TITLE: "HEART OF THE MATTER"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE HEALING TIME"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "A moment of honesty spearheads a

concerted effort to find the Captain. Meanwhile River

is trying to organise something a lot less subtle."

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.

"HEART OF THE MATTER"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

"Are you saying Captain Reynolds was a rebel?"

There was no inflection so Inara was unable to tell whether Thomas was impressed or horrified or merely showing polite interest. She was tempted to correct him not to use the past tense but that was not for her to say. "*Qu*. Mal fought for the Independents."

Something flickered in Michael Tollan's eyes but he said nothing. You often learnt far more by remaining silent. Letting all your senses absorb the information, both verbal and non verbal.

"I am curious why a lady such as your good self should ally herself with a rebel Captain and his... shall we say... 'eclectic' crew?"

Inara smiled at Thomas. "I would say they are more colourful than eclectic. I came to Serenity out of need not desire." Tollan raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "I was looking for autonomy, a vessel of my own to come and go as I please between my clientel."

"Yet not so 'independent' as to fly under your own flag." Said Thomas astutely.

Only her years of training held back the tell tale flush. Tollan thought she maintained her air of detached calm remarkably well. Considering.

"Serenity is a base, no more."

"Yet you call the ship by name," Mused Tollan with a gentle knowin