TITLE: "THE GATHERING STORM"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

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

RATING: G.

STATUS: Sequel to "THE LEOPARD'S SPOTS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Natalie explains to Paul why they cannot leave yet.

The Captain goes from strength to strength. General Franks is

faced with a moral dilemna. All the while events are unfolding that

threaten to engulf Serenity and her crew."

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 GATHERING STORM"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

They were in Natalie's room in Serenity's passenger quarters. Paul mused that since they had become closer Natalie had not had any further violent episodes. She seemed so much better than the almost feral woman he had first met.

"I am."

He squeezed her hand, feeling more content than he had in a long while. The tangle of their intertwining limbs making him overlook the narrowness of the bed.

"It's the hormones not just the sex. Male an' female balance each other. Restoration of the natural order."

Paul brushed a tangle of hair from her eyes, his voice a concerned hush, his eyes warmed by his growing regard for her. "We should leave, Nat."

"Can't. They're gonna need us."

His eyes widened in alarm. Hadn't Jordan taken out the threat? "*Weishenme, xin gan*? What do you see?"

"We're in the eye of the storm, Paul. The hidden will become known an' what we thought we knew will be pulled to pieces."

As she finished speaking Natalie shuddered and was pulled instinctively tighter into the comforting circle of her lover's arms. Effortlessly her mind wandered through his thou