TITLE: "THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "FAITH, HOPE AND GREED".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Margueritte Santana comes across an unexpected

obstacle. River has a disturbing episode. Simon finds himself

inundated with calls for his expertise while the Captain comes

face to face with a figure from his past."

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.

"THE LULL BEFORE THE STORM"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Annalise wasn't sure what to think. When they had last seen Margueritte Santana there had been conflicting opinions about whether or not they were sorry to see her go. The consensus had finally fallen on the overall level of relief once she had gone. Odd, as to her mind the Companion had never done anything actually wrong. She just seemed to always be on the edge of disturbing things. It left some of the girls unsettled and wary while the younger ones were more welcoming, probably keen to catch up on any gossip.

"Why so silent, Anna?"

Annalise hated the shortening of her name, mainly because it implied a familiarity that was not welcome yet she hid her reaction. "Why are you here, Margueritte?"

Margueritte opened her mouth to answer but Annalise hadn't finished speaking.

"The *real* reason, not the *goushi* you fed the others."

Eyes narrowing the Companion was glad they were having this conversation in the study, though it felt wrong to be here without the presence of the House Mistress. It was, however, the one room that was sound-proof from the hallway, "What makes you think there *is* an