TITLE: "MYSTERIOUS WAYS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Canon pairings

RATING: G.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "HANGING ON"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: None. All "Firefly" stories archived at Fireflyfans.net

SUMMARY: "Mal has a visitor. Shepherd Book puts the plan into

action. As the tension mounts everyone hopes they can get to

the Captain in time."

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.

"MYSTERIOUS WAYS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

When the meeting broke up Zoe and Wash went up to the bridge, the Shepherd and River falling into step behind them. Jayne watched them go, scowled then muttered "I'll be in my bunk."

Kaylee knew he would be getting his guns ready. She was about to follow Simon out of the room when she noticed how lost Inara looked. The expression was so out of place that Kaylee froze, torn between her desire to make sure Simon was alright before all hell broke lose and trying to find out what was wrong with Inara. In the end Kaylee's tender heart would not let her abandon a friend even one trying to live in denial of her feelings. And Simon being Simon would understand. "'Nara, you okay?"

The Companion was slower in pulling herself together than usual but still found a smile for her favourite mechanic. "Hey you, I was just thinking."

"Wanna think around a coffee mug?"

Inara smiled with false brightness, almost shuddered as she looked across the big oak table towards the little kitchen area and looked at her friend, pretending that seeing the Captain's empty chair hadn't shaken her. She missed him and it hurt. Not that she intended to tell anyone. After all, the Captain was like a bad penny. He always turned up. Closing her mind to furthe