TITLE: "BEFORE THE STORM"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash, Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE ROAD HOME".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The Captain slowly improves while the crew plans

exciting new crime. Badger disappears and Inara makes the most

of her time at the Abbey."

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.

"BEFORE THE STORM"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon was relieved to see that the Captain was continuing to improve. Nothing earth shattering but monumental enough to send waves of relief through all the crew of the Firefly transporter. It didn't matter what mood they were in or whether their *shenjingbing* Captain was driving them further insane than usual each depended upon the man as if he was some important constant in their little 'verse. Not that Simon would ever tell Mal that he counted himself in that number. It wouldn't do to give the man's warped sense of humour another metaphorical stick to beat him with. Right now the Captain was trying to wheedle information out of him, frustrated by the doctor's vague replies and disturbing caginess. Not that he expected to be able to dance the light fandago any time soon but it would still be nice to have a timetable. Allow him at least to save up the coin for lessons.

The doctor rolled up the blood pressure cuff and neatly put it back in its' box. "You really want me to lie?"

"Only if it's pretty."

Simon rolled his eyes at the Captain's comment. Beside him Zoe gave him a steady look that told him nothing. "You might want to reconsider that plan, sir."

"*Shenme*?"

A dry smile morphed into a smirk