TITLE: "LAST STRAW"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: None.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: Sequel to "A THOUSAND IRRITATING THINGS".

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Kaylee makes a friend. Shepherd Book goes

to help Monty and the Captain comes across something he

really didn't expect."

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.

"LAST STRAW"

"Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

In daylight Cheverell didn't look half as shiny as it did by night. Kaylee had loved all the flickering candles in the windows of the houses and shops, not that there were many shops and stores but what there were seemed well enough stocked. Although it wasn't a market town they did have some home grown foodstuffs - corn, wheat and most vegetables. The fruit they brought in from off world on account of a fruit fly pest or somesuch. Kaylee hadn't really taken in everything old man Ellis was saying, her mind being firmly focused on the shiny bits and pieces calling her name in the yard. Ellis watched the girl avidly, recognising the constant twitch of a kleptomaniac. Girl might be a mechanic but she had all the signs of a true hoarder. The knowing of it made his grin spread wider and wider. He practically ignored Jayne, the big man quickly dismissed as muscle. No. In this pairing the girl was the brains. Was awful pretty too if he was any judge. Kaylee smiled at him and it was like the birth of a new sun. Ellis felt his whole self warmed in that explosion of happy.

"Ya got a mighty fine yard, Mr Ellis."

His smile blossomed into a grin. His look, enchanted. "Call me Don. On'y the grandkids call me Mr."

"Don't they call ya gramps?" He s