TITLE: "ACTS OF GRACE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon.

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "ACTS OF GOD".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Daniel Hunt arrives at the Guild House and throws

the Companions into disarray. Simon gets surgical help with the

Captain. For the first time in his life Badger finds himself joining

forces with his formidable mother."

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.

"ACTS OF GRACE"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It hurt, it really did, but just thinking about what he was going to do helped to shore up his flagging resolve. Only when it had gone quiet and the evening had drawn in enough to thin the crowds to occasional couples did he consider the time was right. Daniel tried to straighten his clothes but they were full of years of creases, washed but poorly cared for. A lot like himself. Approaching the building filled him with trepidation but also a freeing sense of euphoria that soon his nightmare would be over. There was no electronic device to announce his presence just an ornate and old fashioned brass bell pull. The rounded toll of the bell as the old clapper rang against the side of the bell was pleasing to the ear. He smiled. Nothing could be a better euphanism for what went on within these old venerated walls.

When the door opened he was met by a matronly looking lady made beautiful by her elegance and exotic manner of dress. Her hair was carefully coiffered and the lines that should have been on her face were absent making aging her impossible. Rather than a smile she greeted him with polite but not unkindly enquiry.

"*Wo neng wei ni zuo d