TITLE: "CHOSEN PATH"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Kaylee.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "BEST INTENTIONS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Zoe has misgivings about bringing up a child on

Serenity. The Captain finds out why he has been lured to

White Sands."

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.

"CHOSEN PATH"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Despite the slight snap in the air it was a beautiful day. The sun shining in the crisp air and children laughing and running around as if they didn't have a care in the 'verse. Zoe had forgotten just how prolific the Frye clan was and felt her heart ease at the sight of Hope mixing with children of her own age. A frission of guilt slid between her ribs, one she usually ignored without much effort, but at times like this it pricked her conscience that Hope could not have a life like this. That her daughter had spent much of her childhood sailing through the Black never knowing when their next job would go wrong or whether they would upset some spiteful, psychotic piece of *goushi* with a penchant for torture. It made her shudder and hurt every breath taken into her lungs to think of the possible dangers that faced them every day, dangers that were now part of her daughter's life. Had she done the right thing?

A jostle at her elbow broke her reverie. Kaylee was grinning from ear to ear and half splattered in bits of food that Samuel had spat out faster than she could spoon it into him. Zoe noticed and raised an eyebrow. Kaylee laughed.

"Guess he ain't ready for anythin' too solid."

Zoe wanted to point out that the twins were still babies but it di