TITLE: "STRIKING BACK"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Zoe/Wash. Kaylee/Simon. Mal/Inara.

RATING: R. For violence/adult situation.

STATUS: Sequel to "STRANGE BEDFELLOWS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Simon tries to persuade River to stay with him and

the Captain. The crew are not the only ones who discover what

Badger has been hiding."

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.

"STRIKING BACK"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Simon knew the practicalities, even agreed with the reasoning, but being away from his sister was never part of any equation he could embrace readily. Mistress Barbette had explained, Zoe had been more forthright and Shepherd Book had been reassuring. In the end the stark facts still boiled down to letting his sister go with the rest of the crew into danger while he and the Captain were safely in hiding. It felt wrong on so many counts he was frustrated that the others couldn't see it.

"You aren't seeing the whole picture, Simon."

River's eyes were large and round like an Owl's, her long dark hair freshly combed and for once tangle free. Was it insane that her calm pragmatic air just made him feel worse? "Then tell me what I'm missing, *mei mei*."

Her look gentled. "Not all of us will be in danger and those who are won't be alone."

Simon blinked. Well. That was as clear as mud. River dazzled him with a beautific smile.

"You always expect the worst. Time to see that the glass is half full."

"What if I want a full glass?"

She tilted her head and studied him for a moment. "Plans can change."

A flicker of hope shone in his eyes but she shook her head.