TITLE: "THE HEALING TIME"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "BALANCING THE SCALES"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Inara's friends make her an offer. Serenity's crew

begin to regroup. Then an unexpected visitor changes everything."

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.

"THE HEALING TIME"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon Tam was thrown back into the cell without ceremony, the thick metal door clanging shut behind him. Zoe dropped to her knees and eased him gently on to his back, Wash swearing and humming with barely surpressed rage as Kaylee dabbed a handkerchief at his cut lip, her eyes wide with distress. The Shepherd had a sorrowful look on his face but Jayne looked puzzled. Kaylee was about to take one of Simon's hands in hers when Zoe stopped her. "Best not touch 'til we know how bad it is."

A great lump caught in the mechanic's throat, tears gathering in her eyes, heart faltering. As they fussed over him Simon's eyelids fluttered open.

The Shepherd frowned, his voice filled with concern. "What did they do to your hands, son?"

The doctor opened his mouth to answer then closed it without speaking. He looked as if he would pass out again at any moment. Kaylee leaned over him anxiously, not liking how his pupils had dilated and taken on an unfocused look. "I don't understand why they would do this to you."

"Don't have to have no ruttin' reason." Growled Jayne.

Simon managed to get one word out. It sounded as if it had been torn from his soul. "River."

The others looked shocked. Wash was not quite sure of Simon's meaning. "Are you