TITLE: "WHAT IT IS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Zoe.

RATING: NC-17.

STATUS: Standalone

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None.

SUMMARY: "A job finally goes smooth and while ship and

crew are enjoying the lull, Zoe decides she needs to talk to

the Captain."

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.

"WHAT IT IS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

For once the job had gone smooth. No near death experiences. No bitter old men trying to claw back lost reputations and no old friends selling them out for coin because times were hard. Finding an Alliance free planet to set down for repairs had seemed the thing to do and the happy scampering of his mechanic had put a glow inside that made him feel mighty good. Even Inara being off on her whoring couldn't dent the feeling of contentment seeping into his consciousness. Captain Malcolm Reynolds let a lazy smile linger on his lips, his critical eye calmed by the knowledge that they had coin to buy some much needed parts, medical supplies and fresh food. Even enough for the crew to jingle in their pockets, least 'til they spent it. Jayne was already off ship fast as his legs would take him making the Captain smirk. Man would never be able to outrun that rutting libedo of his. He was joined on the lowered ramp by a hesitant doctor.

"Captain, I was wondering..."

Mal answered without turning his head. All manner of amused that after everything they had been through together Simon could still be so reserved and unsure of him. "*Qu*, Simon. Ain't no Alliance presence on Silveredge. Zoe an' me already checked it out. There's a market too, mostly food an' such but might have some pretties for River to oggle."

When Simon