice of her own to impart."

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.

"WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

When he woke a couple of hours later the woman was gone. A relief so profound it shocked him made the Captain sit up and take stock. He could almost fool himself that it was some erotic dream but her scent still clung in the air, the smell of sex making him nauseous because of what it meant. He rose swiftly and opened the sink unit, the douse of cold water helping him to wake properly and clear his muddled head. This had to stop, *mashang*, before he not only lost the respect of his crew but also his mind. Pausing as he acknowledged what that meant, the Captain dressed and climbed out of his bunk. Man on a mission he didn't see the small slender figure watching with wide knowing eyes. River did not draw attention to herself but had a thoughtful look on her face. Awoken by the images screaming inside the Captain's head she moved quickly and softly towards the guest quarters once she reassured herself that the Captain was not in any danger.

Shepherd Book was not surprised by the knock on his door. Already up and dressed he called for his visitor to enter. "Come in!"

The Captain gave a small nod of thanks, stepped in and closed the door behind him. "Sorry to disturb you so early, Shepherd."

Intrigued, Book waved the apology away. The grim exp