TITLE: "CONNECTIONS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "MOTIVATIONS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon finds out what happened to his parents

after he left to go to River's rescue. Paul Rinkman is released

to a world he does not recognise and cannot understand."

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.

"CONNECTIONS"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It had been so good to see them. To hear his sister's laughter and joy, his mother's tears, his father's brush with a humility he had never before seen upon his face or in his manner. But something was itching at the back of his mind. The makeshift meal had been surprisingly good and Simon realised it was because the food was fresh not protein and because for once they were not waited upon but helping themselves. He hoped his parents found the change as freeing as he did. His father noticed his distraction as River helped her mother clear the table.

"*Shenme shi*, Simon?"

"Where are the servants, father?"

The man's mood darkened slightly. "We thought it best to give them time off. Normally we rotate their holiday periods so there is always someone at the house to cover the duties that are left wanting but you left us little time to make suitable arrangements."

It was on Simon's tongue to apologise but Gabriel held up a hand to stop him, a little smile on his lips as if knowing exactly what was going through his son's head.

"I wasn't critising you, at least - not this time." Simon saw the comment for the truce it was and simply nodded. Finding it a little strange adapting to a more though